Seattle sits on an isthmus between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, with Elliott Bay and the downtown core on the western side and the Lake Washington Ship Canal cutting across the city to the north. The result is a city of distinct pockets rather than one continuous centre, and the water and the canal shape how you move between them.
For a visitor, the practical split is between Downtown and the neighbourhoods immediately around it, the areas north of the ship canal, and the areas south of Downtown and I-90. This guide covers where to base yourself within those parts of the city, and what each area is like to stay in.
Best areas to stay in Seattle
1. Downtown
Downtown is where most of Seattle's accommodation is found, and it consists mostly of mid-range and high-end hotels. It puts you closest to the central sights and is the most straightforward base if you want to walk to the main downtown attractions rather than plan around buses or trains.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who would rather not spend time commuting into the centre. The trade-off is that rooms here are on the expensive side, and many visitors never leave this area, which means missing the neighbourhoods where much of the city's daily life happens.
2. Seattle Center
The area around Seattle Center is one of the places to look for budget hotels and hostels, alongside the University District, the International District and North Seattle. It is a practical choice if you want lower-cost options while staying within reach of the central city.
It suits budget travellers and anyone who wants to be near Seattle Center itself. Because accommodation is spread out rather than concentrated in one strip, it pays to check how each option connects to the rest of your plans.
3. International District
The International District, next to Downtown, is another area with budget hotels and hostels. It sits on the edge of the central city, so you can combine cheaper accommodation with easy access to downtown sights.
It suits budget travellers and visitors who want to be close to Downtown without paying downtown hotel rates. It is also one of the areas many visitors pass through, so staying here puts you in a part of the city that is both central and distinct.
4. University District
The University District, north of the ship canal, has budget hotels and hostels among its accommodation. It is one of the northern neighbourhoods where much of the city's activity is found, and it gives you a base away from the downtown hotel cluster.
It suits budget travellers and anyone who prefers a neighbourhood base to a central one. Bear in mind that it lies north of the ship canal, so you will be crossing that divide when you head to Downtown and the areas around it.
5. North Seattle
North Seattle also has budget hotels and hostels. It is a broad area rather than a single compact district, so the character of your stay depends heavily on exactly where you land within it.
It suits budget travellers who are comfortable using the city's transport to reach the centre. As with the University District, you are north of the ship canal, which is the main practical consideration when planning your days.
6. Fremont, Ballard and Capitol Hill
These neighbourhoods are where you find bed and breakfast options. Capitol Hill in particular is one of the areas where much of the fun is, along with West Seattle and the neighbourhoods north of the ship canal.
They suit visitors who have already seen the central sights and want to stay somewhere with more of a neighbourhood feel. Because these are informally defined areas rather than a single district, check how your specific location connects to the sights you plan to visit.
7. Tukwila, SeaTac and the airport area
South of the city, the areas around the airport in Tukwila and SeaTac offer an alternative to staying in Seattle itself. Because they are close to light rail stations with a direct ride to the major stadiums and arenas, they work well for visitors in town for a sports or entertainment event.
They suit travellers who want a frugal, traffic-free base and do not mind being outside the city. By SouthCenter Mall in Tukwila there are more hotels to choose from with a wide range of rates.
8. The Eastside: Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah and Renton
Across Lake Washington, Bellevue and other towns such as Kirkland, Issaquah and Renton offer further hotel options. This is the region locals call the Eastside.
It suits travellers who are visiting the Eastside itself, or who are happy to cross the lake as part of their trip. It is not a central base for Seattle's sights, so treat it as a separate decision from staying in the city.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: hostels and budget hotels, found near Seattle Center, the University District, the International District and in North Seattle.
- Mid-range: the bulk of Seattle's accommodation, concentrated in Downtown.
- Splurge: the high-end hotels, also mostly in Downtown.
- Alternatives: bed and breakfasts in Fremont, Ballard and Capitol Hill; airport-area hotels in Tukwila and SeaTac; and hotels across Lake Washington in Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah and Renton.
Best area for a first visit
Downtown is the best base for a first visit, because that is where most of the accommodation is and it keeps you closest to the central sights. It is also where you will find the widest choice of mid-range and high-end hotels. If you want to keep costs down on a first trip, the International District and Seattle Center are the budget alternatives nearest the centre.
Frequently asked questions
Where are most of Seattle's hotels?
Most sleeping options are in Downtown, and they consist mostly of mid-range or high-end hotels.
Where can I find budget accommodation in Seattle?
Budget hotels and hostels can be found near Seattle Center, the University District, the International District and in North Seattle.
Should I stay near the airport instead of in Seattle?
It can work well if you are in town for a sports or entertainment event, because airport-area hotels in Tukwila and SeaTac are close to light rail stations with a direct ride to the major stadiums and arenas. By SouthCenter Mall in Tukwila there are more hotels with a wide range of rates.
Are there any areas I should avoid?
Some low-priced motels along Aurora Ave N are associated with prostitution, drug dealing and other crimes. If you are primarily interested in sightseeing, look elsewhere.
Compare live prices for the areas that suit your trip using the booking tools on this page.