Tacoma sits on Puget Sound in Washington State, with a working waterfront, a compact downtown and residential neighbourhoods climbing the hills above the water. The city is also the setting for the Tacoma Dome, Freighthouse Square and the two-mile-long Ruston Way waterfront road and park, which shape how visitors move around.
For a visitor, the practical choice is between three bases: Downtown, the North End and South Tacoma. Downtown puts you near Amtrak, the bus stations, the convention centre and the Tacoma Dome. The North End is quieter and more residential, with the waterfront and Point Defiance within reach. South Tacoma is oriented around shopping complexes and quick access to the Lewis McChord military reservation. This guide covers which of these areas to base yourself in, and what kind of accommodation you will find at each budget level.
Best areas to stay in Tacoma
1. Downtown
Downtown is the most convenient base for a first visit. Accommodation here sits between the Tacoma Dome and Freighthouse Square, in close proximity to Amtrak, the bus stations and the downtown core. You will find national chain hotels, a downtown courtyard-style hotel across from the Great Tacoma Convention Center, and a historic Elks Temple building converted into guestrooms. There are also antique shops along Broadway up the street from the temple building.
This area suits first-time visitors and anyone arriving by train or bus, since the transport links are right there. Note that some downtown addresses sit a couple of blocks up the hill on S 21st from Pacific, so expect a short climb from the waterfront level.
2. North End
The North End is an upscale neighbourhood, particularly east of Pearl, in old town and up along N Ruston Way. Apart from the waterfront hotels, most accommodation here is in large historic homes that have been converted into bed and breakfasts, set in quiet residential neighbourhoods. The Stadium district is part of this area.
This is the base for travellers who want calm, residential streets and waterfront access rather than downtown convenience. The two waterfront hotels sit at either end of the two-mile-long scenic Ruston Way road and park: one at the south end, the other at the north end, closer to Point Defiance Park and the Vashon Ferry Terminal.
3. South Tacoma
South Tacoma accommodation clusters near large shopping complexes and offers quicker access to the Lewis McChord military reservation. The properties are typically lined up along S Hosmer, and they are the usual national chain hotels and motels, surrounded by restaurants. One extended-stay property is the closest to Tacoma Mall.
This area suits travellers with a car who want chain-hotel predictability and shopping nearby. Be aware that the area has been an epicentre of crime, particularly around the 8800 block of S Hosmer; it is safer to be closer to S 74th. Access is from I-5 at Exit #129 via S 72nd, or Exit #128 going northbound.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Motels and limited-service properties, including an extended-stay option, typically found in South Tacoma along S Hosmer and near the Tacoma Mall.
- Mid-range: National chain hotels and suites, concentrated in South Tacoma and also present downtown, often with check-in at 3PM and check-out at noon.
- Splurge: Downtown hotels including a historic temple building with king guestrooms, a waterfront hotel on Ruston Way, and luxury bed and breakfast rooms in the North End's Stadium district and historic homes.
Best area for a first visit
Downtown is the best base for a first visit. It puts you in close proximity to Amtrak, the bus stations and the downtown core, and sits between the Tacoma Dome and Freighthouse Square. It also offers the widest mix of accommodation styles within walking distance of the convention centre and Broadway's antique shops.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best if I am arriving by train or bus?
Downtown. Accommodation there is in close proximity to Amtrak, the bus stations and downtown, and sits between the Tacoma Dome and Freighthouse Square.
Where can I stay near the waterfront?
The North End. Two waterfront hotels sit at either end of the two-mile-long scenic Ruston Way road and park, with the northern one closer to Point Defiance Park and the Vashon Ferry Terminal.
What kind of accommodation is available in the North End?
Apart from the waterfront hotels, most North End accommodation is in large historic homes that have been converted into bed and breakfasts, located in quiet residential neighbourhoods.
Where do the chain hotels cluster?
South Tacoma, along S Hosmer, near the large shopping complexes and with quicker access to the Lewis McChord military reservation.
Compare live prices for these areas with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.