This upscale boutique hotel, featuring 121 eclectic guestrooms that cater to every possible personality, is about as perfectly located as a downtown hotel can be. Many of Seattle’s most desirable sightseeing destinations are within easy walking distance, as are a vast selection of top-notch restaurants. It also sits right on First Avenue, directly above Puget Sound; a few rooms do have partial water views but many face neighboring buildings. Better harbor views can be found at hotels a few blocks north.

The 189-room Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle is a sophisticated upscale property located right in the heart of downtown Seattle. Rooms are stylish and quirky, with bold colors, striking wallpaper, and great amenities such as large flat-screen TVs, minibars, and Italian Frette linens. Sazerac serves excellent Southern cuisine with a Northwestern twist, and is a popular spot for business lunches. There is also a small but well-equipped fitness center, and the hotel offers flexible meeting space, but it’s the thoughtful extras that elevate the stay, including free wine hours, free morning coffee, loaner bikes, and even a goldfish on request. The Sheraton Seattle offers a spa and indoor pool, but is not as stylish.

The upscale, 450-room Fairmont Olympic is a well-established hotel -- opened in 1924 -- where classical design and modern comforts merge. Set a 10-minute walk from the iconic Pike Place Fish Market, the hotel has an excellent downtown location. Beautiful, relaxing rooms were updated in 2016 and have modern amenities like minibars, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers. The on-site oyster bar is one of the oldest in the city, and a more formal restaurant serves delicious meals, plus afternoon tea. The property includes an impressive list of features, including a heated pool, oversized whirlpool, well-equipped fitness center, and a spa. Business-friendly features include grand ballrooms, meeting space, and a business center, but Wi-Fi is only free for Presidents Club members. For a more laid-back atmosphere and eclectic design, check out Kimpton Alexis Hotel, situated a block from the harbor. 

Located in the heart of Downtown Seattle, the 125-room Kimpton Hotel Vintage Seattle is an upscale property offering easy walking access to major attractions, including Pike Place Market and the Seattle Art Museum. Rooms are stylish and comfortable, with quality pillow-top beds, a wine-inspired palette, well-stocked minibars, and spotless bathrooms with shower/tub combos. Boutique-like perks -- including free nightly wine hours with snacks, free loaner bikes, and in-room spa services on request -- make this property an appealing pick in the city center, but the mandatory “amenity fee” (which includes access to a nearby gym, Wi-Fi, unlimited phone calls, and car-share credit) is a downside. The Warwick Seattle Hotel is a solid, cheaper alternative walking distance to the Space Needle. 

Right next to the Space Needle, the 172-room mid-range Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown is a chic modern property with comfortable rooms designed for longer stays and some nice extras. The rooftop has fire pits, barbecues, and chill spaces with smart outdoor furniture and an up-close view of the Space Needle. Most rooms have full kitchens, a nice option for families or long-term guests. Free shuttle service, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site shop are welcome conveniences. The price is steep, though, especially for guests who don’t need kitchen facilities. Those who don’t plan to cook for themselves might consider the Inn at the Market. It’s directly in wonderful Pike Place Market, overlooking Puget Sound; it also has a great rooftop space; and it can be cheaper than the Hyatt.

Towering over downtown, the upscale 891-room Westin Seattle is in walking distance to Pike Place Market and the monorail to the Space Needle. Simple, elegant rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with cityscape views, and one- and two-bedroom suites offer wet bars and some have conference tables. There’s 69,000 square feet of meeting space and an on-site FedEx Office. Relish Burger Bistro offers casual dining and 21 beers on tap. This fitness-focused hotel provides loaner workout gear (for a small fee), guided city runs, a small 24-hour gym, and an indoor pool with a sundeck. But unlike the -- moderately pricier -- Hyatt at Olive 8, there isn’t a full spa or hot tub here. 

Located in the heart of downtown Seattle, the upper-middle-range Crowne Plaza Seattle Downtown Area is a modern high-rise hotel with 34 floors all upgraded and renovated in 2014. The 415 guest rooms are more spacious than average, and equipped with custom-made beds, desks, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. Those staying on the Club Level Floor have access to a lounge offering free breakfast and evening snacks. Features include the Regatta Bar & Grille restaurant, a 24-hour fitness room, business center, and lobby Wellness Station. Downsides include the expensive breakfast and on-site parking, and a lack of free Wi-Fi in public spaces. With all its extra perks, this hotel offers a relatively good value. However, the downtown Warwick Seattle Hotel has cheaper rates and a small indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna, but Wi-Fi is not free in all the guest rooms.

The Warwick Seattle, a contemporary upper-middle-range hotel, offers a prime location between Belltown and downtown. Shopping and dining, many major sights, the monorail to the Space Needle, and the Link Light Rail are all within an easy walk. The 231 rooms are spacious, and have Juliet balconies or terraces -- some have Space Needle views. The Warwick also has a fitness center and an on-site restaurant, though breakfast is only included in some room rates. Travelers seeking a more upscale vibe can check out the nearby Pan Pacific or Grand Hyatt Seattle, but rates are higher, and unlike the Warwick, neither has a pool. 

The 195-room Homewood Suites Seattle Convention Center Pike Street is a straightforward, mostly modern hotel that's a solid pick for business travelers. It's one block from the Washington State Convention Center and there are two meeting rooms along with other business services. Pike Place Market is also a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Studios plus One- and Two-Bedroom Suites have kitchens and sitting areas, and some have fireplaces and/or balconies. A year-round pool, hot tub, gym, and a stylish lounge with video games are all nice-to-have additions. The free breakfast, a 24-hour market, and a free grocery service don't hurt either. For something with boutique atmosphere and style in the same price range, travelers should investigate the Hotel Five, though it's not as close to the convention center.

The lower-middle-range La Quinta Inn & Suites Seattle Downtown offers affordable rates and a convenient downtown location that’s within walking distance of many top attractions. Its 72 guest rooms are contemporary and comfortable, though they're a bit dark, and all come with flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. Many have mini-fridges and microwaves, and some have balconies with sweeping city views. Value-added amenities include a free continental breakfast, a business center, a lobby minimart, and free parking -- a rarity in downtown Seattle -- though the garage can be tight, and while there's a fitness center on-site, it's sparsely equipped. Travelers seeking a stay that's a step up can consider Hotel Five Seattle.