Best Seattle Hotels

The Pan Pacific, part of a luxury condominium project, is centered on a boutique-filled courtyard near the emerging South Lake Union neighborhood. Guest rooms yield views of downtown, the Space Needle, Lake Union and, on a clear day, the Olympic Mountains. A showpiece of modern design, the hotel’s blonde woods accent muted décor in taupe, slate and cream. The 160 light-filled rooms feature European soaking tubs behind Shoji screens and cushy Hypnos beds. Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar, on the ground floor, offers some of the best seafood in the city.

A soothing rain-forest ambiance pervades one of the city’s newest high-rise hotels. The 120 guest rooms are oases of calm in forest and tangerine hues, and thick walls block out traffic sounds. Minimalist nude sketches and “bouquets” of bamboo in tall floor vases add to the tranquility. The two-person soaking tub takes the theme one step further, with a mesmerizing stream of water plunging from a ceiling spout. BOKA (Bold Original Kitchen Artistry), the in-house restaurant, marries Northwest contemporary and Continental cuisine.

Hotel Ändra reflects Northwest and Scandinavian design sensibilities, with a distressed plank floor in the lobby, custom hand-knotted wool rugs and a fireplace of local granite. The 119 guest rooms have alpaca headboards and minimalist, dark-wood furnishings. With luxury Swedish Hästens beds and textiles in chocolate, umber and olive, the effect is both contemporary and plush. For a water view, choose a corner suite. On the ground floor, Lola (by famed Northwest restaurateur Tom Douglas) features rustic Mediterranean fare.

Cedarbrook Lodge, a quintessentially Northwest accommodation, sits only minutes from the airport, yet its setting, amid 18 acres of wetlands and fir woods, gives it the air of a country retreat. The 104 guest rooms are quiet and feature fireplaces and windows looking out over plush lawns, a pond and tall cedars. Guest rooms sport light-toned woods and muted colors, premium bedding and original local art. Cozy public areas offer fireplaces and complimentary treats such as yogurt, ice cream, chips and fruit. The free breakfasts are a cut above the usual, and the onsite Cooperleaf Restaurant relies heavily on regional ingredients.

This independent, locally owned 199-room property is near the Seattle Center. Its rooms feature bold, contemporary designs—black-and-white graphic print bedspreads tango with orange accents. If you desire a view (of the Space Needle) book a room above the second floor. Parking is complimentary—a rare commodity in the city. A coffee bar in the lobby features breakfast pastries and sandwiches, and the hotel’s afternoon tea offers mini-cupcakes and coffee.