Seattle's Downtown Hotels Welcome Travelers from Near and Far

The Sound Hotel, which pays homage to the city's music-centric personality and neighboring Puget Sound, proves a prime downtown hub with especially appealing perks for Hilton Honors members. With an ideal address in happening Belltown, The Sound places you near the Amazon HQ (you can glimpse the Spheres from some guest rooms), the city's best attractions (Pike Place Market, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle Art Museum), as well as near an impressive lineup of bars, restaurants and music venues. The contemporary hotel features spacious rooms showcasing a sleek palette of gray, beige, navy and pops of mustard, plus amenities like Keurig machines, small fridges, robes and slippers, lighted mirrors and dreamy showers. Enjoy delicious, locally-sourced food from The Market at Currant or delightful onsite restaurant Currant Bistro. Hilton Gold and Diamond members savor complimentary breakfast each morning, served in The Sound Bite, a seventh-floor oasis with sensational Space Needle views.

This downtown hotel encourages guests "to adventure, to go forth and explore" by offering maps and curated itineraries as suggested by "Seattle's most in-the-know tastemakers." Highlights at The Charter Hotel Seattle, Curio Collection by Hilton, include a city-center location (just blocks from Pike Place Market), luxury guest rooms with fabulous city and water views, an indoor-outdoor rooftop lounge (Fog Room) and Argentine-inspired restaurant Patagōn (do not miss the empanaditas or Gaucho Rib Eye). Enjoy a romantic getaway in a sleek yet elegant guest room that features warm wood finishes, luxurious bedding, a 50-inch HDTV, a mini-fridge, desk, plush robes, slippers, a marble bathroom, local brew and snacks from Seattle-area companies like Theo Chocolate, Erin Baker's and Bavarian Meats.

In downtown Seattle, Hotel Theodore entered the scene as a "landmark reborn." In a historic 1929 building, the luxury hotel, consisting of 153 guest rooms, 12 of which are spacious studio suites with soaking tubs and loaner rain jackets," honors the city's longstanding tradition of makers, builders and doers. The hotel, proud to provide guests "with an authentic, genuine experience," values the hand-crafted and custom-tailored over the mass produced. Alluring draws range from intriguing artwork (provided by the Museum of History and Industry) that celebrates Seattle's pioneering spirit. Guests also enjoy "a renowned sleep experience," curated local amenities, welcoming and detail-oriented staff and an on-site restaurant (Rider, hopefully reopening soon) that boasts one of the most happening happy hours in town.

The 35-story-tall Sheraton Grand Seattle hotel, located within blocks of iconic Pike Place Market and the Seattle Waterfront, underwent a dazzling revamp not too long ago. The redesign spans from the central hotel's guest rooms to the 32nd-floor Sheraton Club Lounge (which has doubled in size and features a panoramic view of the city and Puget Sound). Nestled within the newly renovated lobby of the hotel, find a modern Starbucks experience that celebrates the best of the Emerald City, described as "an intimate, lounge-like atmosphere [serving] up handcrafted, elevated coffees, including nitro taps and pour-overs." In addition, discover a chic Northwest beer and wine bar, fresh grab-and-go items, healthy snacks and Seattle-specific retail, along with other perks and amenities that celebrate the city that the hotel calls home. Guests love the top-level fitness center and pool, both boasting dazzling city views. Pets are welcome here, too (maximum one per room, weight restriction: 80 pounds).

Located across from Pike Place Market and near the Puget Sound waterfront, this luxury boutique hotel was conceived by the city's own award-winning Olson Kundig Architects. The hotel invites guests from near and far to: "Come and experience the celebrate interplay of creativity and community within our sleek glass façade. Vitality and innovation find their home here, where innovators, entrepreneurs and philanthropists seek refuge from the ordinary." Sleek, modern rooms offer enviable, elevated water and city views, while rooftop bar The Nest (currently open half of the week, check hours ahead of time) offers some of the best panoramas in town. Welcoming on-site restaurant Thompson Seattle is currently open for brunch; Chef Kaleena Bliss has reimagined the menu, with highlights ranging from the smoked salmon lox platter to Belgian waffles with fresh peaches and blueberries, Chantilly cream and maple syrup.

This boutique hotel is located downtown directly in Seattle's bustling Pike Place Market. With captivating views of downtown, the Market, the waterfront, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, the inn provides the ultimate Pacific Northwest experience. Multiple critically-acclaimed restaurants are within a quick walk, as are dozens and dozens of vendors who make up this vibrant community. (Find fresh flowers, local produce and beautifully-crafted keepsakes every time you leave the hotel!) Guests can plan their exploits from the vantage of the hotel's rooftop deck. When in their room, they enjoy amenities and extras such as plush signature robes, complimentary WiFi, coffeemakers and a refrigerator and honor bar featuring Northwest snacks and spirits.

The Pan Pacific Seattle is one of the highest-rated hotels in the city. Located in downtown Seattle in the bustling South Lake Union zone, it is within long walking distance of popular attractions like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle as well as the Amazon Spheres and a lineup of nearby shops, cafes and restaurants. Guests adore the huge and spacious rooms and bathrooms while praising modern amenities like flat-screen televisions, iPod docks and oversized European tubs. Visitors also enjoy flavorful dinner (or weekend brunch) fare ordered via room service or enjoyed downstairs at South Lake Kitchen + Bar, plus they enjoy the fitness center and shuttle services. Likewise, most guests find the hotel's valet service to be convenient and worthwhile.

Seattle's only true waterfront hotel, this rustic-modern lodge on Elliot Bay boasts spectacular panoramas. A favorite of traveling international rock bands playing Seattle in the 1960s and 1970s, the hotel actually juts over Elliot Bay on piers, and some stars (the Beatles!) were said to fish right from its windows. Roughly half of the hotel's 223 rooms have stunning Olympic Mountain and sunset views; the remainder faces the iconic Seattle skyline. Each room has its own gas fireplace and custom luxury bedding. Eco- and pet-friendly, the hotel has a boutique featuring eco-chic Pacific Northwest-inspired items, and it's coffee bar brews fair-trade espresso and coffee. Dining is available on-site at the hotel's chic seafood restaurant with break-taking views, Six Seven.

With 346 rooms of sleek, modern luxury, this eco-friendly hotel in the heart of the theater district is the first in Seattle to be LEED-certified. Their focus on sustainability and environmental conservation spans all that they've undertaken, be it the Northwest menu at the lobby restaurant (with its recently added seafood concept and raw bar) or the eco-conscious and organic products and services available from Elaia Spa. Additional features include hypo-allergenic rooms, concierge service, valet parking, complimentary wifi, in-room dining, a 24-hour StayFit gym with state-of-the-art equipment and saline lap pool. A brand-new on-site bagel shop helps guests start their morning like a local with fresh bagels from local favorite Blazing Bagels, Victrola drip coffee, lattes with homemade syrups and Macrina Bakery pastries. Hyatt at Olive 8, with its Lake Union and Olympic and Cascade Mountain views, is also within walking distance to notable Seattle landmarks such as the Seattle Art Museum, Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square and downtown's best shopping.

The Four Seasons Hotel Seattle is widely considered to be the top luxury hotel in the city. It is conveniently located near both the Seattle Art Museum and Pike Place Market. Guests love the sumptuous rooms and suites, which are immaculately furnished and come with modern amenities such as large-screen televisions, marble bathrooms and glass-enclosed rain showers. The fitness center, hot tubs and stunning patio pool also draw excellent notices. Goldfinch Tavern, the hotel's restaurant, draws loyal fans for cocktails and tasty dishes by the talented team of Ethan Stowell. When you stay at the Four Seasons Seattle, be sure to step into the luxurious Spa at Four Seasons, noted as an urban oasis of water, basalt rock and glass tile in the heart of downtown. The rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest inspires the reviving rituals practiced within.