Compare 6 best hotels near University of Washington in Seattle within walking distance. We’ll also share parking notes, pet policies, and honest pros and cons.
👉 Just a quick note; none of the hotels below offer a shuttle to campus, despite older listings claiming otherwise. But most are within a 10-minute walk, which makes a shuttle unnecessary anyway. One hotel on this list is close enough to campus that you’ll feel like staying inside the University District itself.
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Which Hotel is the Closest to the University of Washington?
The closest hotel to the University of Washington is College Inn Hotel, about a 3-minute walk from campus. If you want a Marriott or Hilton brand near UW campus, Residence Inn by Marriott and Graduate by Hilton Seattle are your two options.
A Smart Way to Save on Hotels Near UW
Want to save money? You don’t have to stay in the University District. Hotels near Link light rail stations like Northgate, Roosevelt, and Lynnwood often offer lower rates while keeping you just 10 to 20 minutes from campus. Read more about it here →.
If you’re visiting Seattle with a child for medical care rather than a typical campus visit, compare hotels near Seattle Children’s Hospital (especially if your appointments are at the hospital’s Laurelhurst campus).
Compare the Top-rated Hotels Close to UW Campus
| Hotel | Brand | Walk to Campus | Pet-Friendly | Parking | Pool |
| College Inn Hotel | Independent | About 3 min | No | Street parking only | No |
| Watertown Hotel | Staypineapple | About 5 min | Yes | Underground garage, paid | Shared with University Inn |
| Residence Inn by Marriott | Marriott | About 8 min | Yes | On-site, paid | Yes, indoor |
| University Inn | Staypineapple | About 10 min | Yes | On-site street level, paid | Yes, seasonal outdoor |
| Graduate by Hilton | Hilton | About 10 min | Yes | Valet only, paid | No |
| Silver Cloud Hotel | Independent | About 18 min | No | On-site, paid | No |
The 6 Best Hotels Near University of Washington Within Walking Distance
1. College Inn Hotel
4000 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
College Inn Hotel opened in 1909 and is closer to campus than any other hotel on this list. Guests call it a genuine European-style inn, not a chain property dressed up as one.
A 2024 remodel added private bathrooms to most rooms, though some still share a bathroom down the hall. There’s no elevator in this historic building, and rooms have no air conditioning.
Pets aren’t allowed in College Inn Hotel, and parking is street-level only. Guests mention scoring free street parking after 8 p.m., a small perk for a hotel this close to campus.
- Best for: Parents and alumni who want to walk everywhere
- Avoid if: You need an elevator, AC, or a private bathroom guaranteed
- Nearest transit: University District Link Light Rail Station, about a 15-minute walk
- Parking: Street parking only, sometimes free after 8 p.m.
Pros:
- About a 3-minute walk to campus, the closest hotel on this list
- Historic 1909 building with genuine character
- On-site coffee shop, pub, and lounge
Cons:
- No elevator, and some rooms share a bathroom
- No air conditioning
- Pets aren’t allowed
2. Watertown Hotel, A Staypineapple Hotel
4242 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Watertown Hotel is about 4 blocks from campus, close enough that guests describe it as walking distance to everything. Every room includes a microwave, mini-fridge, and gourmet coffee machine. Free bicycle rentals make the short ride to campus even faster.
Pets are welcome here, with a $29.95 nightly fee and a two-dog maximum per room. There’s no pool on-site, but guests get access to the seasonal outdoor pool next door at University Inn. Parking uses an underground gated garage, with height limits worth checking before you drive in.
Pros:
- About a 5-minute walk to campus
- Pet-friendly, up to two dogs per room
- Free bicycle rentals and free laundry facilities
Cons:
- No pool on-site, only shared access next door
- Underground parking has strict height limits
- No free breakfast included
3. Residence Inn by Marriott Seattle University District
4501 12th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Residence Inn is one of the best Marriott hotels near the University of Washington. It’s a perfect pick for families, about an 8-minute walk away. Every suite includes a full kitchen, not a kitchenette, which guest reviews consistently praise for longer stays.
Free hot breakfast and an indoor pool round out the family-friendly amenities. Residence Inn is within 2 miles of Seattle Children’s Hospital, a detail worth knowing if your visit involves the hospital. Pets are welcome, and on-site parking is available for a nightly fee.
By the way, guests single out staff member Justin by name for exceptional service.
Pros:
- Indoor pool and full kitchens in every suite
- Free hot breakfast included daily
- Within 2 miles of Seattle Children’s Hospital
Cons:
- About an 8-minute walk, farther than College Inn or Watertown
- No airport shuttle service
- Parking runs extra on top of the room rate
4. University Inn, A Staypineapple Hotel
4140 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
University Inn is on the same street as UW Medical Center’s Roosevelt location, about a 10-minute walk from campus. The seasonal outdoor pool runs from June through early September, and guest reviews call it a nice bonus for summer visits.
Pets are welcome, but for a $29.95 nightly fee.
Parking uses on-site street-level spots for $20 plus tax per night, with an 8-foot-1-inch height limit. It’s about a 7-minute drive to UW Medical Center’s main Montlake campus and Emergency Department. Seattle Children’s Hospital sits about 10 minutes away by car.
Pros:
- On the same street as UW Medical Center Roosevelt
- Seasonal outdoor pool, June through early September
- Pet-friendly with a flat nightly fee
Cons:
- Pool only operates in summer months
- About a 10-minute walk to campus
- No shuttle service, despite some older listings claiming otherwise
5. Graduate by Hilton Seattle
4507 Brooklyn Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Graduate by Hilton is the Hilton-brand pick near UW, formerly known as Hotel Deca before its rebrand. It’s directly across the street from the University District Link Light Rail Station, about a 10-minute walk from campus.
The art deco building dates to the 1930s, with corner rooms offering city and mountain views. There’s no pool here, and parking is valet only. Pets are welcome for $75 per stay, with a two-pet maximum per room. The rooftop bar draws steady praise in guest reviews as one of the better views in the University District.
Pros:
- Directly across from University District Link Light Rail Station
- Rooftop bar with panoramic views
- Pet-friendly, up to two pets per room
Cons:
- No pool
- Valet parking only, no self-parking option
- Some guest reviews mention street noise from The Ave below
6. Silver Cloud Hotel Seattle, University District
5036 25th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Silver Cloud Hotel is about a mile from UW’s main campus, the farthest walk on this list, but two blocks from University Village shopping center. Free breakfast comes standard, and guests love their staff and the fitness center. It’s also close to Seattle Children’s Hospital and UW Medical Center.
Pets aren’t allowed at any Silver Cloud property, and this hotel doesn’t have a pool despite what older listings suggest. The walk to central campus takes about 18 minutes, better suited to a short drive or bus ride. University Village offers dining options within easy walking distance instead.
Pros:
- Two blocks from University Village shopping and dining
- Close to Seattle Children’s Hospital and UW Medical Center
- Free breakfast buffet included
Cons:
- About an 18-minute walk to central campus
- No pool
- Pets aren’t allowed
Best Hotels Close to UW by Traveler Type
Best for a hospital visit: University Inn is on the same street as UW Medical Center’s Roosevelt location. Silver Cloud Hotel and Residence Inn by Marriott both are within 2 miles of Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Best pet-friendly hotels near UW: Watertown Hotel, Residence Inn by Marriott, University Inn, and Graduate by Hilton all welcome pets. College Inn and Silver Cloud Hotel do not. For a broader comparison, discover the best pet-friendly hotels near Seattle airport.
Best Marriott hotel near UW campus: Residence Inn by Marriott Seattle University District is the only Marriott-brand option, with a kitchen, pool, and free breakfast.
Best Hilton hotel near UW campus: Graduate by Hilton Seattle is the only Hilton-brand option, known for its rooftop bar and art deco design.
Best for families visiting during move-in or graduation: Residence Inn by Marriott offers the most family-friendly setup, with a kitchen and pool. If you’re bringing kids along for the trip, our guide to things to do in Seattle with kids covers options beyond campus.
Choose the Right Hotel Near UW, Seattle
✅ Choose College Inn Hotel if:
- Walking distance matters more than modern amenities
- You don’t mind a shared bathroom or no elevator
- You want a genuinely historic, non-chain stay
✅ Choose Residence Inn by Marriott if:
- You’re visiting for a hospital stay or extended trip
- A kitchen and pool matter for your family
- You want Marriott Bonvoy points
✅ Choose Graduate by Hilton if:
- You want Hilton Honors points near campus
- A rooftop bar and art deco design appeal to you
- Valet-only parking doesn’t bother you
❌ Skip Silver Cloud Hotel if:
- You want to walk to central campus in under 10 minutes
- You’re traveling with a pet
- You want a pool on-site
Parking and Getting Around University of Washington
None of the hotels on this list offer free on-site parking. University Inn runs cheapest at $20 plus tax per night, while Graduate by Hilton‘s valet-only setup costs the most. Watertown Hotel‘s underground garage has strict height limits worth checking before arrival.
The University District Link Light Rail Station is a short walk from most hotels here, with direct service toward downtown Seattle and SeaTac Airport. If your trip includes downtown sightseeing, explore where to stay in Seattle compared to every major neighborhood.
Or you can directly compare our top picks for the best Seattle hotels here.
Worth knowing before you book: UW’s Cherry Blossom Festival draws heavy crowds to the Quad each spring. If you’re visiting during peak bloom, book early and expect higher rates at every hotel on this list.
Staying Near UW Without a Car
If you’re visiting the University of Washington, you don’t necessarily need to book a hotel within walking distance of campus. In many cases, staying near a Link light rail station offers better value while keeping your commute simple.
Hotels around Northgate, Roosevelt, and Lynnwood often cost less than those in the University District, yet they’re connected to UW by direct Link light rail service.
Depending on where you stay, you can usually reach the campus in about 10 to 20 minutes without dealing with Seattle traffic or paying for expensive campus parking.
Seattle visitors and locals recommend that as well, because it strikes a good balance between cost and convenience. We also found the same advice surfaced repeatedly across travel discussions and community forums, including Reddit.
Many people suggested booking near a Link station instead of paying premium University District rates. If you’re flying into Seattle, that’s even more convenient since the Link light rail also connects directly to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Our Editor’s Top Pick
College Inn Hotel. Being a 3-minute walk from campus outweighs the lack of an elevator for most visitors. It’s also one of the few places in Seattle where the address is quite literally history.
Frequently Asked Questions About Staying Near UW Seattle.
Let us answer a few questions about staying near the University of Washington.
What hotel is closest to the University of Washington?
College Inn Hotel is the closest hotel to the University of Washington, sitting about a 3-minute walk from campus. Watertown Hotel is the next closest option, roughly a 5-minute walk away.
What’s the cheapest area to stay if hotels near UW are too expensive?
If hotels in the University District exceed your budget, consider staying near Northgate, Roosevelt, or Lynnwood. All have Link light rail access, allowing you to reach the University of Washington in about 10 to 20 minutes while often paying lower hotel rates.
Is the University District safe to stay in?
Yes. Most visitors consider the University District reasonably safe, especially during the day. Like many busy city neighborhoods, you’ll want to stay aware of your surroundings at night and avoid leaving valuables inside your vehicle. Reddit locals consistently note that property crime, such as car break-ins, is a bigger concern than violent crime.
Are there pet-friendly hotels near the University of Washington?
Yes. Watertown Hotel, University Inn, Residence Inn by Marriott, and Graduate by Hilton all welcome pets but for a fee.
Are there hotels within walking distance of the University of Washington?
Yes. College Inn Hotel, Watertown Hotel, Residence Inn by Marriott, University Inn, and Graduate by Hilton are all within about a 10-minute walk of campus. Silver Cloud Hotel is slightly farther away, around an 18-minute walk.
Do any hotels near UW offer a shuttle to campus?
No. Despite some outdated listings online, none of the hotels on this list currently provide a campus shuttle. Fortunately, every hotel is within walking distance or just a short Link light rail or bus ride from the university.
Is there free parking at hotels near the University of Washington?
Honestly, no. Every hotel on this list charges for parking or relies on nearby paid parking. If parking costs are important, compare fees before booking because they vary significantly between properties.
