Only one Seattle waterfront hotel is actually built over the water. Everyone else is close, and “close” changes your trip more than most travelers expect. Compare the best Seattle waterfront hotels with water views, parking, pool, balcony, and pet details.
Seattle’s waterfront hotel listings often lump waterfront, water-view, and waterfront-adjacent properties together under the same label. We separate them below, so you know exactly what you’re booking before you pay for it.
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Which Seattle Waterfront Hotel Should You Book?
If you want the only hotel actually built over Elliott Bay, book The Edgewater. If you want a hotel directly on the water with a pool and a nautical-view balcony, the Seattle Marriott Waterfront is your best match. If budget isn’t the concern and you want the best rooftop pool and spa experience near Pike Place Market, Four Seasons wins.
Here’s how the 8 best Seattle waterfront hotels compare on the details that actually change a trip.
| Hotel | Waterfront Tier | Best For | Water View | Pool | Parking | Pet-Friendly | Walk to Pike Place |
| The Edgewater | Over the water | Couples, unique stays | Yes, from most rooms | No | Valet only | Yes, call ahead | 12 to 15 min |
| Seattle Marriott Waterfront | On the waterfront | Cruise travelers, families | Yes, many rooms | Yes, indoor/outdoor | Valet, paid | Yes, dogs to 50 lbs | 7 min |
| Four Seasons | Waterfront-adjacent | Luxury travelers, couples | Yes, partial | Yes, rooftop infinity | Valet only | Yes, small pets | 5 min |
| Inn at the Market | Waterfront-adjacent | First-timers, foodies | Yes, from view deck | No | Valet, paid | No | 1 to 2 min |
| The State Hotel | Waterfront-adjacent | Design-focused travelers | Yes, from rooftop | No | Nearby garage | Yes, fee applies | 2 min |
| The Alexis Royal Sonesta | Waterfront-adjacent | Boutique-hotel travelers with pets | Partial, some rooms | No | Valet, paid | Yes, 2 pets | 8 to 10 min |
| Hotel 1000 | Waterfront-adjacent | Cruise travelers wanting extras | Partial, some rooms | No | Valet, paid | Yes, 2 pets | 5 min |
| Silver Cloud Hotel | Waterfront-adjacent, stadium district | Budget travelers, game days | Yes, from rooftop pool | Yes, rooftop heated | Valet, mandatory | No, pet-free chain | 20 to 25 min |
Prices change daily, so treat the table as a planning tool, not a quote. Confirm current rates before booking (we placed a button to check rates for each of the hotels below).
8 Best Seattle Waterfront Hotels, Ranked by Location
We define “over the water” as a hotel built on a pier above Elliott Bay. We define “on the waterfront” as a hotel that’s directly along Alaskan Way, the street running the length of the shoreline. Other hotels are “waterfront-adjacent,” a short walk away rather than on it.
That said, let’s dive in!
1/ The Edgewater
2411 Alaskan Way, Pier 67, Seattle, WA 98121
The Edgewater is the only hotel in Seattle actually built over the water. The building is on Pier 67, and Elliott Bay is directly beneath a large share of its 223 rooms. The overwater feel is the single reason to book here over anywhere else on this list.
There’s a tradeoff. The Edgewater is closer to Belltown and the Olympic Sculpture Park than to Pike Place Market. So the walk downtown runs closer to 12 to 15 minutes.
Rooms lean rustic-luxury with fireplaces rather than sleek and modern, which some travelers love and others find dated. For a full breakdown of rooms, noise, and who should book it, go through our complete Edgewater Hotel review.
- Best for: Couples wanting a genuinely unique location
- Avoid if: You want a pool or a short walk to Pike Place Market
- Nearest transit: Waterfront streetcar route, Belltown bus lines
- Parking: Valet only, no self-park option
Pros:
- Only hotel built directly over Elliott Bay
- Fireplaces in every guest room
- Close to Olympic Sculpture Park and Belltown
Cons:
- No pool on site
- Farther walk to Pike Place Market than most picks
- Valet parking only, no discount alternative nearby
2/ Seattle Marriott Waterfront
2100 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98121
The Marriott is one of the best Seattle waterfront hotels with a pool and balcony. It’s directly on Alaskan Way, with an indoor and outdoor connecting pool and many balcony rooms facing Elliott Bay.
You’ll love the balcony views and the newly renovated nautical-themed rooms as the strongest reasons to book.
The Bell Harbor International Conference Center is across the street, which makes this a common pick for business travelers too. It’s just a 5-minute walk to the Seattle Aquarium and a 7-minute walk to Pike Place Market.
Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 is close enough that travelers embarking the next morning often choose this hotel for that reason. It’s a fit our Seattle cruise port hotel guide covers in more detail.
- Best for: Cruise travelers, families wanting a pool
- Avoid if: You want a boutique or historic feel
- Nearest transit: Waterfront streetcar, 10-minute walk to Westlake Station
- Parking: Valet, roughly $58 per night
Pros:
- Indoor and outdoor pool on the waterfront
- Balcony rooms with Elliott Bay views
- Walking distance to Pier 66 cruise terminal
Cons:
- Parking and pet fees add up quickly
- Large hotel, less intimate than boutique options
- Breakfast is not included in the rate
3/ Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
99 Union St, Seattle, WA 98101
Four Seasons is one of the best luxury hotels near the Seattle waterfront, just one block from the water. The rooftop infinity pool is heated using recycled steam from Seattle’s district steam plant, a detail that says a lot about the hotel’s attention to design.
Guests love their staff and the Elliott Bay views from the pool deck and many guest rooms. The hotel is just a 5-minute walk to Pike Place Market and directly across from the Seattle Art Museum. It’s not directly on the water the way the Marriott is.
So if a true waterfront address matters more to you than 5-star service, this may not be the right fit. You might want to explore the best downtown Seattle hotels.
- Best for: Luxury travelers, couples, special occasions
- Avoid if: You want a hotel directly on Alaskan Way
- Nearest transit: University Street Station, 3-minute walk
- Parking: Valet only, premium rate
Pros:
- Heated rooftop infinity pool with bay views
- Spa with 8 treatment rooms on site
- Steps from Pike Place Market and Seattle Art Museum
Cons:
- Not directly on the waterfront itself
- Among the most expensive picks on this list
- Small pets only, 25 lb limit
4/ Inn at the Market
86 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101
The Inn at the Market is directly above Pike Place Market. That makes it one of the best choices if market access matters most to you. Its rooftop deck overlooks Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, and Pike Place Market.
Guests also praise how quiet the rooms feel despite the busy location. There is no pool, and the hotel does not allow pets. What you get instead is an unbeatable location and a strong sense of place. Three on-site restaurants also make dining easy.
If Pike Place Market matters more to your trip than staying directly on the water, our Pike Place Market hotel guide covers more nearby options.
Pros:
- Directly above Pike Place Market
- Rooftop deck with Elliott Bay views
- Three restaurants on site, including a Seattle favorite
Cons:
- No pool
- Pets are not allowed
- Valet parking runs high for the neighborhood
5/ The State Hotel
1501 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
The State occupies a restored 1904 building 2 minutes from Pike Place Market, with a 5-story Shepard Fairey mural on its west wall. The guest-only rooftop terrace is the real draw, with panoramic views of Elliott Bay and the market rooftops below.
Repeat visitors mention the design details throughout, from custom wallpaper to the reclaimed materials in the lobby. There’s no on-site pool and no self-parking, though the hotel partners with the neighboring garage for a discounted nightly rate.
Pet fees are lower here than at most comparable boutique waterfront hotels nearby. Travelers comparing downtown nightlife options can also see our Seattle rooftop bars guide for more options.
Pros:
- Rooftop terrace with genuine Elliott Bay views
- Historic 1904 building with striking design
- Discounted parking partnership with neighboring garage
Cons:
- No pool on site
- Minimum check-in age of 21
- Rooftop bar only open seasonally
6/ The Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel Seattle
1007 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
The Alexis is one of the best hotels near Seattle waterfront. That’s just about 2 blocks from the waterfront and roughly half a mile from the Seattle Art Museum. It’s one of the more pet-friendly options here, welcoming up to two dogs of any size for a flat fee.
You’ll absolutely love the Bookstore Bar & Cafe and the boutique, and the historic-building feel here. There’s no pool, and a daily destination fee applies on top of the room rate, so factor that into any price comparison.
The location trades a little distance from the water for a quieter, more residential feel than hotels directly on Alaskan Way. Travelers comparing downtown options should also check our downtown Seattle hotel guide.
Pros:
- Welcomes 2 dogs per room, no breed limits
- Boutique, historic-building atmosphere
- Daily food and beverage credit included
Cons:
- No pool
- Daily destination fee on top of room rate
- Farther from the water than most picks here
7/ Hotel 1000
1000 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
Hotel 1000 has no pool, but it offers Seattle’s only indoor golf simulator lounge and a full-service spa. It’s two blocks from the waterfront and about five minutes from Pike Place Market. You’ll love the ceiling-mounted soaking tubs and All Water Seafood & Oyster Bar.
The hotel is also about 5 minutes from Pier 66, making it convenient for cruise travelers. Our Seattle cruise port hotel guide covers more options nearby. A daily destination fee applies, so compare the total cost before booking.
Pros:
- Only golf simulator lounge among Seattle hotels
- Close to Pier 66 cruise terminals
- Pet program with beds and treats included
Cons:
- No traditional swimming pool
- Daily destination fee adds to the rate
- Small lobby feels crowded at peak check-in times
8/ Silver Cloud Hotel Seattle Stadium
1046 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134
Silver Cloud Hotel Seattle Stadium is one of the best Seattle waterfront hotels with a pool and stadium access. It’s next to Lumen Field and across from T-Mobile Park, in the stadium district. The rooftop pool and hot tub overlook the stadiums and Elliott Bay.
Families often like this combination of location and amenities without paying luxury-hotel prices. Keep in mind that this is the farthest hotel on our list from Pike Place Market. Its main advantage is the stadium location, not the central waterfront.
Two Link Light Rail stations are also about a block away. Silver Cloud hotels don’t allow pets, so this isn’t a good choice if you’re traveling with a dog. For game-day stays, our T-Mobile Park hotels guide and Lumen Field hotels guide cover this area in more detail.
Pros:
- Rooftop pool and hot tub with bay views
- Two light rail stations one block away
- Strong value compared to downtown waterfront picks
Cons:
- Pets are not allowed anywhere in the chain
- Longer walk to Pike Place Market
- Valet parking is mandatory, not optional
Which Seattle Waterfront Hotels Have the Best Views
A water view and a waterfront address are not the same thing.
The Edgewater offers the most dramatic view because rooms are directly above Elliott Bay, with nothing between you and the water.
The Seattle Marriott Waterfront has the best water views, since its balcony rooms face the bay from ground level. It’s close enough that ferry horns and gull calls carry up into the room.
Four Seasons and The State Hotel offer the best views from height rather than proximity. Their rooftop pool deck and rooftop terrace look out over the water from several stories up. Some travelers love the wider skyline context.
Pools, Parking, Pets, Breakfast, and Balconies on the Seattle Waterfront Hotels
These are the questions that come up in almost every search for Seattle waterfront hotels with a specific filter attached.
Which Seattle waterfront hotels have a pool?
Only three Seattle waterfront hotels have a pool. The Seattle Marriott Waterfront has an indoor and outdoor connecting pool right on Alaskan Way. Four Seasons has a heated rooftop infinity pool. Silver Cloud Hotel has a rooftop heated pool and hot tub, several blocks south.
Which waterfront hotels have balconies?
The Seattle Marriott Waterfront is the best Seattle waterfront hotel with balconies. Many rooms feature private balconies over Elliott Bay. Some upgraded rooms at The State Hotel add private rooftop terraces instead of true balconies.
What about breakfast?
None of the 8 Seattle waterfront hotels here include breakfast in the standard room rate. The Marriott, Four Seasons, and Alexis all serve breakfast on site for a separate charge. Inn at the Market and The State Hotel both are close enough to Pike Place. Walking to a nearby cafe is often the better move anyway.
What does parking actually cost?
Valet is close to universal on this list, and self-parking is rare. Expect a range from roughly $28 a night at The State Hotel‘s partner garage up to $75 or more at hotels with in-house valet during peak season. None of the advertised room rates include parking.
Which Seattle waterfront hotels are pet-friendly?
The Alexis Royal Sonesta and Hotel 1000 are the most welcoming. Both these hotels allow 2 pets with clear published fees. Seattle Marriott Waterfront and The Edgewater allow pets too, though it’s worth calling ahead to confirm room availability.
Inn at the Market and every Silver Cloud property don’t accept pets, which rules them out fast for travelers bringing a dog.
Staying near Pier 66 for a cruise departure?
Seattle Marriott Waterfront and Hotel 1000 are your closest waterfront options. Both are around 5 minutes on foot from the terminals. If Pier 66 access is your main priority, explore the best Seattle cruise port hotels.
Choosing the Right Waterfront Hotel for Your Trip
We’ve created this quick section to help you choose the best waterfront hotel based on your needs.
Choose a waterfront-tier hotel if:
- You want to wake up and see Elliott Bay from bed
- A pool or spa matters more than saving money
- You’re embarking on a cruise from Pier 66 the next morning
Choose a waterfront-adjacent hotel if:
- Pike Place Market matters more to your trip than the water itself
- You’re traveling with a pet and need clear, published policies
- You want a lower nightly rate without leaving downtown
Worth the extra cost?
The jump from Silver Cloud to the Marriott Waterfront usually comes down to one thing: a direct water view instead of a rooftop pool view. If that view matters to you every morning of the trip, it’s often worth the difference.
👉 Better alternative: If Four Seasons is above budget, Hotel 1000 is in the same 2-block radius from the waterfront with a lower rate and genuinely unusual amenities instead of five-star polish.
Practical Tips for Staying on the Seattle Waterfront
Seattle’s hills can make a short map distance feel longer. A 10-minute walk may take closer to 15 minutes, especially between downtown and the waterfront.
Hotels above the waterfront, such as Inn at the Market and The State Hotel, require stairs or the Pike Hillclimb to reach Alaskan Way.
Cruise season and major events can also push hotel rates higher. If you’re visiting during a busy period, booking early can help. Also check parking fees separately, since waterfront hotels may charge them on top of the room rate.
Our Top Editor’s Pick for Most Travelers
The Seattle Marriott Waterfront is the best overall Seattle waterfront hotel for an actual waterfront address, a real pool, and easy cruise-terminal access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best waterfront hotel in Seattle?
It depends on what you want most from the water. The Edgewater is the best pick if you want to be built directly over Elliott Bay. The Seattle Marriott Waterfront is the strongest all-around choice for a real waterfront address plus a pool. Four Seasons wins if luxury service matters more than the exact address.
Are there hotels directly on the Seattle waterfront?
Yes, though only two qualify by strict address. The Edgewater is built on a pier over the water itself. The Seattle Marriott Waterfront is directly along Alaskan Way, the street running the length of the shoreline. Every other hotel on this list is a short walk away rather than directly on it.
Which Seattle waterfront hotels have the best views?
The Edgewater has the most direct view, since rooms sit above the water with nothing blocking it. The Seattle Marriott Waterfront offers strong balcony views at street level. Four Seasons and The State Hotel offer the best rooftop views from several stories up instead.
Can you walk from Seattle waterfront hotels to Pike Place Market?
Most can. The Inn at the Market is directly above it, a 1 to 2-minute walk. The State Hotel and Four Seasons are both under 5 minutes away. The Edgewater and Silver Cloud Hotel are farther out, closer to 15 to 25 minutes on foot.
Which Seattle waterfront hotels have parking?
All of the hotels on this list offer valet parking, though costs and policies vary widely. Only The State Hotel offers a discounted partner-garage rate instead of in-house valet. None of the advertised nightly rates include parking, so add that cost separately when comparing hotels.
Are there pet-friendly Seattle waterfront hotels?
Yes, several. The Alexis Royal Sonesta and Hotel 1000 both publish clear pet policies allowing 2 pets per room. The Seattle Marriott Waterfront and The Edgewater also allow pets, though calling ahead is smart. Inn at the Market and Silver Cloud properties do not accept pets at all.
What’s the best Seattle waterfront hotel for a cruise before boarding?
Seattle Marriott Waterfront and Hotel 1000 both are within about 5 minutes of the Pier 66 cruise terminals. Both let you walk to embarkation without a rideshare. Our cruise port hotel guide covers additional options across a wider radius from the terminals.
