The Edgewater Hotel Seattle is the only hotel in the city built out over the water. It’s on Pier 67, and its most famous guests once fished out of a window into Elliott Bay. That single fact tells you why people book it, and why some walk away disappointed.
We looked closely at the hotel’s setting, guest reviews, and historic character. We also considered the daily amenities fee and valet parking costs. Guest complaints about the decor also appeared often enough to deserve attention.
Our goal is simple: give you an honest, balanced view of what staying here is really like.
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Is The Edgewater Hotel Seattle Worth It?
The Edgewaster Hotel Seattle is absolutely worth it if you value location and character over spotless modern design. It’s probably the best Seattle waterfront hotel.
The Edgewater’s over-water setting is its biggest differentiator, and that alone justifies the booking for most first-time visitors. But let’s be honest here; it falls short if you want a pristine, contemporary hotel with a pool and no added fees.
The overall review scores of The Edgewater Hotel Seattle vary by platform. And it’s worth reading them as separate scales rather than one blended number. We also checked guest ratings across several major review platforms.
Google rates the hotel 4.4 out of 5 from roughly 3,280 reviews. Expedia and Hotels.com both give it 9.2 out of 10, based on about 1,279 reviews. Tripadvisor is slightly lower at 4.1 out of 5 from more than 6,700 reviews. Yelp is lower again at 3.5 out of 5 from 837 reviews.
That difference is worth noting.
The hotel clearly has many loyal fans, but the experience is not perfect for everyone. It seems to appeal most to travelers who appreciate its character and location. If you want modern polish above everything else, you may notice some shortcomings.
The Edgewater Hotel Seattle at a Glance 👇
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 2411 Alaskan Way, Pier 67, Seattle, WA 98121 |
| Check-in | 4 PM (contactless and express check-in available) |
| Check-out | 11 AM (late check-out fee $100 if unavailable) |
| Rooms | 223 rooms across 4 stories |
| Pool | No pool on site |
| Gym | Yes, included in the daily amenities fee |
| Spa | No on-site spa. Front desk can recommend outside partners |
| Daily amenities fee | $34 per room, taxable |
| Valet parking | $66 overnight, $25 for daytime valet |
| Pet fee | $100 one-time fee per stay, maximum 2 pets |
| Nearest cruise terminal | Pier 66, an exceptionally short walk |
| Minimum check-in age | 21 |
📋 The Decision Matrix
Travelers who want a genuine waterfront setting, music history and easy access to Pike Place Market and Pier 66.
You want a pool, a spa, or the newest room finishes without a daily amenities fee.
The Edgewater sells a distinctive experience and a hard-to-beat location. Several reviewers question whether the room condition and the added fees match a premium nightly rate.
Room Guide, Over-Water Rooms vs City View Rooms of The Edgewater Hotel
The Edgewater has 223 rooms spread across 4 stories, and the room you book changes the entire stay. Every room includes a gas fireplace and knotty pine furniture, a signature of the hotel’s Pacific Northwest lodge style.
Not every room, though, gets the view that makes this hotel famous.
Over-Water Rooms and Balconies
The Elliott Bay-facing rooms are a major reason guests choose The Edgewater. Many reviews mention waking up to views of the water. Some guests have even watched cruise ships pass their windows on departure mornings.
Hotel critics recommend requesting a water-facing room when you book. These rooms reportedly have larger bathrooms and sliding doors that open toward the bay.
However, the rooms are not especially large. Several guests also describe the decor as campy or somewhat dated. Still, many say the rooms feel clean and well maintained.
If you prefer modern, minimalist rooms, keep this tradeoff in mind. If you value character and waterfront views, the room style may feel like part of the experience.
The Beatles Suite and the Pearl Jam Suite
The Beatles Suite honors the room and the 1964 visit that helped make The Edgewater famous. The band famously posed there while fishing from the window into Elliott Bay.
The Pearl Jam Suite offers a different kind of music history. It features tour posters, along with a Fender guitar and amplifier connected to Eddie Vedder.
These suites make the most sense for music fans who value the story. They may not suit travelers who care most about having the newest bathroom or most modern room.
City View Rooms
City view rooms usually cost less and still include a gas fireplace. The tradeoff is losing the hotel’s signature Elliott Bay view. Some accessible cityside rooms may have partial views of the nearby rail line. Guests have also mentioned hearing train noise during their stays.
If you’re a light sleeper, ask the hotel about the room’s exact location before booking. Don’t assume every city view room has the same noise exposure.
The Edgewater Hotel Seattle’s Room Comparison Table
| Room Type | Best For | What You’re Paying For |
|---|---|---|
| City View | Value-focused travelers, business trips | A city-facing setting at the lowest price point |
| Water View | First-time visitors, couples | Elliott Bay views from the room |
| Water View Balcony | Special occasions, anniversaries | A water view plus a private balcony |
| Beatles Suite | Music history fans | The historic room tied to the Beatles’ 1964 stay |
| Pearl Jam Suite | Rock fans, splurge stays | Pearl Jam memorabilia and a themed setup |
| Penthouse | Groups, special occasions | The largest, most premium accommodation on site |
What We’d Book (Our Editor’s Take):
For most first-time visitors, we’d book a Water View room. The over-water setting is the main reason to choose The Edgewater, so we’d prioritize the view over a themed suite unless the Beatles or Pearl Jam connection is part of why you’re visiting.
For a special occasion, Water View Balcony is worth the upgrade. For music fans, the Beatles Suite or Pearl Jam Suite delivers something no other Seattle hotel can offer.
For value, City View works fine, provided you don’t mind giving up the water outlook. If your priority is a waterfront address, a Water View room here is hard to beat for the setting alone.
What Guests Actually Say About The Edgewater
Reading one review tells you almost nothing useful. Reading patterns across hundreds of reviews on major platforms tells you where the real strengths and real friction points sit, and those patterns rarely change from site to site.
What Guests Consistently Praise ❤️
Water views and the gas fireplace stand out in positive reviews across platforms. Guests also frequently praise the hotel’s warm and attentive staff. Valet, housekeeping, and front desk teams often receive specific praise.
The complimentary guitars and record players also get plenty of positive attention. Guests tend to see these touches as genuine parts of the experience. They feel more memorable than typical hotel extras.
The Most Common Complaints About The Edgewater
The most common complaint is the hotel’s dated decor. Guests have mentioned it across several review platforms over the years. Valet parking is another frequent complaint. Guests often mention prices around $65 to $66.
A few guests have also reported slow phone responses from the front desk during check-in. One reviewer also raised concerns about bathroom floor design and mobility access.
Is The Edgewater Hotel in Seattle worth it despite these complaints? For most travelers chasing the water view and the history, yes. For travelers who prioritize modern polish above atmosphere, a newer downtown property may fit better.
Dining and Drinks on the Water
Let us wak you through th dining and drinks options at The Edgewater Hotel Seattle.
Six Seven Restaurant
Six Seven Restaurant is on the west side of the pier and takes its name from the address itself. The kitchen focuses on Pacific Northwest seafood and seasonal dishes, served alongside waterfront seating and views of Elliott Bay.
Reviewers love the sunset dining experience here as one of the best on Seattle’s waterfront, and the current menu is worth checking directly before you book a table.
Some guests note that nearby Belltown and Pike Place Market restaurants offer stronger competition for the price. If you’d like to compare, Belltown’s hotel and dining scene is an easy walk away. And Seattle’s broader seafood scene is worth exploring. Go through our guide to the best oysters in Seattle.
The Brim Coffee Shop and Room Service
The Brim coffee shop offers pastries, coffee and light snacks for guests who want to skip a sit-down breakfast. In-room dining draws praise as well, with guests specifically calling out breakfast service and comfort dishes delivered straight to the room.
The Holiday Pop-Up Bar
The Edgewater has hosted a Christmas-themed pop-up bar during past winter seasons. The lobby lounge gets festive decorations and seasonal cocktails. It’s a fun spot for a pre-dinner drink. The food menu focuses on small bites rather than full meals.
Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Puget Sound, making the lounge memorable year-round. If you’re visiting during the holidays, check with the hotel for current seasonal programming.
The Edgewater Hotel Rock and Roll Legacy
That’s the part we’re most excited to talk about the hotel. The Edgewater Hotel Seattle’s history is just amazing.
The Beatles Fishing Photo
The Edgewater opened in 1962 for the World’s Fair, the same event that gave Seattle the Space Needle. Two years later, in 1964, the Beatles stayed here during their US tour and were famously photographed fishing out of their window into Elliott Bay.
That single image became the foundation of the hotel’s entire identity, and the Beatles Suite still draws fans decades later.
Led Zeppelin and the Mud Shark Story
Led Zeppelin also stayed at The Edgewater during a 1969 visit. That trip later became linked to the famous “mud shark” story. However, online versions of the story vary widely.
Our research did not find reliable documentation confirming its specific details. It’s best treated as rock-and-roll lore rather than a verified hotel event.
The Edgewater Hotel’s music history goes beyond the Beatles and Led Zeppelin. Its wall of fame also references Pearl Jam, Frank Zappa, and Blondie.
You can borrow an Orangewood guitar for two hours at no extra charge. The hotel also provides record players and a curated vinyl collection. These touches come with the daily amenities fee.
They are among the hotel’s most distinctive features. Guests mention them often when describing what makes The Edgewater different.
Location, Cruise Terminals and Getting Around The Edgewater Hotel Seattle
Distance to Pike Place Market and the Space Needle
Pike Place Market is about 0.6 miles south of the hotel, roughly a 12-minute walk along Seattle’s waterfront. If the market is your main draw, our roundup of hotels near Pike Place Market compares The Edgewater against other walkable options.
The Space Needle and Seattle Center sit about 0.6 miles in the other direction, with one professional reviewer clocking the walk at under 20 minutes.
Guests planning around the Needle specifically may also want to check our guide to hotels near the Space Needle. Both routes involve some incline, since Seattle’s waterfront sits below the rest of downtown.
Cruise Terminal Access at Pier 66 and Pier 91
The Edgewater is especially convenient for cruises leaving from Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66. Search data puts the walk at only a few minutes.
Our own research places it safely under 10 minutes with luggage. Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises sail from Pier 66. Select Cunard Queen Elizabeth departures also use this terminal.
If your cruise leaves from Pier 91, also known as Smith Cove Cruise Terminal, the situation changes. No Seattle hotel sits within walking distance of Pier 91. The Edgewater is no exception.
Pier 91 is roughly 3 miles north in the Interbay neighborhood, an industrial area with no restaurants or hotels nearby. Guests sailing from Pier 91 usually drive or take a short rideshare from downtown, explore our guide to hotels near Seattle cruise port.
Getting to and from Sea-Tac Airport
The Edgewater does not run a complimentary airport shuttle, according to the hotel. Their guest services can arrange private transportation for an added fee. That’s why, most travelers use rideshare or taxi.
Typical drive time from Sea-Tac Airport to the downtown waterfront is around 25 minutes outside of rush hour, though traffic on I-5 can add real delay. Travelers who need a guaranteed airport shuttle would like to our roundup for the best hotels near Seattle airport with free shuttle.
Distance From The Edgewater Hotel to Nearby Attractions
| Destination | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pike Place Market | About 0.6 miles, 12-minute walk | Some incline uphill from the water |
| Space Needle and Seattle Center | About 0.6 miles | Under 20 minutes on foot |
| Bell Street Cruise Terminal (Pier 66) | A few minutes’ walk, under 10 with luggage | The closest hotel to this terminal |
| Smith Cove Cruise Terminal (Pier 91) | About 3 miles | No walkable hotel exists, rideshare required |
| Sea-Tac Airport | About 25 minutes by car | No complimentary hotel shuttle |
The Hidden Costs at The Edgewater Hotel Seattle
If you’re frugal like us, you’d like to read this section.
The $34 Daily Amenities Fee Explained
The Edgewater charges a taxable daily amenities fee of $34 per room, billed on top of the nightly rate. That fee covers use of these amenities at the hotel:
- Zybra bicycles,
- local phone calls,
- Wi-Fi, the fitness center,
- a daily local newspaper at the front desk,
- a complimentary 2-hour Orangewood guitar rental
- and the record players and vinyl library.
👉 It’s not an optional add-on, so factor it into your total cost comparison before you book. so factor it into your total cost comparison before you book.
Valet Parking Costs and Alternatives
Valet parking runs $66 per night for overnight guests, or $25 per day if you only need daytime parking. Guests dining at Six Seven Restaurant can access 2 hours of discounted valet at $25 plus tax. Or you might want to find cheaper self-park options a few blocks away, near the railroad tracks that run along Alaskan Way.
Pet Policy at the Edgewater Hotel Seattle
Pets are welcome for a one-time fee of $100 per stay, with a maximum of 2 pets per room. Guests sign a damage waiver, and an extra cleaning fee may apply after checkout depending on the condition of the room. Pet beds and food and water bowls are available on request, though pets are not permitted inside the restaurant.
Pool, Gym and Spa Reality Check
The Edgewater does not have a pool, according to the hotel. So travelers set on a pool day should look elsewhere. There is no on-site spa either, though the front desk can point guests toward outside spa service partners. But there’s a fitness center, which is included in the daily amenities fee.
How to Book The Edgewater Hotel Seattle?
You can book The Edgewater Hotel Seattle through its official website, by phone at 800-624-0670, or by email at [email protected].
But you might want to compare Expedia and Booking.com for your dates before booking. Rates, promotions, and cancellation terms can vary between platforms. Hit the button below to check the hotel’s rates and availability. 👇
If you’re visiting for a cruise, booking early makes sense. Water View rooms tend to be among the first to sell out during busy periods. For more guidance on timing your trip, explore the best time to visit Seattle here.
Important: Don’t judge the price by the advertised nightly rate alone. The $34 daily amenities fee, taxes, and valet parking can raise your final cost. Seattle’s cruise season runs from April through October. June through August bring the highest demand and rates. Major events such as Seafair can push prices even higher.
The Edgewater Hotel Seattle FAQs
Let us answer a few more questions about The Edgewater Hotel Seattle
Does The Edgewater Hotel in Seattle have a pool?
No. The Edgewater does not have a pool on site, based on the hotel’s official guest FAQ. Guests looking for a hotel pool in the same price range will need to book elsewhere in downtown Seattle.
Is The Edgewater Hotel in Seattle over the water?
Yes. The Edgewater is built on Pier 67 and extends out over Elliott Bay, making it Seattle’s only over-water hotel. Most rooms, particularly water view categories, look directly out onto Puget Sound.
How much is parking at The Edgewater Hotel Seattle?
Overnight valet parking costs $66 per night, or $25 for daytime valet only. Guests dining at Six Seven Restaurant can get 2 hours of discounted valet parking for $25 plus tax.
Did the Beatles really stay at The Edgewater Hotel?
Yes. The Beatles stayed at The Edgewater during their 1964 US tour and were photographed fishing out of their suite window into Elliott Bay. That suite is now the hotel’s Beatles Suite, a popular booking for music history fans.
What is the Edgewater Hotel Seattle daily amenities fee?
The daily amenities fee is $34 per room, taxable, and includes bicycle use, a 2-hour guitar rental, Wi-Fi, gym access, and use of the hotel’s record players and vinyl library. It applies to every reservation regardless of room type.
Is The Edgewater Hotel close to the Seattle cruise port?
It depends on your terminal. The Edgewater sits an exceptionally short walk from Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66, making it the closest hotel to that terminal, though it is a rideshare away from Pier 91.
Does The Edgewater Hotel Seattle offer a free airport shuttle?
No. The hotel’s own FAQ confirms there is no complimentary shuttle service from Sea-Tac Airport, though Guest Services can arrange private transportation for an additional fee.
