The Best Areas to Stay in Seattle Without a Car
Seattle, Washington, hosts millions of visitors each year, thanks in a small part to the Port of Seattle. Over three hundred Alaska cruises leave the port each summer. With so many visitors traveling through the city, visitors may wonder where are the best areas to stay in Seattle without a car, especially before taking a cruise.
Known as one of the worst cities for traffic jams, visitors are wise to pass on renting a car in Seattle. However, a ride-share or taxi to downtown from the airport can cost more than $60.
Luckily for tourists, Seattle has made it reasonably easy to get around the city.
Assuming you are a tourist and want to see the popular sights, or are a cruise passenger wanting to be near the cruise port, choosing where to stay in Seattle, especially without a car, is relatively easy.
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How Safe is Seattle?
Safety is a huge concern when looking for the best area to stay in Seattle.
In my personal experience traveling in the summer of 2022 and 2023, the areas mentioned below felt safe. There is also a noticeable police patrol, especially around areas with tourists.
You will see families and other tourists throughout the areas below.
That said, I would walk to places during the daytime and would avoid being out after dark. As with any new area you visit, you should always be aware of your surroundings.
Downtown Seattle Hotels
Visitors who stay in the Downtown/Waterfront area will be pleased by the many hotel options. In my opinion, this is the best area for a visitor to stay in Seattle without a car.
Being so centrally located, downtown is also surrounded by many of Seattle’s top sites and experiences. You can easily walk to Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium, the Seattle Art Museum, the Space Needle, and the Museum of Pop Culture.
Of course, the convenience of downtown comes at a price. Hotels in downtown Seattle are some of the most expensive in the city. But the location can be worth it for a short stay before a cruise when you won’t have a car.
The hotels in the Downtown area are conveniently located near the Link Light Rail Station. The Link Light Rail train connects the Sea/Tac airport to popular tourist spots, including the T-Mobile Park, Downtown, and the Seattle Center.
Second, these hotels are within walking distance of many restaurants, including those at Pike Place Market. Additionally, the monorail connects to Seattle Center and is less than a ten-minute walk away.
Finally, for those visitors cruising out of Seattle, the Port of Seattle is a $20 taxi ride from these hotels.
Grand Hyatt Seattle
The Grand Hyatt Seattle in the downtown area is a fabulous option for a place to stay in Seattle, especially for someone without a car.
The modern rooms include large, luxurious bathrooms, comfortable beds, and Peloton bikes, if requested.
It is a ten-minute walk to Pike Place Market and near public transportation.
An Uber from this hotel to the cruise port is around $20.
Hotel Theodore
The Hotel Theodore is also in the downtown area, directly across the street from the Grand Hyatt.
It is a charming boutique hotel with a lovely lobby space. There is a complimentary wine hour in the afternoon and bikes you can use.
The rooms are modern and updated. They include a refrigerator, a coffee maker, and a safe.
It is also a ten-minute walk to Pike Place Market and public transportation.
Other hotels to consider in this area:
- Hyatt at Olive 8 – Hyatt at Olive 8, located in the heart of downtown Seattle, is a great place to stay when visiting the city. The hotel is close to Pike Place Market, one of Seattle’s most popular tourist destinations. It’s also just a short walk from the town’s best bars and restaurants. The location makes it easy to get anywhere you want without renting a car or taking public transit.
- Lotte Hotel Seattle – If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in downtown Seattle, look no further than Lotte Hotel Seattle. The hotel is located just a few blocks from Pike Place Market. You can take advantage of all the market’s restaurants and shops without traveling far.
- Motif Seattle – Motif Seattle is located in downtown Seattle. It’s a great place to stay if you want to be close to all the action but in a quiet, cozy atmosphere. The hotel offers many amenities, including a fitness center and NEST bath and body products.
Pike Place Market Area
The Pike Place Market area is one of the best places to stay in Seattle without a car, especially for cruise travelers. Located right along the downtown Seattle waterfront, it’s close to the cruise ship terminals at Pier 66 and Pier 91.
The iconic Pike Place Market is a must-visit attraction during any stay in Seattle. As one of the oldest continuously operating public markets in the United States, the sprawling market features fresh seafood, produce, specialty foods, restaurants, shops and more. It’s a short walk from the piers, but I recommend taking a taxi to the cruise terminals.
In addition to the market, several other top downtown Seattle attractions are located right nearby. Walk to the Seattle Waterfront and the Seattle Great Wheel, or take the monorail to the Seattle Aquarium, Seattle Center and the Space Needle.
Kimpton Palladian
The Kimpton Palladian is a boutique hotel just a block from Pike Place Market.
The location is perfect for those wanting to check out Seattle’s waterfront attractions. They also have a complimentary wine hour in the afternoon and complimentary bikes to ride.
The rooms are on the smaller side, but it is in a perfect location to stay before a cruise. The hotel can arrange a cruise shuttle, but an Uber is very inexpensive.
The breakfast at the hotel restaurant is excellent.
The Pike Market neighborhood also has a high concentration of hotels. Hotels like The Thompson Seattle and Inn at the Market are in the best place to stay in Seattle without a car since they are both literally steps to the market and piers.
When it’s time to get around other parts of Seattle, the neighborhood has easy access to public transportation. Light rail and bus stops are located throughout the area.
Belltown
Belltown is a trendy neighborhood just north of downtown Seattle. It’s known for its boutique hotels, hip restaurants, art galleries, and nightlife. Situated between the waterfront and Seattle Center, Belltown is very walkable to major downtown attractions.
The neighborhood has an urban, artsy vibe. Old brick buildings now house swanky cocktail lounges, while converted warehouses host live music venues. Belltown draws young professionals and tourists looking for a livelier alternative to downtown.
For cruise travelers, the location is ideal. Belltown sits adjacent to Pier 66, home of Seattle’s cruise terminal.
Staying in Belltown means convenience to attractions like the Olympic Sculpture Park, Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Pike Place Market. Excellent public transportation also connects Belltown to the rest of Seattle.
Lower Queen Anne Neighborhood
The Lower Queen Anne District is also an excellent area to stay when visiting Seattle without a car before a cruise.
There are many things to do in Seattle in this area. Kerry Park is a beautiful spot for a walk with a view of the Seattle skyline and nearby Elliott Bay.
Other popular attractions include the Seattle Center, where the Space Needle, the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of Pop Culture, and the Pacific Science Center are all located.
You can also hop on the City Sightseeing busses here.
Another reason this is a great area to stay in Seattle is its convenience to the monorail, which will deliver you within walking distance to Pike Place Market and the waterfront.
For visitors cruising to Alaska out of Seattle, this area is a short distance to Pier 67 and Pier 91, where most cruises depart.
Hotels to check out in this area:
- Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown – The Hyatt House Seattle Downtown is just a short walk from the Seattle Center, including the Space Needle and the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum. If you’re looking for where to stay in Seattle with a family, this hotel has large rooms and is conveniently located near the best that Seattle offers! The hotel itself is new, with modern decor and amenities like free WiFi, an on-site fitness center, and a complimentary hot breakfast.
- Pan Pacific Seattle – For a hotel close to the Seattle cruise port and near Seattle tourist attractions, Pan Pacific Seattle is the place for you! The hotel has been recognized for its excellent service and has received many awards. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and lovely, with views of Elliott Bay or Mount Rainier.
Getting Around Seattle Without a Car
Seattle has an extensive public transportation system that makes it easy to explore without a car.
Link Light Rail
Link Light Rail is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city. It runs from the Seattle airport to Downtown to the University of Washington, with a stop at Westlake Center, right near Pike Place Market. Trains come every 10 minutes.
Streetcars
The Seattle Streetcar connects Downtown to South Lake Union and First Hill. There are two lines – the South Lake Union line runs along Westlake Ave, and the First Hill line goes along Broadway. Streetcars arrive every 10-15 minutes.
Buses
King County Metro buses serve destinations across Seattle and the surrounding region. Popular routes include the RapidRide D Line from Downtown to Ballard and Route 8 to Capitol Hill and the Central District. Off-peak fare is $2.75, and transfers are good for 2 hours.
ORCA Card
The ORCA card is a tap card accepted on Link Light Rail, streetcars, and buses. You can load a pass or e-purse to pay your fare. Day passes allow unlimited rides and are a good option for sightseeing.
All public transit in Seattle is wheelchair accessible. Buses have ramps or lifts and Link Light Rail platforms are level with the trains. Real-time arrival info is available on signs at stops or using the Transit app.
With frequent service and options connecting key neighborhoods, it’s easy to explore Seattle by transit without needing a car.
Traveling From the Airport to the Best Areas to Stay in Seattle Without a Car
When you visit Seattle without a car, you will need a way to travel to the areas listed above from the airport. Unfortunately, SeaTac is far from the cruise port and tourist attractions.
The most affordable option to get to the best areas in Seattle without a car is to use the Link Light Rail, which only costs $3 per person one way.
The video below shows you exactly how to use the Link Light Rail from the Seattle/Tacoma airport to travel to downtown Seattle. I’ve used it several times to get from the airport to downtown and have felt safe.
Link signs in the airport identify the path to the Light Rail entrance.
A ticket kiosk can be found at the train’s entrance. Purchase your tickets and hop on board.
A free shuttle will take you from the airport terminal to the Link boarding area if you have lots of luggage or don’t feel like walking.
We felt safe riding the train during our thirty-minute ride from the airport to downtown.
To travel to the downtown area, including the Grand Hyatt Seattle and Hotel Theodore, exit the Westlake/Seattle Station. This station deposits near many popular attractions, including Pike Place Market, the monorail to City Center, and the waterfront.
When planning your stay, call your hotel to ask about the Link Light Rail exit for your hotel choice. A ride-share, including Uber or Lyft, can pick you up at the Link Station if it is too far to walk.
Neighborhood Comparison of Best Areas to Stay in Seattle Without a Car
When choosing where to stay in Seattle without a car before your cruise, the neighborhood you pick can greatly impact your experience. Here’s a comparison of some of the top areas for tourists:
Pike Place Market Area
PROS: Very central location, right near Pike Place Market, the waterfront, and downtown. Lots of hotels, restaurants, and things to do.
CONS: Can be crowded and noisy. Limited parking. Steep hills to downtown and the waterfront.
Pioneer Square
PROS: Historic area with lots of character. Close to stadiums and nightlife. Transit hub with light rail to the airport.
CONS: Farther from the cruise terminal. Some areas are less safe at night. Limited hotel selection.
Belltown
PROS: Trendy neighborhood near the cruise terminal. Great nightlife and dining. Walkable to downtown.
CONS: Pricey hotels. It can be noisy at night. Limited free parking. Steep hills.
Downtown
PROS: Very central, near shopping, attractions, cruise terminal. Good hotel and transportation options. Flat walking area.
CONS: Impersonal, corporate feel. It can be noisy and congested. Expensive hotels.
Best Hotel Deals for Seattle
Seattle hotels are not cheap, especially for some of the best areas.
I travel on a teacher’s salary, and if you read my blog, you know my focus is traveling well on a budget.
I often book hotels on Hotwire to afford to stay in superb hotels. The Seattle hotel prices tend to skyrocket, especially in the summer. You may have luck finding a nice hotel using Hotwire.
If you use Hotwire to find a hotel in Seattle, I recommend you don’t search for anything lower than a 4 star hotel.
The best hotel deal I have secured in Seattle is a 4 1/2 star hotel for $200 per night through Hotwire on a 4th of July weekend.
To Sum It Up
To sum up, you have many options for the best areas to stay in Seattle without a car.
I’d recommend staying in the Pike Place Market or Downtown areas for cruise travelers without a car, especially if this is your first time in Seattle. Both are centrally located within an easy walk or short transit/taxi ride to the cruise terminal and major attractions.
Downtown has more hotel options, while Pike Place offers more character. Avoid Pioneer Square and Capitol Hill due to the distance from the cruise port. Belltown is also a good option but may be pricier.
When packing and planning, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, research transit options from the airport and to the cruise port, and consider purchasing a CityPASS for admission to top attractions like the Space Needle and the Museum of Pop Culture.
