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Edgewater Hotel

by Katie Hammel
Photo: Courtesy of The Edgewater
by Katie Hammel
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Guest room at The Edgewater
Photo: Guest room at The Edgewater / Courtesy of The Edgewater
by Katie Hammel
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As Seattle’s only waterfront hotel, the 223-room Edgewater Hotel offers spectacular views of Puget Sound, Elliott Bay, and the snow-capped Olympic Mountains. The property was built for the 1962 World’s Fair, but it’s most famous for hosting the Beatles in 1964. The band actually fished from their suite — as was common at the time. Today, guests can stay in the very same room the Fab Four did. The hotel has hosted other famous names, including Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and Willie Nelson.

What You Need to Know

The Look 

It's All in the Details

With an elegant Pacific Northwest style, the hotel feels firmly rooted in Seattle. Rooms are outfitted with knotty pine furniture, gas fireplaces, down blankets, woodland-printed drapes, and furry footstools in the shape of bears: the hotel’s signature item. Classic clawfoot tubs, tile showers, and leather accents keep things from looking too rustic. The luxe-meets-lodge look carries over into common spaces with features like antler chandeliers, stone fireplaces, and wood ceiling beams. There’s no escaping the hotel's rock-and-roll history, either; black-and-white photos of rock legends line the walls, particularly in The Beatles Suite — the very room where the band stayed in 1964. 

The Vibe

The Edgewater has wide appeal, and the clientele reflects that. Families with young kids and middle-aged couples are common. Older travelers are also prevalent, thanks to the hotel’s '60s and '70s musical history. Thanks to its proximity to the nearby cruise terminal, the property is popular with pre- or post-Alaska cruisers. 

Who Will Love It

The Edgewater offers the quintessential Seattle experience in a great location, making it ideal for those checking out the city’s highlights. If you can, spring for a waterfront room or a deluxe "cityside" room (which offers Space Needle views).

Who Might Not

Rooms on the city side of the hotel — especially on ground level — are less enticing and can be quite noisy, so travelers looking to save by booking the cheapest rooms may be disappointed in the experience. Additionally, the hotel’s location is less convenient to residential neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Fremont, and Ballard. 

Best Amenity 

The on-site lounge and restaurant, Six Seven, offers breathtaking views from both inside and out. Natural tree columns in the dining room lend an earthy vibe while floor-to-ceiling windows mean there’s always a view of the Bay. The waterfront patio is always buzzing on nice days, and there’s happy hour Sunday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Money Matters

What’s Included

As far as freebies, there are complimentary bath products and in-room coffee. Other amenities are covered by a daily fee. 

Fees and Extra Costs You Should Know About

The Edgewater Hotel charges a $25 daily fee for the use of amenities including bikes, wifi, phone chargers, daily newspaper, loaner Brooks running shoes, and in-room guitars, record players, and albums. Pets are allowed for a $25 per night fee, and valet parking costs $52 per night. 

How to Get a Deal

The property's signature "cityside" rooms start around $180 per night for winter midweek stays and rise to around $360 per night in peak season (summer). Waterfront rooms generally cost about $100 to $150 more per night. AAA members and seniors can save up to 20%.

Getting There

In the Neighborhood

The Edgewater’s waterfront location puts it in walking distance to must-see attractions like the Seattle Aquarium, Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and the Great Wheel. The trendy Belltown neighborhood, Olympic Sculpture Park, and the Seattle Art Museum are all within walking distance. Start your day with coffee and a fresh-baked pastry from Macrina Bakery, try fish and chips from Anthony’s Fish Bar at Pier 66, or splurge on king crab legs or A5 Wagyu with a bay view at Aqua by El Gaucho (all within walking distance, too). 

Nearest Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is 15 miles south of the hotel, and is about a 30- to 40-minute drive to the hotel, depending on traffic (expect to pay around $40 for a taxi or rideshare). The Link light rail is another option. From the station in Pioneer Square, it takes 33 minutes and costs $3 — though you’ll need to walk, bus, or taxi  between the two locations (about one mile apart). 

Nearest Public Transit

Public transportation comes in the way of bus service, with the closest stops located on 1st Avenue, about a quarter of a mile from the hotel. 

The Bottom Line

The grand dame of Seattle’s waterfront, The Edgewater Hotel, is an iconic Seattle hotel with a rich history, prime location, and cozy Pacific Northwest style. While the best rooms require a bit of a splurge, the Elliot Bay views may be worth it.

It's All in the Details