This elegant, contemporary luxury hotel is an excellent choice for travelers with business in northern Belltown or South Lake Union. That said, its location is a bit of a schlep to sightseeing, shopping, and the coveted waterfront, so if pleasure is the reason for your visit, best to book one of the hotels closer to Pike Place Market.

There are very few Seattle hotels this close to the water, so if you want to enjoy everything this scenic city has to offer -- with an emphasis on harbor attractions and cruise access – the Marriott is a great pick. But note that not all of the rooms capitalize on the water views, balconies are small, and the five-minute trek to Pike Place Market is all uphill.

Located smack-dab in the epicenter of downtown Seattle’ popular Belltown neighborhood, The Inn at El Gaucho is an intimate, second-story boutique hotel on top of El Gaucho steakhouse, featuring 18 spacious rooms. The hotel is ultra-convenient -- it’s walking distance to almost every popular Seattle attraction -- but has limited services (no elevator, no gym), so if you’re looking for a bit of pampering and luxury, you’ll probably want to head to a larger, more traditional venue.