The 2025 Alaska cruise season saw 1.9 million passengers sail from Seattle, Washington, a record-breaking number for the gateway port to The Last Frontier.
With Seattle attracting travelers from around the world, demand for a hotel near the Seattle cruise ports has surged during the spring, summer, and fall months.
Staying nearby is convenient and makes embarkation day easier, as you don't have to worry about last-minute flight delays or cancellations derailing your long-awaited travel plans.
However, not all hotels are created equal, especially if you're seeking options near the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal or the Bell Street Cruise Terminal.
In this round-up, we'll highlight some of the best hotels near the Emerald City's two ports to help you find a comfortable and reputable place to stay before your Alaska cruise from Seattle.
Seattle Hotels Near Cruise Port
Before diving in, you must know which cruise terminal you're sailing from. Terminal 91 is further from downtown Seattle, but serves more cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, Princess, and Holland America Line.
By staying closer to Terminal 91 (AKA the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal), you're effectively giving up some of the walkability and sightseeing opportunities that downtown Seattle hotels provide. That said, you will benefit from a shorter and often less expensive ride to the terminal on embarkation morning.
Tourist attractions within 2.5 miles of the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal include the Space Needle, Seattle Children's Museum, Museum of Pop Culture, and the Pacific Science Center. However, other popular waterfront attractions and restaurants, such as Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum, the Seattle Great Wheel, and the Seattle Aquarium, are further south.
Pier 66 is located much closer to the downtown area and has multiple hotels nearby that are within walking distance. Although this terminal is convenient for those who want easier access to popular tourist attractions, the area is more pricey. Pier 66 also only serves two cruise lines: Norwegian and Oceania.
Hotels Near Seattle Cruise Ship Terminal 91
Here's a list of hotels near Seattle's Terminal 91, ranging from family-friendly options with complimentary breakfast to newer, modern properties that feature stylish lounges.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown
The Homewood Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown is one of the closest hotels to Seattle's Smith Cove Cruise Terminal, coming in at less than two miles away. The all-suite hotel features a complimentary breakfast, fitness center, and free WiFi.
Still, you're just a half-mile walk from the Space Needle and popular restaurants in the Lower Queen Anne neighborhood, such as Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge, Sal Y Limón, and Moontree Sushi and Tapas.
Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown
The Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown is another solid option near Terminal 91, as it is a little closer to popular tourist attractions, but still close enough to the terminal that you aren’t an hour away on embarkation morning.
Located just steps from the famous Space Needle, the modern all-suite hotel has spacious accommodations, a fitness center, complimentary breakfast, a 24-hour market, and an on-site bar and restaurant.
Element Seattle Downtown
The Element by Westin Seattle Downtown is a new hotel that opened in January 2026. The eco-conscious property offers a modern, airy design, along with a healthy, complimentary breakfast.
The hotel is also located within walking distance of the Space Needle, as well as several highly-rated restaurants and coffee shops. From the hotel, the drive to the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal typically takes around ten minutes. However, the actual time depends on the traffic conditions.
Mediterranean Inn
Finally, The Mediterranean Inn in the Queen Anne neighborhood is popular among cruisers due to its location and overall value.
Not only is it steps from restaurants and bars, but it has a rooftop terrace that offers panoramic views of Seattle's skyline, the Space Needle, Mount Rainier, and more.
Hotels Near Pier 66 Seattle
Moving on, if you are sailing with Norwegian or Oceania, you may want to stay in the downtown area. Those who are budgeting extra time for a longer pre-cruise stay may prefer a hotel in the busier area, too. There are countless hotels to choose from, so we rounded up some of the best based on location, convenience, and value.
Seattle Marriott Waterfront
If you want to stay within steps of the terminal, the Seattle Marriott Waterfront is your best friend. This 4-star hotel is mere feet from Pier 66, making it convenient for travelers who want to avoid traffic on embarkation day.
Hotel amenities include multiple on-site restaurants, a bar, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a convenience store for late-night or last-minute purchases.
The Edgewater Hotel
The upscale Edgewater Hotel is another choice for cruisers who want to be seconds from the terminal on embarkation day. While convenience is a major draw, the over-water hotel has a great reputation and was voted the #2 Best Hotel in Seattle by Travel + Leisure World’s Best Award in 2024.
As such, you will find thoughtful amenities, stylish and cozy rooms, high-quality restaurants, and attentive service are also defining features of staying at the Edgewater Hotel.
Thompson Seattle
The Thompson Seattle hotel is a little bit further from Pier 66, meaning that it's more centrally located to world-class attractions and restaurants. Pike Place Market, for example, is just down the street. Still, you aren't far from the cruise terminal, which is roughly half a mile away.
The 4-star boutique hotel is known for its dramatic views of the Puget Sound, chic accommodations with floor-to-ceiling windows, and an on-site bar and restaurant.
Residence Inn by Marriott Seattle Downtown/Convention Center
The Residence Inn by Marriott Seattle Downtown/Convention Center is further from the cruise terminal (just a short ten-minute drive away), but it is ideal for families because of the hotel's spacious rooms and complimentary breakfast buffet.
Common praises include the convenient location, large accommodations, overall cleanliness, friendly service, and well-appointed amenities like the fitness center.
Hotels near SeaTac Airport
Unlike Miami or Fort Lauderdale, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport isn't 10 miles or less down the road. SeaTac is roughly 15 miles from Pier 66 and 17.5 miles from Terminal 91.
Although the hotels near the SeaTac airport tend to be more affordable than those closer to either of the cruise terminals, staying by the airport usually means a longer ride on embarkation day.
That said, if you have a late-night flight, you may not want to shell out the extra money to stay closer to the cruise port. Rather, you can opt for a comfortable airport hotel and hit the sack earlier. Here are a few top-rated hotels near SeaTac:
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
In addition to writing for Cruise.Blog, Elizabeth has bylines in Business Insider, Royal Caribbean Blog, and Cruiseshipfood.com.
