Seattle Tacoma International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

The Link Light Rail stops at the airport and takes you to Westlake, right downtown, in about 38 minutes: for those who want to visit Seattle there is no reason to sleep at SeaTac. The airport area is for dawn flights and for those arriving in the dead of night, when the train does not run 24 hours a day. Among the hotels, one is within walking distance of the terminal and another offers a free shuttle that always runs. Anyone boarding an Alaska cruise should remember that no public transport reaches Pier 91: a taxi or private transfer is needed, wherever you start from.

Airport area (SeaTac)

Airport area · The Hilton is opposite the airport, a five-minute walk from the terminals, with a Link station a few steps away; Cedarbrook Lodge has a free shuttle that always runs.

Best for: Dawn flights, arrivals after the last train and long connections, without going into the city.

Pros

The Hilton can be reached on foot from the terminal, without depending on traffic
Cedarbrook Lodge has a shuttle to the Link station and Amtrak as well

Cons

Around you only large roads and logistics centres: little choice for dinner
The centre is 38 minutes away by train: too far for a single evening

Recommended hotels in this area

Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center: Opposite the airport, a five-minute walk from the terminals and with a free shuttle; the Link station is a few steps away and you dine at the in-house steakhouse.
Cedarbrook Lodge: Free shuttle to the airport, Link station and Amtrak, running 24 hours a day, with departures every 30 minutes to the airport; gardens and restaurant on site.

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Westlake and downtown

Near the airport link · Link Light Rail line 1 from the airport station to Westlake: about 38 minutes, with trains every 8-15 minutes.

Best for: Those who want to step off the train and reach the hotel without a taxi, with Pike Place Market and the monorail a few minutes away.

Pros

A single ride with no changes and no traffic from the airport
Monorail to Seattle Center and Pike Place Market a few steps away

Cons

The train doesn't run at night: after the last run you need a taxi or an app
A business district: after dinner some streets empty out

Recommended hotels in this area

Mayflower Park Hotel: An internal passage links it to Westlake Center, where the Link station is; open since 1927, with 160 rooms and the Andaluca restaurant.

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Pike Place Market and waterfront

Neighbourhood · Link to Westlake in about 38 minutes, then on foot downhill to the market; by taxi 30-40 minutes.

Best for: Those who want to stay inside the historic market, with restaurants and a view of Elliott Bay.

Pros

The only hotel inside Pike Place Market, with restaurants downstairs
A panoramic terrace for guests only with a view of the bay and the ferries

Cons

Very crowded by day and lively until evening
The stretch from the station is uphill on the way back, with luggage

Recommended hotels in this area

Inn at the Market: The only hotel in Pike Place Market, with a panoramic terrace for guests and three restaurants in the building, including Sushi Kashiba.

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