Best Hotels Near Seattle Alaska Cruise Port

Hotels near Seattle’s cruise port in the Belltown and Downtown waterfront areas offer convenient access for Alaska cruise passengers. Top options include waterfront properties with views of Elliott Bay, hotels within walking distance of Pier 91 and Bell Street terminals, and accommodations providing cruise shuttle services. Many feature amenities like early breakfast options, luggage storage, and parking packages designed specifically for cruise travelers embarking on Alaska voyages.

Quick Facts: Seattle Cruise Hotels

Want to know more about all Alaska cruise departure ports and their logistics?

Understanding Seattle’s Two Cruise Terminals

Here’s what catches most first-timers off guard: Seattle has two completely separate cruise terminals and your hotel choice should depend on which one you’re using. Pier 91 at Smith Cove sits about 3 miles north of downtown in the Interbay neighborhood. Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal (also called Pier 66) is right downtown on the waterfront. Most Alaska cruises depart from Pier 91 but you absolutely need to confirm this with your cruise line before booking your hotel.

If you’re sailing from Pier 91 and staying downtown, you’re looking at a 15-20 minute drive. Not terrible but it means you can’t just walk to the terminal dragging your luggage. This is where hotel shuttle services become essential rather than just convenient.

Top Hotel Picks by Location

For Pier 91 Departures (Most Common)

The Edgewater Hotel – This is the only hotel that sits literally over the water on Pier 67. While it’s downtown, the waterfront location and established cruise shuttle service make it popular with Alaska cruisers. The Beatles once stayed here and fished out their window, which tells you how close to the water you actually are.

Coast Gateway Hotel – Located near Pier 91 in the Interbay area, this property understands cruise travelers better than most. Free parking with cruise packages is their biggest draw since you’ll save $175-210 for a week-long cruise. The complimentary shuttle to Pier 91 runs on a schedule that actually matches ship boarding times.

Mediterranean Inn – A quieter option in the Queen Anne neighborhood about 10 minutes from Pier 91. They offer cruise parking packages and the rates typically run lower than downtown properties. The neighborhood has excellent restaurants and a more local feel.

For Bell Street Pier Departures

Inn at the Market – Perched right above Pike Place Market, you can’t get more Seattle than this. For Bell Street departures you can practically roll your luggage to the terminal. They partner with shuttle services for Pier 91 departures too.

Fairmont Olympic Hotel – If you want to splurge before your cruise, this historic downtown hotel delivers luxury and sits within easy reach of Bell Street Pier. Their concierge service handles cruise logistics smoothly.

Budget-Friendly Options

Silver Cloud Hotel – Seattle Broadway – Located on Capitol Hill, it’s about 10 minutes from downtown. They offer cruise packages with parking and shuttle service at rates that won’t make you wince. The neighborhood has fantastic food options and a vibrant atmosphere.

Best Western Plus Pioneer Square Hotel – In the historic Pioneer Square district, this hotel provides good value and easy access to Seattle attractions worth exploring before your cruise. They coordinate cruise shuttles and parking packages.

What Actually Matters in a Pre-Cruise Hotel

After talking with hundreds of cruise passengers and cruise line staff, here’s what separates a smart hotel choice from one that creates stress:

• Parking packages that extend beyond your return date – Your ship might return at 6am but you probably don’t want to drive home immediately. Look for hotels offering parking through your return day plus one.
• Luggage storage with security – You’ll likely check out at 11am but your ship doesn’t board until 1pm or later. Secure luggage storage lets you explore without babysitting your bags.
• Shuttle timing flexibility – Some hotels run one shuttle at 10am. If your cruise line recommends arrival by 11:30am and there’s traffic, that’s cutting it close. Ask about multiple shuttle times or on-demand service.
• Early breakfast availability – Cruise boarding day starts early. A hotel serving breakfast at 9am doesn’t help when you need to leave at 10am.

For detailed information about parking options at Seattle’s cruise terminals, there are strategies that can save you significant money.

The Parking Decision: Hotel vs Terminal

This deserves its own section because it’s a bigger deal than most people realize. Terminal parking at Pier 91 costs about $25-30 per day. For a standard 7-day Alaska cruise, that’s $175-210. Many hotels offer “park, stay, and cruise” packages where you pay for one night’s stay and can leave your car for the duration of your cruise, sometimes for free or a nominal daily fee.

Here’s the math: If a hotel room costs $180 and includes free parking for 7 days, versus a $120 hotel room plus $200 in terminal parking, you’re actually saving $140 by choosing the more expensive hotel. Plus you get the convenience of shuttle service and luggage storage.

The catch? Read the fine print. Some packages require you to stay both the night before AND after your cruise. Others limit free parking to 7 or 10 days, which matters if you’re taking a longer voyage.

Airport Logistics: The Often-Overlooked Factor

Most Alaska cruise passengers fly into Seattle. The connection between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and your hotel or cruise terminal needs planning. Sea-Tac Airport sits about 15 miles south of downtown Seattle and 18 miles from Pier 91.

Smart move: Book a hotel with airport shuttle service in addition to cruise terminal shuttle service. Some properties like the Coast Gateway Hotel provide both. Otherwise you’re arranging multiple transportation connections which multiplies the chances of something going wrong on an already travel-heavy day.

Timing Your Hotel Stay

The standard advice is to arrive the day before your cruise. That’s solid but here’s what cruise veterans actually do: They arrive two days early. Why? Flight delays and cancellations happen. Arriving two days early means a delayed flight is an inconvenience rather than a cruise-missing catastrophe. Plus you actually get to enjoy Seattle instead of rushing from airport to hotel to ship.

On the back end, most Alaska cruises return early morning (6-8am). You need to be off the ship by 9-10am typically. If you have an afternoon or evening flight, booking your pre-cruise hotel for the return night too gives you a place to shower, change, and store luggage rather than killing 6-8 hours at the airport. Many hotels offer a reduced “return night” rate for cruise passengers.

Beyond Seattle: Alternative Port Hotels

While Seattle is the primary Alaska cruise departure port, some itineraries leave from other cities. If you’re comparing options, check out hotels near Vancouver’s cruise port or hotels near Anchorage if you’re doing a southbound cruise. Each port has unique logistics and hotel considerations.

Neighborhood Considerations

Downtown Seattle is the obvious choice but different neighborhoods offer different experiences:

• Belltown/Waterfront – Walking distance to Pike Place Market, waterfront attractions, and Bell Street Pier. Can be noisy on weekend nights. Higher prices.
• Pioneer Square – Historic district with great architecture and restaurants. More budget-friendly. Some areas feel sketchy after dark.
• Capitol Hill – Vibrant neighborhood with fantastic restaurants and nightlife. About 10 minutes from downtown. Better value for money.
• Queen Anne – Residential feel, quieter, closer to Pier 91. Limited walking-distance dining but the Space Needle is nearby.
• South Lake Union – Modern area near Pier 91 with newer hotels. Excellent restaurants but less “classic Seattle” charm.

Bonus Tips That Save Hassle

• Call the hotel directly after booking online – Confirm your shuttle reservation, verify their cruise package terms, and make sure they have your correct cruise line and departure terminal. Online bookings sometimes miss these details.
• Request a late checkout – Even if not guaranteed, asking in advance increases your chances. Some hotels offer it free to loyalty program members.
• Pack a separate “night before” bag – Cruise lines require large luggage the evening before departure. Keep essentials, medications, and embarkation documents in a carry-on for your hotel night.
• Screenshot shuttle schedules and hotel confirmation – Cell service in cruise terminals can be spotty. Having offline access to critical information prevents panic.
• Book hotels with guest laundry facilities – If you’ve been traveling before your cruise, having laundry access at your hotel means starting your cruise with fresh clothes.
• Consider the return – Hotels closer to Pier 91 make sense for embarkation, but if your flight home is evening or next-day, a downtown hotel puts you near activities for your post-cruise time.
• Check cruise line partnership deals – Some hotels have official partnerships with cruise lines offering discounted rates. These don’t always show up on booking sites.

For comprehensive guidance about choosing the right hotel strategy, read about pre-cruise hotel planning for Alaska voyages.

What Can Go Wrong (And How to Prevent It)

Let’s talk about the challenges nobody mentions in glossy hotel reviews:

Shuttle services that “coordinate” aren’t the same as “provide” – Some hotels say they “arrange cruise transportation” which means they’ll call you a taxi or rideshare. That’s different from operating their own shuttle. Clarify before booking.

Downtown Seattle traffic is genuinely bad – The drive from downtown to Pier 91 can take 30 minutes during rush hour despite being only 3 miles. Plan shuttle departure accordingly, especially on Monday mornings when cruise departures coincide with work commute traffic.

Hotels near the port aren’t near much else – The Interbay area around Pier 91 is light industrial. If you want to experience Seattle the night before your cruise, you’ll need to travel to downtown or other neighborhoods. Factor in transportation time and cost.

Cruise parking packages can sell out – Hotels have limited parking spots. During peak Alaska cruise season (June through August), cruise parking packages often sell out months in advance even when regular rooms remain available.

Not all rooms are created equal – That “waterfront hotel” might have rooms facing the parking lot. If views matter, specifically request and confirm water-view rooms when booking.

Making the Most of Your Pre-Cruise Time

Your hotel is a base for exploring Seattle, and depending on where you stay, certain attractions become much more accessible. Pike Place Market, the original Starbucks, the Seattle Great Wheel, and the waterfront parks are all walkable from downtown hotels. The Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass are closer to Queen Anne area hotels.

Here’s an insider tip: Most cruise passengers rush to Pike Place Market the morning before their cruise. Visit the evening before instead when it’s less crowded. The market shops close around 6pm but the restaurants and atmosphere continue into the evening. Plus several excellent restaurants overlook the market and Elliott Bay.

If you’re interested in maximizing your Seattle experience, explore everything you need to know about cruising from Seattle including pre-cruise activities and logistics.

Common Questions and FAQ

Can I walk from downtown Seattle hotels to Pier 91?

Technically yes but practically no. It’s about 3 miles and takes 50-60 minutes walking along streets without much pedestrian infrastructure while pulling luggage. The route isn’t scenic or particularly safe for pedestrians with bags. Always use shuttle service, rideshare, or taxi.

Do Seattle cruise hotels charge resort fees?

Most Seattle hotels don’t charge resort fees, which is refreshing compared to other cruise ports. However, parking fees are separate and substantial ($40-60 per night) unless you book a cruise parking package. Always check what’s included in your rate.

Which hotel is closest to Pier 91?

The Coast Gateway Hotel and Silver Cloud Hotel Seattle – Stadium are the closest major hotels to Pier 91, both under 2 miles away. However, “closest” doesn’t mean “walking distance” given the industrial area and luggage considerations. Both offer shuttle services.

Can I store luggage at my hotel after checkout if I’m not taking their shuttle?

Most hotels allow luggage storage for cruise guests regardless of whether you use their shuttle, but policies vary. Confirm this when booking, especially if you plan to explore Seattle for several hours after checkout before heading to the ship.

Are there hotels inside the cruise terminal like some other ports?

No, neither Seattle cruise terminal has an attached hotel. The closest you’ll get is The Edgewater Hotel which sits on a pier downtown, but it’s still separate from the actual cruise terminals.

What if my hotel shuttle schedule doesn’t match my cruise boarding time?

This happens more often than it should. Options include: asking the hotel if they can accommodate a different shuttle time (sometimes possible for multiple guests), splitting a rideshare with other cruise passengers at your hotel, or booking a hotel with more flexible shuttle timing. Check shuttle schedules before finalizing your hotel reservation.

Is it worth paying more for a water-view room before an Alaska cruise?

Probably not. You’re about to spend a week staring at stunning Alaska scenery from your cruise ship. Save the money for excursions. An exception might be if you’re arriving two days early and want to enjoy the hotel itself as part of your pre-cruise experience.

Personal Experience

Last summer, I stayed at the Edgewater Hotel before our Alaska cruise, and the waterfront location made everything incredibly smooth. We could literally see our ship docked at Pier 91 from the hotel – though honestly, most Seattle cruise ships leave from there, which is about 15 minutes north of downtown. The hotel arranged a shuttle for $25 per person, and they stored our luggage until departure time so we could explore Pike Place Market one last time without dragging suitcases around. The front desk staff knew exactly which cruise line we were sailing with and had our shuttle timing down to a science.

If you’re looking to save money and don’t mind being slightly further from downtown attractions, the Coast Gateway Hotel near the port offers free parking for cruise guests, which is huge since port parking runs about $25 per day. They also have a complimentary shuttle to the terminal. For something more central, the Inn at the Market sits right above Pike Place and partners with a shuttle service to the port. My biggest tip is to book a hotel that includes cruise parking in their package – it typically saves you at least $150-200 for a week-long cruise. Also, ask about their shuttle schedule when you book, not the morning of departure. Some hotels only run shuttles at specific times, and missing yours means an expensive Uber ride.