9 of the Best Airbnbs in Seattle, Washington

Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest, so it offers plenty when it comes to attractions like shopping, dining, culture, parks, and nightlife.

But it’s also a nature lover’s paradise, surrounded by lush greenery, water, and mountains in nearly every direction.

The “Emerald City” is famous for producing big-name music artists, from Jimi Hendrix to Pearl Jam to Macklemore, among countless others, with hundreds of venues spread throughout the city. Some people know it as the home of grunge, while others know it from films like “Sleepless in Seattle.” And for many people, the city is synonymous with coffee — it is the birthplace of Starbucks, after all (it was recently ranked the No. 1 coffee city by WalletHub).

No matter what your reasons for visiting, the options here are as varied and quirky as the city itself (with numerous amazing neighborhoods), so it’s highly likely that you’ll find the perfect place to stay on the list of the best airbnbs in Seattle, rounded up below.

1. The Chestnut

Why you should stay: Watch the sunrise from bed before exploring one of the best Seattle neighborhoods.

Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $125/night

Those who want to enjoy a cozy hideaway in the eclectic Fremont neighborhood of Seattle will want to consider the secluded Chestnut cabin. Just a few miles north of downtown, it’s home to one of the country’s top farmer’s markets, the famous Fremont troll, unique shops, microbreweries, fantastic restaurants, and more. Woodland Park and the Woodland Park Zoo are nearby, too.

The peaceful cabin-like space comes with a spectacular view of Seattle’s city lights and plenty of lush greenery, as well as fun details like a farmhouse sink and a vintage stove and toaster. There are plenty of extras like herbs, spices, coffee, and tea, and – bonus – heated concrete floors to ensure your toes stay warm on chilly Seattle mornings.

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2. Tranquil Woodland Park Studio

Why you should stay: Comfortable industrial-chic airbnb within walking distance of numerous attractions.

Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: $80/night

For one of the hippest airbnb in Seattle, check out this centrally located workshop transformed into a cool space with an industrial feel, across the street from the Woodland Park Rose Garden. It’s close to coffee shops, restaurants, and Green Lake, too. The latter is one of the most popular spots for locals to meet up, with a 2.8-mile path around the lake for walking, jogging, and cycling, plus beaches and opportunities for water sports like boating and swimming.

Despite being near so many desirable attractions, expect plenty of peace and quiet for a great night’s sleep, along with a super comfy bed. It also starts at well under $100 a night, which is a pretty great rate in Seattle.

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3. The Sky Retreat

apartment airbnb seattle — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Spa-like digs in a walkable neighborhood near microbreweries and parks.

Sleeps: 3
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: $129/night

As the name belies, the stylish Sky Retreat apartment has a private rooftop deck with a view ideal for relaxing, along with a state-of-the-art Finnish sauna. It even comes with plush robes, towels, and spa sandals if you’re looking for a spot to enhance wellness while enjoying the city.

Guests rave about the friendly, communicative host who goes above and beyond, the cleanliness of the house, and abundant natural light. The fantastic shower, diffuser, and tea selection (plus the rooftop, of course) makes it a top pick from anyone looking for a memorable Seattle stay in the fabulous walkable Greenwood neighborhood.

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4. Well-Appointed Penthouse Apartment

Why you should stay: A five-star rating and Mount Rainier views at a budget rate.

Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 3 nights
Rates from: $85/night

This penthouse apartment in West Seattle is just a short drive from Alki Beach, one of the city’s best beaches. It has with a 2.5-mile stretch of sand for fun in the sun, outstanding people watching, and one of the best views of the skyline, not to mention the ferries and boats that cruise by. And since you’ll be close to the beach, you’ll want to spend your summer evenings hanging out on the home’s upper deck, which has 360-degree views of downtown, the Cascade Mountains (including majestic Mount Rainier), and the surrounding neighborhood.

This is one of the more wallet-friendly airbnbs in Seattle, coming in around $20 per person per night if the place is full. That’s a steal, especially considering all the great outdoor living space and its proximity to the fun parts of the city.

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5. Montlake Suite

montlake guest suite airbnb — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: A cray good price for a place walking distance to Light Rail transport & Husky Stadium.

Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: $53/night

Located in the residential Montlake neighborhood adjacent to the University district and Husky football stadium at the University of Washington, this inviting guest suite is a private apartment in a gorgeous Tudor home. Your host will be happy to provide expert insider tips – and since she’s a restaurant critic, you know the recommended dining options are going to be memorable.

“This was the most perfect place! It was clean, close to everything, and Kathryn checked in on me to make sure I was enjoying my stay. The neighborhood was quiet, safe and the parking spot was an added bonus. I will most definitely be staying here again!”

Mallory, Blackfoot, ID

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6. Glam Urban Yurt

Why you should stay: A whimsical urban yurt with a private sauna and patio.

Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: $99/night

While “glamping” in a yurt sounds like something you’d do in a more remote location, this airbnb offers the unique opportunity to enjoy it right in the heart of West Seattle. From downtown, you’ll hop on the water taxi (which has great views of the skyline) before arriving at this dreamy yurt set in a garden oasis.

Enjoy a mix of quirky, whimsical, and luxurious details, with a magically illuminated entryway and charming interior. You also get a sauna, a gas stove to make sure the place stays toasty warm, and a comfortable canopy bed. It’s a pretty good value at under $100 a night.

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7. Historic Capitol Hill Home

Why you should stay: Quiet setting in the heart of one of Seattle’s hippest neighborhoods.

Sleeps: 5
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $178/night

This airbnb offers a stay in a 1902 Dutch Colonial home in Capitol Hill, one of the city’s most popular nightlife and entertainment districts. The neighborhood is known for its vibrant counterculture community, with light rail just four blocks away to get you anywhere you want to go. Though it’s one of the most conveniently located airbnbs in Seattle, it’s surprisingly quiet, so you won’t have to worry about city noise interrupting your sleep.

Guests enjoy the home’s entire main floor, which includes two bedrooms with ultra-comfortable beds, a light-filled full kitchen, and a cozy living room with a gas fireplace and a cable TV.

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8. West Seattle Beach House

waterfront airbnb seattle — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Waterfront home steps from the sand with a hot tub and sunset views.

Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 3 nights
Rates from: $98/night

This downstairs duplex unit offers a quiet, secluded location on the Puget Sound so you can wake to a stunning view every morning. In fact, you’ll have a water view from every room, along with a grill for outdoor cooking and a hot tub for sunset soaks. You’ll also have private access to the beach, and at low tide, you can take long strolls on the sand to poke through the tide pools or watch for dolphins with the included binoculars.

It’s easy enough to get into the downtown area, but you’re also near some laid back waterfront restaurants and bars if you don’t feel like getting too far from the shore. It’s a little unbelievable that this home’s starting rate per night is so low.

“Wow. 5 star location and hospitality at its finest. The view is worth the price alone, but the hosts offer many extra amenities that make the stay unforgettable.”

Alaina, Chandler, AZ

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9. Waterfront Ballard Cottage

Why you should stay: Unique stay in an original fisherman’s home literally on the water.

Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 3 nights
Rates from: $175/night

This one-bedroom home is one of the last remaining original fishermen’s homes in the Ballard neighborhood just north of Seattle. It sits over the water on pilings overlooking the entrance to historic Chittenden Locks in Salmon Bay. From your porch, you can watch boats pass between Lake Union and the Puget Sound, or even cast your line right over the railing to catch your own dinner.

The historic Salmon Bay Train Bridge, operating for over a century, will be your neighbor, but guests frequently note the noise is not a problem and worth it for the peaceful water view. Bring a pair of ear plugs to ensure a good night’s sleep if you’re a light sleeper.

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Plan Your Seattle Trip

Just north of downtown Seattle you’ll find the famous Fremont Troll, an 18-foot-tall, one-eyed troll that lives under the Aurora Bridge. He’s kind of a big deal.
Pike Place Market is one of the country’s most famous markets with everything from seafood stands to unusual street performers.
Take in the 360-degree panoramic view over the city, the waterfront, and the surrounding Cascades and Olympic Range from Seattle’s most iconic landmark, the Space Needle.
Ride the Great Wheel on the downtown waterfront. By spinning late at night, you can enjoy the city lights and have better odds of having the enclosed gondola all to yourself.
Tour the Seattle Underground in Pioneer Square, walking the haunting interconnected tunnels beneath the city.
Visit the Seattle Aquarium on Pier 59, home to a giant Pacific octopus, adorable sea otters, and more.
Check out the exhibits at MoPOP (Museum of Pop Culture), dedicated to the culture and history of pop music and science fiction – with a special tribute to Nirvana, of course.