Seattle has a way of sneaking into your heart. The misty mornings, the echo of ferry horns across the bay, the towering pines just outside the city—it’s all very cinematic. But if you’re like me, and you’re traveling with little ones, the Emerald City becomes a different kind of adventure. Less moody indie soundtrack, more “Do they have a pool?” and “Is there a breakfast buffet?”
Over the past few years, I’ve brought my family to Seattle more than a few times. We’ve learned, sometimes the hard way, which places really understand what it means to host a family. I’m talking resorts and hotels that don’t just tolerate children, but genuinely welcome them—places where everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, can unwind, explore, and recharge.
So, if you’re planning a Seattle trip with the whole crew, this guide is for you. Whether you’re staying right in the heart of the city or venturing out toward the water, there’s a perfect place waiting for your family. Let’s dive in.
1. Silver Cloud Hotel – Seattle Waterfront
📍 Location: 1150 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109
🛌 Best For: Families wanting stunning waterfront views with quick access to downtown attractions
The first time we stayed at Silver Cloud on the waterfront, my kids gasped when they saw the Lake Union seaplanes taking off just beyond the window. It felt like we were in the middle of a movie—boats floating past our room, the Space Needle off in the distance, and, best of all, quiet.
This hotel is a gem for families. Rooms are spacious, and many come with pull-out sofas or two queen beds, perfect for a small family. There’s also a rooftop pool that my kids didn’t want to leave. The indoor pool is warm (a rare luxury in the Pacific Northwest) and large enough to actually swim.
🏆 Family-Friendly Features:
- Heated rooftop pool with lake views
- Microwave and mini-fridge in-room
- Onsite restaurant with kids’ menu
- Free shuttle to downtown Seattle attractions
💬 Guest Reviews:
Parents often mention how clean and quiet the rooms are—even with kids in tow. One reviewer said, “I didn’t hear a peep from the hallway all night, and that NEVER happens when we travel with toddlers.”
💵 Pricing:
- Average rate: \$240–\$320 per night during peak season
- Discounts often available on Booking.com and Expedia
🧠 Booking Tip:
Use Google Hotels to track prices and book when it dips below \$250. Weekday rates are noticeably cheaper—especially in the spring or early fall.
2. Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle’s Southport
📍 Location: 1053 Lake Washington Blvd N, Renton, WA 98056
🛌 Best For: Families looking for luxury and lakeside relaxation just outside the city
If you’re okay being 20 minutes outside downtown Seattle, the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington is a dream. The hotel sits right on the shore of the lake, and from our balcony, we saw kayakers gliding past in the early morning fog. The hotel is sleek and modern, but not in a way that makes you nervous to have your kids there.
There’s a big indoor pool, a fitness center, and one of the best brunch restaurants I’ve tried in a hotel—Water’s Table. Even the picky eaters in my family found something they loved. And the lakefront walking trail? Absolutely peaceful and stroller-friendly.
🏆 Family-Friendly Features:
- Large suites with space for families
- Indoor saltwater pool
- Walkable access to parks and Renton Landing shops
- Onsite bike rentals and lakeside paths
💬 Guest Reviews:
Guests love how relaxing it is, especially with kids who need downtime. One mom wrote: “My daughter actually cried when we checked out. That’s how much she loved the lake and the pool.”
💵 Pricing:
- Average rate: \$220–\$300/night
- Best deals found on Hotels.com and Hyatt.com with member discounts
🧠 Booking Tip:
Sign up for World of Hyatt membership (free) for exclusive rates and points toward free stays. They often run 20% off flash sales for members.
3. Cedarbrook Lodge
📍 Location: 18525 36th Ave S, SeaTac, WA 98188
🛌 Best For: Nature-loving families seeking quiet and comfort near the airport
Don’t let the proximity to the airport fool you—Cedarbrook Lodge feels like a secluded forest retreat. Set among 18 acres of wetlands and gardens, this place somehow blends Pacific Northwest wilderness with four-star comfort.
Our room opened to a small courtyard where the kids could run around while we enjoyed a glass of Washington wine. There’s a free snack pantry in every guest building (granola bars, fruit, yogurt), which is a lifesaver for those random toddler hunger attacks.
It’s also a great first or last stop if you’re flying in and out of Seattle. A free airport shuttle is included, and it’s only 7 minutes from your gate to the lobby.
🏆 Family-Friendly Features:
- Huge garden spaces to explore
- Free hot breakfast
- Large suites and connecting rooms
- 24-hour snack pantries
💬 Guest Reviews:
A dad from Oregon wrote: “This is the first hotel I’ve stayed at where I felt like I was on a yoga retreat and a family vacation at the same time.”
💵 Pricing:
- Average rate: \$180–\$250/night
- Lowest prices often on Priceline or HotelTonight for last-minute deals
🧠 Booking Tip:
If your travel dates are flexible, book mid-week for lower rates. Avoid booking during major airport conventions—prices spike fast.
4. Great Wolf Lodge Grand Mound (90 mins from Seattle)
📍 Location: 20500 Old Hwy 99 SW, Centralia, WA 98531
🛌 Best For: Families wanting a full-on resort experience with activities on-site
This one’s a bit of a drive from Seattle, but if you’re looking for a full-blown kid-focused resort, Great Wolf Lodge is unbeatable. It’s essentially a giant indoor waterpark wrapped in a themed lodge, and every part of it is designed for family fun.
From the moment you walk in, it’s nonstop excitement—arcades, water slides, lazy rivers, story times, character visits, MagiQuest adventures. The rooms are themed too, with “KidCabins” that have bunk beds and murals.
It’s a splurge in terms of nightly cost, but considering you don’t have to leave the resort at all, it’s good value for the experience.
🏆 Family-Friendly Features:
- Massive indoor waterpark included with stay
- On-site restaurants with kid-friendly options
- Storytimes and character meet-and-greets
- Themed rooms and scavenger hunts
💬 Guest Reviews:
“My son said it was the best weekend of his life. He’s six. That says everything,” wrote one mom.
💵 Pricing:
- Average rate: \$250–\$350/night (includes waterpark passes for all)
- Deals often found on GreatWolf.com directly
🧠 Booking Tip:
Book during weekdays or off-peak seasons (e.g., early spring) for much lower prices. Look for package deals that include meals and extras.
5. The Westin Seattle
📍 Location: 1900 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
🛌 Best For: Families wanting to stay in the center of downtown action
The Westin is one of those rare high-rise hotels that welcomes families without sacrificing style. We stayed in one of the corner rooms on the 37th floor, and the view of Elliott Bay at sunset still lives in my memory.
The rooms are modern, and the beds are famously comfortable (Westin’s “Heavenly Beds” live up to the name). The hotel is right by the monorail to Seattle Center, which the kids loved, and it’s a short walk to Pike Place Market, the waterfront, and tons of food options.
🏆 Family-Friendly Features:
- Central location
- Spacious rooms with mini-fridge
- Indoor pool and hot tub
- Babysitting services upon request
💬 Guest Reviews:
One parent wrote: “You’d never guess this was a corporate hotel with how nice they were to our kids. Staff gave them coloring books and even a little stuffed animal at check-in.”
💵 Pricing:
- Average rate: \$240–\$320/night
- Best rates on Marriott.com (Bonvoy members get perks)
🧠 Booking Tip:
Use Marriott Bonvoy points or promotions (like “Stay 2 nights, get 1 free”). If you have a Marriott credit card, this hotel is a great redemption value.
6. Four Seasons Hotel Seattle (Luxury Pick)
📍 Location: 99 Union St, Seattle, WA 98101
🛌 Best For: Families looking for high-end service with exceptional attention to detail
If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just want to treat yourself, the Four Seasons Seattle is unmatched in elegance and warmth—even for families. I’ll never forget the way the concierge greeted our children by name on the second day or how the staff brought milk and cookies to the room at bedtime.
The rooftop infinity pool overlooks Elliott Bay, and their custom welcome kits for kids include mini robes, bath toys, and coloring kits. You’re right next to the Seattle Art Museum and waterfront, so you can walk everywhere.
🏆 Family-Friendly Features:
- Infinity pool with skyline view
- Personalized kids’ welcome kits
- Babysitting services available
- Cribs, strollers, and bottle warmers upon request
💬 Guest Reviews:
Multiple guests praised the staff’s attentiveness to families. One review summed it up perfectly: “They made our family feel like royalty—without it ever feeling fake.”
💵 Pricing:
- Average rate: \$500–\$700/night
- Best prices found directly at FourSeasons.com or through luxury agents
🧠 Booking Tip:
Use the Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts program or Chase Luxury Hotel Collection for extras like free breakfast, early check-in, and resort credits.
Final Booking Resources and Tips
Here are the platforms I consistently trust for family travel in the U.S.:
- Booking.com – Great filters for “family-friendly” and “cribs available”
- Expedia – Often has free cancellation and loyalty perks
- Hotels.com – Their rewards program gives you one night free for every 10 booked
- Google Hotels – Best for comparing across platforms
- Airbnb – For unique stays like houseboats, family apartments, or places with full kitchens
- HotelTonight – Last-minute deals for spontaneous trips
Making Seattle Magical for the Whole Family
Traveling with kids isn’t always smooth—but with the right place to stay, it can be magical. Seattle has a rhythm that families can easily fall into. The drizzle invites you to slow down. The scenery keeps kids curious. And the people—friendly, laid-back, and full of local pride—welcome you like you belong.
Whether you’re watching ferries glide across the bay from your hotel window, splashing through an indoor waterpark, or simply eating clam chowder with your toes dangling off a dock, the right family-friendly resort makes all the difference.
Wherever you choose to stay in Seattle, I hope your family feels the same joy, wonder, and connection that mine has found here again and again.
Happy travels.
