Seattle’s best hostels for work and leisure

Seattle is quickly establishing itself as a US hub for digital nomads thanks to its progressive culture, extensive infrastructure, growing tech sector and plethora of exciting things to do. Compared to other tech hubs like San Francisco and New York, Seattle is relatively affordable, with beds at the most popular hostels costing as little as USD 40 per night.

Almost all the top-rated hostels in Seattle have facilities such as communal kitchens, shared lounges, free Wi-Fi and easy access to public transport, making them ideal for long-term stays. And while only a couple of hostels offer dorm-style sleeping options, private rooms at highly reviewed guesthouses go for as little as USD 82 a night.

In this article, we introduce five of the best hostels and budget-friendly hotels in Seattle with all the facilities you need to thrive as a digital nomad.

Best hostels in Seattle for digital nomads: at a glance

If you want to stay near Seattle’s Downtown area, consider a hostel such as the warm and homely American Hotel Hostel in the Chinatown-International District or the creatively retro-inspired Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle next to the iconic Pike Place Market. If you prefer a more classic aesthetic, you might like the Baroness Hotel in the historic First Hill neighbourhood.

You can mingle with Seattle’s student community by staying at the College Inn Hotel, which has been given a fresh revamp while retaining its timeless appeal for 2024. Over in the bohemian Fremont neighbourhood is the Hotel Hotel Hostel, an intimate and trendy hostel with rustic touches and facilities that include a pizza bar and a stage for live entertainment.

Average rates at Seattle’s top hostels

While nightly rates at the most popular hostels in Seattle can fluctuate based on the season, availability and demand, prices for a bunk in a dorm usually start at around USD 40. Most hostels have female-only dorms available for an additional few dollars.

Private rooms at Seattle’s best-known hostels and guesthouses usually start at around USD 85–90 per night, though you may have to share bathrooms with other guests for that price. If you want an ensuite bathroom, you can expect to pay at least USD 135 per night, though rates as low as USD 90 can be snagged during the low season.

Awesome Seattle hostels for young professionals: a detailed roundup

The American Hotel Hostel, the Green Tortoise Hostel and the Hotel Hotel Hostel are just some of the best accommodation options for digital nomads in Seattle. Here’s everything you need to know about those hostels and more to decide where to stay in this vibrant city.

1. The American Hotel Hostel

Situated in Seattle’s bustling Chinatown-International District just a couple of blocks from King Street Station is The American Hotel Hostel, where you can choose from a mix of private rooms and dorms. Facilities such as free Wi-Fi and shared living areas make this warm and homely hostel ideal for digital nomads. And, as The American Hotel Hostel lies near the Downtown area, you won’t struggle for things to do when you need some time away from your laptop.

For relaxation, The American Hotel Hostel boasts facilities that include comfortable lounges with sofas, TVs, and games such as foosball and board games. With enough tables and chairs for dozens of people, the communal kitchen doubles as an inviting place to socialise as well as cook and feast on the free continental breakfast. For a quiet space to work, grab a spot in the library and hook up to the free Wi-Fi. Other handy amenities for digital nomads include lockers in the dorms, laundry facilities and an onsite cash machine.

Exploring Seattle from The American Hotel Hostel couldn’t be more straightforward. Within walking distance are tourist attractions such as the Seattle Pinball Museum, the Wing Luke Museum, Smith Tower, and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. You’ll find even more attractions just to the north in the main Downtown area. The waterfront and pier are less than a 20-minute walk away.

Prices for a bed in a male-only, female-only or mixed dorm room at The American Hotel Hostel start at around USD 40 per night. Private rooms with shared bathroom facilities start at around USD 82 per night, while private rooms with ensuite bathrooms start at around USD 135.

Looking for a place to work while staying at The American Hotel Hostel? The nearby SURF Incubator is one of the best coworking spaces in Seattle.

• Location: 520 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104, United States
• Phone: +1 206-622-5443
• Nearest public transport: International District/Chinatown (light rail and bus

2. Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle

Located just footsteps from the iconic Pike Place Market, the Green Tortoise Seattle Hostel is a creatively styled, retro-inspired hostel with decorative touches that include wall murals (including one of Jimi Hendrix), button-tufted leather sofas and a warm colour pallet. Sleeping quarters include private rooms as well as mixed and female-only dorms with single and double beds, all with privacy bunk curtains. Facilities include common rooms, free Wi-Fi and a fully equipped kitchen, and there’s no shortage of things to do right on the hostel’s doorstep.

The dark wooden desks in the common areas surrounded by wall art and hanging guitars are ideal places to set up your laptop. You can also work and browse in the privacy of your dorm room, which have desks as well as cosy beds with night lights.

With tables and chairs for dozens of guests, the kitchen doubles as a comfortable spot to mingle or relax. Every morning, you’ll be supplied with all the ingredients you need to make your own breakfast, and you can feel free to cook your own meals with your own groceries at any time (which could save you a small fortune on food).

For entertainment, you can watch movies in the communal lounge, play board games and foosball, or refine your musical skills using the hostel’s guitars and keyboards. The Green Tortoise Seattle Hostel also offers free walking tours, outings to Pike Place Market, a free museum day every first Thursday of the month, pub crawls, open mic nights, and more. When you want to explore solo, you can walk to attractions such as the Seattle Space Needle, the Museum of Pop Culture, and the waterfront and pier in less than five minutes.

Nightly rates at the Green Tortoise Seattle Hostel for a bed in a mixed or female-only dorm start from USD 41. You can get a queen bed in a shared dorm for as little as USD 50 per night. Private rooms for couples, small groups and individuals start from USD 90.

• Location: 105 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
• Phone: +1 206-340-1222
• Nearest public transport: University Street (light rail and bus)

3. Hotel Hotel Hostel

The top-rated hostel for digital nomads in Seattle’s bohemian Fremont neighbourhood is the Hotel Hotel Hostel, a dark-coloured, trendy hostel with rustic touches in the form of exposed brick walls and wooden floors – some intentionally scuffed for that industrial vibe. Sleeping options include private rooms with shared or ensuite bathrooms (all rooms feature sinks). Surrounding the hostel are top-rated eateries, live music venues, craft cocktail lounges, and late-night coffee haunts. Downtown is just a 20-minute bus ride away.

The fully equipped kitchen, complete with ovens, refrigerators and tables and chairs, doubles as a comfortable spot to socialise and browse the web using the hostel’s free Wi-Fi. You’ll also find space to set up your laptop in communal areas that feature flatscreen TVs, desks and wooden benches. When you need a break, you can order food and drinks from the Hotel Hotel Pizza Bar. At night, live entertainment takes over the Hotel Hotel Stage.

Less than a mile from the Hotel Hotel Hostel are attractions such as the Fremont Troll, Fremont Peak Park, Woodland Park Zoo, and the Gas Works Park, which offers incredible views of Lake Union from Lake View Point. When you want to explore Seattle’s city centre, you can ride the number 5 or 28 bus from 3rd Ave & Madison St to Downtown in 20 minutes. Buses depart at least every 20 minutes.

Nightly rates at the Hotel Hotel Hostel for a private twin room with a shared bathroom start from USD 89. USD 99 gets you a king bed. Private rooms with ensuite bathrooms start from USD 139 per night. An ensuite room with a king bed and bunk will set you back USD 159.

• Location: 3515 Fremont Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103, United States
• Phone: +1 206-257-4543
• Nearest public transport: 3rd Ave & Madison St (bus stop)

4. College Inn Hotel

Situated just steps from the University of Washington in the vibrant University District, the College Inn Hotel is a family-owned boutique with a history dating back to 1909. Recently remodelled for 2024, this European-inspired hotel features a timelessly stylish and bright décor with a mix of vintage and contemporary touches, complete with black-and-white, historical photos of Seattle on the walls.

Onsite facilities at the College Inn Hotel include a café and bar, a communal kitchen and a shared lounge, all excellent places to meet fellow travellers, eat delicious bites and browse the web. As this hotel only has private rooms, you’ll always have a place to work without distractions from fellow nomads.

Surrounding the College Inn Hotel are plenty of bars, live music venues, shops, restaurants and cafés that cater to Seattle’s student community. Nearby attractions include the Henry Art Gallery, the Meany Center for Performing Arts and the Drumheller Fountain. The U District light rail station is just a five-minute walk away.

Nightly rates at the College Inn Hotel for a European-Style Twin or Queen room with shared bathroom facilities start at around USD 85, though prices can rise to over USD 160 depending on the season. You can snag a room with a private bathroom for as little as USD 107 per night – reserve as far in advance as possible to avoid paying upwards of USD 200.

• Location: 4000 University Wy NE, Seattle, WA 98105, United States
• Phone: +1 206-633-4441
• Nearest public transport: U District (light rail)

5. The Baroness Hotel

Located just to the east of Downtown’s retail core in Seattle’s First Hill neighbourhood, The Baroness Hotel boasts a range of modern comforts while retaining a timelessly classic aesthetic. Sleeping options include studios and suites with queen, double queen and double twin bed configurations, while onsite facilities include a cosy lobby with vending machines, a library with games and a business centre.

The amenity-packed guest rooms provide a true home from home, with features such as comfortable beds, couches and chairs, dining areas, and either a kitchenette or a fully equipped kitchen (note that the rooms feature fans rather than air conditioning). The spacious, light-coloured and carpeted lobby provides ample space to relax, browse the web and socialise with fellow travellers. Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the hotel.

Thanks to the central location of The Baroness Hotel, you’ll be within walking distance of numerous landmarks, attractions and public transit stations. Some of the most popular places to visit in the area include the Smith Tower, Seattle Aquarium, Pioneer Square and the Woodland Park Zoo. You’ll also be on the doorstep of Seattle’s cruise terminals, several bus and light rail stations, and the Virginia Mason Medical Center.

Nightly rates at The Baroness Hotel can fluctuate based on availability and demand, but they start from around USD 130 for a studio and USD 160 for a suite with two twins or one queen bed. Please note that those prices don’t include taxes and charges (usually an additional USD 25 or 30). Busy periods can see minimum nightly rates increase to USD 189 or more, so it’s worth booking in advance.

• Location: 1005 Spring St, Seattle, WA 98104, United States
• Phone: +1 206-583-6453
• Nearest public transport: Broadway & Marion (First Hill Streetcar)

What’s your favourite hostel in Seattle for digital nomads?

As you can see, Seattle is home to numerous affordable hostels and guesthouses with all the facilities needed for young professionals to thrive, from free Wi-Fi and shared kitchens to movie rooms, restaurants and live entertainment. We’ll keep updating this article with the latest and best accommodation options for remote workers, but we could use your help.

Have we missed any of Seattle’s best accommodation options for digital nomads? What are the best things to do in the city with your free time? Do you have any top tips for solo travellers visiting Seattle? Let us know in the comments below.