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Writer's pictureStay Flourish Team

The Top 15 Coolest Airbnbs in Seattle, From a Downtown Penthouse to a Capitol Hill Mansion



We're obviously biased, but we think Seattle is one of the coolest cities in the United States. Most people associate Seattle with its iconic Space Needle and bustling Pike Place Market, but behind the tourist traps is a captivating, diverse city filled with a vibrant culinary scene, local music, and splendorous nature. From Capitol Hill, to Fremont, to Ballard, the city boasts some of the most eclectic and vibrant neighborhoods in the Pacific Northwest.


Seattle attracts millions of visitors every year, and in turn, those visitors need somewhere to stay. Those aforementioned neighborhoods don't often have a ton of traditional lodging (i.e. a hotel), so an Airbnb may be your best bet.


For those looking for either a unique stay or a more affordable option than a hotel, consider choosing a vacation rental from our curated list. These are not ranked in any particular order, and we were not paid to advertise them.



Guest Rating: 4.97 out of 5





This centrally located Seattle airbnb sits in the middle of Belltown, just a short walk from attractions like the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), the aforementioned Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the Chihuly Gardens. Walk 10 minutes the nearby light rail station (Westlake) for easy access to Pioneer Square, Seattle Aquarium, or the Bainbridge Island ferry. Just to the northwest sits Centennial Park, where you can catch massive cargo ships coming into the Puget Sound. The space features a queen size bed and 2 sofa beds, making it ideal if you're traveling alone, as a couple, or with a friend or two. The clean, modern decor and ample natural light will make you feel like you're in a luxury hotel without having to pay astronomical prices. As of today, the nightly rate is $172. Free parking on site.



Guest Rating: 5 out of 5





On the totally opposite end of the spectrum, there's not much "mini" about this mansion in Capitol Hill. It's rare to find even three bedrooms or four bedrooms in Seattle, and this stunning property has six! You'll be wowed from the moment you walk in the door and take in the spacious living room with an electric indoor fireplace. The interior is clean with an elegant yet minimalist flair. Usually you'll find great location but a tiny space, or vice-versa. Not the case here. Located just south of the sprawling green oasis of Volunteer Park, this home provides easy access to Broadway (Capitol Hill's main hub), the University District, and the Belltown area. The most recent review reads: "Such a unique find - the 6 bed/bath was perfect for our team offsite. Everyone had privacy, but we could still hang out after hours. It was thoughtfully decorated, really spacious with a huge kitchen. Would definitely recommend!"



Guest Rating: 4.88 out of 5






For solo travelers, this chic Capitol Hill airbnb is a central location for both fun and amenities. The space features tasteful, minimalistic decor, a small dining table, and a queen bed with high quality pillows and sheets. If you have someone tagging along, this two-guest apartment is the ideal romantic escape or adventure. Like many Airbnbs in Seattle, you're never far from impeccable coffee shops. If you're a coffee aficionado, be sure to check out local favorites like Espresso Vivace, Overcast Coffee Co., or Analog Coffee. Hop up to the roof of the apartment building for a stunning view of the Seattle skyline at sunset. For another cool view of the Space Needle, walk down the street to Volunteer Park, a sprawling green space that also features the Seattle Asian Art Museum. The Capitol Hill light rail station and a bus stop is within walking distance and can take you to downtown Seattle, South Lake Union, the Space Needle, the University District, or Roosevelt Station by restful Green Lake Park.



Guest Rating: 4.99 out of 5






This is one of the best Seattle airbnbs simply because of its innovation and novelty. Many now use Airbnb as a means of getting a unique experience you can't get anywhere else. The tranquil outdoor patio is lined with bamboo groves and features a bubbling hot tub and a Finnish sauna. Similar to a regular sauna, a Finnish sauna uses the power of dry heat to create a therapeutic environment beneficial for stress relief, muscle relaxation, and skin care. The property's interior aesthetic is distinctive as well, with wood paneling on the ceiling and an A-framed loft that lets in plenty of natural light. There's a spacious living room, dining table, and a full kitchen. Location-wise, you'll be in the quaint neighborhood of Greenwood, a prime location given its relatively short distance from nearby Gas Works Park, or Golden Gardens. You can't go wrong with a hot tub + sauna combo.



Guest Rating: 4.96 out of 5






The location on this charming property makes it one of the best Seattle Airbnbs. This clean, modern airbnb features easy access to Alki beach, a picturesque gem in West Seattle and iconic spot in the Pacific Northwest. Take in the stunning views of the Puget Sound and bask in the breezy seaside air from a private patio. Or take a beach drive and explore all the Alki area has to offer. The West Seattle Bridge is finally open again, making it easy to get to downtown Seattle and beyond. Like Pike Place Market, Alki Beach can get busy at times, so make sure to get your spot early.



Guest Rating: 4.98 out of 5






Roll up to Seattle like a celebrity and stay in this stylish, modern, and clean vacation rental in the heart of downtown Seattle. This luxury condo in the highly-rated Newmark Tower gives you hotel level amenities and premiums like a 55 inch SmartTV, a shared hot tub, a shared indoor pool, and exercise equipment. However, it's still reasonably priced throughout the year (currently sits at $181 per night) and can accommodate up to five guests with a king bed and sofa bed. The cozy living room boasts new furniture, bathroom essentials, and a fully stocked kitchen. This one checks all the boxes, and the reviews speak for themselves. A recent one reads: "Our second stay at Elta’s place was just as great as the first, and we’d definitely stay again. The unit is so clean and comfortable; the location is very convenient; and communication with Elta is so easy. Also, the wifi is very strong, if you need to work from the condo. Five stars!"



Guest Rating: 4.96 out of 5






With floor to ceiling windows, you'll have no shortage of natural light in this luxurious designer loft. These huge windows are a distinctive feature of this unique building, known as the Mad Art Studio. The inside features a spacious queen bed located on the second floor of the loft, so you can wake up to a stunning sunrise view. Cool art pieces and books abound in this modern space. The lofts also have an easily accessible rooftop deck for more epic views of the Pacific Northwest. Perfectly located just north of downtown Seattle in South Lake Union, you have easy access to the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and of course, coffee shops. For more fun activities, consider stopping by Art Marble 21 or Flatstick Pub for some fun and games. This art filled industrial loft is truly is one of the best Airbnbs in Seattle. Enjoy those floor to ceiling windows!



Guest Rating: 4.97 out of 5






For those looking for Seattle Airbnbs outside of the "traditionally popular" areas like Pike Place Market, South Lake Union, or Capitol Hill, hop on over to Ballard. One of the biggest selling points is the rooftop deck with views of downtown Seattle and the Space Needle. This cozy little vacation rental can actually accommodate up to six guests and is very affordable. Current nightly rate is $74.



Guest Rating: 4.99 out of 5






Another Ballard favorite, this "craftsman style" home is an architectural gem complete with french doors, tasteful decor, luxurious wood floors, and open areas to gather. This three bedroom home lives up to its name of being cozy, featuring a breakfast nook, rocking chair, and peaceful backyard. Enjoy Ballard's many exquisite restaurants such as San Fermo and Matador, or walk down to the Locks to see boats cruise into the lake.



Guest Rating: 5 out of 5






How often can you say you've slept on a boat? This Airbnb provides you with all the nautical themed benefits without the seasick feeling. Climb aboard this welcoming boat on Lake Union and take in the salty air. You might catch seaplanes landing on Lake Union, or find yourself in awe of the Seattle skyline dominating the horizon before you. Or on a clear sunny day, you'll see Mt. Rainier standing even more prominently. Worried about getting bored? Never fear. This Airbnb provides you with two kayaks so you can go out and explore the surrounding areas for yourself. You can come back to shore and walk to the nearby restaurants and amenities of the nearby Westlake & South Lake Union areas.



Guest Rating: 4.99 out of 5






The West Woodland neighborhood (close to Woodland Park) is a prime spot for airbnbs in Seattle. Among the ones we've seen in this area, TheSteelAway takes the cake. This designer, architectural masterpiece draws its name from the Corten steel siding and rusty patina on the exterior. Inside, this innovative two bedroom, two bathroom house is modern chic to the max. Sleep in a wood paneled room, recline in a leather ottoman, or take in the natural light from the tall windows. Stocked with modern amenities like an EV charger for your Tesla, or heated floors in first floor bathroom, this place is a no-brainer to book.



Guest Rating: 4.97 out of 5






This small guest house may lack in size, but it makes up for it in location, style, clean and amenities. Just west of Volunteer Park in the Harvard-Belmont Historic District, this Capitol Hill garden oasis is ideal for the solo traveler looking for a slice of peace and quiet outside of the city. Step outside the home and you'll find a shaded, private patio adorned with string lights. This courtyard features a long dining t able, outdoor furniture, and a grill, making it a prime Summer time spot. Conversely, you can cozy up at the writing desk inside on a snowy winter day and take in the coziness.



Guest Rating: 4.92 out of 5






If you want the feel of being in a tiny house without necessarily being totally off the grid, this is your spot. This charming secluded guest suite is one of the most quaint airbnbs in Seattle. Climb a ladder to a loft and curl up in a double bed. Most tiny homes don't have jacuzzis, but just a step outside the door is an outdoor hot tub on a spacious private deck area. The location is excellent as well. You're located in the quiet, beautiful West Woodland neighborhood, just a stone's throw from Woodland Park Zoo and Green Lake Park.




Guest Rating: 4.97 out of 5






For those looking for a more cozy, affordable option, consider staying at this charming guest suite in Lake Forest Park. Only 20 minutes away from Seattle, this little city on the shores of Lake Washington is close to both beautiful nature and great amenities. The space itself is excellent for up to four guests. Of note, there are only two double beds, so make sure you're okay with sharing. There's a dedicated workspace for you remote workers out there, as well as a dining room and a gas fireplace for those chilly days. If you stay in the late summer or early fall, you can take in the charming garden on the property porch, and maybe catch some raspberries in bloom.



Guest Rating: 4.96 out of 5






Okay, this one technically isn't Seattle proper and actually sits closer to Renton in the Lakeridge area. However, this spot is perfect if you're looking for a clean, quaint space that's outside of the city but central to everything. The property feels like a traditional home and is perfect for extended stays. Relax on the porch swing and take in the lake view or have a picnic in the fully fenced-in, private backyard. Did we mention it has a hot tub?


Stay Flourish: A Seattle Airbnb Management Company




We believe it’s crucial for property owners to have a reliable property management company (and their specific property management fees and services) if they plan on doing vacation rentals or venturing into the world of Airbnb or vacation rentals in general. We know firsthand how frustrating it can be to be the sole party responsible for a guest’s happiness.

Stay Flourish is a professional property management company that manages Seattle Airbnbs. If you’re interested in learning more about our airbnb management services, remodeling service, or our professional cleaning service, give us a call at 206-486-6642, or schedule a free consultation here.


What are some of our unique management services?


SPARK Tool: We have a Proprietary Pricing Algorithm that maximizes revenue. SPARK pulls all available short-term rental data. Our team develops unique price strategies for each individual property to maximize ARPAR (Adjusted Revenue per Available Room). After that, SPARK monitors your listing and makes adjustments to give you the highest ROI. The pricing algorithm pulls real time data on local demand, and instantly changes the pricing to capture peak revenue. Every price is checked by one of our team members before it’s approved to verify you’re getting the maximum revenue & occupancy.


Calendar Management: We manage your property's listing on multiple platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com) and make sure there are no double bookings.


Booking Management: Our dedicated team answers all booking requests promptly so potential guests feel welcome to book your property. Our team answers all the questions guests have about your property and accommodates any reservation adjustments that are needed. We send a unique lock code to each guest so they can check in at their convenience.


Guest Vetting: We assess potential guests coming to your property for both safety, cleanliness, and reliability.


Guest Messaging: We have a team dedicated to customer service and guest relations. Guests have direct access to our team at any point during their stay. We take the 2 a.m. call so you don’t have to.


Cleaner Scheduling: We know having unreliable cleaners can be a pain. Losing nights booked due to a unit not being turned over is aggravating. We have a reliable team of trained cleaners and ensure their scheduling meets the needs of your bookings.


Housekeeping Management: We manage the cleaning of your home. If the cleaners have questions or problems they bring them to us so you are not bothered. We also facilitate ordering all supplies that are needed so you don't have to deal with pesky inventory checks.


Guest Payment Management: We work with an accountant and CPA to ensure your money goes to the correct places, and is organized in the correct form to make tax season a breeze.


Listing / SEO Optimization: Airbnb recently updated the algorithm they use to rank properties. Our team is on the cutting edge of these changes. We do in-depth research and perform testing to see what causes properties to rank the highest. Your home's ranking is directly linked to how much revenue it makes. The boost in SEO rankings and subsequent revenue our team generates often covers our management fees.


Party / Noise Monitoring: We want to protect guests, neighbors, and your space alike by preventing unauthorized parties from occurring. Note, the owner needs to purchase a Minut sound detector. We will handle the setup.


Annual Property Inspection: Every year, we do a rigorous walkthrough of each property. Our customer success team surveys the property to determine the overall guest experience, addressing any areas of need or concern. This keeps your property in the best condition possible and helps to catch maintenance issues before they become bigger problems. If need be, we can do this bi-annually or every quarter.


Interior Design Consulting: We work with local designers and other creatives to offer our clients top tier design input for your space. We enhance areas in need of touching up, resulting in a huge impact on overall listing performance.


Dedicated Manager: We have a dedicated manager / team available to enhance your customer service experience. This management team is assigned specifically to your properties and is designed to be accessible. We pride ourselves on a low manager-to-property ratio.


Owner Reports: We offer quarterly data reports on the performance of your property.


Dispute Resolution: If a guest leaves a bad review we contact Airbnb directly and fight to get it removed. If any damages happen to the property, or the guest tries to dishonestly obtain a refund, we handle the entire process. We are your advocates. You don’t have to make a single phone call.


Maintenance Coordination: Running a top performing short term rental requires keeping the property in superb condition. Our team coordinates all maintenance needs for your property so you can relax knowing things are taken care of.

We also help with booking tax resources, future investment property advising, and dispute resolution.

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