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- Seattle has the Space Needle, the Sound, and some of the best coffee, beer, and food in the world.
- Visitors can explore the Emerald City while living like a local in any of these homes found on Airbnb.
- These top-rated Airbnbs represent a range of prices and follow Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program.
The once sleepy port town of Seattle has transformed into a vibrant city filled with museums and galleries, top-notch restaurants, an iconic skyline surrounded by natural beauty. And, of course, incredible coffee.
Of course, I may be biased. I spent most weekends and summers here as a kid and continued to visit regularly as an adult. As such, I know that Seattle is one of the best cities to discover over the course of a week or even just a weekend.
So while you're busy exploring like a local, you may want to consider living like one too. If you're wondering if Airbnb is safe, private home rentals are considered by most experts to offer a higher level of safety compared to hotels. They minimize interactions with others, and Airbnb hosts are required to follow enhanced cleaning procedures. However, there's still an inherent risk to traveling and we recommend following CDC guidelines, practicing social distancing, double masking, and washing hands frequently.
For those seeking to skip hotel rooms in line with experts' guidance, I compiled a list of highly-rated Airbnb Seattle homes that tap into the Pacific Northwest's quirky spirit.
Browse all the best Airbnb homes in Seattle below, or jump directly to a specific area here:
- Best Airbnbs in Seattle
- FAQ: Booking an Airbnb in Seattle
- Find more great Airbnb homes on the West Coast
Here are some of the best Airbnbs in Seattle, sorted by price from low to high.
West Seattle tiny house, $89
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Book this West Seattle tiny house starting at $89 per night
If you have ever wanted to test drive the tiny house trend without sacrificing all your earthly possessions, check out this tiny house. Located in West Seattle, this teensy retreat, called Tipsy, has everything you need — kitchen, workspace, TV, shower — all packed into a minute package.
The house's wood lining gives the space a jewel box-like feel with gorgeous detailing and plenty of natural light. The kitchen is pint-sized but functional with a diminutive dining table, plus outdoor benches for al fresco dining.
You'll sleep under the stars that shine through a skylight over the comfy-looking bed, which is tucked away in a loft beneath a gabled ceiling. While the home is best suited for two, there is room for a third on the couch. All of the restaurants, shops, and attractions in West Seattle are nearby and it's a quick ferry ride to downtown. Nightly stays are available from March onward.
Private garden cottage in Ballard, $92
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Book this private garden cottage in Ballard starting at $92 per night
Ballard is filled with Seattle's best: coffee shops, indie record stores, locally-owned movie theaters, restaurants, breweries, bars, and easy access to the beach at Golden Gardens Park.
Enjoy it all from this chic studio that is simply furnished, yet refined. Curl up with a coffee picked up from Caffe Umbro on the leather couch, or grab a bottle of locally made beer while watching Netflix or a selection from the DVD stash.
There's a small but full kitchen, that includes both a Chemex and a Keurig. The mint green bathroom is accented by bird-filled wallpaper, a rainfall shower, and local bath products. After playing tourist, relax in the garden, which features a greenhouse and picnic table. When it's time for lights out, pull down the Murphy bed from the wall and collapse into a queen-sized bed. Availability opens up for this home in May.
Art-filled South Lake Union loft, $102
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Book this art-filled South Lake Union loft starting at $102 per night
This modern loft in South Lake Union is geographically convenient. It's near the nightlife in Belltown, the restaurants and shops in Capitol Hill, and the Space Needle.
The first floor has a full kitchen and a dining room table, and the living room has an array of books plus inviting couches to watch HBO Go and Netflix. The home boasts a carefully curated art collection and an assortment of objets d'art that are easy on the eyes but also mean the home is probably not a great fit for families with kids under 12. Well-behaved pups are welcome, though.
Upstairs is a modern sleeping space with an en suite bathroom. The 17-foot tall windows let in tons of light, but there are room-darkening shades when it's time to snooze. But before tucking in, spend some time on the rooftop deck equipped with a grill. This hot property has bookings available beginning in May.
Finnish spa retreat in Greenwood, $198
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Book this spa retreat in Greenwood starting at $198 per night
Why go to the spa when you can stay in the spa? This indulgent retreat includes a Finnish sauna, hot tub, and an outdoor shower to fully relax and recharge. The striking metal, wood, and stone exterior flows to a thoughtfully-designed interior with Japanese and Scandinavian design elements throughout including paper lanterns and a Scandi-inspired dining set.
Gaze out from the massive circular window, sink into the white, minimalist sofa, or chill in the dreamy backyard reading nook. The home has a King-sized bed in one bedroom, as well as a Queen-sized bed in an intimate sleeping loft over the living space.
There are also heated floors in the bathroom, a full-sized kitchen, an airy living room, and even a resident bunny on the property.
Downtown Seattle is only 15 minutes away and Greenwood's many restaurants and shops are close by. This home has availability beginning in April.
Treehouse in the Seattle suburb of Redmond, $199
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Book a treehouse in Redmond starting at $199 per night
Sleep perched amid the very trees that give the Evergreen State its nickname in this cozy treehouse in the Seattle suburb of Redmond, Washington.
Aptly named The Squirrel's Nest, this 280-square foot treehouse offers a birds-eye view of the world. It's fully insulated, heated, and wired, but maintains rustic charm through wooden interiors including beds made from real logs, tree-top swings, and a sky-high seating area. There's one bed on the main floor and another within a sleeping loft.
However, sleeping in the trees does require a little compromise. The house does not allow children under the age of 2, and there's only a half bath and a small refrigerator, a few dishes, and a coffeemaker.
On cool nights or rainy days, turn on the indoor fireplace and play games on the wooden floor. When blue skies arrive, enjoy your morning coffee surrounded by firs. Seattle's restaurants and shops are just a 20-minute drive. But don't be surprised if you want to stay in the Squirrel's Nest just a little bit longer. Stays are available starting in July.
Romantic retreat in Pioneer Square, $200
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Book this romantic retreat starting at $200 per night
Couples looking for a romantic getaway will find a lot to love in this intimate studio in the heart of the city near galleries, shops, and cafes.
The brick-lined loft has soaring ceilings and 14-foot windows that cut a dramatic silhouette and a postcard-worthy view of one of the most photographed signs in Seattle. There's plenty of comfortable seating for TV watching, a kitchen with a full-sized fridge and gas range, and a nap-worthy King-sized canopy bed surrounded by curtains.
The home is within easy walking distance of the many restaurants, the city's stadiums, and Pike's Place Market. Check-ins are available starting in March.
Apartment next to Pike Place Market, $209
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Book this Pike Place apartment starting at $209 per night
Nearly every Seattle visitor swings through the city's famed Pike Place Market, but not everyone gets to call it home. This chic apartment offers up-close views of one of the city's most famous sites.
The sophisticated dwelling has clean lines, giant windows, and decorative pops of color that brighten the space. There is a Queen-sized bed, a pull-out sofa, and even a travel crib. There's also a full kitchen, which is a must after gathering up fresh ingredients from the market.
The home also includes a washer and dryer, Smart TV with Netflix, and access to an apartment complex with a hot tub and gym. There is plenty of availability from April onwards.
Craftsman home in Green Lake, $273
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Book this craftsman home in Green Lake starting at $273 per night
One of the architectural mainstays of Pacific Northwest real estate is the cozy craftsman-style home known for hand-worked details, gorgeous wood, and low-pitched roofs. This Green Lake craftsman bungalow is ideal for families with three spacious bedrooms.
Stroll around Green Lake sipping your latte from Revolutions Coffee before returning to savor the home's inviting fireplace, full kitchen with a coffee maker and an espresso machine (this is Seattle, after all), and a minimalist dining room. Perhaps best of all, there is also a garden with an outdoor dining area and a hot tub.
This home is for future planners: it's booked until fall.
Architectural wonder with a Lego-themed kitchen in Matthews Beach, $371
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Book this architectural wonder with a Lego-themed kitchen starting at $371 per night
Architecture enthusiasts of all ages will find a lot to love in this midcentury modern Airbnb Plus home located on a secluded wooded lot just one block from Matthews Beach on the shores of Lake Washington.
The modified A-frame's exterior is reminiscent of a glass and wood Christmas tree, while the interior has minimalist ski chalet vibes. Three of the four bedrooms are on the upper level, set into the slanted roof for a snug feeling. Two and a half baths mean no waiting — although folks might be tempted to linger in the giant soaking tub.
Colorful accents dot the living room and study, however, it's the whimsical design surprises throughout that truly delight. There is as a Mondrian-inspired ceiling in the bath, and a Lego-themed kitchen with a center island crafted out of the iconic building block. In fact, guests are prompted to complete a search and find activity among the plethora of little Legos.
Burke-Gillman trail is a bike ride away, as is nearby Wedgwood. This house has availability for bookings in March and April.
Townhouse with postcard-ready views in Queen Anne, $420
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Book this Queen Anne townhouse starting at $420 per night
This large and open townhouse serves as a gorgeous perch above the city with stunning views of the Space Needle, Kerry Park, and Elliott Bay.
Billed as a city sanctuary, this 2,600-square foot two-bedroom home includes a fireplace for cold nights, sumptuous velvet couches, a well-stocked kitchen, and a dining room. The spacious master bedroom has a full bath with a deep soaking tub and more stunning views. The second bedroom offers a comfortable place to sleep with a Queen-sized bed and room-darkening shades.
This house has availability from March onwards.
FAQ: Booking an Airbnb in Seattle
Is it safe to stay in an Airbnb during COVID-19?
Generally, yes, as long as it's a private home following enhanced cleaning measures. That's what medical and cleaning experts said anyway. They told us that private home rentals on Airbnb are considered to be safe, especially compared to hotels. A private Airbnb eliminates interactions with others outside of your traveling group and removes mingling in common spaces. Most check-ins are contactless and hosts are required by Airbnb to follow enhanced cleaning procedures.
However, travel does still pose risks and we recommend following CDC guidelines such as social distancing, wearing a mask, and frequently washing and sanitizing your hands.
Are there travel restrictions in Seattle?
There are no domestic travel bans currently in place for Seattle and Washington State, however, travelers arriving by plane to the US from another country are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding their flight.
Additionally, anyone arriving in Washington is suggested to self-quarantine for 14 days and limit interactions outside their immediate household. It is also mandatory to wear a face mask in public. In Seattle, single-use masks are offered to visitors at Pike Place Market.
Click here to read more about current policies.
Is it safe to travel to Seattle?
Despite the promising COVID vaccine rollout, there is still no guarantee for safety with travel, though staying in a private Airbnb should lower your risk of exposure. Be sure to follow guidelines recommended by the CDC including social distancing, wearing a mask, and frequent hand washing. Consider canceling and rescheduling travel if you are coming to or arriving from a hotspot.
How do I book a home on Airbnb?
Search for Seattle homes on Airbnb based on date, neighborhood, price, bedrooms or bathrooms, and more. For a full breakdown on how to book on Airbnb, click here.
What is Airbnb's cancellation policy?
Cancellation policies for homes on Airbnb differ from property to property and are set by each individual host. Here's a closer look at Airbnb's cancellation policies.
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