Seattle United States
Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest and a global technology hub, home to Amazon and Boeing headquarters and a short drive from Microsoft in Redmond. The city sits between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, with the Cascade Mountains to the east and the Olympic Peninsula to the west, giving it some of the most dramatic scenery of any American city. For conference attendees, the downtown core is compact and walkable, with Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, and the waterfront all within easy reach of the main hotel and convention district. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has excellent connections to Asia, Europe, and across North America, and Link Light Rail connects the airport to downtown in about 35 minutes. The city has a strong coffee culture, an outstanding dining scene, and a thriving arts community.
Pike Place Market is one of the oldest continuously operating farmers’ markets in the US, worth a visit for the views, fresh seafood, and local vendors. The Seattle Art Museum and Chihuly Garden and Glass are both strong options for a free afternoon. Capitol Hill has the best concentration of independent restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. The Olympic Sculpture Park on the waterfront is free and has excellent views of Puget Sound and the Olympics.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is about 14 miles south of downtown. The Link Light Rail runs directly from the airport to downtown Seattle in about 38 minutes, making it the fastest and most reliable option. Rideshares and taxis are available but can be slow in traffic.
The Link Light Rail backbone connects the airport, Capitol Hill, downtown, and the University District. The downtown core is walkable, though hilly in places. King County Metro buses fill gaps the rail doesn’t cover, and rideshare is widely available throughout the city.
Late summer (July-September) is the best time to visit - warm, dry, and with exceptionally long daylight hours. The rest of the year is famously grey and rainy. Spring and autumn conferences are manageable with layers; avoid expecting dry days from October through April.
Map
2 upcoming conferences in Seattle
▶ 2 past conferences in Seattle
Seattle conferences split between the downtown Seattle Convention Center and venues across Lake Washington in Bellevue, so check which side your event is on before booking. For downtown events, stay between the convention center and Pike Place to remain walkable and on the light rail line to the airport. For Bellevue events such as MLSys or FAST, book in downtown Bellevue itself rather than Seattle, since cross-lake traffic on SR-520 and I-90 is heavy at peak times.
Our picks in Seattle
A curated selection of hotels chosen for location, value, and fit for conference travellers.
Belltown Inn
2301 3rd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
Well-rated budget hotel in the Belltown neighbourhood with kitchenettes in most rooms and free parking - a practical pick for cost-conscious attendees...
Hampton Inn & Suites Bellevue Downtown
11405 NE 2nd Pl, Bellevue, WA 98004
Value-focused Hilton property with complimentary breakfast and practical rooms about 10-12 minutes walk from the conference venue - best for cost-conscious attendees...
Hilton Garden Inn Seattle Bellevue Downtown
10777 NE 10th St, Bellevue, WA 98004
Modern 2017-built three-star hotel with a saltwater pool and on-site restaurant, about 10 minutes walk from the venue - a solid mid-range...
Hyatt Regency Seattle
808 Howell Street, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
4-star Hyatt in the Convention Center district just a short walk from The Westin Seattle, offering large modern rooms and good dining...
InterContinental Seattle Bellevue
850 Avenue Square NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Feng Shui-designed five-star hotel in the Avenue district of downtown Bellevue, steps from Bellevue Square and 5 minutes walk from the Hyatt...
Staypineapple Hotel FIVE
1415 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
Eco-friendly boutique 3-star hotel on 5th Avenue with complimentary bike hire and a sustainably-minded ethos - best for younger tech attendees or...
W Bellevue
10455 NE 5th Place, Bellevue, WA 98004
Design-forward upper-upscale hotel with a rooftop bar and 220 rooms, about 8 minutes walk from the conference venue - best for younger...
The Westin Bellevue
600 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Polished four-star hotel inside the Lincoln Square complex, steps from the Hyatt Regency Bellevue with direct mall access and reliable Westin-standard rooms...
The Westin Seattle
1900 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
5-star conference hotel at the heart of downtown Seattle with multiple dining outlets and a full spa - the most convenient option...
Hyatt Regency Bellevue
900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Full-service conference hotel in downtown Bellevue, directly connected to Bellevue Square mall via skybridge, 15 minu...
Hyatt Regency Lake Washington
1053 Lake Washington Blvd N, Renton, WA 98056
Lakeside conference hotel in Renton on the southern shore of Lake Washington, about 20 minutes south of Seattle and 3...
The Westin Seattle
1900 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
The Westin Seattle is a 47-storey downtown hotel and conference venue situated at the corner of 5th Avenue and Stewar...
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