Seattle Business Travel Guide

How to Get Around Seattle for Business Travelers

The fastest way to travel in Seattle is usually the light rail, if you’re going North or South, or by metro bus, which benefits from many streets having bus-only lanes. Rideshare is also popular, but can get hairy (and very expensive) during rush hours (8-10am and 4-7pm), the light rail and buses are routinely faster than taxis or rideshares due to street congestion.

Getting downtown:

• From SEA-TAC: Approximately 12 miles south of Downtown Seattle and 25 miles north-northeast of Downtown Tacoma, light rail takes 40 minutes ($2.25-$3.50). Rideshare or a cab takes 20-40 minutes ($30-$50)
• From LKE: The Seaplane Base is centrally located and within walking distance to many downtown locations, so you’ll often be fine just walking. Rideshares and cabs can be convenient if your walk is longer than 30 minutes. 
• From BFI: About 6 miles south of Downtown Seattle, metro buses offer service to and from Boeing Field. It’s also a short drive to downtown, with the fare and travel time depending on traffic conditions.

Seattle Airports & Best Arrival Strategies

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA-TAC) – Best for international travelers and major airline hubs.
Kenmore Air - Lake Union (LKE) – Quick regional hops from downtown Seattle
King County International Airport - Boeing Field (BFI) – If you want a focused aviation experience at one of the busiest non-hub airports in the nation

Seattle Quick Guide by Industry

Seattle Business Travel Dos & Don'ts

Embark on your Seattle journey with a thoughtful approach, ensuring that you savor the city's delightful ambiance. Following these suggestions promises a gratifying start to your professional sojourn in the Emerald City.

Dos (For a Smooth Business Trip)

• Bring layers and a waterproof jacket. Seattle’s weather can be fickle, and it's best to be prepared for rain or shine.
• Use crosswalks and wait for signals. Seattle is a law-abiding city, and jaywalking isn't the norm.
• Support local businesses. From coffee shops to bookstores, opting for local favorites is a great way to immerse yourself in the Seattle spirit. Seattleites are very passionate about buying local and being green.
• Give people their space. Blame it on the weather, the Scandinavian influences of early European settlers, or the fact that so many outcasts call this place home, the so-called “Seattle Freeze” is a much-talked-about phenomenon among recent transplants, giving the city a reputation for being “nice” but “not particularly friendly.”
• Dress casually. While the norms have shifted a little bit since Seattle became a major tech hub, you’ll quickly learn everyone dresses down, even when doing business. This can be a bit of a shock for many East Coasters.
• Exercise caution when talking business or what you do in the city. Given the flood of new developments, the tearing down of old and beloved establishments, and the gentrification of many neighborhoods, in large part due to Seattle becoming a major tech and business hub, there’s a bit of friction between the so-called “old timers” and those working in tech. Be considerate of this and you’ll be fine.

Don'ts (Avoid These Business Faux Pas)

• Forget to recycle. Seattle takes its recycling and composting seriously. Pay attention to labeled bins when disposing of waste.
• Underestimate traffic. While not as infamous as LA traffic, Seattle has more than its fair share of congestion. Plan ahead, especially during peak hours.
• Ignore the great outdoors. Even if you’re here for business, try to sneak in a visit to Pike Place Market or a quick ferry ride for stunning views of the Puget Sound. Several enchanting islands rise above the Puget Sound, each with small towns boasting unique treasures. And don’t overlook the Olympic Peninsula, known for its snow-capped peaks and rain forest. 
• Bring an umbrella. The most obvious sign of a tourist is their eagerness to use an umbrella. Sure, it rains a lot here, but it’s mostly a mist that barely registers physical raindrops. Locals wear waterproof jackets, instead, rarely opting for the obnoxious sidewalk bully that is an umbrella. 

Best Seattle Neighborhoods for Business Travelers

When choosing where to stay in Seattle for business travel, consider these top neighborhoods:

• Downtown: Ideal for most business travelers with central location, major corporate offices, and excellent transit connections
• South Lake Union: Perfect for finance industry meetings with easy access to Wall Street firms and quieter evenings
• Capitol Hill: Best for creative industry meetings, tech companies, and boutique hotel experiences
• Belltown: Newest business district featuring modern amenities, upscale dining, and technology company headquarters

Best Seattle Hotels for Business Travelers

Seattle's business-oriented accommodations provide a perfect blend of convenience and comfort. With modern amenities, centralized locations, and sophisticated spaces, these hotels ensure a seamless experience in the heart of the city.

Luxury Hotels

• Sheraton Grand Hotel – Close to the Convention Center, Pike Place Market, and the Space Needle in Downtown Seattle, the Sheraton Hotel offers spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and coffee makers. Dining options include a buffet breakfast, café, lounge, and rooftop bar with city views. Boasting a fitness center, indoor pool, spa, and business center, it's the perfect choice for business travelers seeking style and comfort in Seattle.
• Grand Hyatt Seattle – Located in downtown, the Grand Hyatt Seattle offers 425 modern guest rooms with stunning city views. Enjoy convenient access to popular attractions like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. Take advantage of delicious dining at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse or NYC Deli. Enhance your stay with amenities such as Starbucks, a business center, and spa services.
• Fairmont Olympic Hotel – If you're looking for a luxury hotel in downtown Seattle, you might want to check out the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. This historic hotel, built in 1924, has a stunning Italian Renaissance-style architecture and elegant rooms with marble bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and TVs. You can enjoy award-winning dining options, such as The George, a modern brasserie that serves seasonal dishes with local ingredients. You can also relax at the Penelope and the Beauty Bar spa, or swim in the indoor pool. The hotel is conveniently located near the waterfront, Pike Place Market, and the Seattle Art Museum.
• Hotel Andra –  Situated downtown, the Hotel Andra offers a chic retreat, combining Scandinavian design and Pacific Northwest allure. Guests enjoy spacious rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a pet-friendly atmosphere. Located near popular attractions like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, it serves as the perfect base for exploring the city. Indulge in Mediterranean flavors at Lola restaurant or savor authentic Italian cuisine at Assaggio Ristorante.

Conference-Friendly Hotels

• Westin Seatle – With breathtaking views of downtown Seattle and Puget Sound, at Westin Seattle you’re barely more than a stone’s throw from the Convention Center. 
• Mayflower Park Hotel – Built in 1927, the Mayflower Park Hotel is an historic beauty in the heart of downtown. 
• Hotel Max – The Andy Warhol original in the lobby of Hotel Max is sure to catch your attention on your way to the Convention Center. 

Budget-Friendly Hotels

• Belltown Inn – Charming, mid-range hotel several blocks northwest of downtown, the Belltown Inn is within easy walking distance of the historic Pike Place Market, the Space Needle and Seattle Center grounds, Symphony Hall, and the Convention Center.
• Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton/Northgate – Located in the Northgate district just 5.6 miles from Seattle Center, Hampton Inn & Suites gives you quick access to the light rail.
• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, SEA-TAC – Ten minutes from the airport, Country Inn & Suites provides a free 24-hour shuttle service. 

Walkable & Convenient Hotels

• Denny Park Hotel – Just a few minute walk to a light rail station, you’re not just located downtown, but a short walk to the Seattle Flagship store where REI beganl. Denny Park Hotel is a 4-star experience with access to just about everything you want as a business traveler. 
• Hotel Theodore – Centrally located in downtown, Hotel Theodore is a boutique lodging option in the middle of all the action. 
• Inn at the Market – Located directly in the famous Pike Place Market, Inn at the Market gives you stunning waterfront views while remaining close to all the relevant business happenings downtown.

Top Restaurants & Networking Spots

Client Meetings

• Capital One Cafe – A a coffee shop, co-working space, and conference/training venue, Capital One Cafe is a quiet spot with plenty of charging stations. 
• Verve Bowls - Capitol Hill – Juice bar, acai bowls, and smoothies, Verve Bowls is a great spot to meet with clients while refreshing from conference activities.
• The Cloud Room – A shared working environment with abundant light, the Cloud Room puts lot into establishing the right ambiance for a undistracted collaboration. 

Networking Cocktails

• The Nest – An upscale rooftop bar and lounge near the downtown waterfront, the Nest fills up quickly in the evenings. 
• Tapster – Located in South Lake Union, Tapster offers local and American-made wine spirits, cold brew coffee, kombucha, and even soda.
• Columbia Tower Club – Perched on the 75th floor for unrivaled panoramic views, Columbia Tower Club offers an exclusive setting for elite business networking, social engagements, and exquisite dining.
• Swedish Club – A hidden gem in Westlake, the Swedish Club bar is in the upstairs portion of a historic cultural center (many Swedes settled in the early years of Seattle) with charming views of Lake Union. 

Team Dinners

• Dreamland Bar & Diner – A casual eating spot that can accommodate big groups, Dreamland Bar and Diner offers a wide range of food options. And it’s like eating in a rainforest! 
• Vivienne’s Bistro – A classy Chinese restaurant in downtown, Vivienne’s Bistro includes two narrow levels of seating that offer just enough space to feel cozy but not overcrowded.
• Maneki – Located in the International District, Maneki is the oldest Japanese restaurant in the Emerald City, with authentic cuisine and seating styles. Be warned: It’s almost always busy, so get a reservation. 
• La Cocina Oaxaqueña – One of the more frequented Mexican restaurants in Seattle. If you’re looking for a larger group setting in Capitol Hill, La Cocina Oaxaqueña maintains a free buffet-style salsa bar. 

Quick Coffee Meetings

• Cafe Vita – Locally roasted coffee, visit Cafe Vita’s flagship roastery in Capitol Hill. 
• Fremont Coffee – Just north of Lake Union, Fremont Coffee is a cozy setting that’s easy to mistake for a small home. 
• Herkimer Coffee – In Westlake, Herkimer Coffee, like many businesses in the area, emphasizes sustainability and artisanal quality. 
• Analog Coffee – Tucked away down a quieter street in Capitol Hill, Analog Coffee offers a rotating selection of local roasters and Smith Brothers organic dairy. 

Best Co-Working Spaces & Remote Work Spots

• Works Progress Coworking Cooperative – In the relaxed Maple Leaf neighborhood, Works Progress Co-op sets itself apart as an “independent, democratic, community-owned” coworking space. It’s even dog-friendly! 
• Black Dot – On the edges of the Central District (CD) and Leschi neighborhoods, Black Dot is dedicated to “connecting entrepreneurs, creatives, and technologists of African descent.” It’s an energetic coworking space with workshop offerings, as well. 
• WeWork – A few blocks from the historic Smith Tower in Pioneer Square, WeWork is situated inside a newly constructed high-rise facing CenturyLink Field.
• The Pioneer Collective – An upscale space with on-site staff, modern technology, and an abundance of natural light, the Pioneer Collective in Belltown offers conference rooms wired with high-speed fiber internet and all your video conferencing needs.

After-Work & Bleisure Plans

• Golden Gardens – There is a bevy is great parks around Seattle, and Golden Gardens may be the best with its blend of rugged coastline and sandy beaches near a sizeable marina. If you’re visiting during the dry season (July-September), it’s a prime location for sunsets with views of the Olympic Mountains across Puget Sound. 
• Discovery Park – You can enjoy similarly fantastic views at Discovery Park, but it’s also a much larger area (560 acres) with hiking trails, enhanced by a historic lighthouse and structures that remain from its brief time as a military base from 1885 through the Korean War. 
• Other notable parks include Seward, Alki, Lincoln, Volunteer, Gasworks, and Carkeek. 
• Bainbridge Island – A few miles west of Seattle and accessible via a ferry, Bainbridge Island offers a blend of outdoor activities, wineries, and an artfully maintained small town main street.
• Port Townsend – An hour or so further north on the Olympic Peninsula, Port Townsend makes for a nice weekend getaway or day trip, with its Victorian architecture, coastal culture, and history. For a town of its size, it claims a rather lively local art scene.
• Seattle Center – A complex featuring the Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture, Pacific Science Center, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Pledge Arena, and McCaw Hall, Seattle Center also offers several eateries and green space. 

Frequently Asked Questions for Seattle Business Travelers