In late September 2025, our family traveled to Seattle for an Alaska cruise departure. We stayed one night before boarding and also spent a full day in Seattle after disembarkation, which made hotel location and luggage logistics especially important.
Seattle hotel prices around this period averaged USD 300+ per night, but we noticed something interesting:
the price for a 2-person room and a 4-person room was the same.
Since we were traveling with parents, we chose a hotel that offered:
- A central downtown location
- Large rooms suitable for four adults
- A globally recognized brand our parents would know that we pick a great hotel for them
That’s how we ended up choosing Sheraton Grand Seattle.
Location: Downtown Convenience Near Westlake
Address: 1400 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Nearest station: Westlake Station (7-minute walk)
The hotel is located in the heart of downtown Seattle. Once you exit Westlake Station, it’s an easy, safe walk—even in the evening.
Just two minutes from the hotel, we even spotted the iconic Din Tai Fung, the most , and saw locals carrying take-out bags on the street. Downtown Seattle felt lively but not chaotic, even on a Friday night.
Seattle’s airport light rail is convenient in theory, but in reality, the schedule can be unreliable.
- Our flight landed around 4:00 PM
- We didn’t reach downtown until nearly 7:00 PM
- In late September, sunset was already around 7:00 PM
If you’re arriving late, staying somewhere central like Sheraton really helps minimize additional transfers.
Lobby & Check-In Experience
We checked in immediately upon arrival, so I didn’t take many lobby photos. The lobby itself is large and busy—especially on weekends when events are happening.
Important note:
The restroom on the lobby level requires a code, which you can request directly from the front desk.
Destination Fee & On-Site Credits
When booking through Agoda, we were informed of an on-site destination fee payable at check-in.
- Fee paid: USD 31.21
- In return, we received:
- USD 20 dining credit (usable at the hotel Starbucks; drinks & food only, not merchandise)
- USD 10 Uber credit (you must request staff assistance when taking)
Room Review: Spacious Enough for Four Adults
Our room measured roughly 320 sq ft which is very spacious.
Highlights:
- Easily fit four large suitcases fully opened
- Beds were high and supportive, not too soft
- Comfortable for a family of four without feeling cramped
Bathroom Notes
The bathroom was finished in marble and featured:
- A fixed overhead shower only (no handheld showerhead)
- Slippery surfaces when wet—something to be cautious about
There was also a framed photo of Chihuly Garden and Glass, a nice Seattle-specific design touch.
In-Room Coffee: Starbucks, Seattle-Style
The room includes Starbucks coffee, but the “coffee machine” is essentially a hot water dispenser. You’re meant to pour hot water directly over the large coffee packet—not exactly gourmet, but functional.
Starbucks on the Ground Floor
Sadly, the iconic Starbucks Reserve Roastery Seattle announced a sudden closure the day before our trip. Luckily, I had visited back in 2016—but it was still disappointing news for first-time visitors.
We used our dining credit at the Starbucks downstairs the next morning.
Notes:
- Cash not accepted
- Drink sizes are very American (huge)
Search other Seattle Hotels near Westlake Station from the map below!
Evening Walks & Nearby Shopping
Pike Place Market Sign (11-Minute Walk)
After dropping off luggage, we walked to the classic Public Market neon sign for photos. The area felt okay and lively, even after dark.
Target Downtown Seattle
Inside Target, we found:
- Early Halloween merchandise (late September)
- Affordable groceries and snacks
- Popular U.S. brands like Stumptown Coffee (originally from Portland)
- Super cheap Haagen Dazs(those are sold 2x in Taiwan)
Seattle doesn’t have Blue Bottle cafés, but you can buy the beans here.
Remember to ask for a spoon if you do self check out, we forgot and had to eat the ice cream with stir sticks but it turns out fine.
If you bring your own shopping bag like I do, you can save some tiny amount of money (by selecting the option).
Budget Shopping at Ross Dress for Less
This is a treasure-hunt type store. We visited right before closing and still managed to grab:
- Gloves and a beanie (perfect for Alaska cruising)
- Chocolate souvenirs
Not a must-visit, but worth it if you enjoy bargain shopping.
Dinner Nearby: MOD Pizza
Just a 3-minute walk from the hotel, MOD Pizza has over 2,000 reviews with a solid rating.
- Build-your-own pizza style (similar to Subway)
- We ordered 2 pizzas + 1 salad
- Total: USD 44 after tax (~USD 11 per person)
Pesto sauce was excellent; tomato sauce was average. Good value, filling, and no tipping stress if you do take-out.
Luggage Storage After the Cruise: Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown
After disembarking the cruise early in the morning, we needed a place to store four large suitcases while sightseeing.
We booked luggage storage via Bounce, and the location turned out to be Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown.
- Cost: USD 31.16 for 4 large suitcases (full day)
- Used a VIRGINVOYAGES promo code for a small discount
- Uber from Pier 91: ~USD 14
Why This Location Was Excellent
- Spacious, lounge-like public areas
- Plenty of seating for parents to rest
- Restrooms, water refill, charging outlets
- Calm atmosphere compared to crowded shops
Honestly? It felt more comfortable than Sheraton’s lobby.
From here, we later took the Seattle Monorail to Westlake, then the airport light rail.
Bonus Mention: Ace Hotel Seattle
In 2025, I’ve stayed at Ace Hotels in:
But I skipped Ace Hotel Seattle, the brand’s birthplace, because the interior felt more like a college dorm—definitely not ideal when traveling with parents.
Final Verdict: Is Sheraton Grand Seattle Worth It?
Yes—especially if you’re:
- Traveling with family or parents
- Taking an Alaska cruise from Seattle
- Staying only 1–2 nights
- Looking for space, location, and brand reliability
Seattle’s downtown is compact. If time is limited, staying near Pike Place Market or Westlake saves energy and transit time. Alternatively, Hyatt House Downtown is an excellent option if shared spaces and comfort matter more than brand prestige.
Also read:
Starlux Airlines A350 Economy Class Review: Taipei to Seattle Flight Experience
