Okay so I stayed at Hotel Max in Seattle and I have zero notes. Like actually none. This isn’t sponsored or anything, I just loved it and needed to talk about it. If you want a hotel that’s chill, this is it. The hotel has good vibes. It doesn’t feel like a sterile box.
The vibe
This place is very Seattle in the best way. A little grungy, a little artsy, super cozy. It’s like if an art gallery and a boutique hotel had a baby. The lobby is moody and warm with vinyl records, local art, and soft lighting. I definitely took some mirror selfies here.
It feels intentional. Not just “we threw a couch here and called it modern.” It has a whole look, and it’s hot af.
The location
It’s right downtown on 5th Ave and walking distance to everything.
The location is perfect. It’s great for walking and exploring.
Hotel Max is in downtown Seattle on 5th Avenue, and it was honestly so convenient.
It is a 5-minute walk to Pike Place Market. It takes 10 minutes to reach the waterfront. The area is surrounded by cute coffee shops, stores, and restaurants. It’s easy to get to Capitol Hill and other neighborhoods. We walked almost everywhere and only grabbed a car once.
It felt central but not chaotic — which I loved. If you like exploring cities by foot, It’s ideal because I can’t deal with overstimulation before caffeine.
We walked everywhere!! AND didn’t Uber once.
If you want to actually experience Seattle and not just pass through it, make this your spot.
The room
We got a room with two queen beds and it was perfect for flopping down after walking all day. The design was cute and bold, not just the usual beige-on-beige nothing. The beds were so comfy. The lighting was soft and flattering. (Again — mirror selfies were taken.) The shower had solid pressure. This matters. I loved the shampoo and conditioner provided, it made my very fine and dry hair feel so soft and moist.
Also… they have a pillow menu. Yes, a menu of pillows. I didn’t even know I needed that and now I’m obsessed.
The staff
Honestly? Loved them. Everyone was just relaxed and nice. Not fake-nice either — like genuinely welcoming without being annoying.
They made it easy to check in, easy to check out, and the whole stay felt like they actually cared. That’s rare.
Little things I loved
- Free craft beer in the lobby. I repeat. Free. Beer.
- Pet friendly — there were dogs and I was emotionally invested!
- Fast Wi-Fi
- Lobby lighting was too good
- The whole place is walkable and cute, but still lowkey af.
- I felt safe enough to smoke a joint in the back of the ally at 3 AM. (loool)
What to know before you book
Just to keep it real:
- The hotel is in an older building, so expect a little character (some small rooms, vintage-y elevators)
- No full restaurant on site, but there’s a connected pizza spot and plenty of food nearby
- Valet parking only, which is normal for downtown but just something to budget for
- Room prices range from $130–$200+ per night, depending on season and room type
(Pro tip: we booked directly through their site and got a better rate than third-party sites)
TLDR: Hotel Max Highlights
- Downtown location, walkable to market and waterfront
- Artsy and stylish without being pretentious
- Comfy two-queen rooms with pillow menu
- Amazing staff and free craft beer
- Pet friendly and super photogenic
- Slightly older building but charming
- Great for solo trips, couples, or girls weekends
Would I stay again?
Yes!! Already planning to. It just hit that perfect balance of cozy and cool, without trying too hard.
Final thoughts
If you’re heading to Seattle and want a hotel that feels like the city, book Hotel Max. It’s creative, chill, and full of personality.
No brand deal, no ad — just a genuinely good stay I’d happily repeat.
