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A Link light rail train at the elevated Northgate Station in north Seattle

Northgate Hotels in Seattle: A Quiet Base by Light Rail

Stay in Northgate and step onto Link light rail for a direct ride to downtown, the University of Washington and SeaTac Airport. Choose from five hotels within easy reach of the station in a calmer corner of north Seattle.

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Frequently asked questions

The Residence Inn Seattle Northgate Station sits steps from the Link light rail platform. Hotel Nexus is about 0.3 mile away, and the Hampton Inn and Suites is about 0.6 mile away.

Yes. Link light rail runs from SeaTac Airport through downtown and the University of Washington to Northgate, and you can pay by tapping a credit card or mobile wallet.

Hotel Nexus offers dog friendly rooms on request. Confirm current pet policies and any fees directly with the hotel.

The Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Northgate is within walking distance of the Kraken Community Iceplex as well as Northgate Station.

The full guide

At the northern end of the Link light rail line, Northgate offers a calmer north end base with a direct ride to the University of Washington, downtown and SeaTac Airport. Northgate hotels in Seattle gather close to the station: the Residence Inn sits steps away, Hotel Nexus is about a third of a mile off, and the Courtyard and Hampton Inn are within walking range too. Rates and amenities change, so confirm details with each hotel.

Why Northgate Makes a Good Base

Here you swap downtown bustle for a quieter neighborhood feel, and you still have the whole city within easy reach. Link light rail runs from SeaTac Airport through downtown and the University of Washington before finishing its northbound run at Northgate Station.

That means you can land at the airport, ride the train north and walk to several hotels without ever hailing a car. If you are driving, Interstate 5 is close at hand, which makes day trips north toward Lynnwood and Edmonds simple to plan.

Read the full guide

Hotels Near Northgate Station

Residence Inn Seattle Northgate Station

For the shortest possible walk to the train, book this Marriott property at 10600 1st Ave NE, just steps from the Link light rail platform. Head downtown for the day or roll your bags over to catch a flight with almost no effort at all.

Hotel Nexus, BW Signature Collection

About 0.3 mile from Northgate Station at 2140 North Northgate Way, Hotel Nexus is known for its retro style paired with updated rooms. Expect microwaves and mini fridges in the rooms, dog friendly rooms on request and a seasonal outdoor pool to enjoy in the warmer months. Grab a meal at the on-site Saffron Bar and Grill, which serves American, Indian and Mediterranean dishes, and consider a kitchen suite if you are settling in for a longer stay.

Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Northgate

The Courtyard sits within walking distance of both Northgate Station and the Kraken Community Iceplex. That pairing makes it a natural fit for hockey families, skaters and fans heading to the practice rink, as well as anyone who wants to reach the train on foot.

Hampton Inn and Suites Seattle/Northgate

This Hilton brand hotel is about 0.6 mile from the station, an easy stroll for most travelers carrying light bags. Choose it when you want a familiar chain stay with the train still within comfortable reach.

Comfort Inn and Suites Seattle North

Comfort Inn and Suites Seattle North lies under 2 miles from Northgate Station. It works best if you are arriving by car or are happy to take a short ride over to the light rail.

Before you book, check each hotel's own website for current rates, amenities and policies.

Getting Around From Northgate

The light rail is the real draw here, and it is easy to use from your very first ride. Simply tap a credit card or mobile wallet at the station, so there is no need to buy a transit card ahead of time.

  • To the airport: ride Link south through downtown to SeaTac.
  • To the University of Washington: hop on for a short train ride south of Northgate.
  • By car: Interstate 5 runs right past the neighborhood.
  • Rideshare and taxis: you will find them widely available across the area.

Parks, Green Space and History Nearby

One of the pleasures of staying north is the open space all around the hotels. Spend an hour at Northgate Park on 5th Ave NE in Maple Leaf, right beside the Northgate Branch of The Seattle Public Library. Several small natural areas along Thornton Creek are close by too, including Beaver Pond, Kingfisher and Licorice Fern.

For a meaningful short outing from any of these hotels, visit Licton Springs Park, which surrounds a natural spring that Coast Salish people have visited for thousands of years. In 2019 it became the first Native cultural site named a Seattle city landmark.

Golf, Trails and Dog Walks

Bring your clubs to Jackson Park Golf Course, a public course with an 18 hole layout, a nine hole par three and a driving range. Thornton Creek winds through the grounds, where people have been teeing off since 1928.

Traveling with a dog, perhaps in one of those pet friendly rooms? Head to Northacres Park in Haller Lake, where 20.7 acres hold an off-leash area, wooded trails, sports fields and a splash pad for kids.

Ready to explore further? Browse our guide to things to do in Seattle for more ideas across the city.