Photo: Rachael Jones

Meeting in Seattle FAQs

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Hotel & Venue FAQs


How many hotels and hotel rooms are available in Seattle?

Seattle has a robust brand mix of 65+ hotels in the downtown core, totaling nearly 17,000 rooms—with 8,500 of those rooms within a 6-block radius of Seattle Convention Center. Get more information here. 

What are Seattle’s convention center options?

Seattle Convention Center (SCC) operates two convention center buildings—Arch and Summit—both located in the heart of Seattle’s compact, walkable downtown. Explore each building:

SCC’s new Summit building (opened January 2023) is located just one-and-a-half blocks from the existing Arch building. Summit nearly doubles SCC’s footprint and enables Seattle to book simultaneous meetings at each facility or combine the two for large groups. 

Learn more about Seattle Convention Center or explore Seattle’s many other meeting and event venues. 

What are off-site venue options for a reception with approximately 1,500-2,000 people near Seattle Convention Center?

Our Convention Services team would be happy to provide recommendations suited to your needs—please get in touch! Some options for 1,500-2,000 people near SCC include The Paramount Theatre, Seattle Art Museum, Benaroya Hall, the Seattle Aquarium, MoPOP. Additionally, on this page you’ll find a list of Seattle venues and their distance from SCC, organized by max seated capacity.

What are some restaurants for a group dinner near the Seattle Convention Center and downtown hotels?

Our Convention Services team would be happy to provide recommendations suited to your needs—please get in touch! Some restaurant highlights within 5 blocks of Seattle Convention Center include: 2120, Butcher’s Table, Cortina, Purple Café & Wine Bar, and Wild Ginger. Additionally, on this page you’ll find a list of Seattle restaurants and their distance from SCC, organized by max seated capacity.

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General Destination FAQs


What kind of attractions does the city offer attendees?

Seattle offers endless pre and post options, with something for everyone. While here, attendees can explore before, during, or after the event with a variety of activities and attractions, from renowned shops, restaurants, and bars to breathtaking outdoor sights, cultural landmarks, and museums—all within a stone’s throw of the city’s world-class hotels and meeting venues. Learn more.  

What's the weather like in Seattle?

The weather in Seattle is temperate—it is rarely very cold or very hot. And, despite its reputation, the city receives fewer inches of rainfall than some major cities including Atlanta, Houston, Boston, and New York City.

Is downtown Seattle safe?

Yes. In a 2023 Gallup poll, Americans rated Seattle as one of the top three safest cities in the US. Tens of millions of visitors travel to the Emerald City each year. Still, as in any major city, there are some public safety issues the city is working to resolve. Visit Seattle closely tracks these issues and partners with key agencies and organizations who are making our city a safer place. Learn more.

Where can I learn about Seattle’s transportation?

Seattle is a walkable city with state-of-the-art transit. With more than 1,200 domestic and international flights arriving and departing daily to and from SEA Airport—and as the home base of Alaska Airlines—Seattle is easy to get to and to get around. Learn more.

How many nonstop flights are there to and from Seattle? What airlines serve Seattle?

At SEA Airport, 36 airlines serve 94 nonstop domestic and 34 international destinations. SEA Airport is a hub for Alaska Airlines and Delta. Learn more.

What is the average taxi or rideshare (Lyft/Uber) cost between SEA Airport and downtown?

At SEA Airport, taxis and ride-sharing companies are available on the third floor of the parking garage. One-way rides between the airport and downtown range from $40-$55. Learn more.

What sustainability measures are being taken by the city, Seattle Convention Center, and the headquarter convention hotels?

Seattle consistently ranks as one of the most sustainable cities in the country. Bold steps have been taken to secure an environmentally friendly future, from mandated composting and garbage trucks that run on biodiesel to a goal of zero-emissions within the next 10 years. Learn more.

Sustainability at Seattle Convention Center

From providing locally sourced food and beverages in compostable packaging to repurposing cooking oils for biofuel, Seattle Convention Center makes green living a priority. SCC’s Arch building is a world-class, LEED Silver-certified venue and the new Summit building is LEED Platinum-certified. Learn more.

Sustainability at Headquarter Hotels

  • Hyatt Regency Seattle was the first Seattle hotel to achieve LEED Gold Certification. LEED-certified buildings save money, improve efficiency, lower carbon emissions, and create healthier places for people. Learn more.
  • Sheraton Grand Seattle was the first hotel in the nation to launch a “green room” program where guests are rewarded for reducing towel and linen replacement during their stay.
  • The Westin Seattle is an Green Key Eco-Rating Program-certified property with a water recycling system that recycles used wash water to reduce consumption.
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VISIT SEATTLE SERVICES FAQs


What can Visit Seattle do for me?

Visit Seattle is your go-to resource for planning events and meetings from beginning to end. Our knowledgeable, qualified staff can help with all of your needs, including: site selection, destination literature, local resources, and much more. Explore our self-serve meetings toolkit here. 

What can Visit Seattle do to welcome my meeting attendees to the city?

Depending on your group, Visit Seattle can welcome your meeting attendees to the city in various ways. In the past, we have placed Welcome Ambassadors on attendees’ route to Seattle Convention Center, hosted musicians outside the convention center, and set up activations or enhancements at groups’ registration or opening reception. Reach out to our Convention Services team to learn what we can do for you.

Can Visit Seattle provide referrals to local media, organizations, or businesses to help promote my meeting?

We are happy to provide referrals to local contacts. Please reach out to our Convention Services team about your specific needs.

 

 

What financial incentives can the city contribute for my group to come to Seattle?

There are some incentives that exist for citywide conventions on a case-by-case basis. Please contact your Visit Seattle representative to discuss your specific group.

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