Finding a place to crash in Bellevue usually means one of two things. You’re either dropping $500 a night to stay in a glass tower where the lobby smells like expensive perfume and corporate ambition, or you’re stuck in a dingy roadside motel that hasn't been updated since the Reagan administration. It’s a weirdly polarized market. But Hotel 116 Bellevue WA occupies this middle ground that most travelers actually need, though it's often misunderstood by people who expect a generic Marriott experience.
Bellevue is a city of extremes.
It’s the tech hub of the Pacific Northwest, home to Amazon’s massive expansion and Valve’s headquarters. Everything is shiny. Everything is new. And yet, Hotel 116 sits there on 116th Ave NE, looking a bit more grounded than its neighbors. It’s basically a converted Coast Hotel that got a massive facelift, and honestly, it’s one of the few places in the 98004 zip code where you can get a "big room" feel without needing a corporate expense account to cover the bill.
The Real Deal on the Location
Let’s be real. When you book a hotel in Bellevue, you want to be near Bellevue Square or Lincoln Square. Hotel 116 Bellevue WA isn't literally on top of the mall, but it’s close enough that you can see the skyline. It sits right across I-405 from the main downtown core.
What does that actually mean for your trip?
It means you aren't fighting the nightmare traffic of Bellevue Way every time you want to leave the property. You have immediate access to the highway. If you've ever tried to exit a downtown Bellevue parking garage at 5:00 PM on a Tuesday, you know that’s a massive win. You’re about a 15-minute walk or a 3-minute Uber from the Bellevue Downtown Park and the high-end dining at The Lakehouse or Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi.
There's a Whole Foods right around the corner, which is a lifesaver if you don't want to spend $30 on a hotel breakfast. Seriously, just walk over there for a breakfast burrito and save your money for dinner at Din Tai Fung.
The Layout and Why It Matters
Most hotels today are vertical boxes. You enter a lobby, take an elevator, and walk down a long, windowless hallway. Hotel 116 Bellevue WA is sprawling. It has more of a campus feel. Because of its history as a previous-generation hotel, the rooms are significantly larger than what you’ll find at the newer Hyatt Regency or the W.
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You actually have space to move.
- The Courtyard: There is a central area that feels less like a hotel and more like an apartment complex.
- The Pool: It’s an outdoor pool. In Washington? Yeah, it’s seasonal. If you’re here in July, it’s a vibe. If you’re here in November, it’s basically just a decorative pond, but at least it provides a sense of openness to the property.
- The Parking: This is a big one. Parking in downtown Bellevue is usually $40+ per night. At Hotel 116, the parking situation is way more accessible and often bundled into the rate or significantly cheaper than the skyscrapers across the freeway.
Inside the Rooms: What to Expect
Let’s talk about the "Joie de Vivre" influence. For a while, this property was under that boutique umbrella, which brought in some cool, mid-century modern aesthetics. You’ll see a lot of wood tones, blues, and greys. It’s not "stuffy corporate."
The beds are actually comfortable. Not "I guess this is fine" comfortable, but genuinely good. They use high-quality linens that feel a bit more premium than the price point suggests.
One thing people get wrong about Hotel 116 Bellevue WA is the noise. Because it’s near the freeway, some folks worry they’ll hear the hum of I-405 all night. Honestly? The soundproofing is surprisingly decent. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room facing the inner courtyard rather than the street side. It makes a world of difference.
The bathrooms are clean but simple. Don't expect a rainfall showerhead with 12 jets. It’s a standard setup, but it’s well-maintained. The workspace in the rooms is actually functional, too. Since so many people staying here are in town for Microsoft or T-Mobile contracts, the desks aren't just tiny decorative shelves; they are actual places where you can sit with a laptop for four hours without needing a chiropractor afterward.
Amenities and the "Work-From-Hotel" Vibe
The fitness center is decent. It’s not a SoulCycle studio, but it has the essentials: some cardio machines, free weights, and enough space to stretch.
Wait.
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The most important thing for many is the coffee situation. There’s usually coffee in the lobby, but again, you’re so close to some of the best coffee in the state that you should probably head out. Dote Coffee Cafe is nearby—get the ganache latte. You won’t regret it.
Addressing the Common Gripes
It wouldn't be a fair look at Hotel 116 Bellevue WA if we didn't talk about the downsides. This isn't a five-star luxury resort.
Some of the hallways feel a bit dated. Even with the renovations, you can tell the building has some history. It’s a "vintage" structure that has been polished up. Sometimes the elevators are a bit slow. Sometimes the layout is a little confusing because of the multiple wings.
But here’s the thing: you’re paying half the price of the Westin.
In a city as expensive as Bellevue, you have to trade something. Here, you’re trading the "brand-new building smell" for "extra square footage and a better bank balance." It’s a pragmatic choice.
Dining Options Nearby
While the hotel has had various on-site dining options over the years (like the Woodblock-adjacent concepts), the real strength is the proximity to the Wilburton area and Downtown.
- Gilbert’s Main Street Parlor: About a 5-minute drive. Best deli sandwiches in the city. Huge portions.
- Ivar’s Seafood Bar: Just down the road if you want that classic PNW clam chowder fix without the Seattle Waterfront crowds.
- Paddy Coyne’s Irish Pub: Literally right there. It’s reliable, the fish and chips are solid, and it’s a great spot for a pint after a long day of meetings.
Who is Hotel 116 Bellevue WA for, anyway?
It’s for the business traveler who is tired of tiny, overpriced rooms.
It’s for the family visiting the Bellevue Botanical Garden (which is incredibly close) who needs two queen beds and room for a stroller.
It’s for the person who wants to explore the Eastside—Kirkland, Redmond, Woodinville wine country—without being trapped in the "Bellevue Bubble" of the downtown core.
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If you’re looking for a "scene" where you can wear your finest Gucci and be seen in the lobby, go to the W.
If you want a comfortable, stylish, and functional base camp that won't make you wince when you see the final bill, this is it.
Practical Tips for Your Stay
Don't just book the first rate you see. Hotel 116 Bellevue WA often has better deals on their direct site or through local business discounts.
- Ask for a top-floor room. The ceilings feel higher and you get more natural light.
- Check the event calendar. Bellevue hosts a lot of festivals (like the Arts Fair). This hotel fills up fast because it's the "secret" affordable spot for vendors and attendees.
- Use the back exits. If you’re driving, learn the back way out toward 112th Ave. It’ll save you ten minutes of idling at traffic lights.
Bellevue is changing fast. The "Spring District" is popping up just north of the hotel, bringing in REI’s former headquarters (now Meta offices) and a ton of new breweries and eateries. Hotel 116 is perfectly positioned to benefit from this. It’s no longer on the "edge" of town; it’s becoming the center of the new Bellevue.
Making the Most of Your Eastside Trip
When you stay here, you’re about 20 minutes from the Woodinville warehouses. If you like wine, skip the fancy estates and go to the "Tin Room" area. It’s where the actual winemakers hang out.
Also, take the 520 bridge into Seattle instead of I-90 if you want a better view, though keep in mind it’s a tolled bridge. The hotel’s location makes it easy to hop on either.
Honestly, the best way to handle a stay at Hotel 116 is to treat it like your home base. Wake up, grab a coffee, head out to Marymoor Park or the Microsoft campus, and come back to a room that doesn't feel like a cramped closet.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your dates against the Bellevue Convention Center schedule; if there’s a major tech conference, prices here will spike, so book at least three weeks out. Request a courtyard-facing room in your reservation notes to ensure the quietest possible stay. If you are arriving via light rail (once the 2 Line is fully operational), check the walking distance from the Wilburton Station, as it makes the airport commute significantly easier without needing a rental car. Ensure you have the "Pay By Phone" or "Flowbird" app downloaded for any street parking you might do in the nearby downtown area, though the hotel lot remains your most cost-effective bet for overnight stays.