When family or friends visit Bellevue, most recommendations point to two places.

Hyatt Regency Bellevue and Westin Bellevue.

While they are on the pricier side, the experiences offered by these two hotels in downtown Bellevue are definitely top-notch.

Having stayed there myself and gathered feedback from others, I'll summarize the differences to help you decide which hotel suits you best.

Meeting various people in educational settings, I've realized that a good accommodation can significantly enhance the overall experience of a visit.

Hyatt Regency Bellevue is located in the heart of downtown Bellevue and features 732 rooms and 39 suites.

Each room comes with a 65-inch TV, and there's a 7,000 square foot fitness center, making it popular among long-term guests and business travelers.

Notably impressive is the 24-hour 13 Coins restaurant.

It's rare to find a place in Bellevue where you can have a proper meal even in the early morning, and this restaurant is practical for guests adjusting to time differences since it serves food late into the night.

Eques restaurant offers decent brunch and dinner menus, and the hotel is directly connected to the Bellevue Collection shopping mall, which has over 250 stores and more than 45 restaurants within walking distance. This means you don't need to drive for shopping or dining, which is a significant advantage. Even in bad weather, everything can be handled indoors, making it convenient during the rainy season.

Westin Bellevue has 337 rooms, making it smaller than Hyatt, but it recently completed a $24 million renovation in 2024, giving it a much more sophisticated interior.

The renovation cost over $71,200 per room, resulting in noticeably improved furniture and interior quality.

With 27,000 square feet of event space, it's frequently used for corporate events and conferences. The Truce Spa is available, making Westin a better fit for those seeking spa services. It's also close to Bellevue Square, enhancing shopping accessibility.

The Westin's signature Heavenly Bed bedding system is a differentiating factor for those who prioritize sleep quality. The rooms have been modernized significantly since the renovation, so those familiar with the old Westin might want to revisit.

Both hotels charge separate parking fees, and due to Bellevue's cost of living, room prices are not low. However, if you want to create good memories with family visiting, these two places offer experiences that are well worth the price. In my experience, first-time visitors to Bellevue tend to prefer Hyatt.

Since it connects directly to the downtown mall, you can manage everything indoors even in bad weather. On the other hand, those who prefer a quieter atmosphere or want a spa experience are generally more satisfied with Westin.

For families with children, the mall connection at Hyatt is much more convenient, while couples or wellness travelers may find Westin's spa more suitable. Given Washington State's weather, hotels with good indoor amenities tend to have higher satisfaction rates. When asked for accommodation recommendations for visitors to Bellevue, I always start with these two places.

As a side note, both hotels offer much more reasonable rates if booked in advance. Utilizing weekday rates or AAA membership discounts can make a significant difference. For long stays, Hyatt's World of Hyatt points accumulation is beneficial, and if you're a Marriott Bonvoy member, Westin is part of the same chain, allowing you to earn points there as well.

I recommend considering mileage programs when choosing a hotel. If you're planning a visit to Bellevue, either of these two hotels would be an excellent base for downtown accessibility.