History & Legends
From The Beatles and Black Sabbath to Kurt Cobain, The Edgewater is home to legends and their stories.
Spanning musical genres and generations, The Edgewater has a rich history of hosting legendary bands and artists. A famous visit by the Beatles in 1964 launched the hotel into notoriety as a favorite Seattle destination among musicians that continues to this day.
Watch below as we recount stories surrounding some of our most memorable guests.
The Beatles
In 1964, at the height of Beatlemania, few hotels would host the Fab 4. During their world tour, however, The Edgewater welcomed them. An ambulance was used to transport the band to the hotel to keep the fans at bay, and the hotel had to install special fencing around the property. Some fans even tried to swim across Elliott Bay to get to the band. It was during this stay that this famous picture of the band fishing out of their window at the hotel was captured.
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin takes the cake for one of rock n’ roll’s most notorious stories. Most of the details are too controversial to recount here, but we can tell you that in 1973, the band was officially banned from staying at the hotel after it was discovered they had caught roughly 30 mud sharks from their guest room window and disposed of beds, TVs, lamps, etc. into Elliott Bay. Years later, the band was welcomed back and remains a frequent visitor at the hotel.
Frank Zappa
In 1998, Frank Zappa released his compilation album called Cheap Thrills. Track 7, titled The Mudshark Interview, recounts a conversation at The Edgewater where the front office manager describes how guests used to frequently fish out of their guest room windows. Shark, squid, and octopuses regularly wound up in the hotel rooms. At that time, you could even rent fishing equipment and buy bait out of the hotel gift shop. Zappa allegedly partook in a legendary fishing excursion from his window during his stay, keeping a mudshark alive in the bathtub.
Pearl Jam
No stranger to The Edgewater, Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder was in attendance at the unveiling of the hotel’s Wyland Wall. Vedder assisted American artist and conservationist, Wyland, in the mural painting aimed at bringing awareness to significance of the J Pod in Seattle’s waters. Next time you visit us, ask to stay in the Pearl Jam suite. The room features original band art, a turntable, and a guitar to play.
A Long List of Legends
Since The Edgewater opened in 1962, a long list of musicians has called it home. Here are just some of them: The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, Stevie Wonder, The Monkees, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, The Mamas and the Papas, Ray Charles, The Supremes, Willie Nelson, Blondie, Kurt Cobain, The Jeff Beck Project, EmmyLou Harris, Jethro Tull, Lou Rawls, Neil Young, Rod Stewart, The Who, Vanilla Fudge, David Bowie, Johnny Cash, Chris Cornell, Iggy Pop, and Alice Cooper.
Current Artists
National and international artists continue to visit The Edgewater when touring through Seattle. Notable guests have included Katharine McPhee (American Idol), Macklemore, The Cure, Harry Connick, Jr., Jewel, REM, Def Leppard, and Train.
The Suite Life
Immerse yourself in music history by staying in of our themed suites. The Beatles Suite and Pearl Jam Suite promise an unforgettable experience.
The Suite Life
Immerse yourself in music history by staying in of our themed suites. The Beatles Suite and Pearl Jam Suite promise an unforgettable experience.
PACKAGES & OFFERS
Best in the PNW
Stay at the #2 Best Hotel in Seattle according to Travel + Leisure in the 2024 World’s Best Awards. Book your over-water getaway and discover why we are consistently named one of the best in the city year after year.
Gift Cards Now Available
Give the gift of exploration, adventure or over-water dining in Seattle. Gift cards to The Edgewater Hotel and Six Seven are now available for purchase.
ADDRESS
The Edgewater Hotel
2411 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98121
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AWARDS & PRESS
Best Hotel View
The Seattle Times Best in the PNW – 2023
#10 Hotel in the Pacific Northwest
Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards – 2022
