The Best Hotels Closest to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma for 2026

A large fish with a yellow tail swimming in clear water.

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Our top choices for Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium hotels

A living room with a sofa, coffee table, and a bookshelf.

A bedroom with a bed, a white shelving unit, and a clock on the wall.

A kitchen with white cabinets, a stainless steel sink, and a window overlooking a residential area.

A kitchen with a gas stove, sink, and a window overlooking a house.

1. Walk to the waterfront The Cozy Cottage

North End, 2.2 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Adriana

NT$3,260

NT$5,758 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

A spacious lobby with a central seating area, large windows, and a view of the parking area.

A modern hotel with multiple floors, a parking lot, and illuminated signage.

A spacious lobby with large windows, a modern chandelier, and a reception area.

An indoor swimming pool with clear blue water, surrounded by walls with large windows.

2. Best Western Plus Tacoma Hotel

South End, 14.2 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Uris

NT$3,651

NT$4,196 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 21 - Oct 22

A modern hotel lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and large windows.

A modern kitchen with a built-in microwave, sink, and a small countertop.

A hotel room with a bed, desk, chair, TV, and large windows.

A hotel with a neon sign indicating 'Hampton Inn & Suites' and a clear entrance.

3. Hampton Inn & Suites Tacoma

South End, 14.3 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Akele

NT$3,929

NT$4,512 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 19 - Oct 20

A modern breakfast area with a self-serve station, refrigerated display, and a view through the window.

A modern hotel lobby with a reception desk, bar area, and seating with orange and gray chairs.

A modern living room with a grey sectional sofa, wooden chairs, and a colorful rug.

4. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Seattle Federal Way

16.1 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Christian

NT$3,236

NT$3,641 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 18 - Oct 19

A spacious lobby with a modern design, featuring a seating area with sofas and armchairs, a wooden coffee table, and a dining area with a long table and chairs.

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, and a window with curtains.

A spacious lobby with a wooden reception desk, a staircase, and a coffee station.

A buffet setup with various food items in metal containers, a coffee machine, and a rice cooker on a kitchen counter.

5. Holiday Inn Express Federal Way Seattle South by IHG

16.6 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Claudia

NT$3,506

NT$3,945 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 15 - Nov 16

A bar area with multiple seating options, a coffee machine, and a variety of beverages and snacks displayed on shelves.

A modern hotel lobby with a large seating area, a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall, and a dining area with a wooden table and chairs.

An outdoor patio area with a dining table, chairs, and a large umbrella.

An indoor swimming pool with clear blue water, surrounded by blue walls and windows.

6. Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Federal Way

16.7 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Colin

NT$4,023

NT$4,526 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 25 - Oct 26

A Marina Inn with a blue and white exterior, a parking lot, and a clear sky.

A hotel room with a blue wall, a wooden floor, a bed, a desk with a lamp, a chair, a cart, and a staircase.

A hotel room with a bed, a chair, a small table, a lamp, and a microwave in the kitchenette.

A long, narrow hallway with wooden flooring and blue walls, featuring doors on both sides and a sign indicating a breakfast room and fire monitor system.

7. Marina Inn

18.2 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Marisela

NT$2,486

NT$2,797 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 2 - Nov 3

A lobby with four armchairs, a central ottoman, and framed artwork on the walls.

A vending machine area with drinks and snacks.

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, and a large window with curtains.

A spacious indoor area with a long wooden table and blue chairs, large windows, and a clock on the wall.

8. Comfort Inn & Suites Lakewood by JBLM

18.1 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Julie

NT$3,663

NT$4,193 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 8 - Nov 9

A historic building with the name "McMenamins Elks Temple" on the facade.

A breakfast setting with a variety of dishes including eggs, toast, and a drink.

A hallway with a warm orange wall, black trim, and a large potted plant. There are framed pictures on the walls and a chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

A white building with the name "McMenamins" on the facade, featuring a grand staircase and ornate windows.

9. McMenamins Elk Temple

Downtown Tacoma, 8 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Teresa

NT$4,023

NT$4,619 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 18 - Oct 19

A spacious restaurant with a long counter and multiple seating areas.

A modern waiting area with comfortable seating, a flat-screen TV, and a large window offering a view of the outdoors.

A modern office space with a large desk, multiple chairs, a television, and a view through large windows.

A modern lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and a large painting on the wall.

10. Holiday Inn Tacoma Mall by IHG

South End, 14.5 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Cary

NT$3,217

NT$3,703 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 15 - Nov 16

A spacious lobby with multiple seating areas, large windows offering views of the outdoors, and a staircase leading to an upper level.

A hotel room with a bed, a sofa, a desk with a chair, a TV, a microwave, and a fireplace.

A home gym with dumbbells, exercise balls, and kettlebells.

A hotel room with a fireplace, a bed, a television, a desk, and a sofa.

11. The INN at Gig Harbor

4.6 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Joseph

NT$3,891

NT$4,421 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 19 - Oct 20

A marina with boats docked, a wooden pier with seating, and a backdrop of houses and trees.

A modern living room with a sofa, armchairs, a coffee table, and a dining table. There is a sliding glass door leading to a balcony with a stone wall and greenery outside.

A bedroom with a fireplace, a bed, a TV, and a view of the outdoors.

A living room with two armchairs, a television, and a fireplace with a visible fire.

12. Waterfront Inn

6.4 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Nicole

NT$5,757

NT$6,402 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 2 - Nov 3

A Hampton Inn & Suites hotel entrance with a modern design, featuring a prominent sign, a covered entrance, and well-maintained landscaping.

A hotel lobby with multiple dining tables and chairs, a fireplace, artwork on the walls, and a staircase leading to an upper level.

A hotel reception desk with a framed 'explore' sign and a 'Hilton Honors' sign.

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, and a large mirror.

13. Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle/Federal Way

16.8 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Audriana

NT$3,526

NT$3,967 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

A hotel dining area with multiple tables and chairs, a refrigerator with beverages, and a coffee station.

A reception area with a reception desk, a sofa, a coffee table, a chandelier, and a rug.

A hotel room with two beds, a large mirror, and two framed pictures on the wall.

A clear blue swimming pool with a lifeguard stand, lounge chairs, and a fenced area with a building in the background.

14. Best Western Lakewood

14.9 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Karon

NT$2,980

NT$3,417 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 16 - Oct 17

A spacious lobby with a reception desk, multiple seating areas, and a polished floor.

A spacious hotel lobby with multiple dining tables and chairs, a reception area, and a large window providing natural light.

An indoor swimming pool with a curved edge, surrounded by a tiled floor and walls.

A coffee station with two coffee machines and a variety of coffee pods and cups.

15. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tacoma South - Lakewood by IHG

17.4 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

tina

NT$3,441

NT$3,941 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 13 - Nov 14

A spacious lobby with a central chandelier, escalators, and a patterned carpet.

A modern casino hotel lobby with a curved seating area, large windows, and a chandelier.

A spacious lobby with a central seating area, escalators, and a modern chandelier.

A modern hotel lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and a sign indicating the direction to the casino parking.

16. Emerald Queen Hotel and Casino - Tacoma

Eastside, 11.4 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Gregory

NT$6,628

NT$7,578 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 18 - Oct 19

A bar area with multiple stools, a bar counter, and hanging pendant lights.

Three self-service beverage vending machines with various drink options and snacks.

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a wardrobe.

A modern indoor space with tables and chairs, large windows, and artwork on the walls.

17. Best Western Plus Downtown Tacoma

New Tacoma, 10.2 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

John

NT$3,253

NT$3,744 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 19 - Oct 20

A circular fire pit surrounded by wicker chairs and tables, with a covered patio area and a building in the background.

A lobby with a map, chairs, a round table, and a sign about Lakewood, WA.

A hotel room with a sofa, a desk, a bed, a TV, and a kitchen area.

A modern hotel lobby with a blue sofa, dining area, and kitchen in the background.

18. TownePlace Suites by Marriott Tacoma Lakewood

17.3 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

JEAN

NT$3,734

NT$4,274 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 31 - Nov 1

A hotel room with a bed, a sofa, a nightstand, and a lamp.

A modern kitchen with a flat-screen TV, wooden cabinets, a microwave, and a sink.

A parking area with electric vehicle charging stations, a hotel building in the background, and a clear sky.

A kitchen with a microwave, sink, and refrigerator.

19. Woodspring Suites Algona/Auburn - Seattle South

19.7 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Sheila

NT$2,798

NT$3,148 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 18 - Oct 19

A modern living room with a large TV, a fireplace, and a dining area with a round table and chairs.

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, and a bathroom.

A modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, wooden cabinets, and blue-tiled backsplash.

20. Staybridge Suites Federal Way - Seattle South by IHG

16.6 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Manal

NT$5,115

NT$5,754 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 15 - Nov 16

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Compare popular hotels close to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Property	Property class	Guest rating
Walk to the waterfront The Cozy Cottage	8.4 Very good 18 reviews	View
Best Western Plus Tacoma Hotel	9.2 Wonderful 1,270 reviews	View
Hampton Inn & Suites Tacoma	9.0 Wonderful 1,001 reviews	View
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Seattle Federal Way	8.4 Very good 1,436 reviews	View
Holiday Inn Express Federal Way Seattle South by IHG	8.8 Excellent 567 reviews	View

Top Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium Hotel Reviews

Hotel Murano

10/10 Excellent

"good"

The Maritime Inn

10/10 Excellent

"I liked the little guest room we stayed in. We had a decent view of the marina, a little fireplace in the room was more than enough to keep it warm. It was clean and quaint. The beds were a little firm for my liking. The room/bathroom were well stocked. The staff was nice. Upon check in we got our room keys and then were told we got a complimentary glass of wine before 9pm. They did offer a small continental breakfast, but we did try it."

Best Western Wesley Inn & Suites

10/10 Excellent

"Great location"

Walk to the waterfront The Cozy Cottage

8/10 Good

"The cozy cottage is the perfect place to stay for 1-2 people when visiting the Ruston area in Tacoma. There’s a small convenience store a couple blocks away with coffee, beers, etc. Wifi on site was fast and easy to connect to (once we did a little troubleshooting). Towels and basic toiletries are provided as well as dishes, a Brita water filter, and Keurig coffee maker. The bed is comfy, but the bedroom does get warm in the summer. There’s a large fan in the bedroom to keep cool. Overall, I would recommend this place of looking for a place to stay in Ruston / Tacoma."

Walk to the waterfront The Hobbit House

10/10 Excellent

"It was quiet and quaint, very homey. The communication from the host was impeccable. We'll be a return guest, for sure!"

Other attractions near Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

A rustic wooden cabin interior with various tools and equipment, including a large bear statue, wooden buckets, and a wheelbarrow.

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum

Interact with interpreters in period clothing and explore replica 19th-century buildings at this living history museum.

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Point Defiance Park

9.4/10 (37 reviews)

One of the largest urban parks in the United States is a green space home to lovely gardens as well as a fun-filled zoo and aquarium.

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A calm lake with a pier, a mountain in the background, and a forested area to the right.

Owen Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Owen Beach during your trip to Tacoma?

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Adventure Maze

Enjoy an outing to Adventure Maze during your stay in Tacoma.

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Cinemark Century Point Ruston

You can take time to visit Cinemark Century Point Ruston during your travels to Tacoma.

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Marine Park

9.0/10 (2 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Marine Park, a lovely green space in Tacoma. Stroll along the waterfront or visit the shops in this family-friendly area.

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Cushman Trail

8.4/10 (16 reviews)

You can take time to visit Cushman Trail during your travels to Gig Harbor. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

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beach near Narrows Bridge Pond

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at beach near Narrows Bridge Pond during your trip to Gig Harbor? Amble around this family-friendly area's waterfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium?

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is located in a welcoming area of Tacoma known for its beautiful beaches and hiking. If you're looking for a convenient place to stay, check out the 15 hotels and other accommodations you'll find within a mile.

What's the best place to stay close to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium?

The INN at Gig Harbor is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveler data, and this hotel offers free breakfast and free parking. It's located 2.9 mi (4.6 km) from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.

How many hotels can I expect to find near Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium?

Expedia has 15 hotels and other accommodations within a mile from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, will I receive a refund?

Yes, the majority of hotel reservations are fully refundable if cancelled prior to the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is often 24 or 48 hours before your scheduled arrival. If you have a reservation that's non-refundable, you may still be able to cancel and get a refund within 24 hours of your booking. Enter dates in and click on "Search", then filter by "fully refundable" to view top deals close to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.

Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip in the area near Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium?

For more details about changing or cancelling your stay near Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, click here.

What can I see and do near Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium?

Study the collections at Harbor History Museum, Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, or Job Carr Cabin Museum. You can enjoy live performances at Tacoma Musical Playhouse and Paradise Theatre. Spend some time wandering around Point Defiance Park, Titlow Park, and Crescent Creek Park.

Find hotels near Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, Tacoma from NT$2,797

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Our top choices for Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium hotels

1. Walk to the waterfront The Cozy Cottage

2. Best Western Plus Tacoma Hotel

3. Hampton Inn & Suites Tacoma

4. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Seattle Federal Way

5. Holiday Inn Express Federal Way Seattle South by IHG

6. Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Federal Way

7. Marina Inn

8. Comfort Inn & Suites Lakewood by JBLM

9. McMenamins Elk Temple

10. Holiday Inn Tacoma Mall by IHG

11. The INN at Gig Harbor

12. Waterfront Inn

13. Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle/Federal Way

14. Best Western Lakewood

15. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tacoma South - Lakewood by IHG

16. Emerald Queen Hotel and Casino - Tacoma

17. Best Western Plus Downtown Tacoma

18. TownePlace Suites by Marriott Tacoma Lakewood

19. Woodspring Suites Algona/Auburn - Seattle South

20. Staybridge Suites Federal Way - Seattle South by IHG

Compare popular hotels close to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Top Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium Hotel Reviews

Hotel Murano

The Maritime Inn

Best Western Wesley Inn & Suites

Walk to the waterfront The Cozy Cottage

Walk to the waterfront The Hobbit House

Other attractions near Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum

Point Defiance Park

Owen Beach

Adventure Maze

Cinemark Century Point Ruston

Marine Park

Cushman Trail

beach near Narrows Bridge Pond

Frequently asked questions