Top 10 Hotels Near 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 modern patio area with a glass table, blue chairs, a white vase with flowers, and a view of a green garden through a glass door.

A modern kitchen with white appliances, a dining area with blue chairs and a central island, and a large window with a beach view.

A modern living room with a blue sofa set, a coffee table, and a television.

A modern kitchen with white cabinets, granite countertops, and a central island. There is a dining area with a blue sofa and a view of the outdoors.

1. Bodur's Nest Whispering Garden

West End, 1.5 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Savanna

RM604

RM1,168 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Oct - 12 Oct

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.

2. The INN at Gig Harbor

4.6 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Joseph

RM502

RM571 total

includes taxes & fees

12 Oct - 13 Oct

An outdoor seating area with a fire feature, chairs, and a view of a house and trees.

A spacious kitchen with a central island, wooden cabinets, and a chandelier.

A residential building with multiple units, a driveway, and landscaped gardens.

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a fireplace, and multiple windows.

3. Best Western Wesley Inn & Suites

5.1 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Matthew

RM689

RM782 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Oct - 12 Oct

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 modern conference room with multiple tables and chairs, a large screen, and a fireplace.

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

4. Best Western Plus Tacoma Hotel

South End, 14.2 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Elizabeth

RM462

RM531 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Oct - 5 Oct

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

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.

A breakfast room with a digital clock, coffee maker, toaster, and a sign indicating cream cheese, butter, and yogurt are available.

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

5. Marina Inn

18.2 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Jessica

RM333

RM375 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Oct - 2 Oct

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

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

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.

6. McMenamins Elk Temple

Downtown Tacoma, 8 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Jessica

RM470

RM540 total

includes taxes & fees

20 Oct - 21 Oct

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

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

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

A modern cafe with a central display case, wooden accents, and a unique ceiling design.

7. Emerald Queen Hotel and Casino - Tacoma

Eastside, 11.4 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Jesusa

RM700

RM801 total

includes taxes & fees

28 Sept - 29 Sept

A modern hotel entrance with a neon sign, a covered walkway, and a parking area.

A modern spa interior with a dark tiled wall, a reception desk, and a visible spa area with a chair and a mirror.

A spacious lobby with a leather sofa, blue armchairs, and a chandelier.

A modern lobby with a central staircase, seating areas, and a bar with a visible fireplace.

8. Hotel Murano

Downtown Tacoma, 8.6 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Carrie

RM467

RM536 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Oct - 19 Oct

A modern living room with a large window, a sofa, a dining table, and chairs.

A spacious lounge area with a large gray sofa, ottomans, and a round coffee table. A bar area with stools is visible in the background.

A modern lounge area with a bar, sofas, and a large window overlooking a cityscape.

A spacious lobby with seating areas, a bar, and a staircase connecting floors.

9. Marriott Tacoma Downtown

Downtown Tacoma, 8.8 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

wesley

RM566

RM649 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Oct - 12 Oct

A Courtyard Marriott hotel with a modern design, located near a busy intersection with visible traffic.

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

A modern hotel lobby with a sectional sofa, a small table, and a large ottoman. There are multiple seating areas and a reception desk in the background.

A spacious hotel lobby with a central staircase, seating areas, and a large window offering a view of the outdoors.

10. Courtyard by Marriott Tacoma Downtown

Downtown Tacoma, 8.8 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Kirstin

RM551

RM632 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Oct - 3 Oct

A modern hotel lobby with a large seating area, a television, and a kitchenette.

A modern bar area with a long counter, multiple bar stools, and pendant lighting.

A hotel room with a bed, a coffee maker, a microwave, a nightstand, and framed pictures on the wall.

A modern living room with a sofa set, a flat-screen TV, a fireplace, and a lamp.

11. Hilton Garden Inn Tacoma Downtown

Downtown Tacoma, 9.3 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Linda

RM484

RM555 total

includes taxes & fees

3 Oct - 4 Oct

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

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

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 living room with a stone fireplace, a flat-screen TV, and a view of a lake and dock.

12. Waterfront Inn

6.4 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Christine

RM746

RM829 total

includes taxes & fees

12 Oct - 13 Oct

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

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

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

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

16.1 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Deantre

RM410

RM461 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Oct - 5 Oct

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

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

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

14. Holiday Inn Express Federal Way Seattle South by IHG

16.6 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Daniel

RM444

RM500 total

includes taxes & fees

28 Oct - 29 Oct

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

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

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

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

15. Hampton Inn & Suites Tacoma

South End, 14.3 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Chris

RM448

RM515 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Oct - 5 Oct

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

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

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.

A modern lobby with a digital display, a reception desk, and a seating area.

16. Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Federal Way

16.7 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Colin

RM510

RM573 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Oct - 5 Oct

A modern kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a large island with bar stools, pendant lighting, and a geometric wall design.

A modern kitchen with white cabinets, a marble island, and pendant lighting.

An outdoor patio area with a large umbrella, wooden deck, string lights, and a Christmas tree.

A living room with a brown leather sofa, a brown armchair, a coffee table, and a fireplace.

17. Central Tacoma Homestay -private room-

Central Tacoma, 7 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

susan

RM333

RM518 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Oct - 28 Oct

A storage area with metal shelves and wooden cabinets, containing various items.

A modern hotel with a curved glass facade, multiple floors, and a prominent entrance.

A pool area with lounge chairs and umbrellas, surrounded by a modern building.

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, and a view of mountains through the window.

18. Four Points By Sheraton Seattle Airport South

20 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Brent

RM411

RM471 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Oct - 2 Oct

A hotel room with a large bed, a chair, a desk, and a balcony with a view.

19. The Maritime Inn

5.4 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Micah

RM895

RM1,060 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Oct - 2 Oct

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

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.

A spacious indoor area with wooden flooring, red and black chairs, and large windows offering a view of the outside.

20. Comfort Inn & Suites Lakewood by JBLM

18.1 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Wambui

RM511

RM584 total

includes taxes & fees

28 Oct - 29 Oct

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Compare popular hotels close to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Property	Property class	Guest rating
Bodur's Nest Whispering Garden	9.8 Exceptional 13 reviews	View
The INN at Gig Harbor	8.8 Excellent 1,619 reviews	View
Best Western Wesley Inn & Suites	9.2 Wonderful 1,004 reviews	View
Best Western Plus Tacoma Hotel	9.2 Wonderful 1,283 reviews	View
Marina Inn	8.4 Very good 1,009 reviews	View

Top Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium Hotel Reviews

Hotel Murano

10/10 Excellent

"Great job! I have been going to this hotel on an annual basis (minus COVID) since 2010. The updates are beautiful! The view from the room . . .Mt Ranier, the fall-colored trees, and the Sound were so beautiful! Love, Love the hotel! The coffee was also really good (no need to cover it up with cream!"

Best Western Wesley Inn & Suites

8/10 Good

"Lodging options are limited in this area, but the Wesley Inn is delightful. Great setting, beautiful landscaping, nice interior. My only complaint was the noise. It’s an older property so you can hear through the walls and floors. I don’t consider myself a light sleeper, but I was awakened by noises above and next door including an alarm going off in an empty room. If you’re sensitive to sound, stay upstairs on the end. Otherwise, everything was pretty great!"

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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A coastal walkway with a dog, a person walking, and a mountain in the background.

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, take a look at the 15 hotels and other accommodation options you'll find within a mile.

What's the best hotel 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 traveller 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 will I find near Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium?

Expedia has 15 hotels and other accommodation options 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! Most hotel bookings are fully refundable provided that you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. If your reservation is non-refundable, it might still be possible to cancel it and be given a refund within 24 hours of your booking. Add dates, click "Search", then you can filter by "fully refundable" to get the best deals available near Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.

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

Study the collections at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, Harbor 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.

Hotels near Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

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Our top choices for Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium hotels

1. Bodur's Nest Whispering Garden

2. The INN at Gig Harbor

3. Best Western Wesley Inn & Suites

4. Best Western Plus Tacoma Hotel

5. Marina Inn

6. McMenamins Elk Temple

7. Emerald Queen Hotel and Casino - Tacoma

8. Hotel Murano

9. Marriott Tacoma Downtown

10. Courtyard by Marriott Tacoma Downtown

11. Hilton Garden Inn Tacoma Downtown

12. Waterfront Inn

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

14. Holiday Inn Express Federal Way Seattle South by IHG

15. Hampton Inn & Suites Tacoma

16. Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Federal Way

17. Central Tacoma Homestay -private room-

18. Four Points By Sheraton Seattle Airport South

19. The Maritime Inn

20. Comfort Inn & Suites Lakewood by JBLM

Compare popular hotels close to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Top Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium Hotel Reviews

Hotel Murano

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