12 Best Hotels in Washington DC: Where to Stay in 2024 (By Neighborhood & Budget)
Welcome to the Nation’s Capital, Washington D.C., a place where there is too much to see and never enough time to do it. Finding a hotel that suits your needs and stays within your budget is a crucial piece of planning a visit. Equally important is finding a hotel that is within walking distance or a short Metro train ride to as many sites on your must-visit list as possible.
Our recommendations below offer something for everyone to make choosing your hotel accommodations a little bit easier.
Walk to U.S. Capitol, Congressional offices, Supreme Court, Metro, Union Station (Amtrak)
About: The 343-room YOTEL is a wonderful place to consider if you prefer an unstuffy hotel experience. You won’t find dignitaries and A-list politicians holding high-level meetings here, but we think that’s a good thing. The spirited property is designed for guests who live an active lifestyle and a hotel with a definite energetic vibe.
One of the largest open-air lounges in town is on the rooftop where you can enjoy the trendy bar and comfortable seating area, large pool, a moveable DJ station, and they even have cabanas and changing areas just like at the beach. Bring the kids and be prepared for a lively and energetic atmosphere into the wee hours. Both solo travelers and couples are often drawn to the affordability and nightlife as compared to Washington’s many high-end, business oriented hotels.
Walk to the White House Visitor Center, Washington Monument, National Portrait Gallery, National Mall/Smithsonian museums, Metro.
About: If you are seeking upscale accommodations within walking distance of many popular tourist sites, the Grand Hyatt may be the place for you. In fact, with the Metro Center station being accessible from the hotel’s lobby, you can get anywhere in the city very quickly. The 902 rooms (yes, this hotel is huge) have recently been renovated in typical Hyatt fashion with upscale furnishings and luxurious amenities.
If you need to work there is plenty of space to spread out, and in-room dining is always an option. The Grand Hyatt’s dining venues range from casual to elegant, so you will have in-house options for any time of day. If you care to explore the neighborhood, the CityCenterDC open-air shopping mall is just steps away with dozens of luxury shops, eclectic restaurants, and entertainment options.
Walk to the White House Visitor Center, Ford’s Theater, The Ellipse, Washington Monument, National Mall/Smithsonian museums, National Archives Museum, Metro
About: Not as large as the Grand Hyatt with only 777 rooms, the luxurious JW Marriott offers a premiere location in addition to beautiful accommodations. Guests will feel pampered in this classy environment, both in their room and the public areas of the hotel. While the JW Marriott is a popular property for conferences and business travelers, the comfortable surroundings will work for leisure travelers too. Start your day with a workout in the 24-hour fitness facility, and then head over to the Starbucks Café on the lobby level for a cup of Joe as you are off to explore the city.
The sophisticated atmosphere is both relaxing and slick, so if you are a traveler with a few extra bucks looking for a superior location, elegant sleeping quarters, and plenty of dining options both in the hotel and the immediate neighborhood, consider the JW Marriott for your DC visit.
The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle
Address: 2121 P Street Northwest, Washington, 20037, DC, US
Walk to the Metro. Two or three stops to major sites of interest.
About: The Dupont Circle neighborhood is one of the most vibrant areas of the District, so it’s no surprise that the fabulous Royal Sonesta chose to locate one of their two DC properties here. While most famous sites aren’t walkable from here, the Metro will have you where you want to be in just a few minutes. Or borrow a standard or electric bike from the hotel for a self-directed tour of the area.
Guest amenities include a 24-hour fitness center and an outdoor pool, but it is the 333 stunning guest rooms that are the primary reason visitors return here repeatedly. Modern with colorful furnishings and designed for your comfort, even the standard one queen room is spacious at 265 square feet. The marble bathroom is elegant, and for peace of mind while you are out exploring, there is a guest safe to store any valuables. Stay in one evening and order dinner from the hotel’s restaurant, Certo. Ordering is slick via the room service menu provided with QR coding. If you want to find something unique in the neighborhood, Dupont Circle is home to a vast selection of bars and restaurants.
The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Capitol Hill
Address: 20 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, 20001, DC, US
Walk to the U.S. Capitol and Congressional offices, the Supreme Court, National Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institute and Museums, White House Visitor Center, Metro and Union Station
About: This luxury property opened recently with 274 plush guest rooms and amenities galore. If pampering yourself with top-notch accommodations is part of your visit to DC, this new addition to town could fit the bill. From the glass façade to the seven-story atrium, you will instantly be impressed with the property’s elegance. The curated and stunning commissioned artworks in prime public areas are worth a tour of their own.
While you are here to tour the historical landmarks and endless free museums, make time for a workout in the state-of-the-art fitness facility that even includes a yoga studio.
Guests of the Royal Sonesta are rather particular, and they will not be disappointed by the average 460-square-foot room with a pillow-top mattress, 10-foot ceilings, the 65-inch HDTV with webcasting, and a spacious work area with plenty of plug-ins. The oversized bathroom includes a rainfall shower, full-sized toiletries, a robe and slippers, and to top it all off, a purifying succulent plant. You asked for luxury? This is the place.
Walk to the White House Visitor Center, Ellipse, Washington Monument, National Mall, World War II Memorial, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Metro
About: From the grand lobby with its skylit atrium to five shops and restaurants on the street level of this enormous hotel, the Marriott Marquis has it all. With 1,175 guest rooms, this is the largest hotel in Washington D.C. Exploring the city from here is easy via the adjacent Metro station, but walkers can also stroll to the White House Visitor Center, which is just one mile away, with the Washington Monument and other national landmarks and museums just a bit further. The CityCenterDC outdoor shopping and dining mall is also close to the hotel.
Guest rooms are well-designed and comfortable with plush bedding, making the property attractive for both tourists and businesspeople. Higher floors of the 14-story hotel offer some nice views of downtown Washington and beyond. If exercise beyond walking, which you will do plenty of here, is part of your regimen, the Marriott features a two-level, 8,000-square-foot, workout facility that is always open.
Walk to the White House Visitor Center, National Archives, Ellipse, National Mall, Smithsonian Institute and Museums, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol and Congressional offices, Lincoln Memorial, and many more national landmarks.
About: Opulent and with a premiere location on Pennsylvania Avenue just blocks from the White House and U.S. Capitol, the historic Waldorf Astoria attracts international dignitaries, politicians, and tourists who travel in style. Restored from its earlier (1899) purpose as the Old Post Office and Clock Tower, this elegant hotel is within a 20-minute walk of dozens of landmarks, museums, parks, and even the U.S. President’s home. Stay here and you will be in rather good company.
The most expensive of our recommended hotels, the Waldorf may still be a hotel that you would like to experience. Your most “affordable” option is the Deluxe King Bed Guestroom that sleeps two and ranges from 350 to 475 square feet. Dubbed a “sanctuary” by the property, you will be in awe with the ornate woodwork and a bed that’s so luxurious you may not want to leave it during your stay. Other room features are automated sheers and drapes, a softly lit chandelier, glass-enclosed shower, bathrobes, and marble vanities.
Unique amenities at the Waldorf include an observation deck with spectacular views, and a luxury spa where you can unwind after a full day of being on your feet.
Walk to the National Mall, Smithsonian Institute and Museums, Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, Metro
About: How do you spell a-f-f-o-r-d-a-b-l-e? If you are looking for something less opulent without all the bells and whistles of the fancy-schmancy places, citizenM is perfect for you (and me). To avoid confusion, this trendy chain offers one type of room for everyone. Ingeniously designed, each of the 252 rooms sleeps two adults, or one if you are traveling solo. The room features what they call an “XL” bed, a power shower, free Wi-Fi, mood lighting, a big smart TV, soft pillows, AM & PM shower gels, and they are even generous enough to provide blackout blinds. And citizenM is so tech savvy that the entire guest room is controlled from the bedside iPad. What more could you ask for?
If you fancy a snack or hot meal right away, the 24/7 canteenM is on the lobby level for everything from snacks to hot meals and even fun cocktails. Sushi by Bou is the hotel’s rooftop restaurant on the 12th floor that is fun, super-popular, and has amazing food and adult beverages. The vibe here and throughout citizenM is one of a kind.
Salamander Washington DC
Address: 1330 Maryland Avenue Southwest, Washington, D.C. (District Of Columbia), DC 20024, US
Walk to the National Mall, Smithsonian Institute and Museums, Washington Monument, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Metro
About: Asian elegance and American style are joined at the Salamander, one of the most impressive luxury hotels in the District. Guests will enjoy the tranquility of this property which features top-of-the-line amenities in every aspect. Fabulous city or waterfront views are enjoyed from all 373 rooms and suites, each of which has a residential feel rather than one of a hotel. The recently renovated and upgraded lobby, lobby lounge, and terrace are perfect for relaxation at the end of your day. The hotel’s spa reopened in the fall of 2024 with luxurious surroundings and a full menu of treatments available for discerning guests. Renowned chef Kwame Onwuachi provides an amazing dining experience in Dogon each evening for those seeking a memorable and relaxing culinary experience.
The rooms at Salamander are among the best in the District. Refined elegance may be the best way to describe them. Smart technology with touch pad controls for up to six devices is incorporated throughout the king or double queen bedded rooms. Other features include a sitting area and a spa-inspired marble bathroom with a deep bathtub, glass shower, and lights that you can dim to your personal level of comfort.
About: Originally the headquarters building for Riggs National Bank, this landmark was constructed in 1891 in a Romanesque style that is in vogue to this day. Riggs offers 181 guest rooms that evoke memories of a private safety deposit box. Guests and visitors alike often note how the feel of the hotel’s public areas reminds them of the golden age of banking, and that is exactly what the owners planned for with the conversion into a luxury hotel. Café Riggs on the lobby level is central to the personality of Riggs, but it is the lower level bar that was designed within the original bank vault that utterly amazes.
Classic rooms are the smallest but comfortably so with a king or double bed. Elegance oozes everywhere with a custom designed wall and headboard, a corner window sitting area, and a stocked minibar made to resemble a safety deposit box of old. There is a clear sense of sophistication in these unique, lovely rooms that also feature down comforters and pillows, imported linens, oak wood floors, and blackout curtains. The Italian Carrara marble bathrooms are soothing and come with bathrobes and slippers for a pleasurable early morning and late evening.
Walk to the Kennedy Center, Vietnam War Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Tidal Basin, Metro
About: Catering to the “I just need a clean, comfortable place to stay” crowd, the 83 room Hotel Hive is in a category of its own. And that’s a good thing. The property offers rooms that run as small as 125 square feet in size to a less than enormous 250 square feet. The utilization of this space is so smart, that this becomes a perfect home away from home for travelers who just want a place to sleep and shower since they don’t plan to spend much time in the hotel.
From the comfort of the main floor fireplace and original brick walls to the Hive Bar, “&pizza” create your own restaurant, and the trendy, curtained, canopied, and year-round Hive Rooftop, this is what fun is all about. Clearly developed to appeal to a younger crowd of tourists, Hotel Hive can work well for anyone who isn’t drawn to expensive digs or cookie-cutter hotels.
Walk to the Kennedy Center, Vietnam War Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Tidal Basin, Metro
About: Previously named the George Washington University Inn, the ARC is now a modern boutique hotel that has been renovated from top to bottom. Its Foggy Bottom tree-lined neighborhood is home to dozens of ethnic restaurants and funky shops. Being walkable to so many of the District’s top sites and George Washington University makes this an ideal hotel to consider your base while in town.
Guest rooms are large with a focus on comfort and functionality, with the latest in-room technology to make your time here as productive as you want. You will also be thrilled with the proximity to Georgetown should you want to seek some evening entertainment.
Washington D.C. has so much to offer, so you can choose to pay a lot, or not so much for your accommodations. The good news is that no matter what type of hotel you spring for, a roof over your head and food is pretty much all that you will pay for here, as most historical sites and museums are offered free of charge. These properties are close to action, not requiring long train rides or even a rental car to get around. Just put on a pair of comfortable walking shoes, pack an umbrella during the hot and humid summer months, and book your trip today.
