44 Best Hotels in Washington, D.C., USA

The AC Hotel by Marriott is minimalist and elegant, with a European flair (the brand started in Spain). One of the key features is the location: with walking distance to Chinatown, Downtown D.C., and Capitol Hill, the central location makes it a great choice.

The brainchild of former Essence editor Monique Greenwood, this 1890s town house turned guesthouse—one of three inns Greenwood has opened—celebrates the richness of African American literature. Each of the rooms is named and decorated in the spirit of one of the genre's greats, like Zora Neale Hurston, Toni Morrison, or Walter Mosley. Decor is unfussy and sophisticated, with conveniences like cable TV and Wi-Fi offered in every room. Two rooms have Jacuzzis.

The choice of many celebrities and dignitaries since it opened in 1943, the Hilton has modern perks like a health club and spa and is well located for shopping and eating out. Black-and-white photographs of D.C. landmarks enhance the traditional and stylish surroundings. The White House, three Metro stations, National Mall, and many restaurants and shops are all within walking distance.

A great choice if you want to stay on the Hill and need some extra room to spread out: all Federalist-chic-style units are suites, with kitchenettes, large work desks, flat-screen TVs, and spacious closets. An eco-friendly sensibility extends from free-trade coffee in the lobby to water-saving showerheads in every bathroom; it's also pet-friendly. Staying here has a residential feel, though it's a short walk to plenty of restaurants and major sights on the Mall. 

It looks like a hole-in-the-wall, but this hostel is a clean, comfortable oasis—in the heart of the bustling H Street Corridor and near public transit—that's perfect for backpackers and other cost-conscious travelers. It has several private rooms and a host of mixed-dorm bunking options with from 4 to 12 beds. Bathrooms, in all cases, are shared. The amenities are generous, including free linens and towels, free Wi-Fi, and a game room and movie library. 

The Conrad, a modern hotel at CityCentreDC near the convention center, features an enormous, light-filled atrium and verdant outdoor terraces. The rooms feature ceiling-to-wall windows, offering a fantastic view of the city. Don't miss the rotating exhibitions of paintings and sculptures of local artists featured throughout the lobby. Also, ask the front desk to make a reservation for a drink at their stunning rooftop bar, Summit. 

Eaton is a politically progressive hotel that offers retro-cool and comfortable rooms and digital content on hot-button issues, including climate change and immigration. There is ample communal space, so guests have room for "creativity and consciousness building." Art, music, and film festivals focused on social change are a feature of the hotel. The speakeasy bar, Allegory, is a must. Grab a coffee, and delicious pastries made in-house at their picturesque coffee shop, Baker's Daughter. 

Bold, contemporary design provides a soothing retreat in a busy part of town, near many top attractions like the Capital One Arena, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Mall. The Metro is a few blocks away, as are the shops, restaurants, and clubs that have grown up in this bustling neighborhood. Recently renovated, the rooms are modern and spacious. The pub attached to the hotel serves meals and has something of a cult following among Guinness lovers; the owners have gone to great lengths to install the proper taps and train bartenders in the ways of the double pour.

A favorite among celebrities, executives, and diplomats, the Four Seasons is one of the District's most sought-after luxury hotels. It offers upscale, ultramodern rooms outfitted in calming neutrals, plush beds, and French limestone or marble baths with separate showers and sunken tubs. A 4,600-piece original art collection graces the walls, including works by Fernando Botero, Helen Frankenthaler, and Andy Warhol. The restaurant, Bourbon Steak, is a favorite of sophisticated diners, and Seasons is the power-breakfast spot in D.C. The sophisticated spa here is one of the best in town.

A city within the city is what greets you as you step inside the Hyatt's doors and gaze upward to the balconies overlooking the blue lagoon and the many conveniences within the atrium. You might never have to leave its climate-controlled interior with a Starbucks, restaurants, gift shops, and florist. You can walk to the Metro without ever stepping outside because it's right below the hotel—a huge advantage during D.C.'s hot and humid summers. Guests also rave about the Fit Club (free weights, cardiovascular and circuit-training equipment, saunas, and steam rooms are all free; spa services, personal training, and fitness classes are extra) and indoor pool.

A Tudor-style building adorned with gargoyles, this National Historic Trust property has the cozy feel of an English country house, and the atmosphere extends to charming rooms that were once the choice of senators and notables from Washington society. Afternoon tea is served in the handsome Wilkes Room (reservations are required), and The Tavern at the Henley Park serves regional American dishes in an elegant setting. This oasis in the busy Penn Quarter is close to the Washington Convention Center and to other major attractions in Downtown D.C. 

A stay at this LEED-certified hotel puts you close to the National Mall, with spectacular river and monument views from certain rooms—all of which have floor-to-ceiling windows. Modern rooms have a D.C. touch with a subtle cherry blossom design. Guests can find a Starbucks, a restaurant, a lounge, a café, a market, a heated outdoor pool, and a fitness center on-site. With spaces that can accommodate upward of 800 guests, the hotel is also an excellent spot for large meetings or weddings. The Smithsonian museums and several government agencies (USDA, USPS, and DOT) are within a few blocks, and the Metro station is on the lower level. 

Modernized guest rooms done in soft grays and golds, and a location near the Metro and sights make the Hilton Washington, D.C. Capitol Hill a reliable, comfortable place to stay. For unobstructed views of the nation's Capitol, pick one of the Capitol View rooms and suites. The lobby, meeting rooms, and corridors have a sleek, contemporary look. The airy on-site restaurant, Bistro 525, serves breakfast and lunch, while the Federal City Bar & Lounge in the lobby offers dinner and drinks. 

Family-friendly and centrally located, The Holiday Inn Central White House has all the amenities to keep families (and business travelers) happy. A rooftop pool is a major asset, especially during the hot D.C. summer days. The recently renovated rooms are simple yet spacious and have a small kitchenette with microwaves and a refrigerator, perfect for extended stays or families. The hotel also offers laundry rooms for guests with state-of-the-art washers and dryers. 

This romantic property near the White House is an idyllic urban retreat—one where European antiques, Asian rugs, and original oil paintings lend a 1929 art deco building old-world charm and where guest rooms feature plush bedding, work desks, and steel-and-chrome bathrooms. There's a small fitness room and in-room spa services, and guests have use of a nearby pool. Café Lombardy serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch; small plates and cocktails are served in the Venetian Room Bar & Lounge.

From the two giant glamazon murals on the exterior to the dozen high heels encased in the front desk, Hotel Zena is all about women's empowerment. Upon entering, you cannot miss the larger-than-life mural of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in the lobby. The rooms are light and airy and decorated with art made by women. Ask for a room with a view of Thomas Circle Park. If you can't snag a room with a view, head up to the rooftop pool and Hedy's Rooftop Bar for a glorious view of the District of Columbia. 

Located in Thomas Circle, Hotel Zena (which stands out with a towering mural of two stunning women in warrior regalia) is an homage to women; guests are welcomed with a massive art installation of the late feminist icon, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, made of hand-painted tampons. The lobby also features women's artwork and a large wall filled with buttons featured at The Woman's March in 2017. The rooftop has both a pool and a fantastic view of Thomas Circle and beyond. The rooms are of standard size, with modern, bright decor. Keep your eye open for fun little details, such as decorative pillows featuring the women Supreme Court Justices.

Families and business travelers will appreciate this modern hotel conveniently located in the West End neighborhood just a few blocks from the Foggy Bottom–GWU Metro and a short walk from Georgetown. The modern rooms are decorated in neutral colors with basic yet comfortable furnishings, and the lobby offers lovely seating areas. The daily hot breakfast buffet, on-site bar, and 24-hour market add to the appeal of this hotel. The fitness center and indoor pool are also a plus. 

A favorite for political events, fund-raising dinners, and networking meetings, this standard-issue business hotel is a solid choice if you plan to spend a lot of time on the Hill. Expect to find the lobby and the restaurant, Article One–American Grill, abuzz with groups getting ready to participate in the political process. The Hyatt often serves as home base for lobbying days, where organizations bring in busloads of people to meet with lawmakers. You can feel good about your carbon footprint when you sleep here: the hotel is one of the most environment-friendly in the city, doing everything from presetting thermostats in guest rooms to using earth-friendly cleaning products to monitoring its electrical use each day. Because this hotel caters to groups and a business crowd, weekend rates are lower.

The Banneker, named after Benjamin Banneker, one of the country's major Black innovators, is one of the latest additions to the local hotel scene. The hotel engages guests in the rich history and urban culture of the nation's capital through music and art. Part of the Kimpton brand, the hotel has all the perks: the complimentary wine hour, yoga mats in the rooms, and eclectic bath robes waiting for you in the closet. Catch the sunset at the rooftop bar, Lady Bird, which comes with an unmatched view of The White House and intricately crafted cocktails.

Tucked away on a quiet tree-lined street, this stylish Kimpton property makes for a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the city. Spacious rooms are elegantly understated with plush beds and furnishings in rich woods. The intimate restaurant and lounge serves modern American cuisine and classic cocktails.

This eco-friendly hotel, directly adjacent to the Washington Convention Center, spans an entire city block and is capped with an enormous atrium skylight accentuating the dramatic lobby sculpture. There are plenty of fun amenities on-site, including three restaurants, a sports bar, a bi-level health club, and two lounges. The exterior is a mix of glass and steel, yet the design cleverly incorporates the facade of the historic former headquarters of the American Federation of Labor, built in 1916.

Gracious, traditional rooms in a soothing palette of creams and grays with splashes of green, blue, and red all have oversized bathrooms. Mini-refrigerators and pullout sofa beds in some rooms make this boutique hotel a good choice for families and an alternative to the District's many chain hotels. Abstract watercolors, classic photographs, stylized canvases with George Washington's dollar-bill image, and wallpaper with interpretations of the U.S. Constitution add to the cosmopolitan feel of the property. The smartly styled lobby features a library of 1,000-plus titles for guests to enjoy. Make sure to save time for a drink at the cozy bar of their Jardenea Restaurant.  Note to light sleepers: rooms facing K Street and higher floors are quieter.

Since its opening in 1930, this elegant landmark overlooking Rock Creek Park, a Historic Hotels of America member, has welcomed heads of state, U.S. politicians, and celebs like the Beatles, Judy Garland, and Bob Hope. Today, it is still luring guests with gorgeous public spaces and light-filled guest rooms. Lovingly tended and aging gracefully, its rooms, many of which are larger than normal, are appointed with sophisticated furniture in luxurious fabrics and equipped with small but snazzy marble bathrooms. Families will love the large pool, bike rentals, welcome backpack and cookies, hammocks, and fire pit. Extra effort is made to care for guests' special requests, and the excellent location means easy walks to restaurants and Adams Morgan.

If you prefer to be near the Hill but not in a convention hotel, this family-owned, European-style hotel—which offers small but beautifully appointed and comfortable guest rooms across the street from Union Station—may fit the bill. The Dubliner Restaurant and Pub, a lively spot that sits next door, provides in-room dining, and Irish entertainers perform nightly.

This hotel is not posh, but it is ideal for families or business travelers staying for a few days, and all rooms have kitchen facilities, including a full-size refrigerator. Sinks outside the bathrooms make it easier for family groups to get ready in the morning, and all rooms have large closets.

This all-suite hotel is close to the Kennedy Center, George Washington University, and Georgetown. Its roomy, one-bedroom units have full kitchens and living-dining areas with desks, dining tables, and sofa beds. The rooftop pool provides a place to relax after summertime sightseeing. Amenities such as complimentary hot American breakfast daily, Wi-Fi, and a fitness room are a bonus, especially for families. 

This hotel is the perfect blend of elegance and comfort, just two blocks from the National Mall's west end and across the street from the State Department. Every room class except the State King has full-size kitchens with eating areas. Rooms come with sleek furnishings in neutral tones and large bathrooms. Staffers here are especially friendly and accommodating. Daily happy hour drinks and appetizer specials are offered in the Garden Café—ask for a table on the outdoor terrace on a lovely day.

Whether you are eating breakfast in the formal dining room or unwinding with a glass of sherry in the parlor, everything is lovely at this elegant urban retreat. The Duomo Suite has a custom-made bed and spectacular bathroom complete with a claw-foot tub and rain shower. The Jennifer Green Room has a private patio. But even the more modestly priced rooms, like the circular Lighthouse Room in the mansion's turret, with its red walls and bay windows, are charming and inviting.

Located along a row of quintessential Georgetown townhomes, The Avery is an intimate guesthouse that makes you feel as if you're staying with very stylish relatives. Rock Creek Park sits right next to the guesthouse, which is perfect for a morning run or afternoon stroll. The newly renovated rooms are minimalist, with a pop of color given by the unique wallpaper patterns. The property also has several gardens, giving it a quaint atmosphere. Although in Georgetown, it's a 10–15 minute walk to the Dupont Circle neighborhood, amplifying the dining choices.