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

Great for exploring Georgetown, this hotel centers on an elegant central courtyard and gardens, overlooked by the large glassed-in lobby and half of the bright, spacious rooms. Accommodations are furnished with a stylish mix of traditional and contemporary pieces in a soothing palette of gray and white with purple accents. The Juniper restaurant serves Mid-Atlantic fare that might incorporate herbs and honey from the rooftop garden and hives. The hotel's canine ambassador, Georgie, a two-year-old yellow lab, is often in the lobby greeting guests. Children can ask for a copy of her coloring book.

One of the Historic Hotels of America, this Beaux Arts landmark built in 1906 has spacious guest rooms that are comfortable, elegant, and include small work and sitting areas; many also have excellent views.

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. 

Within walking distance of Adams Morgan, this hip, new, modern lodging concept offers everything from shared dorm rooms to luxurious suites, as well as a sleek co-working space for travelers and locals alike.

Perched atop a hill in a quiet residential neighborhood, the Glover Park Georgetown offers beautifully decorated rooms away from the city bustle. One floor of the hotel has suites with kitchenettes, handy for families or anyone on a longer stay, and the courtyard is great for outdoor relaxation. A free shuttle makes runs to the Woodley Park–Zoo/Adams Morgan Metro station, as well as American and Georgetown universities and Georgetown University Hospital.

A short walk from the White House and the Mall, this appealing art deco hotel, on the National Register of Historic Places (it celebrated its centennial in 2022), is a good choice for visitors doing the sights, as well as business guests. The recently renovated rooms in rich colors and dark wood pay tribute to the city's history with maps and posters but feature modern amenities. The gracious lobby has a soaring ceiling, marble floors, and intimate seating areas. The hotel's restaurant, Via Sophia, is a popular spot for hotel guests and those who live and work in the neighborhood. 

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. 

One block from the National Air and Space Museum, this family-friendly hotel is in an excellent location for those bound for the Smithsonian museums. During the summer, kids can enjoy the rooftop pool with a view of the Capitol. A full-service restaurant, Capitol Bistro, is on-site, and a sizable hotel bar at the 21st Amendment Bar and Grill. In the lobby, there is space to relax, charge phones, and work at a table, and a full-service Starbucks fulfills many a caffeine fix. With two metro stations nearby, it makes the hotel a good base for exploring the city. 

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.

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.

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.

On a quiet street in the embassy area of Connecticut Avenue stands this small Irish chain hotel. Cozy rooms, attractively decorated with colonial reproduction furniture, include free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, and complimentary weekday newspapers. The hotel is also within walking distance of restaurants offering a broad selection of international cuisines along Connecticut Avenue.

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.

Although not truly in Georgetown (but nearby), this Westin's location in a busy part of the West End makes it popular with both business and leisure travelers—all of whom appreciate the stately, comfortable rooms and spalike bathrooms with sunken tubs and separate glassed-in showers. The courtyard, with its fountain and comfortable seating, is especially nice for relaxing, and there's a lovely outdoor pool. Runners can join the concierge for Tuesday and Thursday morning guided runs, and the fitness studio has Pelotons.