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

Every inch of this 1923, Beaux-Arts landmark exudes refined elegance, from the intimate seating areas that take the place of a traditional check-in counter to the delicate blooms and glass atrium at the entryway to The Greenhouse, the fine-dining restaurant. After top hat–clad doormen usher you into the exquisite marble lobby, you'll settle into stylish guest rooms with beautiful art, plush linens, Italian marble walk-in showers, and televisions recessed into the bathroom mirrors. Rooms, which aim to reflect the hotel namesake's time in Paris, as well as his Monticello residence, also feature things that even the inventor Jefferson couldn't have imagined, like free Wi-Fi and "smart technology" to trigger housekeeping. This stunning hotel is also dog-friendly, and charges no deposit for furry friends, who are welcome in all shapes and sizes. 

Understated elegance and refined service can be found at this soothing city getaway, where the guest rooms—designer Tony Chi's minimalist tribute to the American experience—feature walnut floors, hard-covered books, and folk-art accents. The spa-inspired stone bathrooms have rain showers and marble soaking tubs. The Blue Duck Tavern embraces local flavors and local produce, while the Tea Cellar, with its unusual collection of rare teas, holds regular tastings.

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. 

Asian accents, an impressive art collection in the public areas and guest rooms, views of the waterfront or the Mall, and beds so comfortable they make you want to ignore your wake-up call all set a standard of sophisticated luxury. The expansive lobby's floor-to-ceiling windows let you take in the grandeur of the Tidal Basin and the Jefferson Memorial, and during cherry blossom season the Empress Lounge is among the most sought-after spots in town.

Luxury radiates from every polished marble surface at one of Washington's most upscale hotels, and personalized service makes you feel pampered. The soothing blue-and-gray palette, with pops of red, plays off historic DC Beds dressed in 400-thread-count Frette linens have earned the reputation as some of the town's most comfortable, and bathrooms feature marble tubs and separate showers. Make sure to spend time at their lobby bar, Quadrant, with its sleek decor, perfectly crafted cocktails, and cozy fireplace. Guests also have access to Equinox, a state-of-the-art fitness center. 

Highlights at the Rosewood include the rooftop infinity pool and bar—with views of the Washington Monument, Kennedy Center, and the Potomac—and the personalized attention each guest receives, even before check-in. Residential-style rooms are cast in pewter-and-gold tones and ornamented with sleek wood flooring and sumptuous Pratesi bedding. Even the bathrooms are regal, with Italian marble fixtures, deep soaking tubs, and rainfall showers. The property also acquired several townhomes next to the main building, which they remodeled to replicate the aesthetic of the leading property—ideal for a family or a group looking for luxury accommodations in an intimate setting. 

Just steps from the White House, this hip property has a living room–style lobby that blends Italian Renaissance with stylish swank, while rooms contain ultramodern furnishings. Despite the hotel's Manhattan-hipster vibe, it's impossible to forget that you're in D.C.: floor-to-ceiling windows in the Mediterranean-inspired Pinea restaurant offer spectacular views of the Washington Monument, and the view of the White House from the exclusive P.O.V. rooftop bar lounge is equally fabulous. The rooftop bar hosts one of the better cocktail hours in town, and professionals swarm in for the views both out- and inside the bar.

Beautifully situated along the Potomac River, the legendary Watergate radiates sophistication and glamour, embracing its infamous past and celebrating its mid-century modern style. Rooms have a 1960s vibe, with rich leather furniture in shades of gray, brown, gold, and bronze. Spacious marble bathrooms indulge with floor-to-ceiling, glass-enclosed showers, and freestanding soaking tubs. Some rooms have private balconies, and all have a view of the city or the Potomac River. Head to the rooftop Top of the Gate bar for end-of-the-day relaxing with 360-degree views. Treat yourself to one of the most luxurious spas in D.C., The Argentta Spa, with an indoor saltwater pool and a wide variety of facial and massage treatments. 

Favored by American presidents and other newsmakers, this Washington landmark, only two blocks from the White House, offers superb service, a wealth of amenities, and guest rooms filled with period detail and Federal-style furniture. The spectacular Beaux-Arts lobby showcases great columns, sparkling chandeliers, mosaic floors, and elaborate ceilings—a Washington sight in itself. The French bistro–style restaurant Café du Parc serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual atmosphere, and high tea is served in Peacock Alley. Occidental Grill & Seafood is a top dining destination for its great steaks and delicacies from the sea. The Willard's archives chronicle the hotel's legendary past with photos, newspaper articles, and artifacts. A popular monthly History, Happy Hour mixology series, draws a wide range of locals and visitors.

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 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.

Despite its tiny lobby, this sophisticated and art-focused Kimpton hotel, just south of vibrant Dupont Circle, provides the perfect respite after an evening of restaurant and club hopping along P Street and Connecticut Avenue. Rooms, some with balconies overlooking leafy New Hampshire Avenue, are comfortable and attractive, outfitted in neutral colors. As part of the refurbishment, many rooms have larger bathrooms than previously, and there is also now a 24-hour gym.

From the location near the White House to the views from the top floors, it's hard to forget you are in the nation's capital when you stay in one of the beautifully furnished rooms here. You can grab your morning coffee from the Starbucks in the lobby, where there is always lots of hustle and bustle with tourists and those on business travel. Runners will love the easy access to an early morning run along the National Mall.

Rock 'n' roll palace meets thrift shop in this guesthouse, a funky D.C. landmark that draws celebrities and notables. While the two-story Log Cabin and Lennon suites are extravagantly decorated and priced, even the less-expensive options are unique, like the Safari room, with its leopard-print decor and situated in a quiet corner of the five-town-house complex. All guests have access to common rooms where they might catch a glimpse of the visiting celebrities who prize the inn for its privacy and security.

Once an incinerator dating from the 1920s, this building still topped with a smokestack might seem the most unlikely of places for a luxury hotel, but settle into one of the large and chicly designed guest rooms. A fire theme unites the intimate spaces, a complete departure from the chain's more traditional style, while exceptionally spacious guest rooms, outfitted in restful hues of mint and gray, convey the opposite effect. If you're looking for a place to relax, its modern spa is small but luxurious, with a relaxation lounge, steam room, and treatment rooms. Have a drink at The Living Room, the lobby bar with a warm decor of exposed brick walls, a wood fireplace, and live DJ lounge music on the weekends. 

Just two blocks from the White House, this gorgeous 1926 Italian Renaissance–style landmark attracts a business and diplomatic crowd. The hand-painted ceiling in the lobby sets the stage for the attention to detail that awaits in the guest rooms, where Pratesi linens line the beds, LCD TVs are recessed behind the bathroom mirrors, and Bose sound systems play your favorite music. Book one of the hotel's luxurious suites, and you'll receive personalized St. Regis Butler Service—whether you need the newest best-selling novel, tickets to a Kennedy Center show, or in-room coffee service, just call your butler and consider the job done. Add the beautifully curated afternoon tea to your list, especially if you visit during the cherry blossom season. 

The recently renovated and rebranded Waldorf Astoria makes for a great choice if searching for a luxury property near the National Mall. In the findings of all great luxury hotels, it comes with a full-service spa, a glam cocktail bar called Peacock Alley, Michelin-starred Sushi Nakazawa, and fine dining restaurant Bazaar by famed chef José Andrés. Rooms are designed in an antique style without compromising the modern touches of phone chargers, electric sheers, and drapes. The hotel is also home to the Clock Tower, which offers 360 views of the city.