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

Given the elegant charm and refined style, with guest rooms decorated in a class above the rest, it's no wonder this impressive Washington landmark continues to earn international accolades for its guest experience. The on-site Lafayette restaurant serves American fare and is the backdrop to many a Washington power lunch or dinner, and the downstairs Off the Record bar lives up to its reputation as "the place to be seen but not heard." The rooftop event venue, Top of the Hay, has spectacular views of the White House, Lafayette Park, and the Washington Monument.

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.

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.

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. 

Elegance and whimsy are in perfect harmony at this popular boutique Kimpton hotel—Washington's first all-marble building—in the heart of the Penn Quarter. Listed with the Historic Hotels of America and designed by Robert Mills (of Washington Monument fame) and Thomas Walter (one of the architects for the Capitol), this neoclassical beauty takes up an entire block. Even if you don't stay here, you should walk through the lobby to marvel at the gorgeous staircase with its domed, sky-lit alcove, soaring vaulted ceilings, marble floors, Corinthian columns, and arched windows. You can see the standard Kimpton pizzazz with eclectic decor elements like lion head medallions, accessories and furnishings in bold geometric shapes, and stunning abstract art. Rooms are as beautiful as the public spaces—spacious, light-filled, and decorated in luxurious fabrics—and boast gorgeous marble bathrooms. 

A former church, The Line Hotel DC was made for those who want to stay among the locals. A podcast studio welcomes you upon entering, followed by an open lobby. The hotel houses the No Goodbyes restaurant, open all day from 7 am to 10 pm and featuring a wood-burning stove and a menu that changes frequently, with ingredients fresh from the Chesapeake Bay. Rooms are small yet stylish, with unique photos, midcentury furniture, and pops of vintage details.

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.

Luxurious and practical at the same time, this is a great choice for families and groups because all the suites have separate bedrooms and full kitchens, and some have views of the city and the Potomac River. Amber, brown, gray, and cream furnishings in the lobby and guest quarters contrast playfully with a collection of curated photos of film stars and animal-print rugs. La Piazza specializes in pizza and has a full bar, and the terrace is a nice place to unwind after a day of sightseeing or work.

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 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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

The signatures of presidents, prime ministers, sultans, and kings fill the guest register at this classic Washington address, noted for polite service and stylish comfort and now rebranded as a Hilton. Custom bedding lulls you to sleep in rooms fitted with plush lounge chairs, flat-screen TVs, ergonomic workstations, and marble-and-granite bathrooms stocked with luxurious bath products and towels. The M Street location puts you close to the White House, numerous monuments, and dozens of restaurants. The lobby lounge, Postscript, serves light bites, but it's not a full-service restaurant.

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 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. 

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. 

Yes, it's a fairly large hotel and can be busy at times, but this historic 1965 hotel, at the intersection of Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, and U and 14th Streets, has a great location and is a perfect spot to unwind after a day of business or seeing the sights. The seasonal outdoor pool, sundeck, and children's wading pool offer spectacular views of the Washington Monument; fitness enthusiasts will love LivingWell Health Club with its extensive cardio and strength-training equipment; and dining options include several bars and restaurants along with a coffee shop. Bonus: if you happen to be staying during the last weekend of April, you'll likely be able to spot some celebrities and journalists in beautiful clothes as they make their way to the White House Correspondents' Dinner, housed in the ballroom on the lower level.

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.