23 Best Hotels in Downtown, Washington, D.C.

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. 

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 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. 

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. 

With its magnificent block-long lobby filled with antique crystal chandeliers, layers of gold trim, and gilded columns, there's little wonder that this luxurious landmark has hosted presidential balls since its opening in 1925, as well as historic news conferences and even, for a short time, the Chinese Embassy. Even if you are not a visiting dignitary, being just steps from the Metro and within walking distance of numerous restaurants, shops, and tourist sites makes the Mayflower special. The guest rooms and palatial suites, done in shades of gray with bright splashes of color, are, in their own way, destinations in themselves. A stop  at the Edgar, its classic lobby bar is a must for a quintessential D.C. cocktail hour. 

A fascinating history makes these beautiful, 1864, Victorian town houses interesting, as well as comfortable and well-located, choices. Antiques-filled public areas have marble fireplaces, bay windows, and medallioned ceilings, and rooms have Neoclassical, French country, or Victorian furniture alongside modern amenities. The former Morrison home, on the National Register of Historic Places, became noted in 1923 when the Women's Army and Navy League bought and converted it into inexpensive lodgings for visiting enlisted men. First Lady Grace Coolidge attended the opening, and other First Ladies and dignitaries have visited over the years. American cuisine with regional accents is served in the relaxed restaurant, with its outstanding wine list and patio.

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.

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.

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 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 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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 big-chain feel is offset by a good location just steps away from the monuments and museums; attractive, comfortable guest rooms; and an indoor pool and health club. Public areas are comfortable places to unwind after a long day of business or sightseeing, and the Metro Center subway station is right under the hotel, so there's no need to go outdoors to travel.