9 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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.