United States Washington, D.C. Best Washington, D.C., Hotels The The Hay-Adams' striking views make it an instant list-topper By Chris Abell Chris Abell Senior Commerce Editor Instagram LinkedIn College of the Holy Cross (BA), Dartmouth College (MALS) Chris Abell is the Senior Commerce Editor at TripSavvy. He has worked at travel companies large and small, including Travel + Leisure, where he was Editorial Producer, and walkli, where he was the cofounder and Director of Content. He joined TripSavvy in 2021 and lives in Boston with his family. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 05/12/22 Share Pin Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. The best Washington, D.C., hotels are also some of the best in the world: The capital city’s hotel game is off the charts. And it makes sense, because this is where power players come to do business, where politicians play, and where international balls and annual galas are held. It's also home to some of the world's best colleges and universities. Unsurprisingly, there is plenty to see and do for anyone who steps foot in D.C. Political landmarks, dozens of museums, memorials, sprawling green spaces, a smorgasbord of architecture, world-class restaurants, terrific bars, and top sporting events draw tens of millions to the city every year. D.C. offers a wide variety of experiences depending on where you stay—it’s far more than the White House, Capitol Building, and Washington Monument. Rock Creek Park offers almost 2,000 acres of lush, natural beauty. Adams Morgan’s colorful homes and funky stores and bars make for a fun day and night out. Emerging hotspots like the H Street and U Street corridors keep things fresh, and the successful Washington Nationals are revitalizing an entire neighborhood. The Potomac River offers a slice of elegant waterfront living. Georgetown is one of the most charming neighborhoods in the world, with unbeatable shopping to boot. And the gorgeous National Mall is lined with so many free attractions—including some of the country’s best museums—that you can do more in D.C. on a tighter budget than you can in many other cities. We put together a list of the best D.C. hotels for a variety of travelers, though you can’t go wrong with any of them. They are all fantastic at any time of year, but as with many places, the best time to visit Washington, D.C. is in the spring or fall. The 7 Best Washington, D.C., Hotels of 2023 Best Overall: The Hay-Adams Best Luxury Hotel: Kimpton Monaco Hotel Best for Families: Omni Shoreham Hotel Best for History Buffs: The Watergate Hotel Best Budget Hotel: State Plaza Hotel Best for Shoppers: Rosewood Washington DC Best for Romance: Mandarin Oriental, Washington, D.C. Best Washington, D.C., Hotels View All Best Washington, D.C., Hotels Our Top Picks The Hay-Adams Kimpton Monaco Hotel Omni Shoreham Hotel The Watergate Hotel State Plaza Hotel Rosewood Washington DC Mandarin Oriental, Washington, D.C. See More (4) Final Verdict Compare Hotels Methodology Best Overall : The Hay-Adams 800 16th St NW, Washington DC Rates: $$$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It Unbeatable views from comfortable accommodations just a stone’s throw from the White House make the Hay-Adams one of the capital's top-rated hotels. Pros & Cons Pros Amazing views Prime location Free high-speed WiFi Striking design Cons No pool on site The best hotel views in Washington, D.C., are at the Hay-Adams—that’s pretty much just a fact. Located in Lafayette Square, the property overlooks presidential favorite St. John’s Church and none other than the White House. The interior is stunning as well, and the hotel bar (called Off the Record) evokes political intrigue and excitement. The rooms are luxurious and the service is excellent, so it's no surprise that the Hay-Adams was good enough for President Barack Obama and his family to stay for two weeks before his first inauguration. Notable Amenities Fitness center on-siteElectric vehicle chargers Pet-friendly Best Luxury Hotel : Kimpton Monaco Hotel 700 F St NW, Washington DC Rates: $$ Resort Fee: Yes See Rates Why We Chose It Modern amenities in a historic and elegant building make Kimpton Monaco Hotel a timeless choice. Pros & Cons Pros Stunning building Free high-speed WiFi Close proximity to dozens of local attractions Cons No pool on site Resort fee Set in the former General Post Office and built in 1839, the Kimpton Monaco evokes history on the outside and modernity within. The iconic green lobby and property's “living room” offer lavish guest lounging areas, the rooms are sleek and well-stocked, and the fitness center is open 24 hours. The Penn Quarter location puts you right in the heart of great restaurants, museums, and sporting events. Notable Amenities Patio bar and on-site restaurantPet-friendlyComplimentary morning coffee and tea Best for Families : Omni Shoreham Hotel TripSavvy's Rating 4.0 2500 Calvert St NW, Washington DC Rates: $$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It This massive D.C. landmark offers a resort-style feel right in the hustle and bustle of the city. Pros & Cons Pros Great pool on site Free high-speed WiFi Kids' programming Stunning exterior Cons Slightly farther from downtown The Omni Shoreham sits just off Connecticut Avenue in Woodley Park, steps from the National Zoo and the quiet Woodley Park neighborhood. The property’s exterior is jaw-dropping: A towering facade and sweeping staircases make it unmistakable. But the selling points here are the resort feel and the enjoyment for all family members: An award-winning pool and the Omni Kids' Crew (toys, milk and cookies, etc.) will keep the young ones busy once they’ve finished with the zoo and nearby museums. And with close to 1,000 well-appointed rooms, the hotel has space for everyone. Notable Amenities Pet-friendlyFire pits and hammocks for guest useComplimentary bikes for guest use Best for History Buffs : The Watergate Hotel 2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington DC Rates: $$ Resort Fee: Yes See Rates Why We Chose It While most of the hotels on this list are rich with history, this is the only one with a one-word scandal named after it. Oh, and it’s a great hotel. Pros & Cons Pros Waterfront views Unique architecture Free high-speed WiFi Great pool and spa Cons Resort fee Because of its infamous association with the country’s biggest political scandal, the real value of the iconic Watergate is often overlooked: it excels in luxury accommodations. Its location is also a selling point: on the Potomac River waterfront, right next door to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and a short walk from Georgetown. Pamper yourself in the Argnetta Spa, take a swim in the sleek indoor pool, and have a nightcap at the Top of the Gate rooftop bar. Notable Amenities Indoor pool, fitness center, and spa Best Budget Hotel : State Plaza Hotel 2117 E St NW, Washington DC Rates: $ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It The Foggy Bottom location at a low price makes this hotel a great value. Pros & Cons Pros On-site bar and café Fitness center Free high-speed WiFi Close proximity to dozens of local attractions Cons Basic (few amenities and extras) Located in Foggy Bottom, the neighborhood of George Washington University, the State Plaza Hotel provides guests with all the essentials—even cooking and dine-in areas in the suites—in a prime location, all for very competitive pricing. While not much to look at from the outside, the all-suite hotel is clean and sleek inside. Guests are steps from a college campus, the National Mall, and the buzzing D.C. business district. It's a great option for those who know they’ll be out exploring all day. Notable Amenities Breakfast availableKitchenettes and all-suite accommodations Best for Shoppers : Rosewood Washington DC 1050 31st NW, Washington DC Rates: $$$$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It Located in Georgetown, right on the Chesapeake and the Ohio Canal, the Rosewood offers tranquility just steps away from dozens of shops, both eclectic and high-end. Pros & Cons Pros Wolfgang Puck restaurant on-site Rooftop bar and dining Free high-speed WiFi Close proximity to dozens of local attractions Cons Not very close to the Metro Shoppers will definitely want to hit nearby Wisconsin Avenue and M Street for some fantastic Georgetown boutiques and upscale chains. But be sure not to miss the side streets, too. This old neighborhood is filled with charming townhouses and historic landmarks. However, the Rosewood itself offers plush, modern rooms, a Wolfgang Puck restaurant, and a beautiful rooftop bar, so you might have trouble persuading yourself to leave. Best for Romance : Mandarin Oriental, Washington, D.C. 1330 Maryland Ave SW, Washington DC Rates: $$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Pros & Cons Pros On-site pool and spa Patio cocktail lounge Free high-speed WiFi Upscale on-site dining Close proximity to dozens of local attractions Great views Cons Tucked between busy highways Overlooking the Tidal Basin (where famous cherry blossoms burst into life every year) and Jefferson Memorial, Washington’s Mandarin Oriental feels as if it’s in a European city. The service and the spacious, beautiful rooms are a treat, and the upscale restaurant and drinks on the garden patio make for memorable dining. The spa and pool will leave you refreshed, and beautiful strolls await just outside the premises. This is a truly romantic getaway in the heart of the city. Notable Amenities Award-winning spa on-site Final Verdict The nation’s capital ranks among the best cities for hotels in the country. At many of them, you could check in and not leave until checkout and still feel like you had a true vacation. But we don’t recommend that, as Washington, D.C., offers a unique range of activities: in addition to restaurants, bars, and sporting events, the capital also is home to free attractions and museums, waterfront dining, national monuments, and a feeling of power unlike any other. Not sure where to start? Whether traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or with friends, you can't go wrong with our list-topper the Hay-Adams. Compare the Best Washington, D.C. Hotels Washington, D.C. Hotels Resort Fee Resort Rate # of Rooms WiFi The Hay-Adams Best Overall None $$$ 165 rooms/suites Free Kimpton Monaco Hotel Best Luxury $25 $$ 183 rooms Free Omni Shoreham Hotel Best for Families None $$ 834 rooms/suites Free The Watergate Hotel Best for History Buffs $33 $$ 336 rooms Free State Plaza Hotel Best Budget Hotel None $ 241 rooms Free Rosewood Washington DC Best for Shoppers None $$$$ 77 rooms/suites Free Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C Best for Romance None $$ 400 rooms/suites Free How We Chose These Hotels We evaluated nearly two dozen Washington. D.C. hotels and spoke with local insiders, combed through reviews, and considered a number of hotel elements before selecting the best accommodations in each category. We considered elements such as the hotel’s reputation and quality of service, its proximity to major local attractions, and notable amenities. We also considered the dining options, extra fees, and the types of experiences (meals, on-site activities, etc.) available to guests. National Mall as seen from top of U.S. Capitol. Danita Delimont / Getty Images Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies