published on in Prominent Personality

The 11 best hotels in Washington, DC from the historic Hay-Adams to the iconic Watergate

Updated 2021-09-17T20:15:55Z JUMP TO Section Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.
  • These are the best hotels in Washington, DC, sorted by price from low to high. 
  • Hotel Hive
  • Moxy Washington, DC Downtown
  • The Watergate Hotel
  • Eaton DC
  • The LINE DC
  • Thompson Washington DC
  • Kimpton George Hotel
  • InterContinental The Willard Washington, DC
  • Riggs Washington DC
  • The Hay-Adams
  • Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC
  • FAQ: Washington, DC hotels
  • How we selected the best hotels in Washington, DC
  •  
  • More of the best hotels in major US cities
  • When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

    • As the nation's capital, DC is filled with important history, national landmarks, museums, and more.
    • There are many DC hotels to meet so much tourist demand, from historic properties to luxury stays.
    • We chose the best hotels in Washington, DC based on our own travels and extensive research.

    Brimming with history and culture, Washington, DC is a cultural powerhouse filled with iconic monuments, museums, houses of government, and trendy restaurants and bars. See The Declaration of Independence, learn if you have what it takes to become a spy, and grab a bite alongside the political elite — you can do it all in one day in DC.

    DC also has an overwhelming number of hotels to meet every traveler's tastes, though it can be hard to narrow down the options. Thankfully, we've spent a lot of time in the city and intimately know the best neighborhoods and the best places to stay in each corner of the city. 

    Whether you're a first-time visitor looking to see all of our country's most historic sights along the Mall or want to explore places like Georgetown, Dupont Circle, and Capitol Hill, these are the best hotels in Washington, DC to book.

    Browse all of the best DC hotels below, or jump to a specific category here:

    These are the best hotels in Washington, DC, sorted by price from low to high. 

    Hotel Hive

    Rooms are small but big on industrial chic charm. Tripadvisor

    Book Hotel Hive

    Category: Budget

    Neighborhood: Foggy Bottom

    Typical starting/peak prices: $96/$324

    Best for: Couples, solo travelers

    On-site amenities: Rooftop deck, cocktail bar, pizzeria

    Pros: This budget-friendly micro-hotel is ideally situated near DC's top draws; the National Monument and museums are just a short walk away. 

    Cons: Rooms start at just 125 square feet and there are minimal on-site amenities so it's not a good option if you want to spend a lot of time on-site.

    Room sizes are limited at this micro-hotel, but there's certainly plenty of character. Smaller rooms also mean cheaper prices, which is why it's such a hit with budget-conscious travelers.

    Most rooms start at 125 square feet with bunk bed options, and even the largest rooms max out at just 250 square feet. Despite the lack of legroom, rooms are intelligently designed to maximize the area with small desks, raised beds to fit suitcases beneath them, and nightstands that double as safes.

    Exposed brick walls and small nods to the hotel's buzzy name, like hexagon lights, are found throughout the property. Get out of your room and make friends at The Hive Bar, which includes a cozy nook with a working fireplace, or save time for the rooftop that's open seasonally. The outdoor courtyard offers another area to relax or enjoy a slice of pizza from the on-site local pizza restaurant. 

    The hotel is well located within easy walking distance of The White House, the National Mall, and other top DC attractions.

    Moxy Washington, DC Downtown

    Pared-down rooms feature contemporary design, concrete finishings, and city views. Tripadvisor

    Book Moxy Washington, DC Downtown

    Category: Budget

    Neighborhood: Downtown

    Typical starting/peak prices: $97/$391

    Best for: Couples, Marriott loyalists, solo travelers

    On-site amenities: Lobby lounge, bar, fitness center

    Pros: A funky, hip spot that's well priced for the downtown location, with the opportunity to earn and use Marriott Bonvoy points.

    Cons: Rooms are small and there are hardly any on-site amenities so Moxy DC is best for travelers not looking to spend tons of time in their room.

    The funky design at the Moxy is so hip, it's almost hard to find a place to rest your eyes between all the knick-knacks littered throughout the lobby. Pillows boast phrases like "Pizza Never Lies," an old horse kiddie ride stands proudly in the corner, and an American flag made out of blue jeans adorns the back wall. It's a bold offering from Moxy, which is Marriott Bonvoy's boutique but affordable collection of hotels.

    The rooms also feature unique art, cute pillows with fun messages, and leather headboards. Bunk rooms are available for groups and budget travelers, and standard rooms are small but designed for function with pegs instead of closets with drawers and mini desks. There's a grab-and-go kitchen area but no true dining on-site. 

    A small gym is the only real amenity but the downtown location means you probably won't spend a ton of time on property anyway.

    The Watergate Hotel

    The Watergate's curved exterior facade is just as iconic as the hotel itself. Tripadvisor

    Book The Watergate Hotel

    Category: Luxury

    Neighborhood: Foggy Bottom

    Typical starting/peak prices: $151/$399

    Best for: Couples, families, business travelers, groups

    On-site amenities: Rooftop bar, restaurant, scandal room, pool, spa, whiskey bar

    Pros: The notorious hotel embraces its past while still feeling sleek and fresh thanks to recent renovations. The rooftop bar impresses with sweeping city views and an indoor pool makes for a nice amenity.

    Cons: The bar and roof draw a lively crowd and noise can carry to rooms nearby.

    The Watergate's past is no secret, in fact, it's one of its draws, fully embraced in a recent multi-million dollar renovation. New cheeky touches include a Scandal Room decked out with items such as newspaper headline clippings, a tape recorder, and binoculars.

    Situated on the Potomac River next to Georgetown, many rooms come with balconies, leather chairs and couches, small wooden desks, and marble bathrooms. Large premium suites boast wraparound balconies and exceptional river views and standard guest rooms can also be connected. 

    Top of the Gate, the seasonal rooftop bar also features panoramic city views, while The Next Whiskey Bar walls of over 2,500 whiskey bottles. The on-site restaurant is a favorite among guests and locals, especially for brunch. The spa is a relaxing retreat and there's also an indoor heated pool.      

    Read our full hotel review of The Watergate Hotel

    Eaton DC

    Rooms boast a bohemian vibe with vibrant prints, mosaic tiles, and a collection of art and records. Booking.com

    Book Eaton DC

    Category: Boutique

    Neighborhood: Downtown

    Typical starting/peak prices: $152/$329

    Best for: Couples, solo travelers, wellness enthusiasts

    On-site amenities: Wellness programming, restaurant, coffee shop, rooftop music venue

    Pros: A home for creatives that strives to be a relaxing urban retreat through a boho-chic design aesthetic, with wellness-minded community offerings.

    Cons: The new-age vibe won't be a fit for everyone, so know what you're getting yourself into ahead of time.

    The free-flowing, bohemian vibe showcased at Eaton DC feels fresh and whimsical in a city dotted with hotels known for being far more stuffy and traditional. There's a selection of art, records, and books in every guest room; as well as rainbow-colored bed scarfs, bright rugs with geometric patterns, and mosaic-tiled showers that make rooms feel warm and inviting.

    The downtown hotel places a strong emphasis on new-age wellness practices too with free community classes such as meditation and sensory experiences available to guests. The on-site restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients, and the coffee shop features third-wave coffee and detox juices. The plant-filled, rooftop music venue, Wild Days, is also a cool spot to catch a live concert or dance with the DJ.

    The LINE DC

    Bright, airy rooms are highly curated with design-forward accents and furnishings. Tripadvisor

    Book The LINE DC

    Category: Boutique

    Neighborhood: Adams Morgan

    Typical starting/peak prices: $152/$299

    Best for: Couples, solo travelers, design lovers

    On-site amenities: Restaurant, bar, radio station

    Pros: A hip hotel housed in a neoclassical church where old and new seamlessly blend in unique ways. Plus, socially conscious travelers will appreciate the emphasis on supporting local communities.

    Cons: Adams Morgan's nightlife scene can get rowdy, and there isn't a metro stop nearby, which makes getting around the city challenging.

    Built inside a 110-year old neoclassical church, the LINE wows with a design that effortlessly blends the building's historic roots with modern comfort and amenities. Old church organ pipes were reimagined into a chandelier, and guest rooms feature old radios alongside modern media hubs.  

    Like other LINE hotels, an emphasis is placed on community engagement, and the hotel houses the Adams Morgan Community Center, which is an incubator space for artists and nonprofits, and also hosts a monthly Drag Queen Story Hour. More so, a dollar per night from every reservation goes towards No Kid Hungry.

    The on-site bar and restaurant scene is exceptional, overseen by James Beard Award winners and nominees. The nearby Adams Morgan area is notorious for its raucous bar scene, so there's plenty of nightlife options, and the hotel is also right by the zoo. However, getting around the city isn't as easy since there's no close metro stop.

    Thompson Washington DC

    Chic rooms have river views in most instances. Courtesy of Thompson Washington DC

    Book Thompson Washington DC

    Category: Boutique

    Neighborhood: Navy Yard

    Typical starting/peak prices: $176/$306

    Best for: Couples, families, Hyatt loyalists

    On-site amenities: Restaurant, 2 bars

    Pros: This is a new hotel in one of the city's trendiest, up-and-coming neighborhoods with river and baseball stadium views from most rooms.

    Cons: While the location is ideal for a baseball game, it's far from the National Mall and downtown area.  

    The Thompson Washington DC comes from the Hyatt brand, but feels more like an independent boutique hotel thanks to stately decor that subtly points to DC's colonial and maritime past with details referencing old ship's cabins. The location in Navy Yard places guests in one of DC's trendiest up-and-coming neighborhoods with newly opened restaurants, bars, and boutiques.

    The National Mall isn't close, but Smithsonian museums and the Anacostia River Trail are. The latter provides an excellent biking path for fresh air. Baseball fans should catch a game at Nationals Park, which is a mere 8-minute walk away. Some rooms even have views of the stadium, while others face the Anacostia River.

    Spacious rooms have calming gray and blue color palettes with plenty of light thanks to the oversized windows.     

    The on-site restaurant features Italian food with an emphasis on seafood. There are two bars, but the best by far is the sprawling rooftop spot with 360-degree views of the river and the city.  

    Kimpton George Hotel

    Wallpaper features calligraphy quoting the Declaration of Independence. IHG Hotels

    Book Kimpton George Hotel

    Category: Boutique

    Neighborhood: Downtown

    Typical starting/peak prices: $199/$404

    Best for: Couples, families,

    On-site amenities: Restaurant, business center

    Pros: Conveniently located on Capitol Hill with fun design details that firmly root you in DC and signature Kimpton perks that guests love

    Cons: The amenities are pretty basic and there's only one (expensive) restaurant and no spa.

    A boutique hotel on Capitol Hill, the rooms at Kimpton George Hotel pay homage to surroundings with design details such as wallpaper that replicates the Declaration of Independence. Additionally, horse statues act as lamps, and brass buttons on pillows are reminiscent of Revolutionary War uniforms. 

    Like other Kimpton hotels, all rooms come with a yoga mat, and guests enjoy perks such as social wine hour and custom-designed PUBLIC bike rentals. There's only one on-site restaurant, Bistro Bis, which serves French cuisine, as well as a cozy lounge area with a fire pit.

    InterContinental The Willard Washington, DC

    The InterContinental is a lavish, historic property just steps from DC's most famous sights. Courtesy of Willard InterContinental

    Book InterContinental The Willard Washington, DC

    Category: Luxury

    Neighborhood: Downtown

    Typical starting/peak prices: $200/$523

    Best for: Couples, families, business travelers, groups

    On-site amenities: Restaurant, bar, art gallery

    Pros: Just steps from The White House, this hotel dates back over 200 years and has housed famous guests from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to the Dalai Lama.  

    Cons: Prices vary dramatically and can rise to inaccessible levels during high seasons.

    You'll be in good company at this historic property across the street from The White House that dates back to 1816, and counts past guests such as Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr. (who even edited his famous "I Have a Dream Speech" in the lobby), and the Dalai Lama, among others. At the gallery off the lobby, guests can peruse photos, historical artifacts, and learn about the timeline of the hotel's history and renovation.

    Standard rooms are elegant with blue and gold detailing, and Premium rooms face Pennsylvania Avenue with views of the Washington Monument. Premium Suites are incredibly spacious, starting at 1,250 square feet, and the Oval Suite is even molded after the style of the Oval Office. Suites may be connected with guest rooms for large groups and families.

    Breakfast is best enjoyed on Cafe du Parc's terrace on Pennsylvania Avenue under the signature blue umbrellas. And if you grab a cocktail at the famous Round Robin Bar you might just catch a sighting of some of Washington's most political elite.

    Riggs Washington DC

    Highly Instagrammable decor plays off the original bank interiors. Courtesy of Riggs Washington DC

    Book Riggs Washington DC

    Category: Boutique

    Neighborhood: Penn Quarter

    Typical starting/peak prices: $212/$449

    Best for: Couples, families

    On-site amenities: Restaurant, speakeasy bar

    Pros: The highly Instagrammable decor plays off the original bank interiors and the hotel is whimsical while still feeling chic.

    Cons: Rooms are on the smaller side unless you opt for a suite, which can be pricey.

    Named for the former Riggs National Bank building in which it now operates, this brand new hotel is an exciting addition to the Penn Quarter. Rainbow-hued velvet details punctuate grand interiors alongside preserved original bank architecture. 

    In guest rooms, bright, watercolor-esque wallpaper matches headboards, and velvet, pastel pink curtains and pillows add a dose of whimsy, and minibars are fashioned after old safes. Four of the suites are named for former First Ladies, and each comes with its own bold color palette of pink, turquoise, canary yellow, or burgundy and gold. 

    At Cafe Riggs, there is a similarly bold approach to color along with Corinthian columns. The Silver Lyon speakeasy bar is a chic and cozy spot to grab a craft cocktail in the original vault. 

    The Hay-Adams

    Regal rooms are befitting of the A-list celebrities and dignitaries that stay at this historic hotel. Tripadvisor

    Book The Hay-Adams

    Category: Luxury

    Neighborhood: Downtown

    Typical starting/peak prices: $316/$658

    Best for: Business travelers, dignitaries

    On-site amenities: Restaurant, bar, rooftop bar, shuttle, business center, fitness center

    Pros: This is a well-located, refined luxury hotel that embraces its original heritage and is less than a 5-minute walk from the White House.

    Cons: The hotel's style is on the stuffy side and might not appeal to those looking for a hipper scene. 

    One of DC's most iconic luxury properties, the hotel is named for the original residents of the two houses that once stood on this site — John Hay, the secretary to President Abraham Lincoln, and Henry Adams, a direct descendant of Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams. 

    The Hay-Adams exudes regal elegance in line with such lofty predecessors with stately columns and Italian Renaissance-style decor. Gray and bronze flower-patterned curtains trim the windows and headboards in guest rooms, alongside classic, cream-colored armchairs and deep couches. Rooms overlook Lafayette Park, The White House, or Saint John's Church. 

    Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at The Lafayette, a refined space with french doors, large chandeliers, and pillow-covered couches. A trendier vibe is found at Off the Record, the hotel's all red bar that's famously lined with caricatures of prominent political figures. 

    Hay-Adams is within walking distance of the National Mall, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Dupont Circle, and The National Portrait Gallery. 

    Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

    Courtesy of Four Seasons

    Book the Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC

    Category: Luxury

    Neighborhood: Georgetown

    Typical starting/peak prices: $740/$1,160

    Best for: Couples, families, business travelers

    On-site amenities: 2 restaurants, cocktail lounge, spa, fitness center, indoor pool, hot tub, sauna

    Pros: This is a luxury retreat that makes you feel like a Washington A-lister, with excellent amenities and a great location.

    Cons: The Four Seasons is expensive in a city with plenty of other hotels to consider that are equally high-end and cheaper. 

    The Four Seasons is expensive, but for those set on luxury, you won't find finer. The Four Seasons brand is a beacon for high-end service, classic design, and five-star pampering, and this property does an impeccable job delivering on all fronts. 

    Tucked at the bottom of a picturesque street, the Four Seasons offers a covetable address amid Georgetown's tree-lined cobblestone streets lined with historic townhouses, designer boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants.

    The property itself, however, makes a strong case for staying put with an expansive art collection that includes over 1,500 pieces, rivaling even some of the top museums in the area. 

    The fitness center is an astounding three stories high and includes a large saltwater pool, as well as a sumptuous spa. Expect to rub elbows with the city's political celebrities that stay here, and the on-site restaurant Seasons is well-known as a place where diplomats and executives go for power breakfasts. 

    FAQ: Washington, DC hotels

    How many hotels are in Washington, DC?

    According to Tripadvisor, there are 153 hotels in Washington, DC. However, this doesn't include inns, B&Bs, or other specialty lodgings, in addition to vacation rentals.

    Where is the best hotel to stay in Washington, DC?

    Many of the best hotels in Washington, DC are found in areas that are popular with tourists and are located near major attractions such as government buildings, museums, and universities. This includes neighborhoods such as Foggy Bottom, Georgetown, Downtown, and Capitol Hill.

    What is the best hotel in Washington, DC?

    The determination of the best hotel in Washington, DC depends on your needs and interests. If you only consider a good experience to be a luxury stay, then look to The Hay Adams or the Four Seasons. For an overall good experience based on location, rooms, experience, and value, then consider The Watergate, Kimpton George, or The LINE.

    How much is a hotel in Washington, DC?

    The best hotels in Washington, DC are available at all price points, from $96 per night for a micro-hotel to $750 for five-star luxury.

    Where is the Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC?

    The Watergate Hotel is located at the edge of Foggy Bottom, just before the start of the Georgetown neighborhood.

    How we selected the best hotels in Washington, DC

  • Our team of travel writers have lived in and visited Washington, DC extensively and are personally familiar with and fully recommend every choice on this list.
  • All hotels selected have received top reviews and rankings from past travelers on trusted sites such as Trip Advisor and Booking.com.
  • Hotels range in starting price from $96 to $740 to represent a wide range of budgets and tastes. All starting prices are based on time of publishing, and subject to change.
  • We looked for standout features in terms of design, amenities, and guest perks.
  • Properties range from hip micro-hotels to wellness-focused retreats and storied hotels that embrace their history. 
  •  

    More of the best hotels in major US cities

    Booking.com
    spanHannah is the former associate travel editor for a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews"Insider Reviews/a. She's been to over 50 countries on five continents and is always on the hunt for the best hotels, food spots, and off-the-beaten-path finds.  /span spanBefore joining the Insider team, Hannah oversaw all digital content and edited print features for Family Traveller magazine. Under her guidance, the Family Traveller website won multiple awards, including in the Best Online Travel Magazine category, from the North American Travel Journalists Association. She also previously worked at Oprah.com and has written for outlets including Vanity Fair, Travel + Leisure, Thrillist, Brides, Here Magazine, Greatist, and more. She holds a master's in Publishing and Digital Media from NYU./span spanAn avid traveler, you can follow along on Hannah's adventures on her Instagram a href="https://www.instagram.com/hfreed11/"@hfreed11/a. /span spana href="https://www.businessinsider.com/insider-reviews-expertise-in-product-reviews"Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here/a./span Former Associate Travel Editor, Reviews Hannah is the former associate travel editor for Insider Reviews. She's been to over 50 countries on five continents and is always on the hunt for the best hotels, food spots, and off-the-beaten-path finds.   Before joining the Insider team, Hannah oversaw all digital content and edited print features for Family Traveller magazine. Under her guidance, the Family Traveller website won multiple awards, including in the Best Online Travel Magazine category, from the North American Travel Journalists Association. She also previously worked at Oprah.com and has written for outlets including Vanity Fair, Travel + Leisure, Thrillist, Brides, Here Magazine, Greatist, and more. She holds a master's in Publishing and Digital Media from NYU. An avid traveler, you can follow along on Hannah's adventures on her Instagram @hfreed11 Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Read more Read less

    ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufonyowcidnKxnpKeut7HLaJmeq6RitbDAxKWqZq%2BRqLWqusatpqdllJg%3D