The US capital city Washington, D.C. is named after George Washington, the first president of the United States. The city still houses all branches of the US government today, including the White House and the United States Capitol. Once you arrive in the city, you’ll find that it has much more to offer than just presidents and politics, with more than 130 neighbourhoods to explore. Washington is also home to more museums, monuments, and memorials than you could possibly see in a single day. The US capital is a superb choice for visitors looking for a memorable city break.
Build excitement for your Washington, D.C. city break… count down the days, hours, minutes & seconds until your trip with our CAN’T WAIT! Vacation & Holiday Countdown app 😊
So, where are the best hotels and places to stay in Washington DC for sightseeing tourists?
Finding places to stay in Washington DC can sometimes be difficult owing to the sheer number of accommodation and things to do here. It also takes some effort trying to find a spot where you’re not too close to the noise of downtown, but not too far from the action. For first-timers looking for Washington DC hotels suitable for families, friend groups and couples, we’ve got your back. We regularly travel with our young daughter as well as in a couple and as part of a group, so we know what to look out for when it comes to the best hotels in Washington, D.C.
Table of Contents
1. Conrad Washington DC
Hotel Rating: 5-Star ★★★★★
Neighbourhood: Penn Quarter
If we had to choose a hotel based on location alone, it would be the Conrad. All six Metro lines pass via one of the two stations both closely located nearby, allowing for connection-free travel across the city. This means you can get to all the top spots quickly and inexpensively. The hotel itself is a great place to kick back after a heavy day exploring and it prides itself on offering its guests “contemporary luxury”. The Conrad also houses an excellent restaurant and super cool rooftop bar with views of downtown Washington DC. This is a great choice if the locations you want to visit the most are dotted all over the city.
Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at the Conrad
2. The St. Regis Washington DC
Hotel Rating: 5-Star ★★★★★
Enjoy luxury, as well as plenty of space at The St. Regis. This 5-star elegant hotel has an a la carte restaurant serving European cuisine and is just 14 minutes on foot from the White House and within walking distance of the Renwick Gallery. Wi-Fi, a fabulous multi-channel television, and a modern Nespresso machine are included in each hotel room, so you won’t have to go without these creature comforts. On request, childcare and a kids’ club are provided, making this one of the best hotels in Washington DC for families. Be sure to consider using your free welcome amenity on breakfast which can help save a packet if you are travelling as part of a group (and is rather tasty too!)
Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at St. Regis
3. InterContinental The Willard, Washington DC
Hotel Rating: 4-Star ★★★★
The Willard was completed in 1901, but a hotel has been on this site for over a century. The establishment has welcomed a slew of famous and significant figures throughout the years, including practically every president since the 1850s, thanks to its Pennsylvania Avenue address, which is just steps from the White House. The hotel is known for its service, and it is unquestionably an elite, luxury hotel. Whilst The Willard is certainly one of the pricier hotels on our list, you will find almost incomparable luxury here which makes it a great choice for first-timers to the city who want to see the high end of life in Washington, D.C.
Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at the Willard
4. Salamander Washington DC
Hotel Rating: 5-Star ★★★★★
Neighbourhood: Southwest Waterfront
Opened in late 2022, this is another one of our favourites for unbridled luxury. Salamander (formerly the Mandarin Oriental) is prominently located along the Capital’s revitalised Southwest Waterfront and offers five-star elegance and vast facilities, making it one of the best hotels in Washington DC. The hotel is located near a multitude of intriguing restaurants and attractions in the new District Wharf neighbourhood, just a short walk from the nation’s most beloved monuments (e.g. a 20-minute walk to the White House). This sophisticated 5-star hotel makes it easy to relax and enjoy your time in the city with its elegantly constructed rooms, spacious suites and the Salamander Spa.
Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at Salamander
5. The Watergate Hotel
Hotel Rating: 5-Star ★★★★★
Neighbourhood: Foggy Bottom / Georgetown
An indoor pool, a rooftop bar, and a spa are just a few of the high-flying amenities available at The Watergate Hotel. Sightseeing is simple here, as the hotel has been a Washington DC landmark itself since the infamous Watergate Scandal of the 1970s. The National Mall is also about a 20-minute walk away if you fancy getting your hands on some of the designer goods and American clothing on offer there. This establishment is one of our favourites in Washington because it has a lot of unique features to brag about. Not only is there an enormous indoor pool, there’s also a Mediterranean restaurant, a cutting-edge spa, and two bars, one of which is on the roof. This is another great option for families looking to see the sights but at the same time be able to enjoy some fun amenities at the end of a long day.
Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at the Watergate
6. Riggs Washington DC
Hotel Rating: 5-Star ★★★★★
Neighbourhood: Penn Quarter
The Riggs Washington DC is a 5-minute walk from the Gallery Place Metro Station and offers modern lodgings in the former Riggs National Bank building. The Riggs Washington DC offers city views of Penn Quarter from its rooms. There are a few added extras you’ll love here such as free WiFi throughout the hotel. Cafe Riggs and Lounge serves all-American cuisine and is worth checking out as part of your stay. The Riggs also still has the original underground vault that now houses Silver Lyan, a super slick, secluded cocktail mixology bar. A rooftop bar is also available if you don’t feel like hiding away underground. The Riggs feels very exclusive and tucked away despite its location and seems to have little hidden touches running throughout the hotel which its guests love!
Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at the Riggs
7. Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
Hotel Rating: 4-Star ★★★★
Neighbourhood: City Centre / Downtown
The upper-middle-range Hamilton Hotel is housed in a lovely spot, nestled deep in downtown DC. The Hamilton offers historic character at reasonable rates that are perfect for a first-time visit to the city. Here you can find a well-equipped fitness centre, a great restaurant serving all types of different cuisines and perhaps most importantly, a full-service Starbucks to ensure you get your caffeine fix for the day. You might find that the Standard rooms are rather small, but they are usually enough if you’re spending the day outside exploring and simply looking for a spot to lay your head! That said, Hamilton Hotel Washington is worth checking out for the price and location.
Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at the Hamilton
8. The Jefferson, Washington DC
Hotel Rating: 5-Star ★★★★★
Neighbourhood: Downtown
The Jefferson is a luxury boutique hotel with an intricately thought-out design and elegantly appointed suites. and modern amenities. Its experiential dining has earned it a reputation as one of the best places to stay in Washington DC. The hotel is conveniently located just blocks from the White House and historic DC landmarks. Private cabinet rooms and a cosy Book Room offer guests a place to sit with a morning coffee or an after-dinner cocktail while surrounded by volumes of books. These are just a few of the areas you’ll love discovering here. Each guest room at The Jefferson Hotel is elegantly designed with rich colours and luxurious linen, as well as including a flat-screen TV, complimentary WiFi, and an Italian marble bathroom.
Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at the Jefferson
9. Lyle Washington DC
Hotel Rating: 4-Star ★★★★
Neighbourhood: Dupont Circle
Lyle is housed in a stunning Art Deco building. Natural materials such as Burl wood art deco headboards, rattan seats, and Berber carpets are featured in Lyle’s bedrooms, which are made up of warm and peaceful neutral tones. You’ll find that this hotel has a cool, almost Skandi vibe, that will help you to relax and get a great night’s sleep after a busy day exploring the city.
Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at Lyle
10. Hotel Madera
Hotel Rating: 4-Star ★★★★
Neighbourhood: Dupont Circle
The recently refurbished Hotel Madera has been a favourite neighbourhood hangout since it opened over a decade ago and is both sophisticated and welcoming. The hotel gives a sense of solitude and ease, making guests feel like members of the family, thanks to its careful, elegant design and warm personal touches scattered throughout. Enjoy a beverage in the cosy living room or at Firefly restaurant. The Hotel Madera offers spacious guest rooms and suites with unique features such as expansive balconies. Whatever brings you to this downtown retreat, you won’t regret it as this could be the best choice of hotel in Washington for you.
Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at Madera
As you can see, Washington D.C. is awash with a plethora of things to see and do, so these are just a few of our top picks for places to stay while you get out and about in this bustling city.
There are clearly some stunning places to stay in Washington whether you’re in town for a first-time city break or on a touristy vacation with the family; you’ll find a hotel that suits your needs perfectly, including roomy stays for families in the nation’s capital.
Plan Your Trip to Washington, D.C.
Excited? Count down the seconds until your Washington DC trip with our CAN’T WAIT! Vacation & Holiday Countdown App !
We always look for the best deals when it comes to flights, accommodation and tours. Over the last 20+ years of enjoying trips together, we’ve come to rely on a few providers that have saved us money and given us a great service…
GUIDED TOURS, ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO IN WASHINGTON DC
- GetYourGuide.com – Excellent guided tours and all of the best things to do in Washington DC, hand-picked by local, English speaking tour guides.
HOTELS & PLACES TO STAY IN WASHINGTON DC
- Booking.com offers the lowest prices from a huge choice of 681 hotels and resorts in Washington DC!
CHEAP FLIGHTS TO WASHINGTON DC
- Skyscanner will get you up to 20% OFF your flight price by comparing flight prices on hundreds of websites including Expedia, United, American Airlines, Opodo, British Airways, Emirates and more! Book a few weeks in advance and you’ll find cheap flights to Washington DC, including international flights flying direct to Dulles International Airport (IAD) from major cities.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR WASHINGTON DC
- World Nomads – Simple, flexible and affordable worldwide travel insurance which includes 24/7 emergency assistance before & during your trip, valuables protection, trip cancellation cover and more
