Where to Stay in Washington: My Selection of the Best Accommodations

Wondering where to stay in Washington? Looking for the best areas and districts?

You’re at the right place!

As I know Washington very well, I have created this guide of:

• Washington’s best areas for your stay (with details about the best places to visit and nearby attractions)
• For each area and district, the best hotels depending on your budget

Let’s find your dream hotel now!

My favorite hotels in Washington

Here’s a quick recap of my favorite hotels in Washington if you don’t have time to read my detailed guide.

You just have to click the hotel name in orange to see details and prices:

• Where to stay in Washington in city center: Hamilton Hotel – Washington DC next to the White House
• Best 5-star hotel in Washington: Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
• Where to stay in Washington on a budget: Generator Hotel Washington DC
• Where to stay in Washington with family: Hyatt Place Washington D.C./National Mall
• My favorite hotel in Washington for a romantic stay: Hotel Washington

In Downtown Washington (Downtown)

The Downtown neighborhood is the center of Washington D.C. It’s both a business hub and a historic area.

Stay here and you’re within walking distance of iconic landmarks like the White House and National Mall.

You will also find plenty of renowned restaurants, upscale shops, and art galleries.

It’s an ideal choice for a first visit and if you want to explore the city on foot.

It’s well connected by public transportation, so you can easily explore other parts of the city.

I recommend this neighborhood for staying in Washington D.C.:

• To visit main tourist attractions
• To enjoy a varied cultural and dining scene
• To benefit from excellent public transportation

This neighborhood is ideal to discover:

• The White House: official residence of the President of the United States
• National Mall: vast esplanade home to many monuments and museums
• Washington Monument, the obelisk overlooking National Mall
• Smithsonian museums: a group of free museums covering various fields
• Lincoln Memorial with Abraham Lincoln’s famous statue
• CityCenterDC: modern complex with shops, restaurants, and cultural spaces
• Ford’s Theatre: historic site where President Lincoln was assassinated.

Where to Stay in Washington historic center?

• Hamilton Hotel – Washington DC: Located 600 meters from the White House, right across from Franklin Park. Comfortable and spacious double room from 220$. Strong points: central location, friendly and welcoming staff.
• Club Quarters Hotel White House, Washington DC: A 5-minute walk from the White House. Bright, spacious double room from 270$. Strong points: perfect location for visiting, next to Metro, very comfortable beds, friendly staff.
• AKA White House: Located right in Downtown. Suite with kitchen and living area, cozy and warm, from 310$. Strong points: very well equipped, size of the accommodation, bar with live music.
• Riggs Washington DC: This 5* hotel is housed in the former national bank building. It offers superb, very cozy rooms from 370$, breakfast at 21$. Strong points: top-notch service, character, ambiance.
• Hotel Washington: Located right next to the White House, this luxury hotel offers very comfortable, well-decorated rooms. From 380$. Strong points: exceptional location, splendid rooftop view, high quality bedding. An excellent idea for a romantic stay!
• Waldorf Astoria Washington DC: Waldorf is Washington’s landmark hotel. You will stay in beautifully decorated rooms with period furniture and marble bathrooms. From 800$, breakfast at 21$. Strong points: Spa, beauty and elegance of the place. It’s simply the best luxury hotel in Washington!

In Logan Circle and Dupont Circle districts

Logan Circle and Dupont Circle offer a residential, trendy vibe.

You will find beautiful Victorian houses and can enjoy local life: cool cafes, local markets, and plenty to do at night!

You should stay in one of these Washington neighborhoods:

• For a local, friendly vibe
• To enjoy lively nightlife and many restaurants
• If you love art and culture
• To stay near Downtown while enjoying a residential setting

These neighborhoods are perfect to discover:

• Logan Circle: historic square surrounded by Victorian houses
• Dupont Circle: gathering place with central fountain and green spaces
• Phillips Collection: modern and contemporary art museum
• Local farmers markets offering fresh and artisanal products
• Art galleries and independent boutiques.

Here is my selection of the best hotels in Logan and Dupont Circle

• Washington Plaza Hotel: Located at Thomas Circle, between Logan Circle and Downtown. Modern double rooms from 150$, breakfast available. Strong points: large outdoor pool, great location to walk to main sights, warm staff. An excellent choice for great value and amenities, right in the center.
• Viceroy Washington DC: A few minutes’ walk from Logan Circle. Art-focused design rooms from 250$ per night. Strong points: seasonal rooftop pool and bar with beautiful city views, pet-friendly, great vibe. My favorite hotel for a romantic, trendy stay in Washington!
• The St. Gregory Hotel Dupont Circle Georgetown: Prime location at the crossroads of Dupont, West End, and Georgetown. Spacious, elegant rooms from 280$, breakfast included. Strong points: refined design, excellent French bistro, some rooms with private balcony.
• The Dupont Circle Hotel: 5-star hotel right on Dupont Circle. It offers very elegant rooms and suites with marble bathrooms. From 450$, breakfast options available. Strong points: unbeatable location, chic bar and restaurant, exceptional service, and many rooms with panoramic city views.

In Foggy Bottom neighborhood

Neighborhood Foggy Bottom sits west of downtown, between Potomac River and Georgetown.

It’s home to George Washington University and several government institutions.

You get a peaceful vibe while staying close to the city’s main attractions.

You should stay in Foggy Bottom:

• If you want a quiet stay close to downtown
• To be close to cultural and educational institutions
• To stroll along Potomac River

Best things to see and do around Foggy Bottom:

• Kennedy Center: renowned performing arts center
• Watergate Complex: famous for its role in American political history
• Rock Creek Park, a green space great for outdoor activities
• Albert Einstein Memorial
• Trails along Potomac for a walk
• Historic buildings of George Washington University.

Best hotels to stay in Foggy Bottom

• Hotel Hive: Only a 10-minute walk from Lincoln Memorial. Smart, compact rooms from 120$. Strong points: ideal location for sightseeing, rooftop bar with great views, trendy vibe. Excellent value for money for a budget stay in Washington DC.
• State Plaza Hotel: Near National Mall. Spacious suites with kitchenettes from 160$, breakfast available. Strong points: large, comfortable rooms, great location near sights and metro, on-site restaurant with garden patio.
• The Watergate Hotel Georgetown: This iconic 5-star sits right on Potomac River. It offers modern, luxury rooms, many with private balcony and river view, from 400$. Strong points: beautiful indoor pool and spa, very chic whisky bar, and Top of the Gate rooftop with 360° views. Top luxury choice for its history, views, and top-notch amenities.
• Rosewood Washington, D.C.: Gorgeous luxury hotel overlooking C&O Canal. Beautifully appointed rooms from 600$. Strong points: splendid rooftop with infinity pool and bar, exceptional service, elegant restaurant. This is my pick for a chic, luxury stay in Georgetown!
• Four Seasons Washington DC: This iconic 5-star sits at Georgetown’s entrance. It offers elegant rooms and suites with flawless decor. From 700$. Strong points: world-class spa with large indoor pool and hot tub, excellent dining, legendary service. Simply the top luxury hotel in Georgetown!

Where to stay in Washington on a budget

If you’re on a tighter budget, here is my selection of a few budget-friendly places to stay in Washington:

• Generator Washington DC: Located near Dupont Circle. Stylish private rooms and dorms from 80$. Strong points: seasonal outdoor pool, great common areas, ideal to meet other travelers.
• citizenM Washington DC Capitol: Near National Mall. Modern rooms with smart tech from 130$. Strong points: superb rooftop bar with Capitol views, super comfy beds, high-tech amenities.
• Holiday Inn Washington-Central/White House: Between Dupont Circle and White House. Comfortable double rooms from 135$. Strong points: rooftop pool, excellent location, spotless cleanliness. A very good deal for a budget stay right in downtown Washington DC.

Where to stay in Washington with family

• Hyatt Place Washington D.C./National Mall: Close to museums and monuments. Family rooms with seating area from 200$. Strong points: outdoor pool, steps from main sights, breakfast included.
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Washington DC Convention Center: Right in Downtown. Studios and one-bedroom suites with full kitchen from 230$, breakfast included. Strong points: perfect for longer stays, spacious rooms, excellent location.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington DC Convention Center: Located in Downtown. Spacious two-room suites from 250$, with complimentary à la carte breakfast. Strong points: indoor pool, separate living area in suites, complimentary evening reception. I really recommend this hotel for a family trip to Washington.

What is the best hotel in Washington?

If you’re looking to stay in the best hotel in Washington, you should stay at the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC.

And if you want something a bit more affordable but still excellent, you should book one or more nights at Hotel Washington.

Where to stay in Washington: Summary table of best hotels

To help you choose the best places to stay in Washington, whether Downtown or elsewhere, I created a table that sums up all the hotels I mention in this article.

You can sort them by price or by neighborhood!

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