Best Hotels in Washington DC for Every Budget & Travel Style

Whether you’re coming for the cherry blossoms, the Smithsonian museums, a business trip, or a romantic weekend, Washington DC offers a place to stay for every travel style and budget.

Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure (and sometimes the frustration!) of staying at countless hotels in DC, from luxurious havens with views of the White House to budget-friendly hostels that keep your wallet happy. This comprehensive guide covers the best hotels in Washington DC, broken down by categories to help you find your perfect stay.

Quick Overview / Summary Table

Here’s a quick snapshot of our top hotel picks by category:

Category	Top Pick	Best For
Luxury	The Hay-Adams	Presidential-level luxury & location
Boutique	Eaton DC	Artsy, design-forward experience
Mid-Range	The Darcy Hotel	Value and charm
Budget	Hotel Hive	Trendy, affordable micro-hotel
Family	Embassy Suites by Hilton	Spacious suites & free breakfast
Business	Grand Hyatt Washington	Direct metro access & amenities
Near National Mall	JW Marriott	Walkable to major landmarks
Near Georgetown	Four Seasons Georgetown	Upscale in historic setting
Capitol Hill	Residence Inn Capitol	Ideal for families, extended stays
Union Station	Kimpton George Hotel	Chic, close to trains and the Hill

Best Luxury Hotels in Washington DC

1. The Hay-Adams

• Price Range: $$$$
• Location: Across from Lafayette Square, near the White House
• Amenities: Elegant rooms, afternoon tea, fine dining, historical ambiance
• Pros: Iconic views of the White House, impeccable service
• Cons: Premium pricing, often fully booked
• Booking Tip: Book at least 6-8 weeks in advance, especially in spring and fall

There’s luxury, and then there’s The Hay-Adams. Stepping into this hotel feels like stepping into a bygone era of American grandeur. If you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or want to impress a special someone, this is the place.

2. Four Seasons Hotel Georgetown

• Price Range: $$$$
• Location: Heart of historic Georgetown
• Amenities: Full spa, indoor pool, Michelin-starred dining nearby
• Pros: Quiet yet central, family-friendly luxury
• Cons: Farther from downtown museums
• Booking Tip: Check for weekend getaway packages which include spa credits

This Four Seasons property is classic and cozy. The cobblestone streets and C&O Canal nearby add charm to a stay that’s as comfortable as it is upscale.

3. Conrad Washington DC

• Price Range: $$$$
• Location: CityCenterDC, downtown DC
• Amenities: Sleek design, rooftop bar, fitness center
• Pros: Modern luxury, walking distance to shopping & nightlife
• Cons: Minimalistic decor not for everyone
• Booking Tip: Book through Hilton Honors for perks and upgrades

Trendy, artistic, and well-positioned for nightlife and shopping, Conrad offers a fresh take on DC luxury.

Best Boutique & Design Hotels

4. The LINE DC

• Price Range: $$$
• Location: Adams Morgan
• Vibe: Housed in a 110-year-old church with mid-century design elements
• Pros: Unique architecture, local art, food-focused
• Cons: Nightlife-heavy neighborhood can be noisy

Book The LINE DC

5. Eaton DC

• Price Range: $$$
• Location: Downtown, near McPherson Square
• Vibe: Progressive, activist-inspired with wellness and community spaces
• Pros: Podcast studio, rooftop bar, immersive events
• Cons: May feel niche for some travelers

Reserve your stay at Eaton DC

6. Hotel Zena

• Price Range: $$$
• Location: Thomas Circle
• Vibe: Feminist-themed art hotel
• Pros: Instagram-worthy interiors, rooftop pool
• Cons: A bit further from the National Mall

Book Hotel Zena

Best Mid-Range Hotels (Great Value)

7. Courtyard by Marriott Washington Downtown/Convention Center

• Price Range: $$
• Location: Near Mount Vernon Square
• Pros: Modern rooms, rooftop terrace, reliable brand
• Cons: Basic amenities, no pool

Book Courtyard Washington DC

8. The Darcy Hotel

• Price Range: $$
• Location: Dupont Circle
• Pros: Chic interiors, complimentary cocktail hour
• Cons: Limited on-site dining

Reserve The Darcy Hotel

9. Kimpton Hotel Rouge (Rebranding as The Banneker Hotel)

• Price Range: $$
• Location: Logan Circle
• Pros: Artsy rooms, pet-friendly, rooftop bar
• Cons: Parking is expensive

Book Kimpton Hotel Rouge

Best Budget-Friendly Hotels & Hostels

10. Hotel Hive

• Price Range: $
• Location: Foggy Bottom
• Pros: Clean micro-rooms, fun atmosphere, rooftop bar
• Cons: Small rooms, not ideal for longer stays

Reserve Hotel Hive

11. HI Washington DC Hostel

• Price Range: $
• Location: Downtown
• Pros: Affordable dorms and private rooms, great for solo travelers
• Cons: Shared bathrooms, basic facilities

Book HI Washington DC Hostel

12. Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center

• Price Range: $
• Location: Chinatown
• Pros: Sleek, compact rooms, great location
• Cons: Minimal storage space

Reserve Motto Washington DC

Best Hotels for Families

13. Embassy Suites by Hilton DC Convention Center

• Price Range: $$
• Location: Downtown
• Pros: Large suites, free breakfast, indoor pool
• Cons: Busy atmosphere

Book Embassy Suites DC

14. Residence Inn Washington DC/Capitol

• Price Range: $$
• Location: Near Capitol Hill
• Pros: Full kitchens, family-friendly amenities
• Cons: Limited nightlife nearby

Reserve Residence Inn DC

15. Omni Shoreham Hotel

• Price Range: $$
• Location: Woodley Park
• Pros: Historic hotel, spacious grounds, close to National Zoo
• Cons: Can be crowded during events

Book Omni Shoreham

Best Hotels for Business Travelers

16. Grand Hyatt Washington

• Price Range: $$$
• Location: Downtown
• Pros: Direct Metro access, large conference spaces
• Cons: Lacks boutique charm

Reserve Grand Hyatt DC

17. Marriott Marquis Washington DC

• Price Range: $$$
• Location: Connected to the Convention Center
• Pros: Ideal for large events, multiple dining options
• Cons: Expensive parking

Book Marriott Marquis DC

18. Westin DC City Center

• Price Range: $$$
• Location: Thomas Circle
• Pros: Westin Heavenly Beds, wellness-focused
• Cons: Slightly outdated decor

Reserve Westin DC City Center

Best Hotels Near Popular Attractions

Near National Mall

• JW Marriott: 5-minute walk to the White House and Mall. Business-meets-leisure.
• Willard InterContinental: Historic charm steps from the monuments.

Near Georgetown

• Georgetown Inn: Classic style, steps from M Street shops.
• Rosewood Washington DC: Boutique luxury on the canal.

Near Capitol Hill

• Capitol Hill Hotel: Homey, with kitchenettes and breakfast included.
• YOTEL Washington DC: Futuristic design, rooftop pool.

Near Union Station

• Kimpton George Hotel: Stylish and close to Amtrak.
• Phoenix Park Hotel: Irish-inspired, cozy with great value.

Special Hotel Categories

Pet-Friendly Hotels

• Kimpton Hotels (multiple locations): No extra fees for pets
• The LINE DC: Pet-welcoming vibe with local treats

Eco-Friendly / Sustainable Hotels

• Hotel Zena: LEED Silver certified
• Conrad Washington DC: Sustainability-focused design

Hotels with Rooftop Bars or Views

• VUE at The Hay-Adams: Iconic rooftop
• Top of the Gate (Watergate Hotel): Panoramic river views
• Eaton DC: Stylish with a great happy hour

Where Celebrities Stay in DC

• The Hay-Adams: A favorite among presidents and visiting royalty
• The Ritz-Carlton, Washington DC: Known for hosting athletes and dignitaries

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Insider Tips for Booking Hotels in DC

• Best Times to Visit: Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) are peak seasons. Book early!
• Check Event Calendars: Big conferences or protests can impact availability and rates.
• Use Metro Access as a Filter: Proximity to a Metro station can save time and money.
• Weekends vs. Weekdays: Business hotels often offer lower weekend rates.
• Loyalty Programs Matter: Booking direct with Hilton, Marriott, or Hyatt often unlocks perks.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a history buff, political junkie, foodie, or first-time visitor, Washington DC has a hotel that fits your vibe and budget. From five-star elegance at The Hay-Adams to quirky fun at Hotel Hive, your perfect stay awaits.

Book early, compare rates, and consider location carefully. DC is a walkable city, and proximity to the Metro or your favorite attractions can make all the difference.

Have you stayed in DC? Share your favorite hotel in the comments below!