Are you seeking the best places to stay in Washington, DC for an upcoming vacation? Look no further! We have compiled a comprehensive list of the best neighborhoods for all travelers! Whether you’re traveling with kids, looking to spend a fun weekend in the country’s capital or want to be put in a place that takes you back in time, there’s something for all Washington travelers!
Planning your trip to Washington DC last minute?
Hotels and tours sell out fast! Make sure to book in advance to ensure availability. Here are our top picks for Washington DC:
Top Experiences And Tours To Book In Advance:
- Monuments By Moonlight Tour (Our pick!)
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (Easy to get around)
- Gourmet Dining Cruise (Can choose brunch or dinner)
- Capital Wheel Entry Ticket (Save time in line)
Best Places To Stay In Washington DC:
- The Architect (Our choice for location)
- Citizen M Washington DC Capitol (Hip and modern)
- Glover Park Hotel Georgetown (four stars)
- Hotel Washington (Panoramic views!)
Washington DC is the capital city of the United States of America and it has a lot of amazing things to see and do! It’s home to the National Mall, filled with free museums and rich history so you can learn about your nation’s history. As well as major national monuments such as the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the White House! There’s plenty to see and do in DC and the most important thing for any great vacation is to make sure you’re staying in a place where you feel safe!
So sit back and relax, we’ve got you covered with our list of the best hotels and areas, so you’ll know exactly where to stay in Washington DC!
Understanding Washington DC Neighbourhoods
Capitol Hill is the area east of the Capitol building. Rich with landmarks such as the Library of Congress, Supreme Court Building, and the Folger Shakespeare Library, this neighborhood is one of the oldest and most densely populated areas of Washington DC!
It’s definitely one of the places to stay in Washington DC if you’re looking to stay close to the Eastern Market, a must-visit, the year-round indoor and outdoor local food and art market! Not only is Capitol Hill home to this market, it also features plenty of restaurants, bars, and music venues to explore on Pennsylvania Avenue and Barracks Row!
Georgetown is a famous neighborhood in DC for tourists. Filled to the brim with boutiques, museums, dining, and rich nightlife, Georgetown is perfect for people who want to see a little bit of everything.
It’s a mix of shops, restaurants, and residential areas which are homes to historic mansions, vintage townhouses, and rental apartments! It has plenty of biking and walking trails on the C & O Canals and Georgetown as well as featuring the Georgetown Washington Harbour Waterfront on the Potomac River.
It is within walking distance of Dupont Circle, Kennedy Centre, and a water taxi that connects to the National Mall, Old Town Alexandria, and the National Harbour!
Dupont Circle is a hub of modern nightlife and art! This area of town features bistros, bars, boutiques (oh my!), and restaurants that make it rich with vibrant life! This cosmopolitan area offers something for everyone! Influenced by the nearby embassies it features a diverse mix of highly renowned restaurants, bistros, cafes, go-to brunch locations, and late-night dining. It even features a farmer’s market on Sundays!
Chinatown & Penn Quarter are two districts that make up the downtown of Washington DC. This area of town is great for people searching for great food and full art immersion. It’s got a great variety of high-end and casual dining, all within close proximity to walk everywhere! Attractions that highlights include the Smithsonian American Art Museum, National Portrait Gallery, and the International Spy Museum!
Arlington is west of DC and housed by the lovely state of Virginia! It’s a great option for staying during your vacation because while outside of DC, it’s much lower in cost but still close to the action!
This is perfect for people coming to DC on a road trip where they have a car and don’t mind being twenty minutes from hot-spot attractions or are looking for the excitement of Washington but enjoying the slower-paced city life of a city on the outskirts!
Arlington is close to nature while also offering proximity to the action! Tourist spots close to town are the Arlington National Cemetery, the US Airforce and US Marine Corps Memorials in Arlington alone!
Just going for a weekend? We have got you covered! We have a great itinerary for weekend getaways to Washington DC that you cannot miss out on!
Downtown Washington is Where to Stay for First Timers
Downtown Washington DC is a fantastic option for travelers visiting the city without a car or private transportation. Being Downtown sets you up for a great home base within walking distance of great restaurants, bars, cafes, and amazing tourist spots!
The great thing about Washington DC is that there is always something amazing to check out and try and being in Downtown means that you are in the epicenter of Washington life!
It’s the closest to all the major memorials such as the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the famous Smithsonian! It’s also very close to the historical Pennsylvania Avenue where many famously important marches, protests, and parades took place!
Downtown is a great place to search for lodging in Washington DC if you’re seeking the heart of the city to move freely and experience Washington on foot. You’re close to nature with the National Mall right around the corner where you can walk throughout and enjoy your surroundings!
Best Places to Stay in Downtown Washington DC
Beacon Hotel & Corporate Quarters
Beacon Hotel & Corporate Quarters is lodging in Washington DC with the best options for making your own meals and wanting to stay on a budget!
Rooms at this hotel can feature kitchenettes so you can plan meals in your room to relax or to even have a slow morning! It has modern amenities with WiFi access, a fitness center, coffee and tea makers in rooms!
This is a great option for where to stay if you’re looking to get your steps in! It’s within walking distance to the most popular sites in the area, from monuments to shopping districts to restaurants! It’s within 4 km from the Phillips Collection, the National Mall, the National Gallery of Art, the White House, and the US Holocaust Memorial Museum!
When looking for the ideal Washington DC accommodations, Beacon Hotel is a great budget location, it has a rating of 7.3 on booking.com and offers rooms for as low as 193 dollars a night!
Check rates: booking.com
The Darcy Hotel
The Darcy Hotel is another great option for where to stay in Washington DC!
The hotel offers rooms with working desk areas, TV with cable, bathrooms that feature rain showers, soaking tubs, living rooms, and dining rooms. There is space with size enough for every traveling party and this is one of the best options for hotels in Washington DC! It even has an in-house ‘Gear Shop’ for guests looking to use bikes, strollers, or scooters to enjoy the city! It has its own fitness center, restaurant, and bar so if you’re looking for a low-key night you can stay at the hotel and enjoy great food!
It’s within a 10-minute walk from the major can’t miss locations such as the White House, the National Mall, the Phillips Collection, and the US Holocaust Memorial Museum!
This option for places to stay in Washington DC has an 8.4 rating on booking.com and has rooms available for as low as 205 dollars a night!
Check rates: booking.com
Sonder The Quincy
One of the best vacation rentals in Washington DC is Sonder The Quincy and you can’t miss out on it!
Rooms include a TV with cable, a seating area, a work desk, free wifi, a microwave and a refrigerator! All of their guests have access to Mackey’s Pub where they can enjoy traditional Irish Cuisine and a pint in the evenings!
It’s a little further away from the action, but still within a 20-minute walk to all the great tourist can’t-miss’s such as the Lincoln Memorial, and the National Mall. The luxury shops on Connecticut Avenue are the best places to window shop and walk through are only 200m away! The hotel is only 600m from the White House and 200m from two metro lines which makes it amazing to get around Washington if you’re wanting a break from walking!
The hotel has a 7.9 rating on booking.com and has rooms available for as low as 196 dollars a night, definitely check this place out when considering where to stay in Washington DC!
Check rates: booking.com
Capitol Hill and Chinatown are the Best Areas for Sightseeing
If you are only in Washington DC for a short period of time, Capitol Hill and Chinatown are two neighborhoods that are the best for sightseeing! Most hotels are within walking distance from all the important monuments so it’s easy to plan your time out accordingly to maximize the time you have!
Capitol Hill is the epicenter of every political science fanatics’ dreams. It’s an upscale residential area that is surrounded by major political buildings where you can walk around and learn so much about the US’s political system! With buildings such as the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court of the United States, and even the Congressional Cemetery, there’s new information to be discovered in every inch of this neighborhood!
It is also home to some major green and leafy areas! So if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of politics, take a walk through Folger Park or the United States Botanical Gardens for a full immersion in nature!
Best Places to Stay in DC for Sightseeing
Selina Union Market
Selina Union Market is a great option on our list of where to stay in Washington DC for its modern, earthy charm and comforting color schemes.
It’s in a great location, within 5 km from major tourist attractions such as the Capitol, the National Gallery of Art, the National Mall, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and the Phillips Collection!
It is complete with a garden, bar, and restaurant which includes breakfast! It is a mixture of hotel and hostel, making it a great option for places to stay in Washington DC for all travelers! It’s chic and has dorm rooms available at a discounted price for solo travelers looking to make friends, as well as private rooms for couples and families!
It has a rating of 8.0 on booking.com and has private rooms available for as low as 154 dollars a night!
Check rates: booking.com
Henley Park Hotel
Next on our list of where to stay in Washington DC is the Henley Park Hotel!
This location is definitely a can’t miss for its European-style decor of marble gargoyles and stained-glass windows! It is within 3 km from the White House, the National Gallery of Art, the National Mall, the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, and the Capitol!
Henley Park Hotel’s rooms offer guests rooms with cable TVs, a work desk, an ensuite bathroom with a bathrobe, and free amenities. It offers a 24-hour business and fitness center, in-room spa services, laundry services, and a restaurant on-site!
As one o the best hotels in Washington DC, Henley Park Hotel has an 8.5 rating on booking.com and offers rooms for as low as 172 dollars a night!
Check rates: booking.com
Sofitel Lafayette Square Washington
Sofitel Lafayette Square Washington is another great option for where to stay in Washington DC!
It is in a great location for those looking to walk around and see all the great tourist stops in the city! It’s within 5 km from the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National Mall, the National Gallery of Art, and the Phillips Collection!
Sofitel Lafayette’s rooms offer guests TV with cable, a minibar, air conditioning, and room equipped with an ensuite and WiFi! The hotel has the Opaline Bar and Brasserie which offer French comfort food for guests and free coffee and tea served every morning!
This lodging in Washington has an 8.5 rating on booking.com and has rooms available for as low as 314 dollars a night!
Check rates: booking.com
Looking for some delicious breakfast spots? Seek no further! Here’s our list of the best breakfast in Washington!
Georgetown is the Best Area in Washington DC for Families
Going to Washington DC with children? Georgetown is one of the best districts in Washington DC for its history, proximity to the fun stuff as well as safety! It’s a great neighborhood for those who are hoping to take their time through shops and boutiques. Georgetown is an at-your-own-pace district that’s the best option for where to stay in Washington DC with kids!
Georgetown is like experiencing small European streets in the comfort of the United States with its idyllic narrow, cobblestone streets and phenomenal historic homes. Even if you want to take the morning off running around, this is a great neighborhood to slow it down and walk around exploring all the cool attributes of the streets!
Because of its proximity to the Potomac River, Georgetown offers natural excursions to delve into that aren’t just packed tourist attractions. Take the afternoon to explore the river on a kayak or canoe and then end your evening on a riverside restaurant! It’s primarily a residential neighborhood so it gives you the feeling of being in a family neighborhood while still adventuring away from home!
Best Places to Stay in Georgetown
Georgetown Suites Harbour Building
Georgetown Suites Harbour Building is an option for vacation rentals in Washington DC in a great location!
It has a twenty-four-hour front desk with free WiFi, a fitness center and is within 2 km from the Phillips Collection, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Lincoln Memorial! This is definitely a budget location meant for people who are spending all their time exploring and coming home exhausted but never fear! Georgetown Suites Harbour Building has all the amenities one needs to be comfortable! It is a new booking so don’t be afraid to leave a review if you choose this location!
It has rooms available for as low as 133 dollars a night!
Check rates: booking.com
The Georgetown House Inn
Another great option for where to stay in Washington DC is The Georgetown House Inn! Located right on the C&O canal it has the feeling of a small city in France or England by being right on the water!
The Georgetown House Inn is in the retail and cultural epicenter only 322 km from Georgetown Waterfront and Georgetown’s restaurants and boutiques! It offers rooms with air conditioning, TV screens, sitting areas, and private bathrooms! The Inn has a shared kitchen with access to tea, coffee and orange juice for all guests!
This is definitely one of the best vacation rentals in Washington DC because of its proximity to must-visit locations! It is within 5 km from the White House, the Tomb of the Unknowns, the Pentagon, the US Air Force Memorial, and the Phillips Collection!
It has an 8.5 rating on booking.com and has rooms available for as little as 224 dollars a night! Don’t miss out on this lodging in Washington!
Check rates: booking.com
The Graham Georgetown
The Graham Georgetown is another amazing option for places to stay in Washington DC!
It is in a prime location, just under 5 km from the must-see hot spots in Washington! Such as the Phillips Collection, the White House, the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National Mall, the National Gallery of Art, and the Tomb of the Unknowns!
The Graham Georgetown has two onsite beverage options and a restaurant! The Alex Restaurant features a craft cocktail cellar with a small plate dining concept and is open daily for breakfast and dinner! The Observatory is a rooftop bar and lounge for you to relax while taking in the phenomenal views of the city in the evenings or mornings!
Each room features free WiFi, a TV with cable, plush bedding, and a work desk with bathrobes and slippers for guests to be comfortable! It also has a fitness and business center!
With a rating of 8.7 on booking.com and rooms for as low as 312 dollars a night, this is definitely a must-consider when regarding where to stay in Washington DC!
Check rates: booking.com
Are you a foodie? Looking for the best breakfast or restaurant locations? We have got you covered! We have a list of the best breakfast spots and the best restaurants in Georgetown!
Boutique Hotels are Where to Stay in Washington DC for Historic Charm
Washington DC is rich in history and charming buildings. When staying in the city it’s almost necessary for you to pick a hotel with plenty of both history and charm! Some of the best hotels in Washington DC are boutique hotels with plenty of style and warmth to make their guests feel at home!
Boutique hotels are always a unique way to experience cities as they give lots of insight into both history and social connections. They show you the best ways to understand where you are and really get you settled in your new surroundings. Call it an immersive experience but boutique hotels are rich with historical charm and you cannot miss out on these great options for lodging in Washington DC!
Best Boutique Hotels in Washington
Hotel Lombardy
Hotel Lombardy is a hotel with a classic 1920’s design to make you feel transported right back to the roaring twenties in this option for where to stay in Washington DC!
It has an option for restaurants in the Venetian Room Bar and Lounge and a European bistro-style Café Lombardy in the lobby which serves gourmet meals at breakfast, lunch, and dinner time! The rooms offer a stocked mini-bar, TV, and a desk area for you to work from your room!
The Hotel Lombardy is within 3 km from the White House, the Phillips Collection, the National Mall, and the Jefferson Memorial!
It has an 8.6 rating on booking.com and offers rooms for as low as 216 dollars a night!
Check rates: booking.com
Hamilton Hotel
Hamilton Hotel is another option for where to stay in Washington DC that you must consider!
It’s located in Washington Centre, just 600m from the White House! It has tourist attractions within 2 km from the hotel itself, meaning it’s in a bit of a busy neighborhood but if you’re wanting to be in the middle of the beating heart of Washington, this is the place to be! It is near the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, and 1.7 km from the Washington Monument!
The Hamilton Hotel is one of the places to stay if you’re looking for some great home comforts while adventuring! It has room service, a fitness center, a restaurant and offers breakfast for guests! The rooms feature flat-screen TVs with cable, coffee makers are available as well as a microwave on request! There is a desk and refrigerator included with an ensuite bathroom!
This lodging in Washington has an 8.3 rating on booking.com and has rooms available for as low as 170 dollars a night!
Check rates: booking.com
Hotel Zena
Hotel Zena is a modern boutique hotel that you have to look into when deciding on where to stay in DC! It has a classic, lively atmosphere that gives off immaculate vibes and you cannot miss out on it!
This lodging in Washington DC is a new, eco-friendly location that has rooms, studios, and suites all offering small fridge items, bed linens, and bathrobes for guests! It has a swimming pool, restaurant, a coffee and tea maker, bar and fitness center!
This is one of the best vacation rentals in Washington DC for its proximity to cool museums such as the Phillips Collection, the National Mall, the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. All within 5 km! It’s also two blocks away from the subway, meaning your budget-friendly travel is within reach!
It has a rating of 8.7 on booking.com and has rooms available for as low as 249 dollars a night!
Check rates: booking.com
Want more boutique hotel options for your stay? Look no further! We have a whole list of the best boutique hotels in Washington DC!
Dupont Circle is the Best Area in DC for Nightlife
Wanting to explore Washington’s nightlife? Dupont Circle is definitely where to stay in DC if hoping to capitalize on vibrant food and dance culture! It has plenty of restaurant options for all budgets and cuisine seekers and is waiting with open arms for you to visit!
Dupont Circle is the place to stay if you are looking for phenomenal restaurants, bars, and cafe’s made to make you feel and experience Washington like a local. Not only is there no limit to cool places to dance the night away, but it is also home to some really unique places! Whether it’s a restored mansion, a speakeasy, or dancing the night away in a true club, there’s something for all kinds of parties!
If nightlife isn’t your style, that’s okay! Dupont Circle is a great headquarters for your trip because it’s within walking distance of great monuments and attractions, while also still being in a prime spot for transit. You’ll never be too far away from a ride to a new place, or enjoying a great stroll between locations!
Best Places to Stay in Dupont Circle
The Jefferson Hotel
The Jefferson Hotel is a gorgeous option for where to stay in Washington DC if you’re looking for something classy and chic!
It’s complete with a library for you to lounge in with your morning cup of coffee, modern amenities, experiential dining, and service personalized to your needs! Rooms have a TV with cable, WiFi, marble bathrooms with some rooms featuring gorgeous skyline views of the city! The hotel serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner while the Quill Bar and Lounge offers unique cocktails!
It’s within 5 km from the White House, the Phillips Collection, the National Mall, and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum!
This lodging in Washington is located in one of the best districts in DC because of it’s great atmosphere and nightlife, if you’re looking for a great option to stay that takes advantage of this, the Jefferson Hotel is for you! It has a 9.2 rating on booking.com and has rooms available for as low as 442 dollars a night!
Check rates: booking.com
The St Gregory Hotel Dupont Circle Georgetown
The St Gregory Hotel Dupont Circle Georgetown is one of the best areas to stay in Washington DC because it’s in great proximity to three separate neighborhoods. While it’s the closest to Dupont Circle, it’s a ten-minute walk to Georgetown and Foggy Bottom metro stations!
Rooms are finished with a TV featuring cable, WiFi, a coffee maker, and ensuite bathrooms. Guests have access to a fitness and business center as well as a laundry facility and in a hotel restaurant! It’s within 2km from the White House, the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the National Mall!
It has a rating of 8.4 on booking.com and has rooms available for as low as 242 dollars a night! Don’t miss out on one of the best hotels in Washington DC!
Check rates: booking.com
Lyle DC
Lyle DC is a classic modern option for where to stay in Washington DC for those looking for comfort and aesthetics from their hotel stays!
It has an on-site restaurant that offers upscale American cuisine with European influence! They offer a complimentary coffee and wine hour for all guests! Their rooms offer equipped kitchenettes, flat-screen TVs with cable, and a work area!
This hotel is five minutes from Dupont Circle’s center and metro station! It has attractions within a 5 km radius including the White House, the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National Mall, the National Gallery of Art, and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum!
The ratings are 9.0 on booking.com and have rooms available for as low as 206 dollars a night!
Check rates: booking.com
Hotel Madera
Hotel Madera is a beautiful, modern location that’s a must-consider when finding where to stay in Washington DC!
Located in the heart of Washington DC, a 2-minute walk from the center of Dupont Circle, the Hotel Madera features rooms with a flat-screen TV and cable and a work desk for that perfect remote work-life balance! It has an in-house restaurant called the Firefly Restaurant but also has two others within walking distance! You never have to go too far for good food in Dupont Circle and the Hotel Madera is the prime example of why this is one of the best districts in DC!
All Washington monuments are within a 4 km radius while the White House is under 2 km away! The hotel has a rating of 9.1 on booking.com and has rooms available for as low as 280 dollars a night! Don’t miss out on this amazing lodging in DC!
Check rates: booking.com
Looking for a new restaurant to try? We have a great list of all the best restaurant’s in Washington DC that you can’t miss!
Arlington is Where to Stay in Washington DC on a Budget
If you’re looking for where to stay near Washington DC, Arlington VA is a fantastic option! It’s a 10-minute drive into Washington from Arlington and there are plenty of attractions on either side to fill a weekend, weeklong or multi-week trip with family, friends, or significant other! There’s adventure, history, and rich entertainment for all kinds of travelers making Arlington a great option when considering the best vacation rentals near Washington DC!
Arlington VA keeps you super connected to all the great metro lines to get you into the city and has its own tourist attractions and rooms at significantly cheaper prices! If you don’t mind taking an extra ten minutes to get into the city, then Arlington VA is a great option for you! The metro line sometimes doesn’t even take as long as advertised because many people use it as a commuter line right into town, so it’s definitely a place to consider when looking for where to stay near Washington DC!
Washington DC has many neighborhoods and boroughs that are amazing and full of life, and Arlington VA is not an exception despite not being right in Washington itself. You get two states for the price of one and an amazing chance to explore natural landscapes that have been preserved by many presidents before now. There’s always something relaxing about being just outside the high-paced life of the city and Arlington gives you the chance to step back and relax while keeping close to the excitement!
Best Places to Stay in Arlington
Hotel Pentagon
Hotel Pentagon is a great budget-friendly option for where to stay near Washington DC!
The guest rooms feature a flat-screen TV with cable, tea and coffee makers, a work desk, and some rooms feature a microwave and refrigerator! The Hotel Pentagon offers a hot American breakfast as well as a swimming pool, fitness center, and free parking!
It’s close to Arlington tourist attractions such as the Signature Theatre, the Pentagon, the Tomb of the Unknowns, and the DEA Museum!
The Hotel Pentagon has a 7.1 rating on booking.com and offers rooms for as low as 101 dollars a night, making this a great option for budget-friendly places to stay near Washington!
Check rates: booking.com
CW@Home
CW@Home is an option for where to stay near Washington DC for apartment rentals!
This apartment is air-conditioned with two bedrooms, flat-screen TV, a kitchen ad a terrace! It includes access to an outdoor swimming pool available from May to October, a fitness and business center, and offers private parking!
It’s close to all the things you should see during your trip to Washington as well as the classic Arlington staples such as the Tomb of the Unknowns, DEA Museum, the National Mall, and the Smithsonian National Air, and Space Museum, and the White House all within 5 km!
CW@Home has a 9.5 rating on booking.com, it requires a minimum of a two-night booking but has apartments available for as low as 403 dollars a night!
Check Rates: booking.com
There’s a lot of stuff to do in Arlington and not always a lot of time, so we have given you a list of the sure-fire best things to do in Arlington!
Washington DC has a great surrounding area, filled with rich history and amazing national monuments, it’s about time you set off and check off these locations from your bucket list! There’s something for everyone and every type of vacation in Washington DC.
Now that you’ve been through our list of where to stay in Washington DC, where do you think you’ll stay?
We have done our best to give you a great sample of what Washington has to offer, we know you’re as excited as we are to visit and have a great time. Now that you’ve figured out where to stay in Washington DC, don’t forget how many great things there are to do! We’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Washington so you can make the most of your trip!
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