9 Best Hotels in Washington, D.C.

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D.C. prides itself on pomp and pageantry, right down to where you lay your head at night. And while there are plenty of luxury hotels in Washington, D.C., more and more moderately priced properties with a less buttoned-down vibe are emerging on the scene.

The Best Hotels in Washington, D.C.

On the list of the best hotels in Washington, D.C., the nine below regularly rise to the top.

Hay-Adams

An Italian Renaissance-style hotel built atop the site of the former homes of John Hay and Henry Adams, the Hay-Adams lies a stone’s throw from the White House on Lafayette Square. With luxurious rooms and 21 suites, the Hay-Adams can suit all needs. The Top of the Hay roof terrace offers views of the White House, while down in the basement, the winningly named Off the Record bar offers a good place for a discreet tipple.

Amenities: 50- to 55-inch HD flat-screen TVs, custom Italian bed linens and bath towels, and fitness center.

Book It: Get prices for the Hay-Adams and other Washington, D.C. hotels

Hotel Hive

At first blush, Hotel Hive might sound like a glorified hostel than one of the best hotels in Washington, D.C.: It’s composed of 125- to 250-square-foot “hives,” some of which, the hotel warns, are best suited “for those who go to bed late or can sleep through anything.” Yet since its opening in 2016, the Hotel Hive has been winning plaudits among travelers for its hip sensibility. Located in an atmospheric flatiron in Foggy Bottom, Hotel Hive is close to the Metro, the Lincoln Memorial, and the White House.

Amenities: Rooftop bar, smart TV, and mini-fridge on request.

Book It: Get prices for Hotel Hive and other Washington, D.C. hotels

Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

One of the most well-regarded luxury hotels in Washington, D.C., the Four Seasons offers elegant modern rooms and suites in Georgetown. If you really want to splurge, check out the hotel’s Royal Suite, which includes a private dining room, a furnished terrace, and bulletproof windows. The Four Seasons is also home to the locally acclaimed restaurant Bourbon Steak, where customers can “savor Michael Mina’s award-winning butter-bathed meat.”

Amenities: Two-lane indoor saline lap pool, fitness center, steam rooms and saunas, babysitting, and family concierge.

Book It: Get prices for the Four Seasons and other Washington, D.C. hotels

The Jefferson

Located in a beaux-arts building a couple of blocks north of the White House, the Jefferson consistently ranks as one of the best hotels in Washington, D.C. Originally built in the 1920s, the hotel was completely renovated in 2009. Known for its immaculate elegance, tasteful appointments and extremely courteous staff, the hotel is also home to the Michelin-starred restaurant Plume.

Amenities: Marble bathrooms in many rooms, cocktail bar/lounge, complimentary shoe shine, complimentary phone calls worldwide, and maps of local dog-walking routes for guests with pets.

Book It: Get prices for the Jefferson and other Washington, D.C. hotels

The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown

The Ritz-Carlton’s 86 rooms and suites boast feather beds, high-thread-count linens, and marble baths. Ambitiously transformed from a former incinerator, the hotel is an easy walk from the boutique shops and restaurants of Georgetown, the Georgetown Waterfront Park, and the picturesque C&O Canal National Historic Park, an excellent place for a walk or run. Once you’re done exploring, there’s a 14-screen Cineplex located on the property.

Amenities: Spa, movie theater, and special activities for kids.

Book It: Get prices for the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown and other Washington, D.C. hotels

The Avery Georgetown

This locally run boutique hotel, with just 15 rooms, is a much-loved Georgetown gem that offers a very different experience from some of the other luxury hotels in Washington, D.C. Located in a tranquil neighborhood of classic rowhouses, the Avery offers two secluded courtyards and a convivial vibe. It’s within easy walking distance of the heart of the Georgetown dining and shopping scene, as well as the walking and biking paths of Rock Creek Park.

Amenities: Nightly reception with complimentary craft beer and local wines, and complimentary minibar.

Book It: Get prices for the Avery Georgetown and other Washington, D.C. hotels

Capitol Hill Hotel

The Capitol Hill Hotel has won plaudits as one of the best hotels in Washington, D.C. for longer stays. The Capitol Hill marries a boutique hotel sensibility—including cherry blossom motifs and political cartoons—with an extended-stay practicality that includes self-service laundry. The Capitol Hill’s two buildings offer both standard hotel rooms with kitchenettes and suites with full kitchens. Located in one of the city’s most storied and vibrant neighborhoods, the Capitol Hill hotel is also just a block from the Capitol, a short walk from the Mall, and very close to the Metro.

Amenities: Wine reception, fitness center, 32-inch HDTV, kitchens and kitchenettes, refrigerators, pet-friendly.

Book It: Get prices for the Capitol Hill Hotel and other Washington, D.C. hotels

The Graham Georgetown

Located on a quiet side street at the heart of historic Georgetown, the 57-room Graham strikes a balance between reliable luxury standards and true boutique charm. All the charms of Georgetown lie just outside the lobby door, while the hotel offers stylish respite inside. If you fancy a drink, the Graham Rooftop lounge has the cred to draw in locals, and the C&O Canal towpath offers walking and jogging opportunities less than a block away.

Amenities: 42-inch smart HDTV, fitness center, and a rooftop bar and lounge (tented and heated in winter).

Book It: Get prices for the Graham Georgetown and other Washington, D.C. hotels

Hyatt Place Washington DC/White House

“The only way to stay closer to the White House,” the property’s website crows, “is to get elected”—or to pay a couple hundred dollars more per room. With a terrific location just north of the White House and a short walk to not one but three Metro stops, this is a tough place to beat. It’s also within walking distance of the Mall, and in a section of downtown that’s lousy with good restaurants.

Amenities: 42-inch HDTV, fitness center, mini-fridge, and rooftop bar.

Book It: Get prices for the Hyatt Place Washington DC/White House and other Washington, D.C. hotels

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—Original reporting by Matt Jenkins

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