Visiting Washington DC for museums, monuments or the spring cherry blossoms? You’ll need a place to stay. My daughter lived in DC for a few years, so my family stayed in many different hotels in the city and Northern Virginia. The hotels I’ve listed have unique vibes so I’ve recommended the trip type that best pairs with each. For example, families visiting DC-area campuses should consider Hotel Hive, located near George Washington University and Georgetown. And setjetters have to stay at the Watergate, the key location in the classic Robert Redford/Dustin Hoffman film All the President’s Men. Here are ten of my favorites located in different neighborhoods in and around Washington DC.
1. Line DC
1770 Euclid Street NW
Washington DC 20009
(202) 588-0525
Best for a Weekend Getaway
Line DC is a fun and modern boutique hotel housed inside a repurposed neoclassical church from the 1900s and situated in the young and trendy neighborhood of Adams Morgan in the northwest part of DC. The hotel features an in-house restaurant, No Goodbyes, featuring locally sourced dishes from chef Michael Freeman.
Line DC is a great choice if you’re in town for a quick weekend getaway and want to be close to the major sights without being in the tourist hub.
Located three miles from the Washington Monument and a 10-minute walk to the Smithsonian National Zoo in the Adams Morgan area with unique and fun restaurants and bars only a few minutes walk from the hotel.
The Line Hotel Highlights
- Modern Hotel inside repurposed 1900s church
- 10-minute walk to the Smithsonian National Zoo
- Three miles from the Washington Monument
- Short walk to several restaurants and bars
- In-house restaurant No Goodbyes by Chef Michael Freeman
- Bike rental
- 7-minute bike ride to Rock Creek Park
- Pet friendly
- Kids’ activities
2. Hotel Hive
2224 F St NW
Washington DC 20037
(202) 849-8499
Best for College Campus Visits
Hotel Hive is in DC’s Foggy Bottom neighborhood near George Washington University and Georgetown which is why it’s recommended for families visiting the area’s college campuses. It seamlessly combines a modern aesthetic with historic charm providing refuge from a busy day seeing the sights. It is conveniently located only a short walk from the Lincoln Memorial.
Spend the day shopping or touring the monuments, then come back to Hotel Hive and unwind. with a cocktail on the hotel’s rooftop bar and terrace as you watch the sunset over the city.
Hotel Hive Highlights
- Near Foggy Bottom
- #1 best value of 295 places to stay in Washington DC on Tripadvisor
- Close to Georgetown and the Lincoln Memorial
- Rooftop terrace and bar
- Pet friendly
- Free wifi
3. Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
1100 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington DC 20004-2501
(866) 886-2818
Best for History Buffs
The Waldorf Astoria, Washington DC, resides within the repurposed old post office built in 1899. This historic building features an observation deck to admire DC from above, as it is located on Pennsylvania Ave between the White House and the United States Capitol Building. This luxurious hotel is what you would expect of a Waldorf Astoria hotel while allowing you to quickly go sightseeing throughout DC.
Waldorf Astoria Washington DC Highlights
- Part of the Old Post Office built in 1899
- Between the White House and the US Capitol Building
- Close to the monuments and National Mall
- 15-minute walk to Chinatown and the National Portrait Gallery
- 7-minute Uber to the Library of Congress
- Observation Deck
- Spa
4. The Hay-Adams
16th and H Streets
NW Washington DC 20006
(202) 638-6600
Best for Luxe Lovers
The Hay-Adams Hotel is the place to stay for those looking for discrete luxury, housed within an Italian renaissance style mansion built in the 1920s. You will find excellent service and amenities in addition to picturesque views of the White House and Lafayette Park.
You won’t be far from some of DC’s most essential and historical sites, and in the evening, head over to 14th Street to check out the various restaurants and bars in the area.
The Hay-Adams Highlights
- Close to the White House
- 1920s Italian-style mansion
- Three onsite restaurants
- Close to bars and restaurants
- Offers massages
- Bikes available
- Bike tours
- 10-minute bike ride to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum
- Kid-friendly
- Pet friendly
5. Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC Downtown
815 14th Street N.W.
Washington DC 20005
(855) 618-4697
Best for
The Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC Downtown is perfect for those visiting with their family and wanting to stay close to the tourist highlights DC has to offer. This is an excellent option if you are looking for a
Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC Downtown Highlights
- Next to the White House
- Close to the National Mall and national museums
- 15-minute walk to the Smithsonian National American History Museum
- 15-minute walk to the Walter E. Washington convention center
- Indoor pool
- Bike rental
- Good for families
- Kid-friendly
- Great for first-time visitors
- Good for budget travelers
6. The Watergate Hotel
2650 Virginia Ave NW
Washington DC 20037
(833) 714-0672
Best for Setjetters
The Watergate Hotel is a beautiful luxury hotel along the banks of the Potomac River. It is an iconic hotel you may recognize from its appearance in films such as All the Presidents Men or as the location of Richard Nixon’s Watergate scandal.
The Watergate is located next to the Kennedy Center for those wishing to see musical or dramatic productions while on their vacation. It is also only a short walk from the shopping and dining options in Georgetown. You are a bit further away from the main stretch of tourist sites in DC, but all of the major attractions of DC are only a short Uber away.
The Watergate Hotel Highlights
- 15-minute walk to the Georgetown shopping area
- Next to the Kennedy Center
- Iconic historic hotel
- Bike rentals
- Spa
- Pool
- Rooftop terrace
- Private balconies
7. The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle
2121 P Street NW
Washington DC 20037
(202) 410-9320
Best for Art Lovers
The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle is located in the heart of the DC arts and culture scene and a five-minute walk from the Phillips Collection, known as the first modern American art museum. . Dupont Circle is one of the trendiest areas of DC with great art galleries, restaurants and nightlife. The Dupont Circle metro station is also only a five-minute walk from the hotel, allowing you to explore all DC has to offer with the ease of public transportation.
The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle Highlights
- On Embassy Row
- Near Dupont Circle
- Close to Logan Circle
- Walk to the Phillips Collection art museum
- Short walk to a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars
- Sun terrace
- Easy access to the metro
- Bike rental
- Fitness center
- Pet friendly
- Good for foodies
- Mid-range hotel
Virginia
If you want to stay somewhere a little more budget-friendly, look into staying in Arlington or Alexandria in northeast Virginia. You will be just across the Potomac River from DC proper and only a short Uber or metro ride away from the most popular tourist sights DC has to offer. Old Town Alexandria is full of charm and history, making it worth the trip into Virginia even if you aren’t staying there.
8. The Alexandrian
480 King Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
(703) 549-6080
Best for a Girlfriend Getaway
The Alexandrian is a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel right in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. Featuring modern rooms in a historic building, rumor has it the hotel is haunted. Enjoy a cup of coffee or sip cocktails in the hotel’s peaceful courtyard.
Right in the middle of King Street, there are plenty of restaurants and shops to peruse. If you find yourself staying here on a Saturday, the Old Town farmers market is right across the street. The Alexandrian is only a short walk to the Old Town waterfront, which is excellent for an evening stroll or taking a water taxi from the wharf to Georgetown or National Harbor.
The Alexandrian Highlights
- On Kings Street in Old Town Alexandria
- Walking distance to several restaurants and shops
- Take a water taxi to Georgetown
- Short Uber ride from Washington National Airport (DCA)
- Bike rental
- Pet friendly
9. Morrison House Old Town Alexandria
116 S Alfred Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 838-8000
Best for Marriott Bonvoy Members
Morrison House, a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel. This quaint historic house features an in-house lounge and dining room for guests to enjoy in addition to its charming rooms. Morrison House is located right off King Street in Old Town Alexandria, giving you plenty of food and shopping options easily within walking distance.
Alexandria, Virginia, is located right outside Washington, DC. It is full of charm and is a great place to stay if you want to get out of the city. But don’t worry; DC is not too far away. Take a boat from the Old Town waterfront to Georgetown, or you can easily take the metro into DC.
Morrison House Old Town Alexandria Highlights
- In Alexandria, Virginia, across the Potomac River from DC
- Right off King Street, close to food and shopping
- Old Town waterfront is a short walk away
- Close to Washington National Airport, easily accessible by metro
- Water taxi from Old Town waterfront to Georgetown or National Harbor
- Pet friendly
- Kids stay free
10. Embassy Suites Crystal City National Airport
1393 S Eads St.
Arlington, VA 22202
(855) 605-0319
Best for Families on a Budget
The Embassy Suites Crystal City National Airport is an excellent option for those traveling with kids and on a budget. It is what you would expect from an Embassy Suites hotel making it an excellent place for families. It is located one mile from Washington National Airport (DCA), and there is even a shuttle from the airport to the hotel.
This hotel is located right outside of the Pentagon. It is where we stayed when our daughter moved to DC a few years back, and we loved the location and how easy it was to get into the city without actually staying in DC. The metro is only a short walk from the hotel.
Embassy Suites Crystal City National Airport Highlights
- Close to Washington National Airport (DCA)
- Free airport shuttle
- Short walk to the Fashion Center at Pentagon City shopping mall
- Short walk to the metro
- DC city center is only a short metro ride away
- Near the Pentagon
- Free breakfast
- Kid-friendly
- Budget-friendly
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