The best Washington, D.C. hotels

D.C. is all about proximity, and The Dupont Circle Hotel’s location hits a sweet spot. Within walking distance of the capital’s biggest sights, it’s also far enough removed that guests can feel like a local—looking out on leafy Dupont Circle and the surrounding coffee shops, restaurants and bars. The service inside is fantastic and the vibe is mid-century chic with sleek metal accents and polished wood throughout. 

Time Out tip: Saunter down to Doyle, the chic cocktail bar filled with cushy leather chairs and stiff drinks. The drinks here are works of art in terms of both taste and appearance; there truly is no better place to go when you want an elegant evening out. 

This iconic hotel is housed in the former Riggs National Bank building and makes the most of its illustrious architectural past. The lushly decorated rooms are a riot of decadent paint shades and luxe fabrics. Located across the street from the National Portrait Gallery and near the Capital One Arena, The Riggs is situated in the epicenter of some of D.C.'s best attractions. 

The Riggs is also a culinary destination for those in the know. Café Riggs is the hotel’s charm-filled European-style brasserie, which is perfect for a long lunch with old friends. Head downstairs to one of the best cocktail bars in the city, Silver Lyan, hidden in what was once the bank’s vault. Sip inventive cocktails in a chic, dimly lit lounge that's often populated with bold face names.

Nestled on a leafy corner in Dupont Circle within a historic mansion built in 1883, Swann House is a slice of comfort in the city. The bed and breakfast is impeccably cozy, with plenty of architectural flourishes that nod to its past. Don't expect your old timey, over furnished B&B here—the rooms are comfortable, clean, and modern, and make for an inviting home base. 

The amenities here are really great: the continental breakfast served each morning is delicious, and there's a private pool and sundeck perfect for lounging. Swann House's quiet neighborhood location is within walking distance of Dupont Circle, several beloved local coffee shops, and a dog park; staying here is a great way to escape the chaos of downtown without compromising on convenience. Room prices include breakfast, afternoon nibbles and an evening sherry. Note: children under 12 are not allowed. A two-night stay is usually required at weekends.

There is perhaps no hotel in D.C. as historic as The Willard—President Abraham Lincoln did live there for 10 days before his inauguration in 1861, after all. Since it opened in 1818, The Willard has hosted many presidents and history makers, which makes sense given its location right across from the White House and its place on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Luxury almost feels like an understatement here. Everything about The Willard is opulent; each detail is considered, and every space is pleasing to the eye. The rooms and suites are lushly appointed, and beautifully decorated. The beds are comfortable, and the service is extremely attentive. Truly, this is the place to go if you want a luxury stay.

Make sure to reserve afternoon tea at Peacock Alley downstairs, a time-honored D.C. tradition, especially the themed cherry blossom and holiday teas. Pop into the wood-paneled, Round Robin Bar, which has been serving politicos and travelers since 1847.

The Morrow is an airy and upscale hotel that provides a great homebase for exploring one of D.C.’s most exciting up-and-coming neighborhoods: NoMa. Built on the site of the former Central Armature Works, a 100-year-old electrical manufacturing business, the space pairs modern, forward-looking design with touches that reference the vibrant creativity and artistic history of the surrounding area. It’s the perfect blend of exciting and chill.

One of the District's most comfortable hotels, the Four Seasons has long attracted VIP guests. The health spa is both serious and sybaritic, and good art is displayed throughout. Even if you’re not lucky enough to be staying here, you can at least treat yourself to afternoon tea on the Garden Terrace. If you can stump up the money for a reservation, ask to stay in the east wing, where a $40-million renovation enlarged the rooms and updated the decor.

When tourists visit D.C., they typically opt for a chain hotel near the White House, the National Mall, and the museums—and there's nothing wrong with that. But as for you, you're not typical. You want to stay somewhere with some history, a dose of panache and a cool neighborhood. That's where The Line Hotel D.C. comes in.

Located in D.C.'s hip Adams Morgan neighborhood, this century-old church-turned-hotel features 60-foot vaulted ceilings, ornate millwork, and brass detailing. The guest rooms offer a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. For me, it was the perfect place to feel like I was living like a local. I could easily visit my friends in Cleveland Park but also enjoyed an easy walk to the monuments. Plus, I got to experience all the exciting nightlife in Adams Morgan. 

Upon arrival, walking into the hotel's moody, darkened lobby felt like a relief after a hot day in the city. After a friendly welcome from the staff, I headed up to the room, a refreshingly vast space. A long entryway hall with room for purses, jackets, and shoes offered a perfect place to slough off outside layers before heading into the rest of the room. There was a seating area with a coffee table, a large desk, and a cozy king bed, all bathed in light thanks to the room's massive windows. But don't worry about the light disturbing your night's sleep; dark curtains will keep the sunshine at bay until you're ready to wake up. 

The room's decor fused a contemporary, clean look with vintage flair. Think: Contemporary artwork alongside sepia-toned photos. Crisp white linens next to a herringbone-patterened wood floor. A giant flatscreen TV and an equally imposing writing desk with views of the neighborhood. 

With its slate gray tile shower, large circular mirror and brass fixtures, the bathroom leaned more contemporary than vintage, which I appreciated. The only tweak I'd make would be to swap out the wood-topped vanity with a more modern and durable stone material. The wood has gotten warped with use, and though I tried to keep the vanity perfectly dry, it was impossible. I appreciated that the bathroom came stocked with luxe Cowshed products; their aromatic scents were a treat at the sink and the shower and helped me feel ready to take on the day.

One more thing: Sometimes hotel restaurants are an afterthought. But not at The LINE. The all-day cafe No Goodbyes draws upon the local farmers, fishers, and small-time ranchers in The Chesapeake Bay and Mid Atlantic Region to create an eclectic menu for morning, noon, and night.

No matter what you order, you must start with the house-made challah milk bread served with honey butter and chives. I tried and loved the sweet potato entree served with a beet puree, baby carrots, and preserved lemon—a delightful twist on the typical vegetarian main course. Plus, there's an excellent cocktail program from veteran D.C. bartender Lukas B. Smith to pair with your meal. The staff was incredibly accommodating when dealing with my party's food allergies, the mark of a truly caring and well-trained staff.

Neighborhood

Adams Morgan is known as an vibrant neighborhood packed with a wide variety of different cuisines, plus cool shops, live music, beautiful street art, and cute cafes. While you could spend your entire visit in the neighborhood, its location makes it easy to get into the rest of city, too.

The hotel is located just under two miles from the White House, so you can walk into the heart of D.C. in about 40 minutes. It's situated between the Dupont Circle metro and Columbia Heights metro stations; several bus stops can be found within about a block from the hotel's front door. 

Nearby

1. Smithsonian National Zoological Park: This iconic zoo is just a 10-minute bus ride from the hotel. It's free to visit, and you'll see more than 2,200 animals representing almost 400 different species.

2. Madam's Organ: With its popular catchphrase, "Where the beautiful people go to get ugly," this longtime spot offers live music seven nights a week.  

3. Jack Rose Dining Saloon: Fancy a drink? Jack Rose delivers with the self-proclaimed "largest whisk(e)y collection in the Western hemisphere," featuring more than 2,700 differnet expressions.  

Time Out tip

The hotel's calendar is packed with events, including happy hours, run clubs, and yoga sessions.

Just blocks from the White House, this Beaux Arts building reopened a couple of years ago after a two-year renovation that blends the modern—complimentary Wi-Fi—and the historic, with elegant nods to Thomas Jefferson. Four-poster beds have linens that feature the third president’s Monticello home and grounds. Downstairs is a clubby bar, snug library and The Greenhouse, an upscale Coastal Italian restaurant nestled under the lobby’s barrel-vaulted skylight.

The bright and fun Darcy Hotel offers a winking take on the district’s sometimes staid and colonial vibe. Guests will encounter classic framed silhouettes in bright colors, wingback chairs with modern flair and soaring American Colonial ceilings paired with eclectic artwork. It's the closest a space could come to being accurately described as embodying "D.C. Whimsy."

Located just blocks from The White House, this large and historic hotel features 64,000-sq-ft. of flexible function space, a 6,000-sq-ft. fitness center and a 4,000sq ft spa that offers a variety of therapeutic treatments. For a more intimate vibe, the lobby has several cozy spots where guests can hold small meetings or meet friends. Each of the unique seating areas offers free Wi-Fi and food and beverages.

Time Out tip: If you want to avoid kitschy bobbleheads and shop for a better curated selection of souvenirs, wander through the lobby to the attached White House Historical Association shop. Here you'll find nice keepsakes like homewares, books, stationery, chocolates, and the official White House ornament collection. 

Since 1981, the association has commissioned an official commemorative ornament each year; collecting each one is a popular endeavor, and this shop has a large stock of both current and past ornaments on display.

Both reassuringly traditional and warmly welcoming, the Ritz-Carlton is definitely a hotel for off-duty enjoyment as well as business stays. Mellow wood paneling greets guests in the public areas, along with careful attention to detail: apples on a platter just so, glorious flowers, and well-placed art and ceramics. Not to mention little touches to make you feel special, like hot apple cider and lemon cookies in the lobby on a fall Sunday afternoon.

Guestrooms are the supremely comfortable affairs that one would expect. Marble bathrooms have separate tubs and shower cubicles; there are iPod docks and HD TVs; furnishings have deco-esque touches. A stay on the club floor allows access to a lounge where complimentary drinks and snacks are served all day. Head to the Quadrant Bar & Lounge for all day bites and drinks. 

From the outside, the Sofitel looks like a typical big-city American hotel, but there’s a clue to some subtle differences: a French flag flying alongside the Stars and Stripes. Inside, contemporary artworks lift the traditional look of the wood-paneled lobby. Rooms also have good, vibrant pictures livening up neutral, comfortable, upscale decor and furnishings. European-style duvets are a welcome continental touch. TVs are high-definition, and marble bathrooms have separate bathtubs and glass-enclosed showers.

There’s more French influence in the ICI Urban Bistro, where morning coffee comes in a French press (cafetière), and breakfast orders come with a croissant and a pain au chocolat as well as bread. Both the sophisticated Le Bar and the bistro have outside space, which is at a premium in this area. Many of the staff are French too. Vive la différence!

The Monaco makes the most of its grand setting—an imposing neo-classical building that was once the main Post Office sorting office. The unusual premises mean irregular shapes, high ceilings and features such as cornicing add an extra touch of originality to the guestrooms, where dramatic furnishings such as black and white print headboards and curtains, with circles and stripes, add further individuality. It’s not at the expense of comfort, however: furnishings are top of the range, bathrooms well appointed and rooms come with CD players and HD TVs.

The large lobby/lounge is a stunner: painted a vivid kelly green and furnished with statement pieces, some modern classics, others one-off whimsical designs, that come together to create a gracious whole. There’s a complimentary wine hour in the evening. The Monaco is the flagship property of the Kimpton group, which has several hotels in DC and Northern Virginia. Its conversion into a hotel was one step in the process of the regeneration of downtown D.C.

Just a couple blocks from Union Station, The Royal Sonesta Washington, D.C. Capitol Hill is a great option central to the Hill and National Mall. I was impressed with the generously-sized rooms on a recent weekend stay, and the massive bed was fitted with plush linens that made sleeping dream-like. Truly, I was shocked at how large the room was, especially for a hotel in Capitol Hill.

While I suspect this is a popular spot with business travelers, there are plenty of small touches that elevate this hotel above others and make it a worthy spot no matter why you're in D.C. The large bathrooms include large walk-in showers with strong water pressure. The entire property is very accessible too, with plenty of elevators, wide hallways, and few stairs. Each guest gets a reusable water bottle they can use at the numerous fill stations scattered around the hotel, and there's a well-equipped gym with Peleton bikes. The only knock here is that there is no room service.

And for food? The sumptuously decorated French bistro just off the hotel's lobby, Bistro Du Jour, serves a menu filled with rich dishes for breakfast and dinner, including a nice Steak Frites. Be sure to perch at the marble-topped bar and order something strong.

Each of the Tabard Inn’s 40 rooms is decorated in brilliant colors with a hotchpotch of slightly chipped antiques. Unique and classy, the hotel draws locals, who come to enjoy its excellent restaurant, the garden courtyard in summer and a roaring fire in winter. It’s made up of three 19th-century townhouses and is the oldest continuously operated hotel in DC—the floors and doors squeak and there’s no elevator. 

Time Out tip: The Tabard Inn's restaurant has an especially cozy vibe in the winter when the fireplace is on. Drop by in the morning for breakfast and be sure to grab a couple doughnuts, a beloved local treat.