The 16 best cheap hotels in Washington, D.C.

Located in the heart of historic D.C., just 1km from the White House, Moxy is a great addition to the selection of budget hotels in Washington. The interiors are bold and flashy (in a good way) with a sleek, modern aesthetic. The lobby doubles up as a social space, where you can find two-player games, sofas to lounge on and a fully-fledged bar serving cocktails and small plates. Lucha Rosa is their rooftop outpost, with Mexican food and live music bringing in the guests and locals. 

Mood? Trendy and fun. 
Time Out tip: The rooms are kitted out with smart technology, from Smart TVs to phones that recite bedtime stories upon request. 

Concealed within a historic Victorian mansion, HighRoad is a delightful pitstop that takes advantage of its vintage charm. You'll find a blend of old and new design features, including a fireplace in the common area and exposed brick in the rooms. It won't matter to you that there isn't as on-site restaurant, as its location amidst the Adams Morgan neighborhood means you're close to plenty of bars and eateries that even the locals love. Rooms range from shared dorms to private nooks with TVs and en-suites. 

Mood? Charming and characterful. 
Time Out tip: Though you're in a shared room, you'll still have your privacy thanks to the pod-style set-up; expect curtains, storage space and customizable LED lights (plus lockers with locks and hooks). 

All it takes is one gander at these luxurious, ’60s-inspired rooms – designed to make you feel like you’re floating on a yacht in the Potomac River – to know that the price per night at the Watergate Hotel is a steal. Guests can use the well-equipped fitness room and the gorgeous indoor pool, sauna, whirlpool and unisex steam room found on the same level as the spa, which offers massages, facials and a nail salon. The hotel allows pets who are 50 pounds or lighter.

Mood? Mesmerisingly scenic. 
Time Out tip: It would be a crime to leave the property without heading up to the rooftop bar, Top of the Gate, to drink in the view and a few cocktails, of course.

The Deco-inspired lobby and lounge at Melrose are stunners, while the rooms themselves are chic and modern yet cozy. What else could you ask for? The hotel restaurant, Jardenea, is pricey but very good, particularly if you’re looking for a romantic dinner. If you prefer, head to one of the myriad nearby dining options instead, offering delicious food at every prince range. And, while the hotel is situated slightly west of downtown, it’s a breezy walk to the heart of Georgetown, George Washington University and Rock Creek Park, which runs through the city from north to south.

Mood? Classy and cozy. 
Time Out tip: One of the city’s few Trader Joe’s locations sits one block away, so stock up on picnic supplies and head to Rock Creek or the banks of the Potomac River for lunch one day.

This gorgeous hotel in the shadow of the Capitol dome pretty much has it all: an award-winning restaurant, Art and Soul, backed by celebrity-chef Art Smith; room service provided by the same delicious kitchen; a swanky rooftop pool complete with rentable cabanas; and pet-friendly rooms that look much pricier than what they are. The venue’s location is pretty perfect, too, being so close to Union Station, many of the Smithsonian buildings and the U.S. Botanic Garden. Keep your eyes peeled for members of Congress, who like to make deals over crab-topped deviled eggs and plates of fried chicken in the hotel restaurant.

Mood? A pool with party vibes. 
Time Out tip: Yoga fans will love the weekend classes held on the rooftop in partnership with local studio East Side Yoga.

The decor admittedly skews towards traditional hotel aesthetics, but there are many unique things to love about this Woodley Park grand dame that has been around since 1930. First of all, the gorgeous swimming pool that sits on the hotel’s 11 acres and also includes fountains, views of Rock Creek Park, grand staircases, manicured lawns and stone gazebos. The outdoor pool stays open through the end of October, weather permitting, and there's also a spa and fitness center with a dry sauna. The hotel’s proximity to park trails and the National Zoo makes it an ideal stay for those traveling with kids, as does the backpack younger guests receive upon check-in filled with diversions like crayons, binoculars and card games. (The in-room milk and cookies on the first night won’t hurt, either.)

Mood? Royal manor vibes. 
Time Out tip: Do your research when it comes to dining in the neighborhood—most nearby restaurants are unsatisfying tourist traps. Consider heading down to Dupont Circle or over to Adams Morgan instead.

Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/Omni Shoreham Hotel

If you like your hotel to be every bit as fun as the rest of your vacation, this renovated pet-friendly hotspot should be at the top of your list. The Ven's wildly decorated rooftop lounge boasts a saltwater pool and a wall covered by bright artificial grass. You’ll want to relax inside colorful cabanas or enjoy the silent discos and spin classes that involve stationary bikes submerged in the pool. The restaurant, Fred & Stila, serves a variety of cuisines through a rotating menu, and there's also a rooftop bar that serves frozen cocktails. 

Mood? Colorful and fun. 
Time Out tip: The hotel also offers in-room spa services, a fitness center and games like foosball, shuffleboard and ping-pong in the subterranean lounge.

Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/The Embassy Row Hotel

Located about halfway between Georgetown and the National Cathedral, this pet-friendly hotel situated in a residential section of DC can nevertheless seem far from many city attractions. No matter—guests are offered complimentary shuttle services to and from the National Zoo, nearby universities and other city landmarks. Although you’re encouraged to indulge in the various dining options found on the commercial strip on the next block over, we suggest not missing out on the restaurant and bar located just downstairs from your sleek, modern room (make sure to request one with a kitchenette!). Glover Park Grill serves crowd-pleasers from pasta to sandwiches, has a daily happy hour and offers outdoor seating on the deck. 

Mood? Simple – but done right. 
Time Out tip: The hotel’s on-site fitness center is much more than that. Guests can sign up for classes, schedule personal training sessions, design custom running maps or take out loaner bikes if in the mood to check out the neighborhood on two wheels.

Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/Kimpton Glover Park Hotel

Believe it or not, this affordable hotel is home to one of the D.C.'s best rooftop pools, complete with outstanding views of the city's skyline and monuments. The building’s sleek, white exterior channels the futuristic ‘60s era during which it was built, but don’t expect that to be the case for the guest rooms: they have all been renovated and modernized, alongside the suites and fitness center that guests can also take advantage of. Centrally situated on DC’s Thomas Circle, guests are within walking distance of several hot restaurants and bars found along 14th Street and Dupont Circle, not to mention the White House and the shops at CityCenterDC.

Mood? All-American. 
Time Out tip: If the seasonal pool is closed, don’t despair – you can still sip on cocktails by the fireplace at International Bar.

Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/Sheila G.

The go-to hotel for those seeking to be walking distance from the cherry blossoms that bloom near the Tidal Basic each spring, this Foggy Bottom spot is also near most of D.C.’s must-see tourist stops. The minimalist design with industrial touches (think exposed beams and rustic brick walls) makes this a hipster paradise, which happens to welcome pets. When cravings for delectable Italian food hit, pop into &pizza, one of the city’s most beloved homegrown fast-casual chains, which also runs a bar on the premise.

Mood? Hip and trendy. 
Time Out tip: Their bar has a happy hour menu featuring $7 pizzas and $5 beer.

Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/Hotel Hive