The 9 Best Historic Hotels in Washington DC

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Rich in history and culture Washington DC boasts some of the country's most iconic architecture and sights. The hotel options across the city are dizzying with everything from grand traditional hotels to options with uber contemporary design. However, if you are looking to get a good dose of culture our hotel experts recommend choosing from our collection of the best historic hotels in Washington DC. Ranging from intimate 19th-century B&Bs ideal for a romantic getaway to utter opulence - there is something for everyone here. So why not browse through our top picks to start planning your stay?

For a romantic B&B

  • Swann House is a 19th-century house with a deep claret-coloured facade. Brimming with character, expect original wood-burning fireplaces, gorgeous four-posters and sateen sheets. For a little extra romance pick one of the rooms with a whirlpool bath.
  • American Guest House is a charming adults-only B&B set in a Victorian townhouse dating back to 1893. An intimate historic bolthole, complete with four posters, antiques and warming fireplaces. A homely space, expect hearty homecooked breakfasts and a refined atmosphere.

For its story

Watergate Hotel

  • The Watergate Hotel has deep roots in the history of the United States, it was where President Nixon ordered the burglary and wiretapping of his political opponents; thus, "Watergate" is now synonymous with corruption. This modernist hotel offers smart and spacious rooms, a whiskey bar, rooftop bar and chandeliered restaurant. High-tech, sophisticated, and one of the coolest historic hotels in Washington DC.

For foodies

The Jefferson

  • Emanating in the grandeur of Renaissance-revivalist architecture, The Jefferson dates back to 1923. Enter through a beautiful, classical marble lobby, where the walls curated artwork. A classic-meets-contemporary hotel which doubles up as a museum: it boasts an enormous quantity of rare tomes and nine original framed documents signed by Thomas Jefferson. However, the real lure is the pampering spa and Michelin-star restaurant.

For the design

Riggs

  • Riggs is an old bank building, with all the associated grandeur and large proportions, completely overhauled with gallery-worthy contemporary style. Complete with an excellent French bistro and located just minutes from the National Gallery of Art - this is a great choice for art and design enthusiasts.

For old fashioned elegance

Hotel Lombardy

  • Henley Park Hotel was once called Tudor Hall Apartments; back in 1918, it was home to the political elite of the United States. Inspired by Tudor architecture, the facade was covered with 119 gargoyles, two of which were depictions of the architect and his wife. After its renovation in 1982, many of the original features were kept intact: the period fireplaces, ornate mantelpieces and glittering chandeliers. The Wilkes Room is a particular highlight, a drawing room where tea is formally served.
  • Morrison Clark Inn is a Victorian mansion dating back to 1864, and once saw the likes of Mrs Teddy Roosovelt and Lady Mountbatten after which it was HQ of the Women's Army and Navy League. Now one of Washington DC's best historic hotels, having been lovingly converted into a simple, elegant stay: the rooms feature antiques, original marble fireplaces and 19th-century private balconies. The lobby bar and lounge are sophisticated affairs and the fine-dining restaurant is superb.
  • Welcoming celebrities and political dignitaries since 1926, Hotel Lombardy is one of Washington DC's most refined, historic hotels. Beyond the limestone, redbrick facade lies an old-school ambience that never goes out of fashion: dark wood wainscotting, oriental rugs, crystalline chandeliers, original artworks and red velvet chairs. This vintage elegance continues in the French cafe and the Venetian Room bar. Delightfully sophisticated.

A a classic stay

The Hay-Adams

  • Sophisticated, elegant and one of the finest historic hotels in Washington DC, The Hay-Adams dates back to 1885; then, it was two different homes, each owned by the statesman, John Hay, and the historian Henry Adams. It boasts beautiful views of the White House and is decorated in a refined classical style.

Still not sure which to book?

The 9 Best Historic Hotels in Washington DC

Jefferson Hotel, Washington DC
Jefferson Hotel, Washington DC

Washington DC (Downtown)

A Renaissance revival with a statue of Thomas Jefferson and a grand marble staircase, high ceiling rooms exude luxury with big windows. Fine dining at Plume restaurant serves seasonal dishes and an extensive wine list. Explore the city at ease from this prime spot, or relax at the in-house spa.

  • Foodies - Fine dining Plume restaurant holds 1 Michelin Star
  • Full of character
  • Great walks - To The White House or The Washington National Memoiral are both a 15 minute walk away.
  • Sights nearby - Washington DC is all walking distance.
from $525 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
The Morrison Clark Inn
The Morrison Clark Inn

Washington DC (Downtown)

Washington DC elegant Victorian mansion hotel with antique furnishing, marble fireplaces, in-room mod-cons and modern bathrooms. The dining rooms offer American cuisine in a mirror-gilded setting, or step down to the lobby for a cocktail and small plates. Great spot in the capital for exploring.

  • Local exploring - Perfect base to explore the city.
  • Luxury
  • Sights nearby - The White House and Lincoln Memoiral.
  • Restaurant
from $270 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
Henley Park Hotel
Henley Park Hotel

Washington DC (Downtown)

This European-style luxury boutique at the heart of downtown Washington DC offers spacious rooms with all the mod-cons and modern bathrooms. The Tavern serves All-American dishes, Blue Bar offers signature cocktails and sharing plates. A great spot for DC nightlife and, by day, for culture exploring

  • Sights nearby - Smithsonian Museum, Capitol Hill, the Convention Centre.
  • Restaurant
  • Great walks
  • Boutique
from $435 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
Hotel Lombardy
Hotel Lombardy

Washington DC (Downtown)

Private residence turned European-style hotel in the hub of Washington DC. Modern rooms with Italian linens, classic bathrooms and all the mod-cons. French cuisine at Cafe Lombardy, while Venetian Bar and Lounge is a more casual affair. Gym and business facilities are on site. A lively spot.

  • Sights nearby - The White House is only two blocks away.
  • Restaurant
  • Great walks
  • Boutique
from $150 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
Swann House
Swann House

Washington DC (Dupont Circle)

A lavish and inviting 19th century B&B. The more opulent suites come complete with four poster beds, sateen sheets, private whirlpool bathtubs, and wood burning fireplaces. Conveniently located just minutes from major sites, in the charming and historic Dupont Circle neighborhood.

  • Local exploring - Located in the historic Dupont Circle neighborhood, there is plenty to see and do in the vicinity and further afield
  • Full of character - Plenty of original features including crystal chandeliers, elaborately carved fireplaces and original plaster moldings.
  • Restrictions on children - Children over 12 years old can be accommodated, however no extra beds will be provided.
  • Sights nearby - The White House, Tudor Place, Mount Vernon, The Old Town Trolley and the National Zoo
from $175 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on LateRooms
The Hay-Adams
The Hay-Adams

Washington DC (Downtown)

Award-winning hospitality, fabulous views of the White House. A prime location for Washington DC. Luxurious large rooms with Italian linens and modern bathrooms. The Lafayette is an upscale restaurant popular around town, or head to Off The Record for a cocktail. Prime spot for local exploring.

  • Sights nearby - Farragut Square and the Admiral David G Farragut Statue are just around the corner to the hotel.
  • Restaurant
  • Great walks
  • Boutique
from $499 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
The Watergate Hotel
The Watergate Hotel

Washington DC (Foggy Bottom)

A luxury hotel on the banks of the Potomac River. Smart rooms feature floor to ceiling windows, modern furniture, soft hues and plenty of space. Entertainment comes from the bevvy of food and beverage options with a whisky bar, rooftop bar and French-American restaurant. Fabulous.

  • City Style - An uber slick hotel in the heart of the city.
  • Sights nearby - Visit the oldest federal cultual institution in the states, the Library of Congress.
  • Swimming Pool - 15m indoor heated pool with 3 lap lanes and a dedicated aerobics area
  • Spa
from $476 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
Riggs
Riggs

Washington DC (Penn Quarter)

This is a special place. An old bank building, with all the associated grandeur and large proportions, completely overhauled with gallery-worthy contemporary style. Rooms are all individually designed; there is a superb french bistro and a bar that's sure to keep you coming back!

  • City Style - The hoteliers have done a stellar job here, blending the grandeur of the old bank building with some cool contemporary style
  • Bar - Arguably one of the most inventive cocktail lists offered in the city in this elegant bar
  • Sights nearby - Visit the iconic Washington Monument and the Memorial Mall or the U.S. Capitol
  • Spa
from $297 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
American Guest House
American Guest House

Washington DC (Dupont Circle)

An historic bed and breakfast in Dupont Circle, a popular tourist neighbourhood. 12 rooms make up this traditionally decorated stately home with a cosy, welcoming and traditional atmosphere and fabulous home cooked breakfasts, all in easy reach of Downtown and Central DC's sights and nightlife.

  • Local exploring - Ideally located for explorers, the property is in easy reach of DC's nightlife, museums and the National Mall
  • Romantic Break - Plush, cosy rooms and roaring fireplaces make this property a romantic little bolthole full of character
  • Sights nearby - Within easy reach of the National Mall and it's world famous sights
  • Minimum Stay - Minimum stay from 1 to 3 nights depending on the time of year
from $213 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
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Written by Edmund Wise

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