The 12 Best Hotels in Washington DC for Sightseeing

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For many, a trip to Washington DC is all about those world-famous attractions. From the iconic sights such as the White House, Capitol, and the Smithsonian museum to endless galleries and theatres. Therefore, picking a hotel right in the centre of all the action is a wise choice if you really want to make the most of the city. There are a great range of hotels in and around the centre of the city. From grand five-stars to design hotels or even great value options. Our Hotel Gurus have scanned the length and breadth of the city to bring you a concise collection of the best hotels in Washington DC for sightseeing. With something for everyone, why not browse through our list and get booking?

For luxury

• Salamander Oriental Washington DC is an elegant hotel set in a quiet spot near the tidal basin. Expect all the luxury trimmings including a spa, restaurant, and a beautiful indoor pool. Service is on-point and the National Museum of Natural History is an easy walk away.
• The Dupont Circle Hotel is a chic contemporary hotel boasting an unbeatable location with easy access to Georgetown and the White House (to name just a few). The sink-into four poster beds and superb restaurant make a welcome respite after a day spent sightseeing.
• The Melrose is a chic luxury hotel set in the upmarket area of Georgetown. The design hits that perfect balance of contemporary style and classic elegance. Pick this property for the superb farm-to-fork restaurant and its excellent central location.
• Ritz-Carlton Washington DC is beautifully styled; at once contemporary yet with a real feel of opulence from an era gone by. Offering a perfectly central location, near Foggy Bottom metro, you'll want for nothing at this luxury stay.
• Fairmont Washington DC is a grand luxury property. Interiors are smart and modern and there are plenty of ways to indulge from the fine dining restaurant to the spoiling spa. Set in trendy West End, just a short walk from National Mall's famed attractions.

For great value

• Hotel Hive is a cool converted warehouse space. Chic design sees simple minimalist furniture set against exposed beams and brick. From spacious queens to bunk rooms there's a range of options meaning some come in at very reasonable rates. Located near Foggy Bottom metro, there is easy access to the Smithsonian museums.
• Situated right in the city centre, Moxy Washington is an achingly hip stay perfect for young travellers. A cavernous lobby is packed with entertainment, from table football to live music. Rooms have a warehouse feel and some have bunks making this great value too.

For traditional design

• Stepping into Hotel Lombardy is like walking into a European hotel. Downstairs are atmospheric living rooms packed with antiques and there's a French restaurant. While rooms are simply styled and comfortable. Well priced and located; just two blocks from the White House and numerous museums.

For an eco stay

• Eaton DC is an ultra-modern hotel with an eco-conscious ethos. Designed as a social hub there's a beautiful roof terrace (where much of the produce for the restaurant is grown) and regular live music. Rooms are individually styled and the White House, National Mall, and Smithsonian museum are a short walk away.

For the design

• 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.
• The George perfectly mixes the old and the new, with large works of contemporary art and design pieces dotted throughout the grand building. Well located just a short walk from the Smithsonian Postal Museum and the National Building Museum.

For views of the White House

• The Hay-Adams is a chic boutique boasting award-winning hospitality, luxurious rooms (with perhaps Washington DC's most comfortable beds), and the popular upscale restaurant, Lafayette. To top off its many credentials, the location is perfectly central and the views of the White House are superb.

Still not sure which to book?

• Try this collection of famous hotels in Washington DC, our list of family hotels in Washington DC or checkout hotels in Washington DC near the Smithsonian or the best boutique hotels in Washington DC.
• Expand your search to include all hotels in Washington DC.
• Or contact one of our Gurus for advice.

  • Hotel Hive Washington DC (Foggy Bottom) 83 rooms from £117

    
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    Value chic  -  A chic property offering a variety of rooms from bunks to spacious queens - making this an affordable option

    Sights nearby  -  Lincoln Memorial, the White House and the Kennedy Center are all about a 10 minute walk away

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    

    An old converted warehouse offering a chic contemporary space with a central location. Rooms are simply styled with exposed brick whitewashed and beams left exposed. From spacious queens to bunk rooms there's a range of options meaning some come in at very reasonable rates. See More

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  • Moxy Washington Washington DC (Downtown) 200 rooms from £84

    
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    Lively  -  With frequent live music preformed in the lobby - this hotel has a fun vibe

    Value chic  -  Some rooms feature bunk beds which come in at very reasonable rates

    City Style  -  An utterly contemporary stay with a trendy industral feel

    Sailing  -  Hire a paddle boat at Tidal Basin and spend a leisurely afternoon paddling about

    

    A modern hotel located in the city centre. The cavernous lobby is packed full of entertainment from football tables to live music, which sets the tone for this lively hotel. Rooms are achingly hip with expansive windows lending fabulous city views and modern bathrooms separated by frosted glass. See More

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  • Hotel Lombardy Washington DC (Downtown) 140 rooms from £117

    
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    Sights nearby  -  The White House is only two blocks away.

    Short break

    Full of character

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    

    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. See More

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  • Eaton DC Washington DC (Downtown) 209 rooms from £144

    
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    Hotel Entertainment  -  The hotel boasts a range of live music and performances and an on-site online and broadcast radio station

    City Style  -  Conscious, hi-tech style in the heart of Downtown DC

    Sights nearby  -  The White House is a short walk away, and the National Mall and its landmarks are in easy reach

    Local markets  -  The FRESHFARM By the White House Farmers and craft Market is a short walk away

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    This ultra-modern and stylish hotel is an eco and socially conscious hub and a hive of fresh, new and forward-thinking ideas and culture. Featuring chic en-suite rooms, an on-site restaurant and roof terrace. Perfect for explorers and younger travellers with attractive rates in a central location. See More

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  • The George, Washington DC Washington DC (Capitol Hill) 139 rooms from £174

    
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    Sights nearby  -  Absorb some of DC's rich history at the museums and monuments of National Mall.

    Restrictions on children  -  No children

    Lively  -  Hip and happening.

    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.

    

    Cutting edge downtown hotel with every modern convenience. Rooms are spacious, chic and extremely comfortable. Minutes from DC’s hottest attractions and metro lines. Explore like a local! See More

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  • Riggs Washington DC (Penn Quarter) 181 rooms from £232

    
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    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

    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.

    

    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! See More

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  • The Hay-Adams Washington DC (Downtown) 145 rooms from £389

    
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    Sights nearby  -  Farragut Square and the Admiral David G Farragut Statue are just around the corner to the hotel.

    Views  -  Great views from hotel

    Full of character

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    

    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. See More

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  • Salamander Washington DC Washington DC (Tidal Basin) 400 rooms from £215

    
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    City Style  -  A luxury stay with all the expected trimmings included stylish design, a fabulous spa, and top-notch dining

    Swimming Pool  -  50 foot indoor heated pool

    Opulent

    5* Luxury  -  Very high service standards.

    

    A five-star luxury stay set in a quiet cul-de-sac near the Tidal Basin. Expect all the luxury trimmings here: spacious suites that perfectly mix a homely feel with a touch of indulgence, a spoiling spa, lounge bar and restaurant. As suitable for families as for business people. See More

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  • The Dupont Circle Hotel Washington DC (Dupont Circle) 327 rooms from £212

    
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    Sights nearby  -  Whether it's paying a visit to the White House, or to buzzing Gerogetown - this location makes it all easily accessible

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet

    A fashionable hotel within walking distance from iconic attractions. The modern and smart rooms, featuring large, plump, four-poster beds, create a stylish, city atmosphere. There is a chic and lively bar and large dedicated spaces for events, meetings, and weddings. See More

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  • The Melrose Georgetown Washington DC (Georgetown) 240 rooms from £140

    
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    Sights nearby  -  The White House, Lincoln Memorial, The Smithsonian Museums, The National Museums of Natural History and many more!

    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    

    Chic luxury hotel, in the upmarket area of Georgetown. Sleek, sophisticated and luxurious - the decor hits the perfect balance between modern minimalism and opulence. Experience the seasonal, inventive "farm-to-fork" cuisine at Jardenea Restaurant. An elegant and contemporary base in the capital. See More

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  • Ritz Carlton Washington DC Washington DC (Washington) 86 rooms from £265

    
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    Weddings  -  Beautiful bridal suites, an expansive banquet hall, and a well-oiled hospitality team to make sure everything runs smoothly

    City Style  -  Luxurious, stylish, and unmatched service - it doesn't get much better than this

    Traditional

    Romantic  -  Good for couples.

    

    A grand five-star set in the heart of the city (near Foggy Bottom metro). Interiors are beautifully styled with a fresh contemporary feel but with all the opulent grandeur of an era gone by. The slick bar serves innovative cocktails and Westend Bistro has superb fine-dining. A luxury stay. See More

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  • The Fairmont Washington DC Washington DC (West End) 413 rooms from £187

    
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    Romantic Break  -  Rooms are modern, large and supremely comfortable, and the range of amenities allow for a comprehensive couples retreat

    City Style  -  An impressive, marble-clad grand hotel, boasting stylish rooms in the city's trendy west end

    Sights nearby  -  A short walk from the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial and in easy reach of the National Mall's world famous sights

    Restaurant  -  On-Site restaurant Juniper serves up seasonal twists on classic American fare

    

    An impressive and grand hotel, dripping with luxury design and elegance. Fully modern, with an indoor salt water pool, extensive fitness suite, and large, en-suite rooms, the Fairmont is an ideal luxury romantic destination in a stylish, cosmopolitan area of the city. See More

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Written by Katie Harris

posted Wednesday, 8th February 2023