The 5 Best Hotels in Washington DC Near the Museums

Image by Bruce Emmerling from

Washington DC offers an unrivalled collection of museums. From the famed museums and galleries associated with the Smithsonian Institution to numerous national treasures. Mostly located in and around the city centre, booking a hotel near your favourite museum will also give you easy access to many of the city's other cultural attractions and dining options. Our hotel experts have hand-selected the best hotels in Washington DC near the museums to make booking your next stay a quick and painless process. From elegant 5-star hotels to warehouse conversions offered at very reasonable rates - there is a wide range of options to choose from.

For a 5-star

• Salamander 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.

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.

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.

Still not sure where 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.

  • Salamander Washington DC Washington DC (Tidal Basin) 400 rooms from AU$403

    
    See more photos
    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

    Check Availability

  • Riggs Washington DC (Penn Quarter) 181 rooms from AU$435

    
    See more photos
    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

    Check Availability

  • The George, Washington DC Washington DC (Capitol Hill) 139 rooms from AU$327

    
    See more photos
    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

    Check Availability

  • The Hay-Adams Washington DC (Downtown) 145 rooms from AU$732

    
    See more photos
    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

    Check Availability

  • Hotel Hive Washington DC (Foggy Bottom) 83 rooms from AU$220

    
    See more photos
    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

    Check Availability

 

Written by Katie Harris

posted Wednesday, 8th February 2023