The 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.

The 12 Best Hotels in Washington DC for Sightseeing

The Dupont Circle Hotel

Washington DC (Dupont Circle)

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.

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

from AU$417 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

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.
Short break
Full of character
Restaurant

from AU$231 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

The Melrose Georgetown

Washington DC (Georgetown)

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.

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

from AU$275 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

The George, Washington DC

Washington DC (Capitol Hill)

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!

Sights nearby - Absorb some of DC's rich history at the museums and monuments of National Mall.
Restrictions on children - No children
Lively
Designer

from AU$343 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

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.
Views
Full of character
Restaurant

from AU$768 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

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
Designer

from AU$457 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Salamander Washington DC

Washington DC (Tidal Basin)

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.

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

from AU$423 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Hotel Hive

Washington DC (Foggy Bottom)

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.

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

from AU$231 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Moxy Washington

Washington DC (Downtown)

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.

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

from AU$165 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Ritz Carlton Washington DC

Washington DC (Washington)

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.

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

from AU$522 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Eaton DC

Washington DC (Downtown)

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.

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

from AU$285 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

The Fairmont Washington DC

Washington DC (West End )

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.

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

from AU$369 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

The 12 Best Hotels in Washington DC for Sightseeing

For luxury

For great value

For traditional design

For an eco stay

For the design

For views of the White House

Still not sure which to book?

The 12 Best Hotels in Washington DC for Sightseeing

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