The Jefferson

From luxury shopping, classy bars and gourmet restaurants, to landmark museums, buzzing music venues and not forgetting the White House, Washington DC's Downtown area is one of the best places to be in the city. And of course, downtown Washington DC is famed for its swanky hotels, ranging from hipsterish stays and value-chic boltholes to Victorian mansions and neoclassical refinery. All you have to do is choose from this list of Washington DC's best downtown hotels, and plan your trip!

For Value chic

Lobby

  • Moxy Washington DC is definitely one of the coolest hotels in downtown Washington DC (and one that won't break the bank) with its hipsterish, instagrammable interiors, and the live music in the lobby. Definitely one for the young (or young at heart), it also features bunk rooms and a neon-lit bar.

Hipster Hangout

Lounge

  • With its own in-house art director, radio station, political art gallery and New Age wellness programme, Eaton DC is undoubtedly one of the trendiest hotels in downtown Washington DC. Add to that the stylish, artisan interiors, and the restaurant supplied with ingredients from its own rooftop garden, you've got yourself a winning formula!

For businessmen

Bar

  • Ritz Carlton Washington DC is a plush 5-star offering smart rooms filled with light from the floor-to-ceiling windows, sink-into beds and walls adorned with artworks. There's a mouth-watering bistro, effortlessly classy bar, and extensive business facilities.
  • Hotel Lombardy is another good pick for businessmen. The huge meeting rooms are obviously a godsend, and the Venetian Bar & Lounge oozes sophistication. The rooms have comfy beds, faded artworks, antique chairs and chintzy curtains, and the restaurant serves up sumptous fare.

For a Traditional stay

Henley Park Hotel

  • For a slice of traditional European living, Henley Park Hotel is the name of the game. It features simple clasically styled rooms, fine-dining, and a highly sophisticated tea room in a grandiose Edwardian lounge.

Historic Hotel

Restaurant

  • If you're looking for an historic stay in downtown Washington, Morrison Clark Inn will do the trick. A beautifully converted Victorian mansion, it once saw Mrs. Teddy Roosovelt and Lady Mountbatten drinking tea within its walls. Simple, elegant rooms furnished with antiques and period fireplaces, a classy bar and a fine-dining restaurant.

For Neoclassical Elegance

Guestroom

  • The Hay-Adams sits in prime location, with views over the White House. A refined, neoclassical hotel offering fine-dining at the Lafayette restaurant, classic, spacious white rooms and special kids packages on offer, it's one of Washington DC's most family-friendly hotels in the downtown area.
  • Radiating the grandiosity of the Old World, Jefferson Hotel is a Renaissance-revivalist dream. You can expect grand marble staircases, high ceilings, fine dining at the Plume restaurant, and an impressive collection of Thomas Jefferson's very own letters. It's sophisticated and historic and definitely one of the classiest hotels in downtown Washington DC.

Still not sure?

The 8 Best Hotels in Downtown 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 €499 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
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.
  • Full of character
from €257 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
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.
  • Full of character
  • Restaurant
  • Great walks
from €414 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 €143 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 €474 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 €102 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 €322 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 €176 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Written by Edmund Wise

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.