The 8 Best Hotels in Downtown Washington DC

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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?

• Check out our collection of famous hotels in Washington DC, Family hotels in Washington DC, these pickings of cool hotels in Washington DC, or our collection of pet-friendly hotels in Washington DC;
• Expand your search to include all hotels in Washington DC,
• Or contact one of our Gurus for advice.

  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • Henley Park Hotel Washington DC (Downtown) 96 rooms from £340

    
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    Sights nearby  -  Smithsonian Museum, Capitol Hill, the Convention Centre.

    Full of character

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    Great walks  -  Good for walkers.

    

    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 See More

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  • The Morrison Clark Inn Washington DC (Downtown) 114 rooms from £211

    
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    Local exploring  -  Perfect base to explore the city.

    Luxury

    Sights nearby  -  The White House and Lincoln Memoiral.

    Full of character

    

    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. 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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  • Jefferson Hotel, Washington DC Washington DC (Downtown) 96 rooms from £410

    
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    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.

    

    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. See More

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Written by Edmund Wise

posted Tuesday, 15th September 2020