The 5 Best Hotels in Washington DC Near the Museums

Smithsonian MuseumImage 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

Mandarin Oriental Washington DC

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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?

The 5 Best Hotels in Washington DC Near the Museums

The George, Washington DC
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
  • Spa
  • Restaurant
from £176 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
The Hay-Adams
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.
  • Restaurant
  • Great walks
  • Boutique
from £393 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
Riggs
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
  • Spa
from £234 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
Salamander Washington DC
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
  • Spa
  • Restaurant
from £217 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
Hotel Hive
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 £118 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
Back to articles

Written by Katie Harris

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

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