Washington D.C. has always had plenty of hotels, but in recent years many of its historic hotels have undergone extensive renovations while new luxury brands have made their appearance, adding to the long list of sophisticated urban accommodations in the nation’s capital. No longer exclusive to politicians and foreign dignitaries, D.C.’s luxurious hotels offer plenty of modern glamour for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a historic base while you explore D.C.’s top attractions or something new to the scene and with a chic bar to match, these options won’t disappoint.
Rosewood Washington, D.C.
Set in charming Georgetown, the Rosewood Washington, D.C. is a five-star hotel that can count itself among the most historic in D.C. It boasts views of the Potomac River, Kennedy Center, and the Washington Monument from its location along the C&O Canal. It’s steps away from many outstanding shopping and dining venues. It even has an indoor/outdoor rooftop infinity pool where you can relax with a view of the Washington Monument. The in-house Grill Room is impressive with its menu featuring fresh seafood and prime cuts of steak, while its rooms have large picture windows and spacious bathrooms with deep-soaking tubs.
The Watergate Hotel
The Potomac River offers a picturesque backdrop for The Watergate Hotel, made famous for its role in the President Nixon scandal. It’s been given new life, providing a high level of luxury that can be difficult to find among D.C. hotels. All rooms and suites feature beds with goose-down comforters, large flat-screen TVs, Nespresso coffeemakers, robes, and minibars. The highlight may be the spa, which includes an indoor pool, although there’s also a rooftop bar with incredible views, a fitness center, a full-service restaurant, and a whiskey bar.
Marriott Marquis Washington, DC
Linked to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center by a concourse, the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC may be popular among business travelers, but it provides an excellent base for all types of visitors, with the highlight being its rooftop terrace. There are multiple dining and drinking options, including the High Velocity Sports Bar with some four dozen microbrews on tap and The Dignitary, which specializes in small plates and whiskey. There’s also a bi-level fitness center and an extensive business center. Rooms come with flat-screen TVs, work desks, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers.
JW Marriott Washington, DC
The JW Marriott Washington, DC sits on Pennsylvania Avenue, within walking distance of the White House and National Mall. One of the best Marriott hotels in D.C., the sleek, modern guest rooms come with large windows, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. Some feature views of the Washington Monument. There’s a fitness center and a business center, along with multiple dining options. Continental breakfast is available for an additional fee, and the 1331 Lounge offers light bites and cocktails. At the Avenue Grill, guests can enjoy American fare with picturesque views, and room service is available through the Chef’s Market.
The Graham Hotel
The Graham Hotel in Georgetown offers a boutique vibe with sophisticated rooms and suites that include many luxurious amenities. It’s no wonder it’s one of the best boutique hotels in D.C. All of its rooms are bright and come with large SmartTVs, minibars, coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, robes, and slippers. On-site, there’s a fitness center and a rooftop bar for soaking up city views while sipping creative cocktails. The Alex Craft Cocktail Cellar & Speakeasy is housed here, too, offering cocktails and American cuisine. Plus, guests can enjoy easy access to Georgetown and George Washington universities and Georgetown Waterfront Park.
The Willard InterContinental
Located just minutes from the White House, The Willard InterContinental is a landmark and known nationwide for its festive decor at Christmastime. The hotel originally opened back in 1847. Every U.S. president since Franklin Pierce has been a guest here, giving the hotel its nickname as the “Residence of Presidents.” But there’s no requirement to be a high-ranking government official for a stay that includes elegant rooms with beautiful furnishings, high-end bed linens, flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffeemakers, minibars, and spa-quality bath products. The Premier Room is especially impressive, with views of the Washington Monument and Pennsylvania Avenue. It also hosts an upscale restaurant that serves seasonal cuisine, a lounge for enjoying high tea, a popular bar, a full-service spa, and a fitness center.
Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC
The Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC is a five-star hotel with some of the best views in D.C. Located in the recently revitalized Southwest Waterfront area, it overlooks the National Mall, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, and the Potomac River, while being close to the many new restaurants and bars in the District Wharf neighborhood. Right on-site, there’s a chic Asian/International restaurant and cocktail lounge, along with a lavish spa, fitness center, and indoor pool. Rooms are luxurious, with elegant furnishings, large windows that provide spectacular views, separate sitting areas, and spa-inspired bathrooms.
The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C.
Located close to the Georgetown Ferry Terminal, about two miles from the White House, The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C. offers fabulous views of the Georgetown neighborhood and the Potomac River and puts you right in the heart of Georgetown’s atmospheric restaurant scene. It’s housed in a historic industrial building that’s retained its smokestack and original brickwork, but it’s been transformed into a luxurious property with elegant rooms and suites. The “wellness rooms” include air purifiers, sound machines, aromatherapy bath salts, and yoga mats. All have beds with 400-thread-count linens, flat-screen TVs, and iPod docks. The hotel also hosts a full-service spa, a bistro restaurant, an outdoor lounge, and the Living Room, an indoor lounge with exposed brick walls and a fireplace where fireside s’mores are served daily.
The Hay-Adams
The Hay-Adams is a historic five-star hotel named after politician John Hay and historian Henry Adams who once lived here. Opened back in 1928, it’s now one of the most exclusive luxury hotels in Washington D.C. Guests can look forward to incredible views of the White House, St. John’s Church, and Lafayette Park. The White House is right across the street. The rooms and suites have opulent touches, like ornamental fireplaces, Bose music systems, marble bathrooms, and White House views. There are some great perks, too, including a Mercedes car service for getting around the downtown area, while the wraparound balcony and skyline view from Top of the Hay is the kind of event space that instantly elevates any function.
Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel
Located a 5-minute walk from the convention center, about a mile from the White House, the Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel offers comfortable and spacious modern rooms with flat-screen TVs with premium channels like HBO and on-demand movies, iPod docking stations, large work areas, and Aveda bath products. There are multiple dining venues, but the highlight is the fitness club which includes a sauna, steam room, an excellent array of cardio and weight training equipment, and a one-person pool with moving water that lets you swim against the current.
The Dupont Circle Hotel
The luxurious Dupont Circle Hotel is just a 2-minute walk from the metro, making it easy to get to the museums, monuments, and other popular attractions in one of America’s most cultured cities. It has an upscale farm-to-table eatery with floor-to-ceiling windows that highlight the views of Dupont Circle, a trendy cocktail bar with terrace seating, and 24-hour fitness and business centers. There are pet-friendly rooms for those bringing their four-legged friends, and all come with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, free Wi-Fi, and marble bathrooms with heated floors. Book a suite for even more space and possibly a balcony with a city view.
Hotel Washington
Formerly the W Washington DC Hotel, Hotel Washington offers a boutique experience less than two blocks from the White House and National Mall. There’s a rooftop bar with incredible views of the city, the White House, and the Washington Monument, along with two restaurants and a total of three swanky bars. Enjoy pampering treatments at the boutique spa and modern equipment at the fitness center. Rooms feature bright splashes of color, flat-screen cable TVs, desks, and iPod docks.
Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square
Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square sits in a grand building that dates back to 1880. It’s located on the corner of Lafayette Square, a little over a 5-minute walk from the White House. A French-inspired hotel, it includes a bistro that serves French fare, including French-pressed coffee and fresh-baked croissants, a chic lounge bar, and a fitness center. Rooms have 55″ flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and marble bathrooms. This hotel is one of D.C.’s most family-friendly for its room options. Families love booking the studio that comes with a pull-out sofa or their suites with separate living rooms too. Higher-end options have fireplaces and private offices.
The Jefferson, DC
A historic boutique hotel housed in a 1920s building, The Jefferson, DC offers a central location just a 10-minute walk from the White House. It pays homage to Thomas Jefferson and gives off lots of Old World charm with antique furnishings, marble fireplaces, and a luxurious lounge filled with comfy couches and vintage books for your reading pleasure. There’s also a spa that provides treatments using botanicals and herbs grown in Monticello’s gardens, a fitness center, and three restaurants, one of which is Michelin-starred. Guests can also enjoy complimentary access to the facilities at University Club nearby, including the indoor heated pool and 24-hour butler service. Rooms feature four-poster beds, fireplaces, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and bathrooms with free-standing tubs.
