Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway to explore historic monuments or heading to the capital for business, choosing the right hotel can make or break your trip. As someone who’s stayed in dozens of properties in the area and chatted with plenty of locals and fellow travelers, I’ve narrowed it down to the 10 best hotels in Washington, DC for 2025 — covering luxury escapes, budget-friendly picks, and unique stays that feel authentically DC.
1. The Hay-Adams – Classic Luxury with White House Views
- Address: 800 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20006
- Best For: Couples, dignitaries, romantic getaways
- 🌐 Visit The Hay-Adams
If you’re going all out, there’s no better place to stay than The Hay-Adams. Located literally across the street from the White House, this 5-star boutique hotel blends historic charm with modern elegance. The rooms feature carved wood ceilings, original fireplaces, and the kind of crisp linens that make you never want to get out of bed.
The real magic? The views. Some rooms have direct sightlines to the White House, Lafayette Park, and even the Washington Monument.
2. Hotel Hive – Best Budget Hotel That Doesn’t Feel “Budget”
- Address: 2224 F St NW, Washington, DC 20037
- Best For: Solo travelers, students, digital nomads
- 🌐 Visit Hotel Hive
Let’s be honest—DC isn’t known for being cheap. But Hotel Hive proves that affordable doesn’t mean boring. This is DC’s first micro-hotel, offering compact yet thoughtfully designed rooms starting under $150 a night—even in peak season.
What sets it apart is the vibe. Exposed brick walls, industrial-chic décor, a rooftop bar with great cocktails, and a pizza joint on-site. You’re within walking distance to George Washington University, the Kennedy Center, and Foggy Bottom Metro.
3. Conrad Washington, DC – Modern Luxury in the CityCenter
- Address: 950 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Best For: Business travelers, luxury with modern flair
- 🌐 Visit Conrad Washington DC
Sleek, stylish, and surprisingly serene, the Conrad Washington, DC is the city’s modern luxury icon. Tucked into CityCenterDC, this Hilton-brand gem has floor-to-ceiling windows, marble bathrooms, and minimalist décor that feels more Manhattan than monument-heavy DC.
You’re walking distance to high-end shopping (think Chanel and Dior), world-class restaurants, and the Convention Center. And the rooftop bar—Summit—serves up killer views along with seasonal cocktails.
4. The LINE DC – Best Boutique Hotel in Adams Morgan
- Address: 1770 Euclid St NW, Washington, DC 20009
- Best For: Creatives, foodies, neighborhood explorers
- 🌐 Visit The LINE DC
Housed in a converted 110-year-old church, The LINE DC oozes character. Located in Adams Morgan, one of DC’s most eclectic neighborhoods, this boutique hotel feels more like a creative hideaway than a typical chain stay.
Think vintage-meets-modern rooms with retro radios, floor-to-ceiling windows, and quirky design touches. The lobby is always buzzing with locals grabbing coffee or cocktails, and the in-house restaurant No Goodbyes has earned a cult following.
5. CitizenM Washington DC Capitol – Best Tech-Friendly Hotel for Digital Nomads
- Address: 550 School St SW, Washington, DC 20024
- Best For: Remote workers, millennials, short stays
- 🌐 Visit CitizenM DC Capitol
If you’re a digital nomad like me—or just someone who likes fast Wi-Fi and a comfy bed—CitizenM hits the sweet spot. Located just minutes from the Capitol Building and the National Mall, it’s designed for modern travelers who appreciate smart tech and stylish efficiency.
Every room comes with an iPad to control lighting, blackout blinds, TV, and climate. The beds are XL and insanely comfortable, with mood lighting and wall-to-wall windows. It’s perfect for working remotely, and the co-working spaces in the lobby make it easy to stay productive.
6. Willard InterContinental – Historic Elegance Next to the National Mall
- Address: 1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004
- Best For: History lovers, diplomats, formal events
- 🌐 Visit Willard InterContinental
There’s no other hotel in DC with quite the same legacy. Known as the “Residence of Presidents,” the Willard InterContinental has hosted everyone from Abraham Lincoln to Martin Luther King Jr. The location? Just steps from the White House and National Mall.
Its Beaux-Arts architecture, ornate chandeliers, and regal atmosphere make you feel like you’re stepping into a piece of American history. The rooms are spacious and refined, blending antique furnishings with modern touches.
7. Kimpton Banneker Hotel – Modern Boutique Meets DC Culture
- Address: 1315 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
- Best For: Solo travelers, couples, creative types
- 🌐 Visit Kimpton Banneker
Tucked away in a quieter part of Dupont Circle, the Kimpton Banneker Hotel is an under-the-radar boutique stay named after Benjamin Banneker, a brilliant African-American astronomer and surveyor of DC. The hotel reflects his spirit—thoughtful, elegant, and rooted in local culture.
Rooms are cozy but artfully designed, with a moody, modern feel. You’ll find local artwork, curated vinyl records in the lobby, and a fantastic rooftop bar, Lady Bird, that’s popular with locals.
8. YOTEL Washington DC – Smart, Sleek, and Steps from Capitol Hill
- Address: 415 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Best For: Urban explorers, short business trips
- 🌐 Visit YOTEL DC
Minimalist, futuristic, and ultra-convenient, YOTEL Washington DC is where tech-savvy meets Capitol Hill practicality. Think compact “cabins” with adjustable SmartBeds, automated check-in, and mood lighting.
The location is ideal if you’re planning to visit the Capitol Building, Union Station, or nearby museums. It’s also a favorite for conference-goers and budget-conscious travelers who want a stylish stay without splurging.
9. Riggs Washington DC – A Glamorous Stay in a Former Bank
- Address: 900 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
- Best For: Design lovers, couples, business trips
- 🌐 Visit Riggs DC
If you’re into spaces that feel luxurious and have a story, Riggs DC is a standout. Located in the historic Riggs National Bank building, this hotel combines Gilded Age glamour with 21st-century sophistication.
The rooms feature bold, custom furniture and playful nods to the building’s banking roots—vault-style minibars, anyone? Downstairs, Café Riggs serves some of the best brunch in the city, while Silver Lyan, a subterranean cocktail bar, is a must for nightlife enthusiasts.
10. Eaton DC – Wellness, Community, and Creative Energy
- Address: 1201 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005
- Best For: Wellness seekers, remote workers, creatives
- 🌐 Visit Eaton DC
More than a hotel, Eaton DC is a community hub for changemakers, artists, and thinkers. It blends hospitality with activism and wellness—offering co-working spaces, a radio station, yoga studio, and even spiritual wellness workshops.
The rooms are warm and inviting, filled with natural light, plants, record players, and locally sourced snacks. There’s also a rooftop bar, Wild Days, and a globally inspired restaurant, Michele’s.
Wrap-Up: Where Will You Stay in DC?
So whether you’re hunting for a plush presidential suite, a wallet-friendly crash pad, or a stay that taps into DC’s progressive spirit, this expanded list of the 10 best hotels in Washington DC for 2025 has something for every type of traveler.
If this guide helped you decide where to stay, feel free to share it—and keep exploring DC like a local.
FAQs
What is the best area to stay in Washington DC for first-time visitors?
Dupont Circle, Downtown DC, and Capitol Hill are ideal for first-time visitors due to walkability, access to monuments, and dining options.
What’s the most luxurious hotel in Washington DC?
The Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC in Georgetown is widely considered the top luxury hotel, offering 5-star service and riverfront views.
Are there budget-friendly hotels near the National Mall?
Yes, options like citizenM Washington DC Capitol and YOTEL DC offer affordable, modern stays within walking distance of the Mall.
Is Washington DC walkable for tourists?
Yes, DC is one of the most walkable U.S. cities, especially around the Smithsonian museums, monuments, and Metro-accessible neighborhoods.
Do Washington DC hotels include parking?
Some hotels offer parking, but it’s often paid and limited. Consider using Metro or rideshare to avoid high parking fees downtown.
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I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
