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The Best Hotels to Book in Washington DC

Washington DC is most beautiful in the Spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom
Washington DC is most beautiful in the Spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom | © Sean Pavone / Alamy Stock Photo

Washington hotels are as full of history as the city itself. The Omni Shoreham hosted the Beatles during their first US tour and the Watergate was where the Nixon scandal played out. But history aside, many of these hotels come equipped with timeless facilities for the perfect getaway – pools, personal chauffeurs, and immaculate design are just some of the things you can expect. Here’s our pick of the best hotels in Washington DC, bookable on Culture Trip.

Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC, for a classy stay in a fabulous location

Luxury, Chain Hotel

A light, spacious and modern bedroom at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington D.C., with large windows, a sofa and small table, a TV and a bed in between two bedside tables with lamps.
Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Washington D.C. / Expedia

Sitting at the crossroads of DC’s social and political hubs, the Four Seasons is one of the most conveniently located hotels in Washington. It sits at the entrance of Georgetown, mere steps from the city’s famed institutions and iconic historic monuments, making sightseeing a doddle. Start your day at Seasons, known for serving up power breakfasts for movers and shakers, and as night falls, head to Bourbon Steak for classic dishes with a modern twist.

St. Regis Washington DC, for presidential glamor

Hotel, Luxury

A traditional and stylish bedroom at The St. Regis Washington, with a bed, a cushioned sofa, a desk and chair and two bedside tables with lamps.
Courtesy of The St. Regis Washington, D.C. / Expedia

The luxury lodgings of choice for world leaders, dignitaries, royalty, and Hollywood icons for nearly a century, St. Regis is the grande dame of DC. Ideally situated in the city’s popular downtown district, you have the POTUS as your neighbour (The White House is just steps away) and are also close to the monuments and museums of the National Mall. The hotel’s interior is sheer old-school elegance, especially the magnificent lobby with its ornate Florentine gold ceilings and two-tiered crystal chandeliers.

Willard InterContinental Washington, for a Washington institution

Chain Hotel, Hotel, Luxury

A luxury hotel lobby at the Willard InterContinental Washington, with multiple seating areas, a tiled mosaic floor, large marble and bronze columns, a rococo-inspired ornate ceiling and hanging light installations
Courtesy of Willard InterContinental Washington / Expedia

One of the most celebrated luxury hotels in Washington DC, The Willard has earned its reputation as the “residence of presidents”. Since 1818 it has welcomed several presidents, foreign dignitaries, and celebrities through its doors and has been the site of many historical moments. As expected, the service here is fit for a king while no stay is complete without a visit to the iconic Round Robin Bar for a masterfully crafted cocktail.

The Ritz-Carlton Washington DC, for cosmopolitan chic

Luxury, Hotel, Boutique Hotel, Chain Hotel

A cosy and stylish room at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C, with a sofa, coffee table, two chairs, two lamps, a small side table and modern decor.
Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C / Expedia

No hotel captures DC’s split personality quite like the Ritz Carlton. While the elegant design reflects the neoclassical architecture favored by the Founding Fathers, the luxury amenities cater to DC’s cosmopolitan community. The best place to appreciate this blend of styles is the Quadrant lounge where Modernist and classical design sit comfortably next to one other. Even the drinks menu is a trip down memory lane and features tipples beloved by past presidents.

Mandarin Oriental Washington DC, for easy access to star attractions

Chain Hotel, Luxury

A large and stylish seating area of the Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C., with many cushioned sofas, chairs and round tables.
Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC / Booking.com

The Mandarin Oriental has a prized location, whether you’re a foodie or history buff. Situated along the Capital’s revitalized Southwest Waterfront, the hotel is a short walk from DC’s most cherished monuments and is also close to a number of exciting restaurants in the new District Wharf neighbourhood. Back at the hotel, you’ll find deluxe bedrooms with a spacious layout and spa-inspired bathrooms that come with deep soaking baths.

Rosewood Washington DC, for excellent in-room amenities

Luxury, Hotel, Chain Hotel

An exterior view of the terracotta coloured Rosewood Washington, overlooking a river, a small bridge and a green patch of grass with tall trees.
Courtesy of Rosewood Washington, D.C / Expedia

With its location along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, this stylish DC hotel is near shops and eateries and a four-minute walk from Georgetown Waterfront Park on the Potomac River. Here you’ll find polished rooms that have sleek bathrooms with rainfall showers. Meanwhile, the upgraded rooms have freestanding tubs, living rooms, fireplaces, and dining rooms. Chances are you’ll head straight for the rooftop terrace which has a bar, a lounge, and an infinity pool with city views.

Riggs Washington DC, for an elegant themed stay

Independent Hotel, Hotel, Luxury

A stylish and quirky room at the Riggs Washington DC, with a cushioned sofa, two footstools, an armchair and a small table with two cushioned chairs.
Courtesy of Riggs Washington DC / Expedia

As the name suggests Riggs is located in the former Riggs National Bank building on the corner of 9th and F Street – a history the hotel wholeheartedly embraces. To pay homage to the building’s legacy, each of the 181 guest rooms and suites is reminiscent of a private safety deposit box, while small details throughout the Riggs are inspired by the golden age of banking.

Watergate Hotel, for a political landmark

Hotel

A modern large room at the Watergate Hotel, with a bed and bedside table, a glass desk and a quirky desk chair, and a stylish seating area with a sofa, footstool and small table.
Courtesy of Watergate Hotel / Expedia.com
Yes, the famed hotel that was the site of the Nixon Watergate scandal is still in operation, so you can book yourself a piece of history here. But the Watergate complex was controversial long before 1972, as the avant-garde, daring design upset the refined conservative tastes of DC (boy, has the city’s demographic changed). The sleek, modern interior is primarily monochrome with silver accents, and overwhelmingly sleek – fit for the many Supreme Court Justices who have lived in these apartments.

Omni Shoreham Hotel, for 1930s glamor

Hotel

A traditional bedroom with a carpet floor at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, including a bed, two bedside tables with lamps, two armchairs next to a large window and a desk and chair.
Courtesy of Omni Shoreham Hotel / Expedia.com
Sitting on a spacious green property near the National Zoo, and on a side street away from the busy Connecticut Avenue, the Omni Shoreham Hotel is big, busy, and bustling, with a range of rooms that are often fully booked. The interior is reminiscent of a classic 1930s grand hotel, and while it may be in need of a little updating, it has a charming character. The hotel opened in 1932 and the Beatles stayed here during their first US tour.

The Jefferson, for personalized service

Hotel

A stylish but traditional bedroom at The Jefferson Hotel, with a bed, two bedside tables with lamps, an armchair, a desk, desk lamp and chair over a patterned carpet.
Courtesy of the Jefferson Hotel / Expedia.com
This formal hotel exudes importance, as only a hotel named after a founding father can. A stay at the Jefferson comes with lavish complimentary amenities such as bath salts, a personal chauffeur, and distilled water in crystal decanters. The price is high, but you get what you pay for – lavish rooms and attentive service that pays attention to every detail.

If you’re looking for more places to stay, why not check into one of the best hotels in Logan Circle, Washington DC, the best luxury hotels in Washington DC, discover where to book a stay in Washington DC for a local experience, or check out one of the top boutique hotels? They’re all bookable on Culture Trip.

This is an updated version of an article originally by Kate McMahon.

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