The Best Hotels to Book near Washington Union Station

Luxury meets practicality at Conrad Washington DC
Luxury meets practicality at Conrad Washington DC | Courtesy of Conrad Washington DC / Expedia
Victoria Beardwood

From elegant five-star stays to affordable hotels with rooftop pools, and hip hangouts for activists, this is our pick of the best hotels near Washington Union Station – bookable on Culture Trip.

Washington Union Station is the stereotypical ‘popular girl’ of stations. She’s beautiful, she’s sought after, and she’s at the centre of everything. Inside, there are plenty of shops and casual restaurants, while DC’s most-visited landmarks are within walking distance. As are the bars and eateries of the buzzing Penn Quarter. Anywhere that’s not close by can be reached via the station’s many Metro lines and trains. Staying nearby is a great choice when you want to get stuck in and explore the city. Here’s where you should lay your head.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Kimpton George Hotel, an IHG Hotel

Hotel

Kimpton George Hotel, an IHG Hotel_019b3bf3
Courtesy of Kimpton George Hotel, an IHG Hotel / Expedia
The life-sized horse lamp in the lobby sums up this four-star hotel. It’s luxurious and stylish, with just the right amount of quirk. Guest rooms are suitably plush, but awash with offbeat design details such as decorative pillows wearing a George Washington-esque blue coat, extracts of his original writings on the walls and rugs, and plenty of pictures of the man himself. The Kimpton George Hotel is conveniently located close to the city’s major attractions, and just one block from Union Station. You’ll want to make sure you’re back at the hotel for 5pm each day, though – there’s a complimentary wine hour in the lobby.

Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill

Luxury, Chain Hotel

Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill_41231096
Courtesy of Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill / Expedia

You know your hotel’s in a good spot when you can step outside and see the Capitol Building at the end of the street. And that’s exactly what you get at the Hyatt Regency Washington, which is also just three blocks from Union Station. In the hotel itself there are spacious guest rooms, a gym and swimming pool, and an all-American grill called Article One. Don’t miss the ribeye, grilled to perfection and topped with a thick slab of beer-and-bourbon butter, with cloud-soft, garlic-whipped potatoes and asparagus on the side. And check if the salt-crusted prime rib is on as a special – if it is, you know what to do.

Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill

Hotel

Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill_3244c9ac
Courtesy of Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill / Expedia

As you might have guessed from the name, this elegant hotel is within walking distance of most of DC’s best-known attractions, including the Capitol Building. If walking isn’t for you, however, it’s just six minutes from Union Station, where you can easily catch the Metro to get around instead. Refuel after a day on the move at the hotel’s Bistro 525, which serves hearty but high-quality fare. Dishes range from roasted pork shoulder bao buns to fig and prosciutto flatbread, or even a beige-licious Wisconsin fish fry. Then there’s the onsite convenience store open 24/7 for any late-night or early-morning cravings.

YOTEL Washington DC

Chain Hotel

YOTEL Washington DC_4da38108
Courtesy of YOTEL Washington DC / Expedia

When it’s sunny outside, you might struggle to tear yourself away from YOTEL Washington DC’s rooftop pool and lounge Deck 11 (open from late May to September). And who could blame you, when you’re getting served watermelon frozé as you recline in a poolside cabana? Venture outside, though, and you’ll see you’re just a few blocks from sights such as the Capitol Building and the Smithsonian museums. Head back in time for dinner at the hotel’s Art and Soul restaurant, where modern American fare is made from ingredients sourced from the Chesapeake Bay watershed communities. The grilled swordfish is a must try.

Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center

Boutique Hotel, Chain Hotel

Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center_545845f3
Courtesy of Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center / Expedia

You get a lot of bang for your buck at Motto: a great location in Chinatown; sleek, minimalist bedrooms; and four spots to eat and drink in. Start your day off with a mug of locally roasted Blanchard’s coffee at the Crimson Coffee Bar, hit up Crimson Diner for southern comfort food like jumbo chicken wings, and splash out on a sundowner on the Crimson View bar’s terrace. The hotel’s whiskey bar, with its brooding aesthetic, regular live music, and interesting array of whiskeys, is the perfect place to round off the day with a dram or two.

Conrad Washington DC

Luxury, Hotel, Chain Hotel

Conrad Washington DC_a38c3fdf
Courtesy of Conrad Washington DC / Expedia

If you’re looking for a more luxurious stay, you’ll love this five-star bolthole in the city centre. Its muted colour scheme, marble bathroom tiles and simple modern furnishings give it a look of pared-back elegance. It’s not style over substance, though. Every aspect of a stay here has been considered, resulting in useful additions like a concierge app, and free fruit and headphones in the gym. Then there’s its incredible location, a 15-minute walk from the White House.

Riggs Washington DC

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

When former clients have included Presidents Lincoln, Eisenhower and Grant, you know you’re staying at the right place. That was, to be honest, back when Riggs Washington DC was a bank that some 23 former presidents trusted to keep their cash safe, rather than the swanky four-star hotel it is today. Still, a stay here is worth its weight in gold for its handy location near the White House and Union Station (less than a 30-minute walk), the excessively lavish, caviar grilled cheese at European brasserie Cafe Riggs, and the grown-up jello shots at experimental cocktail bar Silver Lyan, hidden away in the former bank vault.

Eaton DC

Boutique Hotel

Modern restaurant with hanging plants and minimalist leather chairs at Eaton DC
Courtesy of Eaton DC / Expedia

It’s not every day you get gifted a healing crystal upon checking into your hotel, but this starting token tells you everything you need to know about hip hotel Eaton DC. Standing tall on K Street (a street known for lobbying), this progressive place is a meeting spot for social justice seekers, activists, and generally progressive individuals. Even if you’re not an activist yourself, you’ll likely be converted by a stay here, thanks to the political art, carefully curated library, and regular author talks. This vibe mingles nicely with the New Age one, which continues throughout the hotel. It even extends to the minibar, which is stocked with kombucha, moringa shots and tarot cards (don’t eat them).

For more accommodation options in Washington, check out the best family-friendly hotels perfect for the little ones, or the most famous historical stays in the heart of modern America’s birthplace – bookable now with Culture Trip. There are endless things to do in the capital with the best outdoor activities, or expand your horizons with a weekend trip outside the city.

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