The Best Hotels to Book Near the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Washington DC

Hotels in Washington DC give you ample opportunity for relaxation after a visit to the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site | Courtesy of Thompson Washington D.C. / Expedia.com

Victoria Beardwood

20 September 2021

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Whether you’re looking for a home-from-home aparthotel or a historical hotel, you can book your perfect stay near the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site (Washington DC, USA) on Culture Trip.

Those keen to visit Washington DC’s Frederick Douglass National Historic Site – the home of the former national leader of the abolitionist movement, who escaped slavery in Maryland and lived here for his final 17 years, working as a writer, orator and political figure – might be unsure about staying nearby. After all, the rest of the city’s sights are in the centre. Happily, the neighbourhoods closest to this important historical landmark are flourishing too, especially the rising star of DC’s districts, Navy Yard. The pilgrimage to the former estate of the father of the Civil Rights movement is well worth it, especially when access to the rest of Washington DC is made simple with the Metro system.

Sonder - Callisto

Courtesy of Sonder - Callisto / Expedia.com

A warning: you might not want to return to your own apartment after a stay at Sonder – Callisto. The rooms in this Aparthotel chain’s DC property are homey yet chic, decorated with interesting artworks and eclectic furniture. They’re also fully equipped with everything you could need, from cleaning products and toiletries to an oven and kitchenware. Sonder’s location in DC’s Navy Yard neighbourhood is equally great. It’s just a few minutes from the shops and independent restaurants of Barracks Row Main Street and the U.S. Navy Museum. To get to the Frederick Douglass historic site, take the 11th Street Bridge over the Anacostia River.

Hampton Inn & Suites Washington, D.C. - Navy Yard

Courtesy of Hampton Inn & Suites Washington, D.C. - Navy Yard / Expedia.com | Courtesy of Hampton Inn & Suites Washington, D.C. - Navy Yard / Expedia.com

A great place to stay during baseball season, this no-frills hotel is just a few minute’s walk to Nationals Park, where the Washington Nationals play. Real fans should book a room with a view over the stadium or head to the Top of the Yard rooftop bar (open March-October) to enjoy the game in its full glory. Outside of these months, there’s plenty more to do. The Hampton Inn is right in the thick of Navy Yard’s thriving restaurant and bar scene, which includes DC’s first winery, District Winery.

Courtyard by Marriott Washington Capitol Hill/Navy Yard

Courtesy of Courtyard by Marriott Washington Capitol Hill/Navy Yard / Expedia.com

An oldie but a goodie, this three-star stay has been open for some 15 years and is still going strong. Most likely, it’s down to its handy spot one block away from Navy Yard Metro station, which gives guests easy access to the rest of the city. Nearby are the attractions of the Navy Yard neighbourhood and the 11th Street Bridge, which takes you to the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site.

Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center

Boutique Hotel, Chain Hotel

Courtesy of Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center / Expedia.com

Pitched as Hilton’s affordable lifestyle brand, you might expect Motto to be a little basic. But the three-star hotel, just a 10-minute metro ride to the station near the Frederick Douglass historic site, doesn’t skimp on amenities. It’s got no less than four dining and drinks options (a diner, a coffee bar, a rooftop terrace and a whiskey bar) and the whole place is beautifully designed in a modern millennial style, which combines industrial details, hanging plants and pops of colour. Not to mention the upscale Malin + Goetz products in the bathroom. It’s unclear whether Motto has an actual motto, but we reckon it would be something like ‘paying less doesn’t mean you get less.’ Not that we’ve thought about it or anything.

Morrison Clark Inn

Courtesy of Morrison Clark Inn / Expedia

This boutique inn is housed inside what was once two 19th-century townhouses and a Chinese church. It has a decor to match, combining Victorian period details and modern Asian features, including a Chinese Chippendale porch and Chinese-style pendant lights. The unusual mix doesn’t quite reach the award-winning Morrison Clark Inn Restaurant, which focuses more on modern American cuisine with international touches. Bring your appetite for the Jumbo Lump Crab Fondue, made with gruyère cheese.

Henley Park Hotel

Courtesy of Henley Park Hotel / Expedia.com

History buffs will love this three-star stay in downtown DC. A member of the Historic Hotels of America, its Tudor-style aesthetic has been well preserved from when it was built as an apartment block back in 1918. With its stained glass windows, Mercer-tiled floors and ornate facade, you can see why many senators, congressmen and other members of Washington’s high society once chose to reside there. Today, it acts as a charming place to stay when visiting the city’s historical attractions, including the National Mall and the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. You can easily reach the latter by riding the Metro’s Green Line for 12 minutes to the nearby Anacostia station.

Capitol Skyline

Courtesy of Capitol Skyline / Expedia.com

Not exactly a looker from the outside, you might be wondering where this hotel gets its name. Rather than being part of a striking skyline, it looks out over one. You can enjoy views across the Capitol area from your window and the seasonal rooftop pool. With a reputation as one of the best swim spots in the city, the pool alone merits a stay here during the summer months. To the south east of the hotel you’ll find The Yards Park and – to the south west – the lively waterside area, The Wharf. Across the river is the Frederick Douglass site. If you want to head north into the city, the hotel offers a free shuttle in the mornings (though you have to make your own way back).

Thompson Washington D.C.

Courtesy of Thompson Washington D.C. / Expedia.com

This hip-looking four-star reflects the up-and-coming nature of the Navy Yard neighbourhood. Once an underappreciated part of the city, it’s now one of DC’s hottest spots, with cool eateries like ramen shop Hatoba, seafood-focused The Salt Line, and microbrewery Bluejacket. The hotel itself is inspired by the area’s maritime past. It’s decked out in moody tones of blue, grey and cream, while occasional subtle elements such as ropes hint at a nautical theme. Take a walk along the actual water on the nearby Riverwalk trail, or wander over the bridge to the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site.

Alternatively, treat everyone to one of the best family-friendly accommodation options in DC or immerse yourself in the birthplace of modern America with a stay at a famous historical hotel – bookable now with Culture Trip. Check out nature with the best outdoor activities in the capital, or extend your trip by expanding your horizons outside of Washington with a fabulous weekend getaway.

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