The Most Budget-Friendly Hotels in Washington DC, USA

ARC THE HOTEL has launched into the digital age, with amenities perfect for tech-savvy travelers, such as keyless entry and a digital concierge via your phone. Welcome extras – such as a pillow menu, Malin + Goetz toiletries and Frette linens – surprise and delight.

An affordable choice for families, the Hilton Garden Inn has an indoor pool to entertain the kids, a rarity in this price range. Comfortable one-bedroom suites make space for the whole family, with king beds, an extra TV and a sleeper sofa. There’s a full-service restaurant on-site, as well as a 24/7 market for snacks and necessities. The White House is within walking distance, or take the Metro station across the street to the International Spy Museum, a favorite with kids and parents alike.

Near Union Station and Chinatown, the Cambria Hotel sits inside the trendy City Market at O. Foodies staying here will be spoiled for choice, as a range of eateries, including a brewhouse, are just steps away. After dinner, take the elevator to the rooftop and relax on a luxurious sofa beside a firepit. The US Capitol will be shining under the stars, creating a perfect photo souvenir of DC.

A favorite with budget and business travelers, this Comfort Inn prides itself on friendly customer service. One mile (1.6km) from the Washington Monument and surrounded by several restaurants, the location is hard to beat at this price point. A free breakfast buffet is included, but parking can be a challenge.

The Churchill Hotel offers a princely stay, with incredible amenities, at a pauper’s price. Shades of royal purple and princess pink adorn the spacious rooms, complete with adjoining marble walk-in showers, while the sophisticated lobby retains its original historical charm. Take advantage of its location, as it’s close to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, another free Washington attraction visitors often overlook.

Save your dollars at this all-suite hotel in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood, just two blocks from the National Mall. Every room boasts art deco stylings and a fully equipped kitchen, workspace and dining area. Pick up dinner at the nearby Whole Foods, or the front of house staff can direct you to several area restaurants.

This Club Quarters offers value for money with its excellent location near the White House. Spread your paperwork out in the Club Living Room, which has free wifi, workspaces and complimentary refreshments throughout the day. Rooms and suites are compact but feature large windows that allow plenty of light to shine through. Extended-stay apartments with kitchenettes are available if you feel the need to stay in DC a little longer.

The Hamilton Hotel is named after one of Alexander Hamilton’s daughters. Washington’s elite once swept through the soaring vaulted entrance of this historic building on the way to inaugural balls it hosted. Classic rooms decorated in shades of buff or Delft blue are an exceptional value, complete with fast wifi. Close a day of sightseeing at Society, the hidden bar that opens at happy hour. Hamilton would approve.

The Washington Plaza, in the heart of downtown DC, epitomizes great value. With a variety of rooms – from simple queens to spacious suites – this hotel offers an above-average experience for a fraction of the price in the area. It’s a few blocks from the White House and an easy walk to downtown. Most importantly, there’s an outdoor pool and a cocktail lounge with a fireplace to curl up by in winter.

Each room in this charming inn comes with a kitchenette, which is convenient because it’s only a block from Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. If you’re really trying to stretch a dollar during a stay in DC, save on eating out and cook instead. While the inn feels secluded in a colonial neighborhood, it’s only a brisk walk from Foggy Bottom and its Metro station. Dogs can stay with you for free, and there is a great dog-friendly park just one block away.

One Washington Circle Hotel remains one of DC’s best-kept secrets, with modern rooms significantly larger than most. This boutique hotel is also pet-friendly and will shower your dog with treats, toys and amenities, potentially more than you’ll receive. However, the staff is also quite attentive to human requests. Make the most of the daily 5pm wine hour, complimentary running maps and free Saturday morning yoga classes at its sister hotel, Avenue Suites Georgetown, a five-minute walk away.