Washington, DC is expensive: really expensive. Check out these budget-friendly options in a city of hotels that average $400/night, and remember: once you get here, plenty of exciting free activities await!
The Washington Plaza Hotel epitomizes great value. Located in the heart of downtown DC, the old-school hotel still offers an above-average experience for a fraction of the average price in the area. The hotel is a few blocks from the White House and an easy walk to most monuments. Most importantly, there’s also a pool.
Each room in this charming inn comes complete with a kitchenette, which is convenient because it’s located a block from Trader Joe’s. If you’re really trying to stretch a dollar during a stay in D.C., save on eating out and cook instead. The inn feels secluded in a colonial neighborhood, but it’s only a brisk walk from Foggy Bottom and its metro station.
The Carlyle Hotel is more luxurious than others on this list and costly during popular times, but if you book ahead, you can manage to snag a room for $99. The Art Deco building is embedded with modern art aesthetics. The accompanying bar is equally hip, and it offers a complimentary breakfast.
This boutique hotel remains one of D.C.’s best kept secrets. The rooms may be dated, with an aesthetic reminiscent of the 1970s, but they’re clean and significantly larger than most. They’re also pet friendly, and will shower your dog in treats, toys, and amenities, potentially more than you’ll receive. The staff are quite attentive to human requests as well, though.
This ageing hotel may be in need of some design updates, but it offers quaint old charm with buckets of personality, and a stay here won’t hurt your wallet. It’s definitely not fancy, but small and cozy and offers a delicious complimentary breakfast. A stay at the Windsor Park Hotel will be a classic old-school experience, with room keys that are actually keys instead of automated cards!
This basic hotel is rather low on amenities, but its ideal location gives it a real advantage. The hotel is situated in the Van Ness neighborhood of D.C., a moderately populated area that’s a short drive from the bustling downtown area. Rooms are usually available for under $100 a night, a rarity in this location.
