The 21 Best Hotels in Washington, D.C.
Don't let the bureaucrat pencil-pusher stereotypes fool you: there is a glamorous side to D.C., and the hotel scene of the Nation's Capital is maybe the best place to find it. Step back in time at opulent outposts like the 200-year-old Willard InterContinental or other storied properties like the Hay-Adams, Jefferson, and the infamous Watergate. On the flip side, you can opt for modern glass-and-steel towers with skyline Capitol or Potomac River views—and maybe even a fantastic swimming pool. There are also plenty of design-forward boutique hotels in of D.C.'s residential neighborhoods where you'll feel like a local. Whatever abode you choose, these are the best hotels in Washington, D.C. for your next trip.
Read our complete Washington, D.C., city guide here.
Every hotel review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination, keeping design, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Courtesy of Rosewood Washington D.C./AVABLU/Ryan ForbeshotelRosewood Washington, D.C.
$$ |
Readers' Choice Awards 2020When Rosewood opened right on Georgetown’s C&O Canal in 2013, it quickly became one of the hottest places to stay in the city. The tony space offers a truly intimate feel—there are just 49 rooms and suites and six townhouses—that'll make you feel as though you're staying at the well-appointed home of a friend. You’re greeted by a personal assistant in the wood- and marble-clad lobby before being escorted to a spacious, elegant room. Each have hints of Art Deco influence, and lots of luxurious little touches: complimentary non-alcoholic beverages in the minibar, freshly cut flowers, and Diptyque toiletries waiting for you beside a dramatic marble bathtub.
- Courtesy The Willard InterContinentalhotel
InterContinental The Willard Washington D.C., an IHG Hotel
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023Two blocks from the White House and the National Mall, this historic hotel unveiled an $18 million restoration in 2018, exactly 200 years after its opening. The rooms, common areas, lobby, and Café du Parc all have new offerings (there's now a private dining room overlooking the lobby, as it did many, many years ago). The architecture blends Federal and Empire styles; the ornate lobby features dramatic marble columns, detailed tray ceilings representing each state in the country, lush plants, and intricate tile mosaics. It's no surprise that everyone from Abraham Lincoln to Martin Luther King, Jr., has rested their head here at some point—and that the hotel regularly sees people pop in off the street just to take a look.
- Courtesy Conrad Washington, DChotel
Conrad Washington, DC
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023Opened in 2019, the hotel is the flagship property for the Conrad brand, and Hilton’s first luxury offering in the nation’s capital. The overall ethos of the collection tends towards the unfussy and uncluttered, and this flagship is definitely right in line with that vibe. Interiors firm Rottet Studio has created 360 bright, airy rooms with streamlined, contemporary décor. Suites have extras like low-slung couches and fireplaces, and all rooms have marble bathrooms with double vanities, walk-in showers, and Byredo bath amenities. As one of the newer spots in town, the Conrad brings a modern sensibility to D.C's upscale hotel landscape, along with a convenient location, efficient service and destination dining from local favorite Ria Montes. Depending on the season, prices can be very reasonable, too.
- Courtesy The Dupont Circle Hotelhotel
The Dupont Circle Hotel
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2021, 2022, 2023Wedged into a crook just off its namesake park, The Dupont Circle gives off warmth from the moment a uniformed bellhop swings open a massive glass door, revealing a low-ceilinged lobby—a remnant of the building’s 1950s origins. It feels like a private members’ club, one that’s confident enough to do its own thing—and one the bold-face names will soon be angling to join. Dupont Circle is an upscale neighborhood with tree- and townhouse-lined streets and a buzzy after-work scene; if you’re into happy hours and oyster specials, you needn’t go far to find one. The hotel is within a nice walk of one end of the National Mall; meander straight past the White House and you’ll soon reach the Washington Monument on your right and the National Museum of African American History and Culture on your left. The space got a remodel from design firm Clodagh and architect Martin Brudnizki and is a real stunner.
- Jennifer Hugheshotel
Riggs Washington D.C.
$$ |
Hot List 2020 Readers' Choice Awards 2020, 2022, 2023In a capital scene abuzz with newcomers, Riggs easily grabs the attention. The first American property from Lore Group, the firm behind Sea Containers London and Pulitzer Amsterdam, is housed in a former bank dating from 1891. Nearly two dozen American presidents came here to do business, stepping into the very same sweeping lobby. The reception desk, a modern interpretation of a teller counter, furthers the theme. Yet there’s a fun-spiritedness not usually associated with personal finances, from the swirly wallpaper and headboard fabric by NYC-based design studio Voutsa to the clever spin on a bank safe that houses the mini-bar. Off the lobby, Café Riggs, steered by Momofuku alum Patrick Curran, works for quick coffees and power lunches alike, provided you can stop staring at the high ceilings and Corinthian columns. Downstairs in the former bank vault, Silver Lyan, from bartending superstar Ryan Chetiyawardana (Mr Lyan), slings high-concept house cocktails in an underground speakeasy. Everything from the Manhattan cherries to the art (a tongue-and-cheek optical illusion) chimes with the hotel’s sense of whimsy and fun. Here the dress code may be buttoned up, but make sure the top one is undone.
- Courtesy The Jeffersonhotel
The Jefferson
$$$ |
Gold List 2018 Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023It is said that Thomas Jefferson’s time in France left him with an abiding appreciation for the finer things in life. If so, he would be very happy at The Jefferson, four blocks north of his old White House digs. This elegant, historic hotel is on the smaller side for D.C., with just 99 rooms. It might not be as famous as the Hay-Adams, but it makes for a quiet retreat that still has historic charms—think a library and an old-fashioned dumbwaiter—as well as new creature comforts. History buffs will feel like they've stepped back in time, but fans of modern hotels won't be disappointed, either. This is a stay for grown-ups who prefer traditional to trendy, formal to familiar, and serene to a scene.
- Jennifer Hughes/Courtesy Eaton DChotel
Eaton DC
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2019Billed as an activist hotel when it opened in 2018, this property combines the Eaton Workshop—a hub for innovators, artists and grassroots social projects—with a new-age approach to wellness and destination restaurants. Sliding doors separate the black brick exterior from the naturally-lit lobby, reportedly modeled on Swiss bus terminals from the 1960s. The influence shows in the earthy tones, swirling floor patterns and low-slung leather and velour furniture. There’s a working radio station on one side which broadcasts discussions on relevant social issues, and the check-in desk is decorated with crystals. Located downtown, it’s a five-minute stroll from the National Museum of Women in the Arts and Franklin Square Park, and only 15 minutes from the White House.
- Courtesy The Watergate Hotelhotel
The Watergate Hotel
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023This D.C. landmark (its name gave birth to the suffix now used on every political scandal since Gerald Ford was president) was vibrantly restored in 2016 and has since become a favorite among everyone, from politicians to vacationers. The luxurious 336-room hotel is in Georgetown, so it’s not exactly next to most of the District’s prime attractions, but don’t let that deter you. The mid-century modern icon still keeps a few relics from its past, namely the staircase in the lobby and the indoor pool, but most interiors are fresh and new with modern flair. Even the staff’s uniforms were designed by Mad Men costume designer and stylist Janie Bryant. Most rooms have balconies, a rarity in D.C.
- Courtesy The LINEhotel
The LINE DC
$$ | Hot List 2018 Readers' Choice Awards 2019In Washington, D.C.’s hip Adams Morgan neighborhood, a soaring neoclassical former church turns into a stylish boutique hotel with a hyper-local restaurant, and a design aesthetic that cleverly nods to the building's ecclesiastic past while feeling totally on-point (graphic bright yellow bedspreads, geometric brass light fixtures). In an industry town known more for tradition and history, this hotel is proof that a younger, cooler side of D.C. that we’ve been hearing about for years—but never quite believed—truly exists.
- Courtesy Thompson Hotelhotel
Thompson Washington D.C.
$$ | Hot List 2020 Readers' Choice Awards 2020Too smart to be dismissed as hip, but too cool to be grand, this hotel is instead sophisticated and timeless enough to attract all sets of the city’s global crowd. Washington, D.C., is the country’s perennial host, regularly welcoming dignitaries and activists in equal parts. Thompson’s addition—in the heart of the rapidly developing Navy Yard neighborhood, steps from Nationals Park and right by the Anacostia waterfront and marina—ties the hotel landscape together, the much-needed bridge between the presidential Hay-Adams and historic Watergate, and pulsating newcomers such as Eaton Workshop and The Line. NYC-based Parts and Labor Design did the interiors, which are streamlined and purposeful with knowing nods to the area’s maritime legacy.
- Courtesy The Hay-Adamshotel
The Hay-Adams
$$$ | Gold List 2018 Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022From the moment you're greeted by Hay-Adams' stately exterior, you know you're somewhere special. The wood-paneled lobby reveres the hotel's historic past without feeling stuffy. It's all elegant here, seamlessly blending Italian Renaissance–style design with Corinthian, Doric, and Ionic columns, walnut wainscoting, and ceiling treatments with Elizabethan, Italian, and Tudor motifs. Church View Deluxe rooms are comfy without being overdone. There's a bit of toile and chintz, but nothing that feels like grandma's house. Think black-and-white framed art, fresh white linens, and chic striped wallpaper. Suites come with some epic views of the White House from the private balconies. Even for a short stay don't miss Off The Record, a historic bar in the hotel's basement. A proper cocktail bar, it feels frozen in time, which only adds to the ambience you're likely to feel when you're mere steps from the White House.
- Courtesy Hotel Zenahotel
Hotel Zena, A Viceroy Urban Retreat
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2021, 2022, 2023Girls trips take on a new meaning at D.C.'s “future is female”–themed hotel, complete with with funky, feminist art and a souvenir shop that funds nonprofits around the world. The unique theme of Hotel Zena is spelled out in seven stories on the building's exterior: a larger-than-life mural of two women warriors stretches across Hotel Zena, painted by an artist known as Miss Chelove. Inside, the lobby and lower-level Figleaf restaurant is decorated with more art inspired by female empowerment. The most talked-about piece must be Andrea Sheehan x Julie Coyle Art Associates's portrait of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg constructed out of 20,000 painted tampons. Aside from the soft glow of pink lighting above the headboard, the 191 rooms are decorated in creamy tones and furniture with clean lines. Translucent, pod-like showers are decorated with murals of the Greek goddess Artemis. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide plenty of natural light, and it's worth it to spring for a Circle View room to looking out onto landscaped Thomas Circle and the city skyline.
- Taggart Sorensenhotel
Park Hyatt Washington D.C.
$$ | Gold List 2018 Readers' Choice Awards 2017Renovated in 2017, this West End hotel is a uniquely sophisticated option. While it’s not as close to main tourist attractions as other D.C. stalwarts, it borders some of the city’s other dynamic neighborhoods, like Foggy Bottom and Georgetown. There’s more here though than just a temporary place to lay your head: the Michelin-starred Blue Duck Tavern and its Tea Cellar, serving more than 30 rare teas, have achieved destination status on their own.
- Courtesy The Embassy Row Hotelhotel
The Ven Embassy Row Hotel
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018This boutique hotel is fresh off a revamp that sets it apart as one of the best small hotels in the Dupont Circle neighborhood. While the exterior lacks the charm of some of the district’s more historic options, the interior is warm and friendly, with greys, yellows, and blues taking center stage. The best-kept secret here: the seasonal ninth-floor rooftop pool, ringed by a grill, bar, and daybeds. Let's not forget the 24-hour Chef's Pantry, plus an “adult playground” where you can play a round (or three) of foosball once you've sampled the local nightlife, or stretch your stuff at a complimentary yoga session on the rooftop (available during the warmer months.)
- Courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and Resortshotel
Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C.
$$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2020After getting a $13 million renovation in 2016, the Four Seasons is one of D.C.’s finest hotels. Guests are welcomed into a contemporary hotel with an astounding art collection (more than 1,500 pieces to rival even the nearby National Portrait Gallery) and warm, but modern, lobby filled with fresh flowers. The Four Seasons may not sit squarely in the center of the political gristmill—it's in Georgetown, about a 10-minute drive from that big white mansion—but it has plenty of perks to compensate. Pierre-Yves Rochon designed the spaces—the decorator's deft hand has left its imprint on everything from the stately guest rooms in the East Wing to the grand lobby and library. Fitness buffs should consider it a destination. The three-story fitness center, equipped with a saltwater lap pool, is a huge draw.
