Kathryn Streeter

Washington D.C. doesn’t just brag world-class parks, museums and galleries, a bounty of historical and political institutions and a gloriously eclectic restaurant scene—it’s also got a shedload of brilliant hotels. So, from long-standing landmarks to chic and modern boutiques, we’ve rounded up our favorite places to stay, including new reviews ahead of winter 2025 of Canal House, Fairmont Washington D.C. Georgetown and The Pendry.  Which area is best to stay in Washington D.C.? To explore D.C.’s boutique shops and gourmet restaurants, Adams Morgan could be the spot, but head to Shaw if slick shops and trendy galleries are more your schtick. Oh, and for some classic, quaint streets and pretty manicured gardens, opt for Georgetown. There’s more information in our neighborhood guide. Washington D.C.’s best hotels at a glance: 💎 Most luxurious: Four Seasons Washington DC 👛 Best budget: The LINE Hotel DC 👙 Best pool: Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf 🤩 Most iconic: Willard InterContinental Washington by IHG 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best cheap hotels in Washington D.C. How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, featur

Moving at a snail’s pace along M Street, you’ll pass Wisconsin Avenue, the crossroads of Georgetown, and while there’ll almost definitely be bumper-to-bumper traffic and crowds of shoppers, which reflect the popularity of the area, it isn’t annoying at all, thanks to the colorful—borderline theatrical—scene out the window.  A seemingly unending line of Federal-style rowhouses flank the street, narrow cobblestone alleyways beckon seductively, and sunglass-donned diners sip espressos at sidewalk cafes, and the fairytale continues as you slip off the hustle-bustle just before The Stone House (which is considered this city’s oldest structure) onto 31st Street.  It dips down toward the waterfront, and just past the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal is your destination, the aptly-named Canal House, Georgetown’s newest hotel, which opened February 2025. It presents neat-as-a-pin, a seven-story charcoal-washed stylish boutique, and on the cobblestone sidewalk, the doorman flashes a greeting and grabs luggage.  In the hazy distance, you’ll catch a glimpse of the Potomac River before the revolving door whisks you into the wood-paneled lounge starring a come-hither bar. At every turn, Canal House is poised to launch your exploration of tony Georgetown and wider D.C.. Why stay at Canal House of Georgetown? If you cherish walkability and boutique hotels like I do, you’ll love Canal House. Talk about sticker shock: land comes at a premium in Georgetown and the waterfront area (south of the canal) is