The Morrow
Photograph: Courtesy Kris Tamburello
Photograph: Courtesy Kris Tamburello

The 15 best hotels in Washington, D.C. for 2025

All the top places to rest in The District, handpicked by us

Advertising

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:

📍 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, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

🛌 Check out the best Airbnbs in Washington D.C.

Best hotels in Washington, D.C.

  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Washington, DC
  • price 3 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Creeping down M Street toward Wisconsin Avenue at Georgetown’s lively crossroads, you’re treated to a colorful, almost theatrical streetscape of Federal-style rowhouses, cobblestone alleys, and café-goers sipping espressos. Slip past the historic Stone House and over the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, and Georgetown’s newest boutique retreat—Canal House—comes into view. Opened in February 2025, the seven-story charcoal-washed property blends a redesigned office building with two preserved rowhouses, greeting guests with a polished cobblestone entry, a doorman ready to whisk away luggage, and a wood-paneled lounge anchored by an inviting bar. The setting places you steps from the waterfront and in the heart of one of D.C.’s most walkable, storybook neighborhoods, making Canal House ideal for travelers who prize intimacy, location, and boutique style without the sky-high price tag of its luxury neighbors.

Rooms here lean thoughtfully minimalist, shaped by the creative challenge of adapting historic structures. Sizes and layouts vary widely across 107 rooms and eight categories—from compact Deluxe Kings to townhouse spaces nearing 850 square feet—many offering courtyard, neighborhood, or river views. They’re proud of thier soundproofing here, which ensures quiet even in courtyard-facing rooms, while terrace and balcony upgrades add coveted outdoor space. The canal itself inspires the menu at the C&O Lounge, where 80 percent of ingredients are locally sourced. Expect to taste Chesapeake flavors, regional seafood, and cocktails like the smoky Lockhouse Old Fashioned or the refreshing C&O Creek Cooler, best enjoyed by the fire or in the leafy courtyard. 

The amenities here will supplement an out-and-about kinda stay: a 24/7 gym, a cozy library lined with books and rose-shaped sconces, and a firepit courtyard perfect for winding down after exploring. Outside, historic Georgetown beckons with its storied homes, high-end boutiques, buzzy restaurants, and waterfront views stretching toward the monuments.

Time Out tip: The White House is under two miles away, and live jazz at Blues Alley sits just steps from the Hotel’s door. 

Address: 1023 31st St. NW, Washington, DC 20007
Price: Rooms start at $339 per night  
Closest transport: Foggy Bottom Metro station (15-minute walk); Reagan National Airport (20-minute drive)

Kathryn Streeter
Kathryn Streeter
Contributing writer
  • Hotels
  • Chain hotels
  • Washington, D.C.
  • price 3 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Where West End, Foggy Bottom, and Georgetown converge, the Fairmont Washington, D.C. Georgetown stands as a classically charming anchor with its swivel doors, warm lobby greetings, and steady hum of community events. The hotel’s stately, neo-classic interiors—marble everywhere, with gold, silver, and copper tones—underscore its old-school grandeur, even landing it a starring role in Enemy of the State. Its appeal lies largely in dependability: it’s a polished stay within close reach of the capital’s museums and monuments, business-ready rooms with real desks and chairs, and a staff known for genuine friendliness and nightly turndown service. 

The 415 rooms, spanning six categories and several suites, lean serious and streamlined—fitting for anyone juggling meetings or calls. Metallic hues complement studded faux-leather headboards, while marble-clad bathrooms shine with chrome hardware and Le Labo toiletries. Some rooms overlook the street or courtyard, but all come with practical touches, even a ticking bedside clock and sensor-activated mini-fridges. The dining is casual and convenient, from Juniper’s classic breakfast buffet to courtyard or bar bites like the Green Key Burger and boozy Black Tie Affogato. Fairmont Gold members cann gain access to an elevated lounge with pastries, all-day beverages, and a hearty breakfast spread, and fitness-minded travelers will benefit from the full-service gym—shared with locals—and its slate of classes, plus an indoor saltwater pool, whirlpool, sauna, and steam rooms.

Surrounded by similarly upscale hotels and a block from Nobu, the Fairmont sits in a polished pocket of the city that stays surprisingly low-key, with Georgetown’s youthful energy and historic cobblestone charm practically on its doorstep. 

Time Out tip: The hotel has partnered with Reebok to supply guests with gym attire and even running shoes in personal sizes, so don’t stress if you forget to pack your kit. 

Address: 2401 M Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20037
Price per night: Rooms start at $299 per night
Closest transport: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) which is approximately a 15-minute drive away / Amtrak Union Station is approximately a 20-minute drive away from the hotel

Kyra Shapurji
Kyra Shapurji
Contributing writer
Advertising
  • Hotels
  • Chain hotels
  • Washington, D.C.
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

This hotel makes an unforgettable first impression with its sweeping Potomac River views, a signature flourish that sets this stylish “little sister” of Montage Hotels apart from other Pendry properties. Set in one of D.C.’s most flourishing neighborhoods, the hotel blends contemporary luxury with a breezy nautical vibe that permeates its curved architecture, soft design lines, and glass façade that subtly ripples like the nearby marina. 

The 131 rooms, including 38 suites, prioritize river views—partial, deluxe, or corner—though standard kings offer a more budget-conscious option. In the deluxe king river view, I found myself perched in bed, snacking on sea-salted dark chocolate from turndown service while watching planes lift off from Reagan National every few minutes. The rooms pair soft wood tones with velvet blackout curtains and floral rugs, which are contrasted by striking black-and-white marble bathrooms. Sensor-activated minibars tempt with premium spirits, local pale ales, and Pendry-branded snacks, plus handy purchasable kits.

The hotel’s food scene is anchored by Moonraker, a top-floor indoor-outdoor hotspot with fire pits, Japanese-influenced dishes like Maryland crab fried rice and Tokyo fried chicken, and craft cocktails served with sculpted branded ice. Downstairs, Bar Pendry offers mezcal-packed signature drinks and whiskey flights. 

The sleek 24-hour gym is stocked with new equipment and Theraguns, while the spa offers massages and facials, even if the terrace pool’s merriment occasionally filters into treatment rooms. Surrounding the hotel is a lively mile-long promenade of restaurants, shops, and fresh businesses, plus easy access to the historic Fish Market and Arena Theater. 

Time Out tip: Don’t sleep on the weekly Boozy Tea, which pairs three tea-based cocktails with savory and sweet pastries.

Address: 655 Water St. SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
Price per night: Rooms start at $450 per night
Closest transport: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) which is approximately a 10-minute drive away / Amtrak Union Station is approximately a 15-minute drive away from the hotel

Kyra Shapurji
Kyra Shapurji
Contributing writer
  • Hotels
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Recommended

For a slice of five-star luxury, look no further than The Dupont Circle. This hotel really ticks all the boxes you want from a hotel: central location? Tick. Incredible suites? Double tick. An outstanding restaurant and bar? You get the gist. The hotel also has almost everything you could need on the doorstep, including restaurants, bars, galleries, and the lovely Dupont Circle Farmers Market on Sundays.

The interiors here are luxury through and through, featuring flickering fireplaces, rich gold tones, and views to kill for. We’d highly recommend staying in a suite if you can, which have wraparound windows, elegant seating areas, and a customizable minibar. And just in case you’ve won the lottery, we’ll mention that the epic Penthouse Suite also has four private terraces with views of Mount Washington and its own marble bar.

Their dining really takes the cake (no pun intended), particularly at Michelin-starred The Pembroke, which features stunning interiors by Martin Brudnizki. The space boasts a cocktail bar and leafy terrace with sweeping neighborhood views and a menu of refined American dishes such as penne alla vodka and smash burgers. However, you can also sip on freshly brewed coffee at the hotel’s adorable café, Doyle & Co, or indulge in a sophisticated evening of drinks and nibbles at Doyle, their 1950s-themed cocktail lounge that looks out over Dupont Circle.

Time Out tip: The hotel has its own well-stocked shop onsite, and we don’t mean for groceries. You can pick up signature food items, luxury gifts, and ornaments, and having no packing space isn’t an excuse, as they deliver to the UK, U.S., and Canada.

Address: 1500 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
Price: From $206 per night
Closest transport: The nearest Metro station is Dupont Circle, just a few steps from the hotel

Advertising
  • Hotels
  • Penn Quarter

This illustrious hotel was built in 1891 and has stood the test of time. Originally built as the headquarters of Riggs National Bank, today it’s one of Washington, D.C.’s grandest stays. The former bank was the account holder of various former presidents, from Lincoln to Nixon, and that prestige still remains within the hotel interiors, which were designed by Jacu Strauss to reflect the “golden age of banking”. You may think banking is a fairly boring theme to have, but wait until you see the art deco lobby, which still channels banking foyers of old, the original vault door in the basement, and the banking hall now home to Café Riggs.

The rooms and suites here are intended to channel safety deposit boxes—you never quite know what you’ll find inside. The striking floral headboards and patterned wallpaper are just the start; rooms also have Carrara marble bathrooms and mini fridges designed like bank vaults. Suites are even more magical, adding separate living areas and vintage furniture—the Riggs Suite is the cherry on the cake, housed in the historic boardroom of Riggs National Bank with many original features.

Definitely don’t bypass the restaurants and bars at The Riggs either—every room has character features and the food is divine. The aforementioned Café Riggs serves a delicious all-day French-American menu, where you’ll be able to admire the marble columns and intricately carved ceiling as you dine. For afters, Silver Lyan is their basement bar created by the famous Mr. Lyan, which has a menu of crafted cocktails inspired by spices and flavors that define American history.

Time Out tip: For a super quirky stay, choose one of their First Lady Suites, all inspired by former presidents’ wives. The Ida McKinley Suite is an elegant Barbie dreamhouse, while Louisa Adams, who loved music, has a suite featuring a baby grand piano.

Address: 900 F St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
Price: From $227 per night for a Classic Room
Closest transport: The nearest subway is Metro Center, about two blocks from the hotel

6. Willard InterContinental Washington by IHG

If you thought things couldn’t get more historic, you obviously haven’t heard of The Willard, which is classed as one of America’s most historic hotels. It’s seen celebrities, politicians, and presidents cross the threshold, including Abraham Lincoln, who resided here for ten days before his inauguration, and President Coolidge, who lived here while serving as Vice President. And that’s far from the only famous happenings that have occurred here, from Martin Luther King Jr. working on his famous speech in the lobby, to the hotel becoming Nixon’s campaign headquarters and a filming location in Minority Report—The Willard has lived a rich past.

Rooms here are thoughtfully elegant, perhaps how you’d imagine bedrooms might look inside the White House, with pretty wallpaper, fresh flowers, and monogrammed headboards. Naturally, there are historic suites available too. Just a few special ones to call out include the George Washington Suite, complete with his full-sized portrait; the Jenny Lind Suite, which has the most amazing sunken bath that overlooks the Washington Monument; and the Abraham Lincoln Suite, featuring a carved wooden desk worthy of the Oval Office.

What else can you do here? What can’t you do is a better question. The Willard Spa offers a range of bespoke massages, wraps, and scrubs, or there’s also a fitness center to get your sweat on. The restaurants are an experience unto themselves, from coffee at the brightly designed Le Café and French cuisine at Café du Parc, to drinks at Round Robin Bar, aptly nicknamed the “Oval Office of bars” thanks to its circular wooden bar and leather seating.

Time Out tip: If you just want a small taste of The Willard’s dining scene, try their afternoon tea at Peacock Alley for gentle music, decadent pastries and famously tasty scones. 

Address: 1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
Price: From $537 per night, depending on season
Closest transport: Metro Center is the nearest subway station, about two blocks away, from where you can get to Union Station and the airport

Advertising
  • Hotels
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Recommended

Curio Collection hotels by Hilton always add a unique twist, and this one in Washington’s trendy NoMa neighborhood is the ideal base for exploring the city. The design is beautifully bright and modern, with a palette of light and dark blues, high ceilings, and soft velvet furnishings throughout, and the rooms are equally pretty—even the smallest King Bed has city views and a snug seating area. Bigger rooms come with an added balcony, and in the One Bedroom Suite, there’s plenty of space to stretch out in the living and dining areas (we also love the deep soaking tub).

At just 20 minutes from the city’s biggest attractions, you can always head out for a bite, but The Morrow also has Marcus D.C., led by celebrated Chef Marcus Samuelsson, which blends classic American flavor with Black culinary traditions. Samuelsson refers to himself as “Swediopian,” having grown up in Sweden with Ethiopian heritage, so expect bold, delicious flavors. And up on top of the hotel is Sly Rooftop, also led by Samuelsson and his friend Anthony Jones, where seafood-inspired small plates and sharing dishes mixed with delicious fruity cocktails and skyline views—it’s the place to be on a summer’s evening in D.C. And there are no details yet, but if you need another cozy spot for enjoying drinks at The Morrow, the hotel is set to open its newest space, The Goodie Lounge, on the 11th floor before the end of the year.

Time Out tip: Everyone loves a discount, so you’ll be eager to hear about Sly Rooftop’s Happy Hour, which occurs Monday–Friday from 3pm to 6pm.

Address: 222 M St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
Price: From $183 per night for a King Room
Closest transport: The nearest subway stations are the NoMa-Gallaudet​ Metro Station (1 minute walk) and Union Station (20 minute walk)

  • Hotels
  • Georgetown
  • price 4 of 4

Located on Pennsylvania Avenue, this hotel boasts classic Four Seasons elegance and charm, along with proximity to all the best attractions, such as the White House, Lincoln Memorial and Kennedy Center, nearby. They’ve somehow effortlessly combined the history of the city and contemporary design so rooms and interiors are timeless, accented with art deco chandeliers, herringbone floors and gold fixtures. 

All of the accommodation is extra spacious, from the Premier Rooms, which have sleek sofas and enviably large bathtubs, to the suites, some of which separate the bedroom from the living space with a stylish archway and offer a pastel coloured living room and marble bathroom. As with other Four Seasons, experiences are rife here, although they get booked up quickly. You can book the likes of yoga and sound bathing, if you’re keen on wellness, or to explore the city, try their Grand Cru boat trip or Monuments by Moonlight guided tour. There’s also mixology, wine tastings and a night spa, which includes massages and champagne. 

We saw your ears perk up at the word “spa”—yes, the hotel has a tranquil spa, complete with a steam room, sauna, fitness centre and underground lap pool, plus an infrared sauna and plunge pool exclusive to hotel guests. The hotel also has some standout dining options if you’re staying in, including Bourbon Steak, one of the most popular restaurants in Georgetown by Michael Mina, which serves beautifully presented steaks and wine pairings. This pairs with The Lounge at Bourbon Steak, where you can enjoy the sommelier-led wine list or curated cocktails. For international fare, head to Seasons, an all-day spot with great coffee, brunch, lunch and afternoon tea. 

Time Out tip: If you want to impress your friends, point out the art on the hotel walls, which includes pieces by Andy Warhol, Helen Frakenthaler and Fernando Botero. 

Address: 2800 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20007
Price: From $1,629 per night, depending on the time of year
Closest transport: Foggy Bottom-GWU is the nearest subway station, roughly 12 minutes walk from the hotel

Advertising
  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Washington
  • Recommended

The Line Hotel is just wow—in its design, hospitality, location, and more. From the 60-foot vaulted ceilings to the unique light fittings, bold patterns, and urban chic interiors in the rooms. It’s right in the heart of Adams Morgan, close to top attractions and some of the city’s best drinking and dining, but you’ll be safe in the knowledge that you have a modern bolthole to return to. And this design acumen stems from the hotel’s history, as it used to be a church, complete with stained-glass windows and a church organ.

The rooms are fun, creative, and vibrant, decked out in patterned throws, pendant lights, and black-and-white photos. The larger suites also have a leather living area and the occasional private terrace. The Landmark Studio Suite is a great in-between choice, with all the comforts plus a micro-library, international minibar, and sweeping views of the city.

But onto more fun facts about this hotel: it has its own podcast studio, which is pretty unique, that serves as the base for The Line’s radio and podcast. It’s also all about community, particularly when it comes to sharing great food, drinks, and a laugh. They refer to No Goodbyes as a neighborhood eatery, and it does feel like your favorite little restaurant, serving fresh local ingredients in the evening and excellent hot drinks and pastries to kick off your day at The Coffee Shop attached. With the same name to make things easy, there’s No Goodbyes Bar, their dimly lit cocktail bar that’s waiting for you to round off the evening.

Time Out tip: Getting around town from The Line is a cinch thanks to their fleet of cute, branded Priority Bicycles available to rent from the hotel.

Address: 1770 Euclid St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
Price: From $177 per night for a District King room
Closest transport: Columbia Heights and Woodley Park Metro stations are less than a mile from the hotel

  • Hotels
  • Farragut Square
  • price 3 of 4
The Jefferson
The Jefferson

With the White House on your doorstep and interiors that scream “heritage,” The Jefferson is one of the most beautiful places to spend the night in Washington, D.C. The hotel’s general design concept seems to be “expensive,” with wingback chairs, oak dining tables, paneling, and plush carpets everywhere you look. And that’s exactly what you’ll find in the elegantly appointed rooms and suites, too. Rooms go left-field with geometric patterns and pops of color but maintain the same neutral theme across their king-sized beds and spacious bathrooms—they also throw in access to their Peloton-equipped fitness center. The suites are gorgeously over the top, with some home to four-poster beds and impressive living rooms. We’d pick the First Lady Suite, which has three Juliette balconies and a soft blue-and-gray floral design.

As we mentioned, there is a small but well-equipped fitness center packed with Pelotons; however, a better perk to know about is that guests all have access to a larger fitness center and swimming pool at the nearby University Club. If you’re planning to venture out and about, you can consult the hotel’s own local historian, who can give you some background on the sights and point you in the right direction. You can’t afford to miss dining at The Jefferson, purely to experience the delicate presentation and fine ingredients in all the dishes. Meanwhile, The Greenhouse is situated underneath a stunning skylight and serves all-day international cuisine, so beautifully presented that it’s almost artistic. Finally, Quill is the hotel bar—dark and atmospheric but for the glowing bar; expect cocktails made with dry ice and a speakeasy feel.

Time Out tip: Need to get away from the world? The hotel’s book room looks like something out of a country manor, paneled in wood with gilded portraits and old tomes lining the walls. It’s the perfect hideaway for reading your own good book or doing some work.

Address: 1200 16th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
Price: From $425 per night
Closest transport: Farragut North Metro station is less than 10 minutes’ walk from the hotel

Advertising
  • Hotels
  • Farragut Square
  • price 3 of 4

Let’s add another historic hotel to your list of must-stays in Washington. The Mayflower has been welcoming guests for a century, so they really know how to do hospitality. In fact, 2025 is the hotel’s centennial, so celebrations are in full flow—although not quite as large-scale as when it opened in 1925, when it hosted the inaugural ball for President Calvin Coolidge. If this piques your interest about the area’s history, take advantage of the hotel’s local guide who can whisk you away on a quick historical tour and show you some artifacts from the hotel’s heyday.

On the outside, The Mayflower’s grand façade hides a more contemporary but lavish design within, featuring plenty of gold touches, chandeliers, and purple hues. In the rooms, white and taupe are the key colorways, and you’ll have plenty of space even in the standard rooms, although suites are the standout choice with their extra living space, marble bathrooms, and not one but two flat-screen TVs.

Edgar Bar & Kitchen is far from just a dining add-on; it’s a popular spot to eat in the city and serves a menu of classic American dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Plus, they do a killer brunch over the weekends and host a happy hour from Monday to Thursday featuring the best of their handcrafted cocktails. If you’re wondering what makes this spot special, look to its name—J. Edgar Hoover himself dined here daily, and it remains an iconic place to be seen.

Time Out tip: The hotel’s destination fee includes perks like dining credit, passes for the Old Town Trolley Tour, and $10 Uber credit per stay.

Address: 1127 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
Price: Starting at $227 per night
Closest transport: The nearest subway is Farragut North, about two blocks from the hotel

  • Hotels
  • West End
  • price 4 of 4
  • Recommended

Ritz-Carlton have more than one property in Washington, D.C., so if you’re stuck between them, choose this one in the heart of downtown, not far from Dupont Circle. The hotel’s sparkling chandeliers and modern artwork emulate both business and leisure, and if you’re staying over the holidays, just imagine the twinkling decorations—they even have a kids’ gingerbread-making workshop.

Where will you be sleeping, we hear you ask? Rooms are sleek and stylish, mixing monotone with soft reds, blues, and brushed gold to reflect the contemporary art on the walls. You’ll have bed options to suit your group size and a comfy seating area, with extra space in one-bedroom suites and some really cool features in the Ritz-Carlton Suite, such as a whirlpool, eight-seat dining room, and a huge private terrace.

This hotel is ready to get you immersed in Washington with its unique experiences, which include an incredibly fun citywide scavenger hunt, spy-themed guided tours, private evenings at the Capitol, and cocktail hours at nearby Mount Vernon. Our pick, though, is the Sea Table culinary voyage—a three-hour sailing curated by Michelin-awarded Chef Troy Knapp featuring five delicious courses and champagne. And those aren’t even the only dining experiences, because you still have the hotel’s main restaurant, The Saga, on property, which serves delicious Spanish cuisine, while the chic Quadrant Bar mixes French–Latin American gastronomy and delicious cocktails. They also host live music sessions once a month and serve an extremely Instagrammable afternoon tea.

Time Out tip: Upgrading to Ritz-Carlton Club is worth the extra, giving you access to a private lounge, streamlined check-in, and food, drinks, and canapés five times per day—and you can even bring a plus one.

Address: 1150 22nd St NW, Washington, D.C. 20037
Price: From $420 per night
Closest transport: The closest Metro station is Foggy-Bottom GWU, 8 minutes away on foot

Advertising
  • Hotels
  • Washington, DC Metro Area
  • price 2 of 4
  • Recommended

You may get a hint from the name “Lafayette,” which hints at the French touches you can expect at this hotel—and we love anything with a bit of French flair. The French goes hand in hand with art deco inside, so expect a high vaulted lobby, brushed velvet jewel tones, and glimmers of gold throughout. They’re big on art too, but you won’t find the Louvre’s priceless missing pieces here; instead, contemporary prints and sepia artwork of the city skyline grace the walls of the hotel and the rooms. They couldn’t resist some more French elegance in the rooms and suites, which have Balmain toiletries and fancy Bose sound systems, along with comfortable king-sized beds and an edgy black-and-white look.

The hotel has its own 24-hour fitness center, equipped with all the cardio and weights gear you could need, but if you’re lacking motivation, you can also try joining one of their guided running experiences that head out along the National Mall to take in the landmarks. Alternatively, the hotel hosts group yoga sessions every Wednesday and Saturday morning for a more relaxed workout. Opaline Brasserie is the signature restaurant, serving—what else?—French cuisine, designed to take you back to 1900s Paris on a journey of oysters and duck à l'orange, either indoors or on their leafy terrace. Its adjacent Opaline Bar also does light bites but focuses on a range of cocktails and wines from vineyards across France and the U.S.

Time Out tip: Rethink having a car if you’re staying here unless you need it—everything is within easy walking distance, parking can be pricey, and the traffic—well, it’s Washington.

Address: 806 15th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005
Price: From $278 per night, depending on season
Closest transport: McPherson Square Metro is less than a block from the hotel

  • Hotels
  • Chinatown
  • price 3 of 4
  • Recommended

The outside of this hotel will blow you away, so just wait until you get inside. The façade is neoclassical, with imposing columns and arched windows that hint at its history as the city’s General Post Office in the 1840s. It sits in Penn Quarter, just blocks from some of the city’s most famous sights—but neatly out of the way, too. The interiors retain their air of elegance and heritage but have been beautifully modernized, keeping original high ceilings and grand hallways and adding subtle patterns and bold colors.

Read carefully, because there are a wealth of rooms to choose from: the smallest but no less pretty guest rooms come in King and Queen sizes; they feature 20-foot ceilings, heavy curtains, plush beds, and city views—which is more than enough for us. But we’ll share more about the suites just in case it’s a special occasion: they have King Suites with built-in TVs and dining rooms; the two-bedroom Majestic Suite that can accommodate up to 10 people, if you’re planning to throw a party; and the stunning Robert Mills Suite, which has a standout corner location, a huge living room, and a wet room with a soaking clawfoot tub big enough for two.

The hotel doesn’t go overboard with activities, but there are some nice ones. Rooms all come with yoga mats, which means you can still limber up even if you can’t make it to their 24/7 fitness center. There’s one place to drink and dine at Kimpton Hotel Monaco, but it’s a goody—it’s called Dirty Habit and is widely considered one of the best bars in the area. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between, with a menu of seasonal international food, a singalong DJ brunch every Sunday, and a fun cocktail menu; happy hour is Monday to Friday from 3–7pm, because we know you were wondering.

Time Out tip: Washington is pretty as a picture, so make sure to get out and explore using one of the hotel’s complimentary PUBLIC bikes, which also come in kids’ sizes.

Address: 700 F St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
Price: From $291 per night for a King Premium room
Closest transport: Judiciary Square Metro is about five minutes walk from the hotel 

Advertising
  • Hotels
  • Washington, D.C.

The Royal Sonesta is another property with a touch of French joie de vivre, and while it’s slightly more skewed to business travelers, its central location means you can’t really go wrong when staying here. The property is brand new—an all-glass exterior and sleek design—with a fairly minimalist look and a pared-back color scheme of pinks and blues. You’ll notice this contemporary feel in the rooms, with their quirky artwork and fluffy throws—the only hint of anything but business is the funky monogrammed cushions featuring a grinning beaver.

If we’re forced to choose, any of the City View rooms would be our first choice, purely for the floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the skyscrapers beyond. But even in the standard rooms, you can expect king-sized beds, a rainfall shower, and, uniquely, a little succulent garden. There is also a selection of named suites, such as the Lady Freedom and Olmstead Suites, which boast six-person dining rooms adorned with artwork and a bar trolley, retro Marshall speakers, and views across toward Union Station.

You thought we’d forgotten about the French influence, but no—Bistro du Jour pulls it back, offering Parisian dining in the center of Washington. You’ll find a menu of French classics like coq au vin and croque madame, although there’s also comfort food like toasties and burgers, available from breakfast through to dinner. Bon appétit!

Time Out tip: If anyone advises you to get a taxi here, don’t listen; Union Station is just over a block away, and you can walk to almost all major sites.

Address: 20 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Price: From $211 per night
Closest transport: Union Station is less than five minutes from the hotel

Recommended
    You may also like
    You may also like
    Advertising