Best Hotel Bets in Washington, D.C.

• Best Historic Hotel: The Willard InterContinental celebrates its 113th anniversary in 2019 as the “new” 12-story Willard, replacing the original, smaller “City Hotel” that existed here between 1816 and 1906. Whether known as the City or the Willard, the hotel has hosted nearly every U.S. president since Franklin Pierce in 1853. President Ulysses S. Grant liked to unwind with a cigar and brandy in the Willard lobby after a hard day in the Oval Office; literary luminaries such as Mark Twain and Charles Dickens used to hang out in the Round Robin bar. 

• Best for Romance: Its discreet service, intimate size, exquisitely decorated guest rooms, and the fact that you need never leave the hotel for pampering or dining makes The Jefferson perfect for a romantic rendezvous. A pianist plays classic melodies Tuesday through Saturday in the cozy-comfortable bar, Quill, pull-the-curtain niches, perfect for private canoodling.

• Best When You Have Business on Capitol Hill: The George, a Kimpton Hotel, lies a short walk from the Capitol and offers free Wi-Fi and an excellent in-house power-dining spot, Bistro Bis, among other business-friendly amenities.

• Best Bang for Your Buck: Its great location near Georgetown, the White House, and the Metro, and less than a mile from the National Mall, plus spacious studio and one-bedroom suites with kitchens, free Wi-Fi, and reasonable rates recommend Foggy Bottom’s River Inn as one of the best values in town.

• Best Views: The Hay-Adams has such a great, unobstructed view of the White House that the Secret Service comes over regularly to do security sweeps of the place. Ask for a room on the H Street side of the hotel, on floors six through eight. Many of the guest rooms at the Watergate survey the Potomac River and the Georgetown waterfront, but the best view of all is from the hotel’s Top of the Gate rooftop bar and lounge. Nearly half of the guest rooms in the InterContinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf, in the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood, capture a stunning view of the Washington Channel and East Potomac Park.

• Best for Families: The Omni Shoreham Hotel is adjacent to Rock Creek Park, within walking distance of the National Zoo and Metro, and has a big, seasonal pool. Children receive a backpack upon check-in, and the concierge can provide board games and books (at no charge; just remember to return them). Parents receive a first aid/safety kit with outlet covers, nightlights, and a list of emergency numbers.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.