The Best Hotels in Washington, D.C. of 2024

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Conrad Washington DC with a view of the city
Photo:

Conrad Washington DC

There’s a certain level of prestige associated with Washington, D.C., one that comes with a good bit of glamor and wonder. It’s a reputation that, in part, stems from the city’s role as the nation’s capital and the seat of our federal government. But there’s also a range of other factors — a deep history, culturally significant sites, and an association with higher education — that give the District its distinct character. If you dig even deeper, though, you’ll also find it’s a destination with heart: at its core, Washington, D.C. is a place that cares — whether it’s about preserving the past, developing a better future, or creating memorable, special moments for its residents and visitors.

This greater narrative is particularly prevalent within the city’s hospitality scene. Its most impressive hotels, including world-renowned brands and smaller boutique properties, combine elegance with warmth and a passion for the traveler experience. While they may be unique in decor, guest amenities, and general atmosphere, there’s a shared dedication to providing excellence and comfort, which you’ll see below.

Read on to discover Travel + Leisure’s list of the best hotels in Washington, D.C. — curated based on editor reviews, first-hand experience, and features in the World’s Best Awards and It List.

Riggs Washington, D.C.

Lounge area in Riggs Washington DC

Riggs Washington DC

What We Like
  • The chic Silver Lyan cocktail bar is housed inside the former bank’s original vault space.

What to Consider
  • Its central location is convenient for many D.C. attractions, but some travelers may prefer to stay in a less busy neighborhood.

Riggs Washington, D.C. has repeatedly received top marks in the World’s Best Awards – most recently in 2022 and 2023. Upon opening, the property also landed on the It List in 2021. Take one step inside the Richardsonian Romanesque Revival building in Washington’s Penn Quarter neighborhood, and you’ll soon find out why.

The 181-guest room hotel, inclusive of its four suites inspired by four First Ladies, is a marriage of history and modernity. The building itself first served as the Riggs National Bank, and many of its original features have been expertly repurposed to serve the space’s latest life chapter — most notably, the bank’s vault. Today, it’s home to the Silver Lyan, an underground cocktail spot from renowned drink expert Ryan Chetiyawardana (“Mr. Lyan”). Whether you’re an overnight guest or simply stopping by for a drink, you can’t help but marvel at the bright but tasteful decor and sumptuous atmosphere.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Penn Quarter
  • Distance From Airport: 3.6 miles from Reagan National Airport (DCA), 25 miles from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
  • Nearby Attractions: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, National Gallery of Art, Washington Monument
  • Accessibility: Nine fully ADA-accessible rooms
  • Rates: Starting at $323 a night
  • Parking: Valet parking, $64 per night
  • Pet Policy: Dog-friendly; there’s a one-time pet fee of $100 per stay and guests must sign a pet agreement form at check-in

Rosewood Washington, D.C.

Guest room at Rosewood Washington DC

Rosewood Washington DC

What We Like
  • The rooftop infinity pool is the perfect place to relax when the summer heat and humidity settle in.

What to Consider
  • Nightly rates are on the pricey side.

The Rosewood brand is known to excel in most, if not all, hospitality categories, and the Georgetown location certainly lives up to this reputation. The 55-room hotel, recently featured in the 2023 World’s Best Awards, provides its guests with a glamorous yet homey experience — complete with the option to stay in one of the 12 spacious suites of six townhouses.

Its location on the walkable C&O Canal is one of Rosewood Washington, D.C.’s most notable features, allowing easy access to Georgetown shopping and plenty of neighborhood exploring. Still, guests will want to save room in their itinerary for some meals and downtime inside the red-brick building. Those who appreciate a great steak will already know of Wolfgang Puck’s CUT D.C.; CUT Bar and Lounge and CUT Above also serve dinner seven days a week. The latter, a wraparound bar and lounge with an indoor-outdoor pool and excellent views of the nearby Potomac River, is an excellent option for al fresco dining in the warmer weather.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Georgetown
  • Distance From Airport: 5 miles from DCA, 28 miles from IAD
  • Nearby Attractions: Georgetown Waterfront Park, Old Stone House, C&O Canal
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible guest rooms, lobby, fitness center, restaurant, and bar
  • Rates: Starting at $464 a night
  • Parking: Valet parking, $64 per night
  • Pet Policy: Guests are allowed one dog (under 50 pounds) per room with a $100 non-refundable fee

The Hay-Adams

Guest room at the Hay Adams

The Hay-Adams

What We Like
  • You can’t beat the views of the White House from select rooms and suites.

What to Consider
  • There’s no on-property spa or pool.

A repeat World’s Best Awards winner — making the top 10 best hotels in Washington, D.C. in 2021, 2022, and 2023 — The Hay-Adams is one of the rare historic hotels that has been able to curate a stately ambiance that doesn’t feel overly stuffy or formal. Guest accommodations are also equally balanced. There’s a luxe feel to every corner, from the plush linens to the striped wallpaper and toile window treatments, but nothing overshadows the property’s main focal point: the views. Many of the rooms and suites are outfitted with windows overlooking the White House or Lafayette Square, granting guests a quintessential D.C. experience from the second they wake up in the morning.

At night, pop downstairs to the hotel’s basement bar, Off the Record; here, it’s all about being “seen and not heard” as you sip on old-school cocktails while lounging in the elegant red seats. Given the bar’s downtown location and reputation among D.C. residents, there’s a high chance you’ll recognize some notable political figures — or at least some of the ones portrayed as caricatures on the walls and coasters.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Downtown
  • Distance From Airport: 4 miles from DCA, 25 miles from IAD
  • Nearby Attractions: The White House, Lafayette Square, St. John’s Church
  • Accessibility: Mobility and hearing-accessible rooms and public spaces; the corridor to the gym isn’t labeled as wheelchair-accessible, but the hotel provides complimentary passes to nearby fitness facilities if needed.
  • Rates: Starting at $379 a night
  • Parking: Valet parking, $64 per night
  • Pet Policy: Dog-friendly (up to 25 pounds)

The Jefferson

Library at The Jefferson

The Jefferson

What We Like
  • The hotel offers complimentary one-way transfers to any regional Washington, D.C. airport.

What to Consider
  • The property is best suited to adult guests, rather than those traveling with young kids.

You can expect nothing but excellence at The Jefferson, a 99-room boutique hotel that has time and time again found itself on the World’s Best Awards list. T+L readers gave it high praise in 2021, 2022, and 2023, and the property continues to impress with its roster of thoughtful features and amenities.

The guest rooms and suites are well stocked with complimentary filtered bottled water, custom scented bath accessories, and delightfully modern additions (in-mirror bathroom televisions, an iPad, and high-speed Wifi, to name a few); the on-site gym even has Pelotons and a TRX Training Center. Dining is another key aspect of The Jefferson experience. If you’re feeling up for an indulgent meal, make your way to The Greenhouse, where the restaurant’s historic skylight pairs well with the elevated breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner menus. When not enjoying the on-site facilities, you’re free to explore nearby sights such as the White House, the Washington Monument, and Constitution Gardens.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Downtown
  • Distance From Airport: 4 miles from DCA, 25 miles from IAD
  • Nearby Attractions: Hirshhorn Museum, German-American Friendship Garden, Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum
  • Accessibility: The front desk confirmed to T+L that there are ADA-compliant guest rooms, and there is a chairlift to the bar and restaurant (both of which have stair access).
  • Rates: Starting at $420 a night
  • Parking: Valet parking, $65 per night
  • Pet Policy: Dog-friendly (up to 50 pounds); guests pay a $50 fee per stay to cover cleaning fees

Pendry Washington, D.C. – The Wharf

Pool area at the Pendry DC

Pendry DC

What We Like
  • After hours of museum hopping, give your body some rest at the relaxing Spa Pendry.

What to Consider
  • The interiors feel very European-inspired; there’s nothing explicitly “D.C.” about them.

A relative newcomer to the capital, Pendry Washington, D.C. – The Wharf opened its doors at the end of 2022. Not long after, the hospitality brand’s clean, tastefully opulent aesthetic helped land the property a spot on the 2023 It List. Interiors aside, the 131-room hotel’s waterfront location is one of the most noteworthy characteristics. Pendry Washington, D.C. – The Wharf takes advantage of its prime position overlooking the Potomac River with floor-to-ceiling guest room windows and an outdoor saltwater pool and terrace dotted with striped umbrellas and cabanas.

Upon check-in — where you can enjoy a welcome cocktail — set your bags down and begin to plot your next move. You could make your way straight to Spa Pendry, where eucalyptus steam rooms and an extensive treatment menu await. Or, if you’re feeling peckish, it might be a good time to try the Latin American-inspired small dishes at Flora Flora, Moonraker’s Japanese-inspired menu, or upscale bar food at Bar Pendry.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Southwest
  • Distance From Airport: 4 miles from DCA, 30 miles from IAD
  • Nearby Attractions: Titanic Memorial, Nationals Park, Southwest Waterfront Park
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair access and facilities are available (select guest rooms are ADA-compliant)
  • Rates: Starting at $393 a night
  • Parking: Valet parking, $75 per night
  • Pet Policy: Small dogs are welcome with a fee

“Travelers who wish to experience Washington, D.C.’s modern side will feel right at home at this sleek new addition to the capital’s hospitality scene. Occupying prime waterfront real estate in The Wharf, the city’s newest development along the Potomac River, the Pendry D.C. offers guests a front-row seat to all the happenings in this trendy district. High-end amenities include a panoramic pool terrace with cabanas, sun loungers, and a swimming pool; spa facilities; and a rooftop restaurant, Moonraker, that offers light Japanese-inspired fare with outdoor seating and gas fire pits. Also unbeatable? Unobstructed views of the capital's most noteworthy monuments, like the Jefferson Memorial.” – Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure Contributor

Eaton D.C.

A guest room in Eaton DC

Adrian Gaut

What We Like
  • Unlike many of the area’s hotels, Eaton D.C. doesn’t require a non-refundable pet fee for those traveling with dogs.

What to Consider
  • It’s trendier and more modern than some of the area’s stalwart properties.

2019 It List winner Eaton D.C. bills itself as a “place to experience belonging, creativity, and community,” and it’s filled with unexpectedly delightful amenities and design choices. One of those is the complimentary access guests receive to the hotel’s coworking space, Eaton House; while you’re welcome to work from your well-appointed bedroom, there’s something to be said about surrounding yourself with others — both locals and fellow visitors — who are also there to focus on their job or their projects.

Try not to work too hard, though, and save some time for the impressive on-site spa. Eaton Wellness is more holistic than your typical hotel spa facility, and its services address a variety of issues and concerns. Feeling tight? Schedule a massage or yoga class. In need of complete relaxation? Try a sound bath, reiki session, or stint in the infrared sauna.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Downtown
  • Distance From Airport: 5 miles from DCA, 27 miles from IAD
  • Nearby Attractions: National Museum of Women in the Arts, Franklin Park, National Portrait Gallery
  • Accessibility: The front desk tells T+L that there are ADA-compliant rooms, but ramps may be needed in select areas. If you have specific requests or concerns, be sure to call the property before booking.
  • Rates: Starting at $189 a night
  • Parking: Valet parking, $55 per night
  • Pet Policy: Dog-friendly; all sizes, no fee

The LINE D.C.

Guest room at The Line DC

The Line DC

What We Like
  • The trendy, informal nature of this property feels like a breath of fresh air in the D.C. hospitality scene.

What to Consider
  • Adams Morgan is located a bit further away from the city center; it’s just about 2 miles north of the National Mall.

Ever since the D.C. outpost of The LINE arrived in the area, it’s upheld a reputation as one of the trendier, more informal properties to book. Forgoing the traditional D.C. history-meets-luxury persona, the It List 2019 winner has created a destination that feels more akin to a private residence than a hotel. For example, pets of all sizes are welcome, and the hotel even offers complimentary cleanup bags, water bowls, and treats.

The rooms themselves are also extremely welcoming and abandon any cookie-cutter comparison; each one is decorated with bespoke furniture and unique artwork. While the rooms are so bright and comfortable guests may be tempted not to leave the property, the hotel’s neighborhood is ripe for exploring. 18th Street Northwest, one of the main streets of the Adams Morgan neighborhood, is known for its selection of restaurants, bars, shops, and boutiques, and you can get even more steps in by heading to nearby Meridian Hill Park. After checking John Joseph Earley’s Cascading Waterfall off your must-see list, head back to The LINE for dinner and drinks at No Goodbyes (room service is also an option).

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Adams Morgan
  • Distance From Airport: 7 miles from DCA, 26 miles from IAD
  • Nearby Attractions: Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Cascading Waterfall, 18th Street Northwest
  • Accessibility: ADA-accessible rooms are available
  • Rates: Starting at $183 a night
  • Parking: Valet parking, $35 per day and $55 for overnight
  • Pet Policy: Pets allowed, free of charge

The St. Regis Washington, D.C.

Lounge at St Regis Washington DC

Marriott

What We Like
  • In true St. Regis fashion, the interior design choices ooze opulence.

What to Consider
  • Guest rooms and bathrooms are on the smaller side; superior rooms measure in at 350 square feet.

A 2022 World’s Best Awards finalist, The St. Regis Washington, D.C. has been around for years; in fact, the former Carlton Hotel welcomed its first guests nearly a century ago, in 1926 (it rebranded to the St. Regis in 1999). While historic in nature, it’s still shiny and well-maintained, which is no small feat for a property of this size and caliber. Its largest claim to fame, though, is the fact that it’s hosted quite a few U.S. presidents over the years. If you want a bit of that presidential experience yourself, book the hotel’s most spacious room level: the 2,510-square-foot, two-bedroom Presidential Suite.

As you’ll discover at other St. Regis properties, there’s a daily champagne sabering ceremony at 6 p.m. and a delectable afternoon tea, both of which should be experienced at least once during your stay. Tea is served in the on-site restaurant, Alhambra, which also offers a  European and Mediterranean menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Downtown
  • Distance From Airport: 5 miles from DCA, 27 miles from IAD
  • Nearby Attractions: The White House, National Mall, Ford's Theatre
  • Accessibility: Mobility and hearing-accessible rooms; public spaces have accessible routes
  • Rates: Starting at $365 a night
  • Parking: Valet parking, $64 per day; electric car charging station
  • Pet Policy: Pets allowed, up to 25 pounds

Conrad Washington, D.C.

Conrad Washington DC with a view of the city

Conrad Washington DC

What We Like
  • The rooms are crisp and modern without being too cold or sparse.

What to Consider
  • Given the hotel’s ballroom and meeting spaces, you’ll often run into corporate events or larger groups.

Travelers have their pick of luxury accommodations downtown and in Penn Quarter, but Conrad Washington, D.C. has carved out its own niche in the world of five-star hotels. Featured in the 2023 World’s Best Awards, the Conrad brand flagship embraces a clean aesthetic and simple but effective design choices. As opposed to its neighboring historic hotels’ use of wallpapers and oil paintings in ornate frames, the 360-room property chose to outfit its guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and a muted color palette. To some, that may come off as a bit boring, but others will appreciate this unfussy aesthetic.

You may not find an on-site spa, but there is a signature restaurant, Estuary, and a rooftop bar, Summit at Conrad, which is set to open in Spring 2024. Other notable amenities include views of the city’s monuments, concierge services, and a fitness center that’s the opposite of a basic hotel gym.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Penn Quarter
  • Distance From Airport: 5 miles from DCA, 28 miles from IAD
  • Nearby Attractions: Museum of Illusions Washington, D.C., Capital One Arena, National Building Museum
  • Accessibility: Common spaces and select rooms are ADA accessible
  • Rates: Starting at $399 a night
  • Parking: Valet parking, $71 per night
  • Pet Policy: Pets allowed, up to 150 pounds with a $75 non-refundable fee

The Dupont Circle Hotel

Bar at Dupont Circle

The Dupont Circle Hotel

What We Like
  • It’s fashionable and on the fancier side, but it isn’t too over-the-top or flashy.

What to Consider
  • This area can get a bit congested so avoid driving if you can; you’ll be more comfortable on foot or taking the Metro.

In October 2020, The Dupont Circle Hotel completed a total renovation, officially welcoming guests into its revamped, stylish spaces. Part of The Doyle Collection, a well-known European hospitality group, the expansive property has over 300 guest rooms and suites, as well as an on-site bar, Doyle, and restaurant, The Pembroke. The design choices within the rooms and common spaces make it seem like you’re in the home of a designer or another individual with exquisite taste. Welcome pops of color and texture create an overall look and feel that convey sophistication and approachability.

As far as location goes, you’ll be in the center of it all. Dupont Circle is famous for its streets lined with stately trees and picturesque townhouses, but you’re also not far from the area’s most popular tourist attractions. It’s a quick cab ride down to the White House and the National Mall, and Georgetown is about an 8-minute ride away, barring rush hour traffic.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Dupont Circle
  • Distance From Airport: 6 miles from DCA, 27 miles from IAD
  • Nearby Attractions: The Phillips Collection, Heurich House Museum, Dupont Underground
  • Accessibility: 15 fully ADA-compliant guest rooms; lobby, bar, and restaurant are wheelchair accessible
  • Rates: Starting at $269 a night
  • Parking: Valet parking, $55 plus tax per night
  • Pet Policy: Dogs and cats allowed, up to 50 pounds with a $100 non-refundable fee

Thompson Washington, D.C.

Rooftop bar at The Thompson DC

The Thompson Washington DC

What We Like
  • It’s one of the more affordable options on the list.

What to Consider
  • With 225 rooms, it’s a large hotel, which is a consideration for guests looking for a more intimate experience.

You may have seen Thompson Washington, D.C. in the 2023 World’s Best Awards; if not, meet one of the coolest hotels in the District. The Navy Yard property opened in January 2020, inevitably hitting some Covid-related bumps soon after. Now a few years out, the 225-room hotel (inclusive of 17 suites) is regularly welcoming guests to the neighborhood. The accommodations are very much in line with other Thompson hotels — the signature mid-century modern aesthetic is prevalent throughout the rooms and common spaces, but there’s still a strong sense of place, particularly within the dining areas.

At Surveyor, expect new takes on classic Americana fare for breakfast and brunch (think: chicken and waffles and a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit). If you make your way to Rooftop at The Thompson, you’re rewarded with 360-degree views of the Navy Yard. While there, see if you can spot Nationals Park, where D.C. converges to cheer on the Nats during baseball season.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Navy Yard
  • Distance From Airport: 5 miles from DCA, 30 miles from IAD
  • Nearby Attractions: The Yards, National Museum of the United States Navy, Nationals Park
  • Accessibility: Accessible guest rooms with mobility features; on-site restaurants, restrooms, registration desk, and fitness center are noted as accessible areas
  • Rates: Starting at $108 a night
  • Parking: Overnight valet parking, $57 per night
  • Pet Policy: Dogs — up to 50 pounds individually or 75 pounds combined weight — for no additional pet fee

Park Hyatt Washington, D.C.

Guest room at Park Hyatt DC

Hyatt Hotels

What We Like
  • A previously Michelin-starred restaurant, the on-site restaurant Blue Duck Tavern certainly merits a dinner reservation.

What to Consider
  • The spa area is lacking (there’s a small indoor saltwater pool and hot tub), and massage services are outsourced and booked through the concierge.

If you’ve got some World of Hyatt points to spend (or earn), consider Park Hyatt Washington, D.C. in the West End neighborhood. The 2023 World’s Best Awards winner doesn’t have as much visual originality as other properties on this list, but it still creates a faultless overnight experience for its guests. There’s a gym and a pool, and the 220 luxury rooms — 134 of which are suites — come with soaking tubs, as well as walk-in showers and a lineup of Le Labo bath products.

Travelers who are more swayed by culinary offerings than toiletries will note that the Park Hyatt Washington, D.C. is home to Blue Duck Tavern, a Michelin-distinguished restaurant with a “contemporary American” menu. Tea Cellar is another standout experience, as guests can try any number of teas from across the world, including remote areas in China, Sri Lanka, and the Himalayas.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: West End
  • Distance From Airport: 5 miles from DCA, 26 miles from IAD
  • Nearby Attractions: Vietnam Veterans Memorial, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Phillips Collection
  • Accessibility: Accessible guest rooms with mobility features; on-site restaurants, restrooms, registration desk, swimming pool, and fitness center are noted as accessible areas
  • Rates: Starting at $267 a night
  • Parking: Valet parking is available
  • Pet Policy: Dogs — up to 50 pounds individually or 75 pounds combined weight — are allowed for a $150 fee (every 7 days)

Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C.

Guest room in Four Seasons Hotel

Four Seasons Resorts and Hotels

What We Like
  • Don’t miss the afternoon tea at the on-site restaurant, Seasons; you’ll feel like D.C. royalty.

What to Consider
  • It’s the most expensive property on the list.

When reading about a city’s best hotels, it’s not uncommon for a Four Seasons property to appear — and D.C. follows suit. The Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C., a World’s Best Awards winner in 2021 and 2022, underwent extensive renovations in 2016, leaving the property with the sheen travelers anticipate when checking into one of the hospitality brand’s destinations. This radiance isn’t just surface level, though. The five-star hotel is dedicated to ensuring its guests have a first-rate experience at every touchpoint, including the fitness club, the Pierre-Yves Rochon-designed guest rooms, and the on-site restaurants Bourbon Steak and Seasons.

True to the Four Seasons brand, the Georgetown hotel is one of the few properties on this that thoughtfully caters to families. It has an indoor heated pool stocked with toys, glow-in-the-dark tents that can be requested for guest rooms, kids’ menus, and age-specific D.C. itineraries to help plan your family vacation.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Georgetown
  • Distance From Airport: 5 miles from DCA, 26 miles from IAD
  • Nearby Attractions: Trailhead C&O Canal Towpath, Georgetown Waterfront Park, Georgetown Cupcake
  • Accessibility: Accessible guest rooms with mobility and hearing features; on-site restaurant, business center, meeting room, ballroom, and exercise facility are noted as accessible areas
  • Rates: Starting at $1,115 a night
  • Parking: Valet parking is available
  • Pet Policy: Dogs and cats allowed with an additional fee

Hotel Zena, A Viceroy Urban Retreat

Guest room at Hotel Zena

Hotel Zena

What We Like
  • The hotel’s impressive collection of art is a celebration of women, as well as “inclusivity and empowerment.”

What to Consider
  • The overall aesthetic isn’t for every traveler.

Hotel Zena, A Viceroy Urban Retreat describes itself as “part hotel and part art gallery,” a narrative that’s apparent the second you arrive on property. The building’s exterior features a mural of two women warriors, painted by the artist Miss Chelove. Inside, Andrea Sheehan and Julie Coyle Art Associates created a statement mural of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg out of 20,000 organic, hand-painted tampons. No, it’s not your typical D.C. hotel, but it’s clear this is one that has something to say.

The guest rooms, unsurprisingly, lean more feminine, with pastel pink lighting and accents and a selection of coordinating artwork. You might not spend much time in your living quarters, though, as the hotel has plenty more to offer. Pick up some pool essentials, board games, or a Polaroid camera at The Z Shed, head to the rooftop for cocktails at Hedy’s Lounge, or enjoy “Mediterranean cuisine with a Latin influence” at Figleaf.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Downtown
  • Distance From Airport: 5 miles from DCA, 27 miles from IAD
  • Nearby Attractions: Franklin Park, Old Korean Legation Museum, National Mall
  • Accessibility: Accessible guest rooms with mobility and hearing features, wheelchair-accessible routes throughout the hotel
  • Rates: Starting at $193 a night
  • Parking: Overnight valet parking, $53 plus tax per night
  • Pet Policy: Pets, up to 50 pounds, are allowed for no additional pet fee; maximum of two pets per guest room

InterContinental The Willard Washington D.C., an IHG Hotel

Bar at The Willard Incontinental

IHG Hotels

What We Like
  • The Grand Dame hotel has a history spanning centuries, but its 2018 renovation ensured it can compete with its more modern competitors.

What to Consider
  • The “Old Word” style can come off as slightly heavy.

Nearly everything at The Willard InterContinental Washington D.C., an IHG Hotel revolves around history. For starters, its Penn Quarter location is within walking distance of the White House and the National Mall; the building itself is a mix of Federal and Empire styles; and a large number of U.S. presidents have visited the property — it’s even said that Abraham Lincoln stayed at The Willard prior to his inauguration.

The modern-day iteration of the property, which received recognition in the 2021 and 2023 World’s Best Awards, has managed to seamlessly blend its past with contemporary features and amenities. The rooms are unexpectedly spacious, with classic rooms as large as 550 square feet, and the marble bathrooms are far from underwhelming. Before calling it a night, be sure to enjoy the signature mint julep at the historic Round Robin Bar — known for its circular bar and the variety of big names who've sipped libations in its presence.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Penn Quarter
  • Distance From Airport: 4 miles from DCA, 28 miles from IAD
  • Nearby Attractions: United States Capitol, National Gallery of Art, National Archives Museum
  • Accessibility: Accessible guest rooms with mobility features; on-site restaurants, restrooms, registration desk, bathrooms, business center, and fitness center are noted as accessible areas; vision and hearing accessibility services are also available
  • Rates: Starting at $265 a night
  • Parking: Self-parking and valet parking, $63 per day
  • Pet Policy: One dog (no more than 40 pounds) per guest room is welcome with a non-refundable deposit; guide dogs are free of charge

Know Before You Go

Check the calendar before planning your trip

Traffic around Washington, D.C. is notoriously congested, and the city is especially hard to navigate during peak times — think: cherry blossom season, summer vacation, holiday weekends — and large events (think: presidential inaugurations, festivals, parades). It can also be rather expensive. If you want to enjoy a less crowded trip and snag lower rates, research before booking your flights and hotel rooms.

Many attractions are completely free to visit

Staying and eating in Washington, D.C. can cost a pretty penny, but there are a few ways to save money while in town. Many of the monuments, museums, and family-friendly activities are free to all visitors. The National Gallery of Art, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the United States Botanic Garden, and the Smithsonian Institution (which includes 17 museums, galleries, and a zoo) all offer complimentary entry.

Wear comfortable walking shoes

If you want to cover a lot of ground and see all the art, history, and cultural sights D.C. has to offer, you’ll need to wear decent walking shoes. The city itself is extremely walkable and mileage can add up fast; you can easily get in 10,000 steps before lunchtime. Not up for walking? Take the Metro. Fares are relatively inexpensive, and they vary based on day, time, and length of the ride. Single rides cost between $2 and $6, but you can also purchase a one-day, three-day, or seven-day unlimited pass for $13, $28, and $58, respectively.

How We Chose These Hotels

Lydia Mansel is a Virginia-based travel writer who has been visiting the Washington, D.C. area for decades. When compiling this list, she used editor recommendations and in-person experiences, as well as recent World’s Best Awards and It List appearances to choose each property. To narrow down the selections even further, she carefully considered each hotel’s amenities, decor, location, and other standout features. Additionally, all hotels align with our T+L Hotel Values.

Edited by
Sophie Mendel
Editor Sophie Mendel at a restaurant
Sophie Mendel is a Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure with Dotdash Meredith where she assigns, edits and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help guide travelers toward the best shoes, apparel and accessories for their needs. Sophie has traveled to 50 countries and has lived in five, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has more than five years of experience as a writer, editor and copywriter.
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