How to find the best hotel deal in Washington D.C.
The same magic that powers our flight search can also help you find the lowest room prices around. Use these tips to search smarter and save more on your Washington D.C. hotel.
Save on your Washington D.C. hotel and unlock a wider selection of stays by booking early. You'll also have more time to weigh up your options and choose the ideal place.
That being said, booking at the last minute can work in your favor. Some places cut their rates a day or two ahead of check-in to help fill empty rooms.
Stay flexible with your dates, land better rates. Search for hotels across different seasons or months. Even going midweek (instead of weekends) can lead to bigger savings.
Avoid the risk of extra fees by searching for stays with free cancellation. If your plans change or you spot a better offer, you can cancel your booking without penalty.
Where to stay in Washington D.C.
Central Washington D.C.
To get the most out of central Washington D.C., you'll want to be near the attractions you came all this way to see. Here are a few standout hotels close to the highlights.
Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC makes exploring a breeze. Around 2 kilometres away, this 5-star stay is one of the most popular hotels near Lincoln Memorial. It's a top choice for families in particular.
On the hunt for hotels near The White House? Sixty DC is roughly 2 kilometres away. Rated 4 stars, this hotel in Washington D.C. is a hit with couples in particular.
Or discover the city from one of the hotels near Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. The Jefferson Hotel is 2 kilometres or so from this top sight. It's a preferred option for couples and has a 5-star rating.
Anacostia
Want to stay elsewhere? Anacostia has a range of comfortable hotels within easy reach of the main sights.
Among the best hotels near Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Navy Yard Riverfront puts you within easy reach of this attraction. From its cleanliness (which guests especially appreciate) to all its handy extras, this 3-star hotel in Washington D.C. is a wise choice for your visit.
The choices don't stop there. Explore the entire selection of hotels in Anacostia and pick the stay that suits you best.
When to go to Washington D.C.
Travel demand peaks in August. If you want to see the city in full swing, this is the ideal time to book a hotel in Washington D.C..
Experience a more relaxed pace by locking in a Washington D.C. hotel in March. It's the quietest time to visit and prices are often cheaper too.
Weather plays a big role in choosing the right time to visit. If you prefer warmer conditions, July tends to deliver with a maximum high temperature of 33ºC (91ºF).
Expect lows of -6ºC (21ºF) during January, the coolest time of year.
Hoping for clearer skies? Search for Washington D.C. hotels in November. This is the driest time to visit, with five days of rain on average.
You can expect more rain in July, which gets around 11 days of wet weather.
Best hotels in Washington D.C.
Best budget hotels
Just need a place to sleep? Budget Washington D.C. hotels provide the basics so you can spend on what really matters: adventures and filling your suitcase with souvenirs. Often equipped with money-saving amenities like in-room kettles and microwaves, you'll find at least 170 of these well-priced stays across the city.
Get the comfort you need without the extras at Phoenix Park Hotel. Located in Capitol Hill, it has a 3-star rating and amenities including a restaurant and a safe deposit box.
Efficient and affordable, Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Centre is equipped with conveniences like internet access and a cafe. This 3-star Washington D.C. hotel is in the Downtown/Penn Quarter area.
You'll also like the reasonable prices at Homewood Suites by Hilton Alexandria, which is rated 3 stars. It features parking and a microwave.
Best 4-star hotels in Washington D.C.
When you want a little more from your stay, the 4-star hotels in Washington D.C. deliver. With around 100 choices, they generally offer well-appointed rooms, attentive service, and extras such as on-site restaurants and spas. These hotels feel upgraded without feeling overdone.
Hotel AKA Washington Circle offers everything you'd expect from a 4-star stay. Valet parking and concierge assistance help make this Foggy Bottom accommodation option a favourite for many.
Sixty DC is another popular pick. You'll find amenities like a restaurant and concierge assistance at this Washington D.C. hotel in Dupont Circle.
Searching for something else? The Darcy Washington DC in Logan Circle proves you don't need five stars to feel spoiled. Make the most of a restaurant, concierge assistance and more at this stay.
Best luxury 5-star hotels
When only the best will do, you'll find around 20 5-star hotels in Washington D.C. ready to welcome you like a VIP. These types of stays generally come with next-level offerings like gourmet restaurants, massage therapies, and soundproof suites. Downtown/Penn Quarter is home to the majority of the city's luxury hotels.
You'll be living the high life at Conrad Washington DC. This Downtown/Penn Quarter stay offers a lobby bar, valet parking and other features that make it feel like a true escape.
Featuring massage services, a golf course and more, Riggs Washington DC also packs in that 5-star wow factor. This Washington D.C. hotel is located in Downtown/Penn Quarter.
The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Capitol Hill in Near Northeast/H Street Corridor brings its own kind of polish. Take advantage of its many perks such as valet parking and concierge assistance.
Best hotels in Washington D.C. for families
Family trips can be chaotic, but your hotel should be the stress-free part. You'll find at least 70 family-friendly hotels in Washington D.C. that get what kids and adults need. These stays often come with handy features like adjoining rooms, kitchenettes, cribs, and kids' menus.
Take the kids away while keeping costs low at Club Wyndham Old Town Alexandria. A golf course and a fitness centre are a few of the amenities you'll find at this affordable 2-star option. It's popular with guests, with overall ratings usually above 4 out of 5.
If you'd like a more luxurious experience, treat everyone to a stay at The Fairmont Washington DC. This 4-star Washington D.C. hotel offers express check-out and children's facilities and is located in Foggy Bottom.
One more option is Hilton Garden Inn Bethesda Downtown. Featuring luggage storage and a 24-hour front desk, this stay stands out for good reason.
Best hotels with a spa
Make self-care part of your travel plans. Book one of the 30 or so Washington D.C. hotels with a spa and schedule in time to truly relax. Mostly located in Downtown/Penn Quarter, steam rooms, saunas, and massage therapies are the types of features they come with.
In need of a reset? Make it happen at Eaton DC. This 4-star accommodation option in Downtown/Penn Quarter has a spa and a fitness centre.
Located in Downtown/Penn Quarter, Waldorf Astoria Washington DC is another favourite where you can enjoy a little TLC. Make the most of a fitness centre and concierge assistance at this 5-star hotel in Washington D.C..
The Poppy Georgetown Guesthouse and Gardens balances the buzz of sightseeing with the bliss of a spa session (or two). This 4-star option in the Georgetown area offers a lounge and massage services.
Best hotels with a pool
Add a splash of fun to your getaway with a pool. If you pick a city hotel, expect rooftop and indoor options. Resorts? They often go all out with sprawling outdoor setups and maybe even a swim-up bar. There are at least 80 pool hotels in Washington D.C. ready to put you in holiday mode.
Located in Foggy Bottom, The Fairmont Washington DC comes with an indoor swimming pool, a sauna and Wi-Fi. You'll have the right setup for a memorable stay at this 4-star Washington D.C. hotel.
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown gives you plenty of reasons to bring your swimsuit and goggles. You'll find an indoor swimming pool, valet parking and air conditioning at this 4-star stay in Foggy Bottom.
Alternatively, make time for a little fun at Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington D.C. Georgetown in Foggy Bottom. You'll have access to an indoor swimming pool at this 3-star hotel, which also offers air conditioning and a restaurant.
Best pet-friendly hotels
Why go it alone when your pet can join the fun? From cosy beds and water bowls to dedicated dog-walking trails, pet-friendly hotels are designed to help you and your best buddy feel right at home. There are roughly 190 Washington D.C. hotels ready to welcome your best friend.
Show up with your sidekick at Hotel AKA Washington Circle. This 4-star pet-friendly hotel in Washington D.C. is based in Foggy Bottom. Take advantage of amenities here like a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage.
Hotel Hive is another place where four paws are as welcome as two feet. This 3-star option in Foggy Bottom offers air conditioning and internet access.
The Darcy Washington DC in Logan Circle ensures a smooth and comfortable stay. It has a 4-star rating and amenities including luggage storage and Wi-Fi.
Washington Dulles Airport (IAD)
Get to Washington D.C. through Washington Dulles Airport (IAD). Around 32 kilometres from the centre, the city's it's another key airport for the city.
Allow roughly 45 minutes to get to the centre by car. If you hop on public transport, it'll take 1 hour 10 minutes or so.
Crowne Plaza Dulles Airport by IHG is a 4-star accommodation option close to IAD. Stay a night or stay a while at this Washington D.C. hotel, which offers amenities like a fireplace and a cafe.
Hyatt Regency Dulles International Airport is another place that does comfort well. Families in particular often choose this 4-star option.
With overall guest ratings that often exceed 4 out of 5, Candlewood Suites WASHINGTON-DULLES Herndon by IHG was made for frequent flyers. You'll also be close to IAD if you book this 2-star stay.
Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI)
Around 40 kilometres from central Washington D.C., Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) offers an alternative connection to the city.
It takes around 40 minutes to reach the centre of Washington D.C. by car and 50 minutes or so on public transport.
Book a Washington D.C. hotel near BWI and get from baggage claim to bedtime in a flash. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, BWI Airport (Baltimore), MD is rated 3 stars and receives plenty of positive feedback about its location.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Arundel Mills BWI Airport is a 3-star option that makes even a short stop feel rewarding. Its overall guest rating above 4 out of 5 proves its reputation as a trusted choice.
Step off the plane and feel instantly grounded at Residence Inn BWI Airport. It comes with a 3-star rating and amenities including Wi-Fi and a barbecue.
