13 Best Hotels in Washington, D.C., USA

The AC Hotel by Marriott is minimalist and elegant, with a European flair (the brand started in Spain). One of the key features is the location: with walking distance to Chinatown, Downtown D.C., and Capitol Hill, the central location makes it a great choice.

The Conrad, a modern hotel at CityCentreDC near the convention center, features an enormous, light-filled atrium and verdant outdoor terraces. The rooms feature ceiling-to-wall windows, offering a fantastic view of the city. Don't miss the rotating exhibitions of paintings and sculptures of local artists featured throughout the lobby. Also, ask the front desk to make a reservation for a drink at their stunning rooftop bar, Summit. 

From the two giant glamazon murals on the exterior to the dozen high heels encased in the front desk, Hotel Zena is all about women's empowerment. Upon entering, you cannot miss the larger-than-life mural of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in the lobby. The rooms are light and airy and decorated with art made by women. Ask for a room with a view of Thomas Circle Park. If you can't snag a room with a view, head up to the rooftop pool and Hedy's Rooftop Bar for a glorious view of the District of Columbia. 

Since its opening in 1930, this elegant landmark overlooking Rock Creek Park, a Historic Hotels of America member, has welcomed heads of state, U.S. politicians, and celebs like the Beatles, Judy Garland, and Bob Hope. Today, it is still luring guests with gorgeous public spaces and light-filled guest rooms. Lovingly tended and aging gracefully, its rooms, many of which are larger than normal, are appointed with sophisticated furniture in luxurious fabrics and equipped with small but snazzy marble bathrooms. Families will love the large pool, bike rentals, welcome backpack and cookies, hammocks, and fire pit. Extra effort is made to care for guests' special requests, and the excellent location means easy walks to restaurants and Adams Morgan.

Whether you are eating breakfast in the formal dining room or unwinding with a glass of sherry in the parlor, everything is lovely at this elegant urban retreat. The Duomo Suite has a custom-made bed and spectacular bathroom complete with a claw-foot tub and rain shower. The Jennifer Green Room has a private patio. But even the more modestly priced rooms, like the circular Lighthouse Room in the mansion's turret, with its red walls and bay windows, are charming and inviting.

Located along a row of quintessential Georgetown townhomes, The Avery is an intimate guesthouse that makes you feel as if you're staying with very stylish relatives. Rock Creek Park sits right next to the guesthouse, which is perfect for a morning run or afternoon stroll. The newly renovated rooms are minimalist, with a pop of color given by the unique wallpaper patterns. The property also has several gardens, giving it a quaint atmosphere. Although in Georgetown, it's a 10–15 minute walk to the Dupont Circle neighborhood, amplifying the dining choices. 

Every inch of this 1923, Beaux-Arts landmark exudes refined elegance, from the intimate seating areas that take the place of a traditional check-in counter to the delicate blooms and glass atrium at the entryway to The Greenhouse, the fine-dining restaurant. After top hat–clad doormen usher you into the exquisite marble lobby, you'll settle into stylish guest rooms with beautiful art, plush linens, Italian marble walk-in showers, and televisions recessed into the bathroom mirrors. Rooms, which aim to reflect the hotel namesake's time in Paris, as well as his Monticello residence, also feature things that even the inventor Jefferson couldn't have imagined, like free Wi-Fi and "smart technology" to trigger housekeeping. This stunning hotel is also dog-friendly, and charges no deposit for furry friends, who are welcome in all shapes and sizes. 

A former church, The Line Hotel DC was made for those who want to stay among the locals. A podcast studio welcomes you upon entering, followed by an open lobby. The hotel houses the No Goodbyes restaurant, open all day from 7 am to 10 pm and featuring a wood-burning stove and a menu that changes frequently, with ingredients fresh from the Chesapeake Bay. Rooms are small yet stylish, with unique photos, midcentury furniture, and pops of vintage details.

Luxury radiates from every polished marble surface at one of Washington's most upscale hotels, and personalized service makes you feel pampered. The soothing blue-and-gray palette, with pops of red, plays off historic DC Beds dressed in 400-thread-count Frette linens have earned the reputation as some of the town's most comfortable, and bathrooms feature marble tubs and separate showers. Make sure to spend time at their lobby bar, Quadrant, with its sleek decor, perfectly crafted cocktails, and cozy fireplace. Guests also have access to Equinox, a state-of-the-art fitness center. 

Beautifully situated along the Potomac River, the legendary Watergate radiates sophistication and glamour, embracing its infamous past and celebrating its mid-century modern style. Rooms have a 1960s vibe, with rich leather furniture in shades of gray, brown, gold, and bronze. Spacious marble bathrooms indulge with floor-to-ceiling, glass-enclosed showers, and freestanding soaking tubs. Some rooms have private balconies, and all have a view of the city or the Potomac River. Head to the rooftop Top of the Gate bar for end-of-the-day relaxing with 360-degree views. Treat yourself to one of the most luxurious spas in D.C., The Argentta Spa, with an indoor saltwater pool and a wide variety of facial and massage treatments. 

Just steps from the White House, this hip property has a living room–style lobby that blends Italian Renaissance with stylish swank, while rooms contain ultramodern furnishings. Despite the hotel's Manhattan-hipster vibe, it's impossible to forget that you're in D.C.: floor-to-ceiling windows in the Mediterranean-inspired Pinea restaurant offer spectacular views of the Washington Monument, and the view of the White House from the exclusive P.O.V. rooftop bar lounge is equally fabulous. The rooftop bar hosts one of the better cocktail hours in town, and professionals swarm in for the views both out- and inside the bar.

Experience the height of hospitality at this charming bed-and-breakfast on a quiet residential street near the zoo. With 10 individually decorated guest rooms, this light-splashed home is filled with artwork from the owners' private collection. Conversation between guests is encouraged at the communal breakfast, which includes homemade granola; honey yogurt; plus a daily warm dish such as French toast or quiche. Visitors can enjoy afternoon coffee, tea, and cookies; innkeepers Laura and Raymond Saba can provide recommendations for great dining, shopping, or sightseeing. A two-night minimum stay is required, with few exceptions.

With a hip open-plan lobby called "The Living Room," Yours Truly is a modern bohemian-style hotel in the West End neighborhood. Designed by award-winning Simeone Deary Design Group, who took inspiration from the 1970's Brutalist design movement, the property is perfect for design lovers looking for a relaxed vibe. The love for design extends to the rooms, with unique art pieces in each room, wood and brass furniture with leather touches, and colorful rugs. The lobby turns into the lively, South American-inspired restaurant Mercy Me in the evenings with a live DJ and a full bar and dinner menu.