10 Best Places To Stay In Washington DC For Any Traveler
Chris Muras
Author
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
When you think about a trip to Washington DC it is hard not to be impressed with its impact on our nation’s history and the numerous iconic locations, monuments, museums, and cultural centers. This tiny area nestled between Virginia and Maryland packs a pretty big punch. Just like any vacation preparation, figuring out where you are going to stay is just as important as what you are going to see. Here are some of the best places to stay in Washington DC.
Best Affordable Places to Stay in Washington DC
Washington DC can be an expensive place to live and there are plenty of high-end hotels with swanky rooftop pools and luxurious amenities. But surprisingly, there are also a number of very affordable rentals in and around Washington DC. Here are a few of the Best Vrbo rentals in Washington DC if you want to save a few bucks.
- Closest to: Walter E. Washington Convention Center
- Price: $125/night
- Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 3), 1 full bath
- Features: Free wifi, TV, washer & dryer, full kitchen, housekeeping available
This lovely garden-style apartment near the convention center was newly renovated and is a cozy comfortable rental just north of downtown. It's only a short walk to several key metro station stops for easy access to sightseeing or business centers.
- Closest to: Arlington National Cemetery
- Price: $114/night
- Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 4), 1 full bath
- Features: Free wifi, TV, kitchenette, street parking
This spacious guest house near Arlington, Virginia has a private entrance and a dedicated patio for guests making it a quiet, private place to stay in Washington DC. Close to the Pentagon, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and the National Mall. Only a five-minute walk to a grocery store, restaurants, and shopping.
- Closest to: University of Maryland, College Park
- Price: $97/night
- Size: 5 bedrooms (sleeps 12), 4 baths
- Features: Free wifi, TV, full kitchen, fireplace, jacuzzi tub, washer & dryer, baby items, EV charger
This beautiful quiet home is perfect for large or multi-family vacations to Washington DC - and the price simply cannot be beaten. It is also close to the University of Maryland for a visit with a son or daughter in college. With a large backyard, patio, and grill you can enjoy the quiet of a DC suburb while taking a day trip to see the sights.
Best Places to Stay in Washington DC for Families
Washington DC is a great place to visit with families with so much culture and history to explore. Rather than holing up in a generic Hilton or Marriott, why not try one of these lovely family-friendly places to stay?
- Closest to: National Mall
- Price: $613/night
- Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 5), 3 baths
- Features: Free wifi, TV, full kitchen, washer & dryer, private patio, grill, EV charger
This beautiful modern 1,200 square foot home in Foggy Bottom is the perfect family-friendly getaway in Washington DC. Walking distance to some of the best areas in DC with scooter or bike rentals available to get you around town quickly and easily. Trader Joe's and Whole Foods are only three blocks away, the Kennedy Center metro station is two blocks away, within walking distance to Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall, and the beautiful Georgetown area for shopping and restaurants is close by too.
- Closest to: Capital One Arena
- Price: $613/night
- Size: 4 bedrooms (sleeps 12), 3 full baths
- Features: Free wifi, TV, gourmet kitchen, washer & dryer, private patio, grill, EV charger
How would you and your family like to stay in a castle in Washington DC? This cool and funky castle-like Victorian home is like a garden oasis in the heart of Eckington near Howard University. Take in a hockey or basketball game at the Capital One Arena, or simply enjoy some quiet time on the rooftop patio with a chair swing overlooking the city. There is even access to a community swimming pool just down the block. With plenty of public transportation options, you can get anywhere in DC easily. With so much room this home makes a great multi-family vacation rental.
Best Places To Stay In Washington DC Near Sightseeing
Washington DC might just be the most popular sightseeing destination in the US. Or, at least the one with the highest number of attractions, monuments, museums, and well-known historical buildings all in one area. Here are a few places to stay in close proximity to key sightseeing locations throughout Washington DC.
- Closest to: Smithsonian Institution
- Price: $158/night
- Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 4), 2 full baths
- Features: Free wifi, TV, full kitchen, washer & dryer, fitness center, swimming pool, relaxing courtyard, business center, pet-friendly
Right in the East End of downtown Washington DC, you are close to plenty of dining options, cafes, theaters, museums, the Capital One Arena, and many of the city's top destinations. This lovely apartment is filled with light and every modern convenience - it's like having your own boutique hotel room at a reasonable low to mid-range price.
- Closest to: Smithsonian's National Zoo
- Price: $205/night
- Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 6), 1 full bath
- Features: Free wifi, TV, full kitchen, washer & dryer, patio, fire pit, grill, off-street parking
If your idea of sightseeing in Washington DC includes hiking and exploring a lovely urban oasis, Rock Creek Park is a wonderful place to spend some time. Whether it's a round of golf or checking out ranger-led wildlife programs, this natural area in the northwest part of Washington DC is a breath of fresh air. On top of that you are still within a handful of miles from DC's top sightseeing destinations. This luxury home is in the charming Silver Spring area of DC.
- Closest to: Washington Navy Yard
- Price: $174/night
- Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 2), 1 full bath
- Features: Free wifi, TV, EV charging station, fitness center, business center, mini market, pet-friendly
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Washington DC this DC hotel near the Southwest Waterfront and Audi Field is a nice spot with everything you need like on-site restaurants, a stunning rooftop bar, and beautiful views of the Anacostia River. Check out the nearby International Spy Museum, National Air and Space Museum, Navy Yard, and much more.
Best Walkable Places To Stay In Washington DC
Washington DC is one of the most walkable areas of the United States. If you can’t walk directly to your destination, you have numerous public transportation options to choose from. To make things even easier for your trip to DC here are a couple of the top places to stay in Washington DC where you can get pretty much anywhere you want to go just by walking.
- Closest to: National Mall
- Price: $131/night
- Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 6), 2 baths
- Features: Free wifi, TV, air conditioning, full kitchen, washer & dryer, grill
Within walking distance to some of DCs finest attractions and sightseeing spots on Capitol Hill's safest and quietest street. This delightful carriage house is blocks away from the Eastern Market, the Capitol, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, the space museum, and numerous restaurants, jazz clubs, and coffee houses.
- Closest to: George Washington University
- Price: $229/night
- Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 6), 2 full baths
- Features: Free wifi, TV, air conditioning, fireplace, full kitchen, washer & dryer, grill
This beautiful spacious apartment on the West End is right in the heart of all the action in DC. Some of the most high-end hotels in DC, the Four Seasons, the Ritz-Carlton, and Park Hyatt, surround this luxury apartment - but at double the cost. Georgetown, Dupont Circle, the Kennedy Center, the Jefferson Memorial, and The White House are only minutes away. Everything you need is within walking distance.
If you are in town for work or play, or a little of both, your trip to Washington DC should be a memorable one. Hopefully, our selection of some of the best places to stay in Washington DC has gotten you excited for the next phase of your trip. If you have discovered some amazing places to stay in DC please share them with a comment.
If you need some inspiration on what to see and do while in Washington DC, here is a guide to some of the best attractions and sights to add to your itinerary.
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More to Explore
Where to stay in Washington DC
Where is the safest place to stay in Washington DC?
Washington DC is relatively safe for travelers, but with any major city, it is always a good idea to take precautions and ask locals what areas you might want to avoid. There are six main parts of the city, each with its own unique features and vibes:
- Logan Circle: This trendy part of DC is where the best nightlife can be found. From Studio Theater to happening bars and restaurants, there is a ton of fun to be had in Logan Circle. Some of the popular hotels in the area are the Viceroy and the Washington Plaza Hotel.
- Dupont Circle: Home of the iconic Dupont Circle Hotel the Dupont Circle is the best part of town for culture and museums. The Adams Morgan neighborhood is particularly happening around 18th Street with eclectic bars, music venues, and international restaurants.
- Downtown DC: Downtown Washington DC is located just north of The White House and is a great place to explore for first-time visitors and history buffs. If you are looking for a really swanky luxury hotel try The Hay-Adams. This 5-star boutique hotel was named the best hotel in Washington DC.
- Chinatown: This portion of DC just north of Penn Quarter, is a great place for foodies and budget travelers.
- Georgetown: Georgetown is a lovely area for families and shopping. It is a beautiful art along the Potomac River, especially in the Georgetown Waterfront Park.
- Capitol Hill: If you are a political junky you'll know all about this area of DC along Pennsylvania Avenue. The Capitol Hill Hotel is a popular place to stay with easy access to the Smithsonian museums to the west, the Capital, and of course The White House.
What is the best time to visit Washington DC?
The best time to visit Washington DC is in the fall from September to November when the summer tourist crowds start to thin and the weather cools. With beautiful fall foliage set against stunning views of the Washington Channel and the Wharf. Springtime is also a beautiful time to visit Washington DC between March and May when the cherry blossoms burst into life around the Tidal Basin and the Washington Monument.
How many days do you need in Washington DC?
With so many attractions and sightseeing to do around DC, you could take as much time as you need checking out places like the Smithsonian, American Art Museum, the Capital building, numerous art galleries, and of course The White House and everything you'll find along the National Mall. No matter if you take a short weekend getaway or a longer week-plus stay you'll find plenty to do around Washington DC.