![Top 10: The Best Hotels in Washington DC](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7DYYTLqVA1q2Fu9-_86VUEhBkiJgakdvCJwDTImqUkk5GDzVeiJn_7xT4HUW38CVbdCzlqsc9gQLudKUMgotVncd2Qlker7LIdEkfLpYd_4Ff1NiIpXag-RWm7wLZY5BJC8fI-K_Ii5k9qpiQI5UulAC1Zi5bttwhyphenhyphenU_ndtFiwjbPTyYluEgF5zgN0TE/s16000/istockphoto-1003402646-612x612.jpg)
Don't let the bureaucrat pencil-pusher stereotypes fool you: there is a glamorous side to D.C., and the hotel scene of the Nation's Capital is maybe the best place to find it. Step back in time at opulent outposts like the 200-year-old Willard InterContinental or other storied properties like the Hay-Adams, Jefferson, and the infamous Watergate. On the flip side, you can opt for modern glass-and-steel towers with skyline Capitol or Potomac River views—and maybe even a fantastic swimming pool. There are also plenty of design-forward boutique hotels in of D.C.'s residential neighborhoods where you'll feel like a local. Whatever abode you choose, these are the best hotels in Washington, D.C. for your next trip.
Every hotel review on this list has been written by a ListMyStartup Traveler who knows the destination and has visited that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination, keeping design, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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.