11 Best Luxury Hotels in Washington DC

When we think of Washington, D.C., we think of power and prestige, but there’s also a healthy dose of wonder and glamor. Don’t let its position as the nation’s capital fool you, for the city has an utterly glamorous side, and its hotel scene is probably the best place to find it. The many options for a luxury hotel in Washington, DC, include world-renowned brands and smaller yet elegant boutique ones. So, we not only stayed in modern steel-and-glass towers with Potomac River and Capitol views but also stepped back in time at opulent 200-year-old storied outposts. These hotels might be unique in the general atmosphere, guest amenities, and decor, but there was a shared dedication to providing comfort, elegance, and excellent hospitality that only luxurious properties have. Here’s where you can stay in an indulgent manner in the city of presidents and presidential suites.

The St Gregory Hotel Dupont Circle Georgetown

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Best value for money. Modern design meets historical culture at The St Gregory Hotel Dupont Circle Georgetown. Designed for active and versatile travelers, this hotel is ideally located near the West End and Georgetown. So, it was the perfect spot for us, as we wanted to be in the thick of things and explore the top things to do in Washington, D.C.

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With elegant accommodations, an epic on-site restaurant, and plenty of space to roam around, there was never a dull moment when we stayed here. In addition to a 24-hour front desk the hotel also had laundry facilities, a business and a fitness center, and a fitness desk. What’s more, the elegant onsite restaurant, the Ellington Park Bistro, served French cuisine for dinner. Despite that, they gave us a USD 25 F&B credit that we could redeem at breakfast at the restaurant, which we loved. Not only that, but they always had fresh fruit and bottled water on offer at the front desk every morning, as well as afternoon cookies, coffee, and snacks. That is why it’s one of the best boutique hotels in DC.

While every suite came with plush bedding, L’Occitane bath products, and a deluxe armchair, we especially loved the Executive King Suite, which offered a flawless blend of elegance. We appreciated having an in-room coffee machine, and a large-screen LED television in our spacious room. There was also a separate seating area with a sleeper sofa.

Viceroy Washington DC

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Its prime Downtown location and Kimpton’s excellent service make the Viceroy Washington DC an excellent stay for discerning travelers. This swanky and artful hotel became one of the most popular accommodations in town not long after it opened, showcasing the region’s creative side. This place was all about good vibes and having fun and certainly put a fresh spin on luxury living in the capital.

All bright and modern rooms came with seating areas and TVs and have a sleek residential feel to them, as this was formerly an apartment building. What’s more, they’re larger than many other options around Downtown. Think brown and grey accents, leather, and masculine woods. We splurged for an Executive King Studio, where we got our very own slate velvet Chesterfield-inspired loveseat.

Besides the fact that we could book in-room spa services for relaxation, the hotel is also home to three amazing restaurants, including a bar and restaurant and a coffee and wine shop. The standout is the rooftop oasis with a lovely swimming pool and a rooftop bar. It’s a Downtown hotspot when the weather is nice in DC.

Morrison Clark Inn

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Modern luxury meets historic charm at the homey, cozy, and yet upscale Morrison Clark Inn, a 4-star hotel in Washington, DC, that felt like home away from home. It sits in two 1864 townhouses combined with a Chinese church after a renovation. Today, this eclectic combo beautifully blends modern Asian modernism and Victorian traditions, making for a beautiful and interesting combination.

The amenities at this hotel are no less amazing. Despite not having an onsite spa, they offered us in-room spa treatments, including pedicures, manicures, and massages. There is even a small fitness center, but the drinking and dining are the real ticket here. In fact, the award-winning Morrison-Clark Inn restaurant served delicious contemporary American cuisine. Since the weather was nice when we were here, we enjoyed our meal on the veranda porch and courtyard. Finally, the cozy Lobby Bar/Lounge offered creative small bites and craft cocktails.

Staying at the Morrison Clark Inn put a very different and unique spin on our DC staying experience.”

WOW Travel

We loved the sleek and modern look of the elegant rooms and suites. The room choices were Victorian or contemporary, but they all had Frette linens and rich colors. Some, like ours, even had private balconies and marble fireplaces. Even though the bathrooms were smaller due to the historic nature of the property, the Bath and Body Works bath products made up for it.

The St. Regis Washington, D.C.

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Most historic. Nothing gets more historically luxurious than the St. Regis Washington, D.C., which has hosted most of the US presidents, prime ministers, and royalty. In fact, President Coolidge cut the ribbon at the grand opening ceremony way back in 1926! So, there’s hardly a better luxurious power spot in the heart of the nation’s capital. That’s why it’s one of the most historic hotels in DC.

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The hotel retains its historic heritage and Gilded Age glamour in the form of ornate, gilded coffered ceilings, Palladian windows, and lush velvet armchairs. The drinking and dining scene here is the real ticket. We enjoyed a champagne sabering ceremony and toast at 6 pm every day. Here, the hotel’s bartender/sommelier would open a bottle of bubbly using a sword with a grand flourish! Don’t miss drinking the “Capitol Mary,” St Regis take on the Bloody Mary exclusive to it! The restaurant, which also has many original features, served delicious Mediterranean and European fare for all meals. It also hosted the lauded St. Regis Afternoon Tea with optional champagne, savory bites, and a wide variety of drinks.

The rooms and suites here might be on the small side, but they were luxuriously decorated with old-world touches (chandelier lights) and modern ones (plush pillowtop beds, Pratesi linens, etc.). We booked the suites and felt like absolute VIPs with the amazing signature St. Regis Butler Service.

Hotel Lombardy

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Washington, DC, is all about history, and Hotel Lombardy is probably one of the city’s most historic stays. This boutique luxury hotel was a 1929-built private residence before being converted into a hotel in 1994. Thus, it’s also part of the Historic Hotels of America program. And since it’s so close to the IMF headquarters, World Bank, and the White House, some of its commonest guests are businesspeople and foreign dignitaries.

We loved the gorgeous classic European style, which offered the perfect meld of historic charm and modern elegance. Think original oil paintings, Asian rugs, and European antiques, all of which lent this 1929 art-deco structure an old-world charm. What’s more, this idyllic urban retreat also had a romantic air to it. The rooms, for instance, feature plush beds, chrome-and-steel bathrooms, stunning 1920s décor, cable TVs, and minibars. Did you know that you could also book in-room spa services to help you relax? Yep.

Despite being an urban DC hotel, the Lombardy does have a good amount of amenities. For instance, there was a small fitness room where we could work off all those extra holiday calories. What’s more, Café Lombardy served delicious meals and had a great Sunday brunch. When we wanted to unwind with tipples, the Venetian Room Bar & Lounge was perfect for cocktails and small plates. On long days of exploring the city, we’d end the day sipping martinis by the fire in the lounge.

Kimpton Banneker Hotel

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Best boutique hotel. We were in DC for business and wanted to stay in stylish digs rather than stereotypical cookie-cutter business hotels. That’s why we chose the Kimpton Banneker Hotel, an excellent 4-star hotel in the city. Beautifully balancing modern elegance and natural elegance, this hotel is all about warmth and minimalism—quite unlike the business hotels we’ve seen. With world-class service and outstanding hospitality, there was nothing to complain about here.

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Since this was formerly a residential building, the digs here felt roomier than many other DC hotels we stayed at. Aside from the minimalist, mid-century decor, we loved the colorful artwork. But what we really appreciated were the handy items like a yoga mat, umbrella, and steamer. Moreover, the chunky, green marble-topped credenza was very helpful for working out of the room. Our premium room even had a sitting area, and since we were towards the back of the building, the street noise didn’t hit us.

The hotel also had a plethora of amenities, specifically related to food and drink. The stunning rooftop lounge was perfect for enjoying local brews and soaking in the views of the city. When it got cold, the fire pits provided some much-needed warmth. Moreover, the French bistro Le Sel served everything from breakfast to brunch and dinner. Hence, it’s one of the best boutique hotels in DC.

The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C.

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The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C., is an intimate Georgetown gem with oodles of character. Sitting on a tranquil side street in a turn-of-the-century Georgetown Incinerator building. Even today, it retains much of the industrial feel, including a 130-ft smokestack, black ironwork, and a gorgeous red-brick facade.

Interestingly, one of the finest and least known wellness retreats sits hidden in this hotel’s basement, which practically felt like a healing world. We’re talking about The Ritz-Carlton DC Spa, a recently renovated five-room space that had a steam room, sauna, and an excellent menu of treatments. Whule there’s also a newly-redesigned fitness center, we highlgy recommend venturing out of the hotel and jogging along the Potomac River waterfront right outside. Two restaurants, one serving New American cuisine and the other serving craft cocktails, round out the drinking and dining scene here. And, of course, this Ritz outpost lives up to its expectations with friendly, high-touch, and discreet staff.

The wellness theme carries over to the hotel’s special “Wellness Rooms,” which have air purifiers, yoga mats, Tempurpedic pillows, and vitamin C shower heads. Nevertheless, all rooms are spacious and have plush, all-white beds, bathrooms with Asprey bath products, and lit makeup mirrors.

The Hay – Adams

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Walking into The Hay – Adams is like taking an elegant walk through Washington DC’s historic past. This lovely historic hotel in the heart of the city is surrounded by some of the top-rated tourist attractions in Washington, DC, and some of the most famous landmarks in the country.

So, it was no surprise that some of the amenities we found here were exclusive to this hotel. For instance, history comes alive with the hotel’s “Author Series,” where eminent writers lead discussions and give talks with past authors, including the likes of Maya Angelou and John Grisham. Moreover, the knowledgeable Les Clefs D’Or concierges were more than happy to help us with just about everything, from dining reservations to tour arrangements. In fact, we got to travel around town in style with the hotel’s luxury car service, too! Furthermore, the onsite restaurant is a premier dining destination in the capitol and even serves a great Sunday brunch. Finally, the Off the Record bar is a local favorite, while the well-equipped fitness center is open from 5 am to 10 pm every day.

The elegant rooms and suites boasted a neutral cream color palette with pops of sage and espresso and absolutely luxurious touches like marble bathrooms, fireplaces, and ornamental ceilings. At the same time, they have slick mod-cons like Bluetooth speakers, huge HDTVs, and whatnot. Our room even had French doors opening out onto a private balcony with resplendent vistas. You might also want to pick the White House View Room, which features breathtaking views of the White House.

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

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Boujee travelers, the Hamilton Hotel Washington DC is for you. The hotel has a storied past and history dating back to 1922, and it has been an icon in the city for almost a century. Even today, the stunning classic European architecture makes this hotel a landmark of its own. We had the choice of a host of elegant rooms and suites, all of which had coffeemakers, TVs, and luxe bathrooms with premium bath products and even bathrobes. Despite feeling modern and stylish, classic touches were still like DC-inspired artwork, floral-patterned carpets, and white marble lamps. Since we booked the one-bedroom suite, we also had mini-fridges, Keurig coffeemakers, and a living area.

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Besides the elegant accommodations, the hotel also has a spate of state-of-the-art amenities, like the onsite restaurant serving lunch, dinner, and cocktails. In fact, they even had the option of serving breakfast to us right in the room. A 24-hour gym is available on the property for those who like to stay active. The best bit? There’s even an 11th-floor women’s only zone, where the rooms include special extras like women’s magazines, curling irons, nail polishes, and yoga mats.

MGM National Harbor Resort & Casino

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MGM National Harbor Resort & Casino is yet another fabulously luxurious hotel for those who love the high-flying life. Sitting overlooking the Potomac River, the hotel is much more than merely a gaming destination. It’s not only the first casino resort in the area but also brings the high-roller, fine dining, and entertainment lifestyle to the capital city. Despite sitting just 15 minutes from Capitol Hill, the sleek glass tower hotel felt eons away from the policy-making going on just down the street.

So, it wasn’t surprising that the MGM boasts some of the most extravagant amenities we’ve seen yet on this list. Not only does it boast a 165,000-sq-ft-huge casino, but it also has an 11-room spa and a 3,000-seat theater. This is apart from the four full-service restaurants, cafes, food court, bars, and more. There’s an outdoor swimming pool, of course, and it’s lined with cabanas, daybeds, and umbrellas for relaxing. Moreover, the hotel has a mix of fine dining and casual restaurants, but the real star for us was the 11-room spa. This haven, which has a whirlpool, sauna, and steam room, was perfect for unwinding.

We loved the sleek rooms with high-tech mod cons ranging from mobile check-in to single-touch electric blackout shades. Our Executive Corner Suite also had the best views of the Potomac River and the D.C. skyline. Did you know that the bath products from Lather have been custom-made for the hotel? Yep.

Four Seasons Washington DC

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Best location. For more than 24 years, the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C., has reigned supreme over the gorgeous Georgetown neighborhood, and rightly so. For one, it was the first Four Seasons to open in the whole country—yes! Secondly, this grand dame has an eminent roster of guests ranging across VIPs, A-listers, dignitaries, presidents, and even royalty.

It’s easy to see why everyone loves the Four Seasons. It boasts an impressive art collection featuring Frankenthaler, Botero, and Warhol artworks. It was easy to make ourselves at home at the Four Seasons Spa, which focused on highly specialized treatments with a pampering vibe. Do plan to eat here, as the hotel is home to Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steakhouse. Burn those calories off at the three-storied gym and fitness center, or you could swim a few laps in the sexy subterranean indoor pool, which has low-key seductive vibes.

The generously sized rooms all featured espresso makers, new Ferragamo bath products, and deep-soaking tubs. Our favorite touches were the hidden homage to the city’s signature cherry blossoms, in-room desks that doubled as dining tables and bedside tables complete with charging stations.

Our Verdict!

While we have an excellent set of choices for luxurious DC hotels, here’s a specialized list to help you choose:

• Best value for money: The St Gregory Hotel Dupont Circle Georgetown
• Best location: Four Seasons Washington, DC
• Best boutique hotel: Kimpton Banneker Hotel
• Most historic: The St. Regis Washington, D.C.

Where to Stay in Washington DC?

Washington, D.C. might appear to be a buttoned-up city, but it has some of the most gorgeous and unfussy neighborhoods. For those who’re visiting DC for the first time or for whom sightseeing is the main priority, look for hotels in the Downtown area, specifically near the National Mall Capitol Hill. So, there’s Foggy Bottom to the left, Penn Quarter to the right, and maybe even West End.

Secondly, there’s the star of Washington DC, Georgetown, which is an intimate and quiet area close to everything. It’s home to the prestigious Georgetown University and has some of the best Victorian architecture in the city. It’s also a very walkable neighborhood, and there’s also the Georgetown Waterfront Park. So, this is a neighborhood where you walk, bike, and enjoy the vistas.

Finally, Capitol Hill is a historic residential neighborhood with some excellent hotels and B&Bs. It’s also very romantic and is home to some of the most romantic hotels in Washington, DC.

What area of Washington, D.C., is best to stay in?

Georgetown is undoubtedly the best place to stay. It’s close to everything: Capitol Hill, the city’s top attractions, and entertainment, drinking, and dining establishments.

Where do celebrities stay in Washington DC?

The Four Seasons is a very popular haunt, even with actors, as it’s at the center of everything.

Where should first-time visitors stay in Washington, D.C.?

First-timers should stay around the East End, Capitol Hill, or the National Mall, so Georgetown or Foggy Bottom are best-suited areas.