The capital city of the United States, Washington, DC, is filled with hallmarks of America’s culture, history, and politics. So, it’s no surprise that it’s full of cultural landmarks, noteworthy monuments, and interesting museums. Clearly, the city, with its many memorials and monuments, is a dream destination for history and culture buffs. That said, another way to relive the city’s history is by staying at a historic Airbnb. We found an entire sweep of amazing rooms, apartments, and suites making up the best Airbnbs in Washington DC that are historic to the hilt.
So, what kind of a place can we stay in to relive history? For us, it has to be a place that has a glorious past and oodles of character but with modern furnishings for a comfortable stay. One of our favorite picks is this firehouse-turned-Airbnb. Built in 1884, it housed the first Fully African-American Fire company in Washington, DC! What made it amazing to stay is that it’s been renovated completely in 2017 with modern comforts.
Luckily, there are many such amazing historic Airbnb options available to rent in the capital city. Moreover, they ranged from interesting and offbeat digs like firehouses to lovely historic 19th-century townhouses and cool condos. It made exploring the best historic sights that DC had to offer all the better. If you’re still making an itinerary for Washington, DC, this official YouTube channel for Washington, DC tourism will certainly help you plan it better. Read on to get a complete lowdown on all the cool, historic B&Bs in Washington, DC.
Garden Suite Efficiency
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As a couple, we were looking for romantic, historic digs in Washington, DC, when we stumbled upon the Garden Suite Efficiency. This lovely, independent, and private garden suite has its own discrete entrance via a sunny and lushly landscaped courtyard garden. We fell in love with this verdant space, as it practically screamed romance with the overflowing vines and alfresco seating.
Character abounds on the inside of this rental, which is resplendent in restored detail, complete with period accents and Art Deco furniture. At the same time, we had the comfort of a full, recently restored bathroom with a shower, which we were grateful for after long days of exploring sunny DC. Plus, thanks to the kitchenette, we could whip up romantic meals on the fly, especially when we didn’t feel like stepping out. The comfy bedroom aside, we loved staying here due to the amazing hosts. They gave us tons of recommendations for food and drinks nearby and even presented us with a hand-drawn map of all the gems in the neighborhood! Strong Wi-Fi and cable TV completed the list of comforts here.
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Minimalistic Victorian Row House
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We never imagined we’d be staying in a Victorian rowhouse in the 21st century, but here we are! Not only did we stay in this modern two-bedroom Victorian Row House, but it was also furnished in a minimalistic way, just like we liked it. The working fireplace and the tall ceilings were perfect indicators of the era gone by. Meanwhile, the modern addition was the newly renovated kitchen outfitted with everything we needed to cook a gourmet meal. There was even a Miele coffee machine so we could make ourselves steaming cups of coffee in the morning, enjoying the sun streaming into the house.
Since we were a group of four people, this two-bedroom rowhouse was perfect for all of us. Both bedrooms were upstairs, complete with plush and comfy queen and king beds. The outdoor patio with a charcoal grill was great for when we wanted to indulge in alfresco meals. Since we rented a car to explore London, the onsite parking (that needs to be requested) was very helpful. But what we loved was the location, which put us just a 15-minute walk from Logan Circle and Downtown. The best bit is that the National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, and the like were a mere 10-minute drive.
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Zen Rowhouse Penthouse
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We’ve always wanted to live in a historic rowhouse, but we never thought that we’d be staying in a penthouse in a rowhouse. Behold the Zen Rowhouse Penthouse, a bright one-bedroom penthouse condo on the third floor of a historic rowhouse on Mt. Pleasant Street. Since this unit sits on the third floor of the historic rowhouse, there’s no elevator. But all that huffing and puffing of taking our luggage up was totally worth it, especially since we’re absolute fans of old-time interior decor. The reclaimed wooden accents and century-old brick walls lend this place old-world charm. If anything, we loved clicking pictures of the brick walls for our Instagram!
The open-plan rental opens to a spacious living room-cum-kitchen, which was perfect for us to hang out at the end of the day, especially if we were spending it indoors. Besides the queen bed in the bedroom, the living room also had two very comfy beds, thanks to the sofa. So, the space was very comfortable for four people despite having a single bedroom. Aside from the well-equipped kitchen, the place also had a free washer, which was a blessing as we were staying here for a month! We were never bored indoors, thanks to the Wi-Fi and HDTV with Netflix. And with perks like hot water, central heating, and air-conditioning, we could hardly believe we were staying in a historic place. The best bit? White House and the National Mall are a 10-15-minute bus ride straight down the street.
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The Historic DC Firehouse 4 – Penthouse Unit
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We come to what is probably our absolute favorite Bnb in Washington, DC – the Historic DC Firehouse 4 – Penthouse Unit. This five-bedroom star rental was formerly home to the city’s first fully African-American Fire company. After a complete redesign in 2017 by a world-famous celebrity interior designer, it was even seen on Netfliix’s “Stay Here!” The gorgeous redbrick exterior perfectly complements the equally historic interior, complete with exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and tall ceilings. We loved that the penthouse featured tons of historic artifacts. For instance, the original firepole still exists, and we were sorely tempted to slide down it! There are tons of historic photographs displayed everywhere, some even covering entire walls. Fireman uniforms abound, as do the original light and bathroom fixtures. I don’t know if we’ll ever find a better historic rental anywhere!
Four bedrooms with four queen beds and two single beds ensured that our party of 10 adults slept and stayed comfortably. The full kitchen meant that we could prepare meals anytime we wanted, and thanks to the coffeemaker, we had our morning caffeine fix too. The presence of strong Wi-Fi, hot water, modern bathrooms with clawfoot bathtubs, a gas fireplace, a TV with entertainment, and a washer-dryer felt home-like. We could spy gorgeous views of the city skyline from the shared balcony, which also came with a BBQ grill. You might want to check out more amazing images of this firehouse on their Instagram page.
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Luxury DC Escape With A Private Deck
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Luxurious living and history come together at this Luxury DC Escape With A Private Deck. This one-bedroom, third-floor apartment sits on the top floor of a grand, 123-year-old Victorian home. It was designed by Albert Speiden way back in 1900 and was home to historian and scientist Franklin Hough. But what makes this historic home an absolute catch is that it’s been beautifully renovated with state-of-the-art, luxurious amenities.
Since it’s a historic home, it’s a three-story walk up – but what awaited us at the top was mindblowing. On the inside, the living room-cum-kitchen was massive and had a dual-sided gas fireplace, which was ideal for cozying up to our partner on a cold evening in the city. Gorgeous French doors lead to the drop-dead gorgeous bedroom, outside which lay the private rooftop deck with alfresco seating and a Pergola. Leafy trees surround it and offer some of the most stunning views of the city we’ve ever seen. A modern bathroom with a washer-dryer completed the place.
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Ingraham Alley Inn
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We were looking for offbeat historic living that was close to the downtown tourist sites but in a neighborhood that was explorable in its own right. And the Ingraham Alley Inn in 16th St Heights was just that – and then some! The little house redefines ‘tiny living’ but with a historic twist. For one, it isn’t your usual newly-built tiny home – it was a carriage house at one point in time and has been around for nearly 100 years!
On the inside, the microhouse was bright and equipped with all the modern amenities that we needed for a comfortable stay. As we entered, we were greeted by a cute living room and an open but very well-equipped kitchen. We especially loved the loft bedroom and the king bed, which was accessible via a ladder. There’s a full bathroom and even a washer-dryer downstairs, making this place perfect for longer stays.
Thanks to the strong Wi-Fi, we didn’t have any issues with staying connected and making up our itinerary to explore Washington, DC, every day. At the same time, the peace and quiet enveloping the space was an absolute blessing, especially since there was even a small curated library with some excellent reads. Bonus points to the hosts! But that’s not all. There’s even a lovely private patio right outside the front entrance, complete with alfresco seating. It’s where we’d enjoy a blissful morning with a cuppa.
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Gaslight Club Penthouse
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Staying in a place that’s within walking distance of the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, and the Washington Monument was a dream come true. And the fact that that place happened to be equally historic was the cherry on top of a fantastic DC vacation. Welcome to the 8th-floor Gaslight Club Penthouse, which sits just two blocks from all Washington, DC landmarks and monuments. This two-bedroom penthouse sits in a historic Gaslight Club building that was formerly a very popular speakeasy. But what’s different about this structure is that it has an elevator, unlike most other historic buildings in the city. The lift opened directly into the two-bedroom spacious abode on the eighth floor, making staying here as exclusive as it got.
The outdoor terrace sat on the right, with the spacious living room and bedrooms on the left. The smart TV in the living room was perfect for kicking back with a cold one and watching movies, while both queen beds in the bedrooms ensured a fitful night’s sleep. Thanks to the well-equipped kitchen, we could make meals when we didn’t want to eat outside. Wrapping up the features was the massive outdoor terrace with alfresco seating where we’d enjoy our morning cup of joe every day.
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Room in a Capitol Hill Townhouse
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Not every historic home has to be a typical two-storeyed carriage house or townhouse, which is evident from this lovely single-storeyed Capitol Hill Townhouse. We chose this location since the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and other top things to do in Washington, DC, are just 10 minutes away.
As we entered, we were awestruck by the natural light streaming in through the huge windows and skylights. But what really impressed us was the profusion of beautiful original art throughout the house. It’s just about everywhere, including the open-plan living room/dining area and even our room, which was spacious to the boot. Not only did it have a separate seating area, but it also came with a plush queen bed and an ensuite marble bathroom. Plus, the huge windows opened to the greenery outside, and it felt like we were living in the countryside.
That said, the standout here is the shared lap pool, which is available for use after 6 p.m. In fact, it’s not just an excellent Airbnb in Washington, DC, with a pool, but probably the only historic one too! A well-equipped kitchen and a washer-dryer in the basement round up the features.
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Adams Morgan English-Style Basement Apartment
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Basement apartments are very common in Washington, DC, so we stayed like a local at the Adams Morgan English-Style Basement Apartment. This charming one-bedroom sunken retreat sits at the bottom of a sunken garden, complete with a back patio. It was the perfect space to enjoy a cup of tea or simply soak up the sunshine.
The private, modern suite might be a basement accommodation, but it’s roomy and bright with remnants of an era gone by – think polished concrete floors and exposed brick walls. We especially loved the pop of artwork on the clean white walls, which were the perfect canvas for them. Modern comforts such as a full kitchen for cooking meals and a washer-dryer certainly made our stay in the city very easy. Even the bedroom was very comfortable, with a queen bed, a walk-in closet, and a private bath. But the highlight is the private outdoor patio that’s perfect for soaking up the sun, dining alfresco, or even sipping on cocktails.
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Hydeaway Bed and Breakfast
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It doesn’t get any more historic than at the Hydeaway Bed and Breakfast, a Victorian-style bed-and-breakfast tucked in the equally Historic Logan Circle. Imagine a quirky and unique restored Victorian home filled to the brim with historic and eclectic kitsch – that’s the Hydeaway B&B for you. Interesting trinkets included antique clocks, four-poster beds, clawfoot bathtubs, and elaborate chandeliers, to name just a few of them. And that’s just the indoors. The B&B has a gorgeous and verdant outdoor space, complete with alfresco seating under umbrellas, status, flowering shrubs and plants, overgrowing vines and creepers, and whatnot.
While guests have the choice of five rooms here, we chose the Master Bedroom for its unparalleled Victorian style of furnishings. The centerpiece was the stately, Queen-size Victorian four-poster bed with a bureau, a large closet, and a nightstand with reading lights complemented. Moreover, the room also offered mesmerizing views of the garden below, and the huge soaking tub was a blessing after a long day of walking around the town. Since our stay included both weekdays and the weekend, we were able to taste not just the continental breakfast but also the full breakfast weekend spread, sausage, quiche, et al.
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Historic Capitol Hill Townhouse
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Imagine staying in a historic home just steps from the National Mall, with the US Capitol Police patrolling it all the time! That just shows how amazing the location of this lovely three-bedroom Historic Capitol Hill Townhouse is, close to the National Mall, the White House, et al.
This gorgeous unit sits on the lower-level first floor of a lovely rowhome that still has remnants of the past in the form of hardwood floors and exposed brick walls. At the same time, the addition of modern conveniences such as the fully-equipped kitchen, where we could cook lavish meals throughout the duration of our stay. We’d gather around the dining table to enjoy meals, but we loved the back patio with the propane grill for alfresco meals too. We really appreciated that the hosts asked us to send them a detailed grocery list two days before we checked in – and they had the fridge stocked when we arrived! This was DC hospitality at its peak.
Two bathrooms with a bathtub aside, the bedrooms were the epitome of comfort, especially thanks to the plush queen mattresses. Are you traveling with babies? There’s even a Pack ‘n Play crib in the room. Wrapping up the features were the Wi-Fi and large LED-screen TVs everywhere, which were perfect for kicking up our feet and watching movies at the end of a long day.
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Our Verdict!
Soaking in history while staying in Bnbs in Washington, DC, is perhaps the best way to experience the city in all its glory. That said, we’ve drawn up a shorter, more specific list for you to help you choose the best option.
- Most historic: The Historic DC Firehouse 4 – Penthouse Unit
- Most luxurious: Luxury DC Escape With A Private Deck
- Best value for money: Ingraham Alley Inn
- Best for couples: Garden Suite Efficiency
- Best location: Historic Capitol Hill Townhouse
Where to Stay in Washington, DC?
Washington, DC, is spread out over a large area and split into many different neighborhoods with different characteristics. Here’s a lowdown on the best areas to stay in the capital city of the United States.
First on our list is the centrally-located Adams Morgan, which is all about uber-cool stays housed in uber-cool converted rowhouses, churches, firehouses, and whatnot. Next, there’s the historic Georgetown, complete with European flair and quaint cobblestoned streets. Its top draw is the townhouses/rowhouses from the last century, complete with manicured gardens, many of which house Airbnb options and stays. However, staying close to the historic action is best done in Capitol Hill, the seat of the U.S. government and home to the United States Capitol, Library of Congress, and Supreme Court. Finally, there’s Dupont Circle, which is close enough to Capitol Hill and yet has many options for interesting and historic BnBs where we could soak up the culture of yesteryear DC.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in DC?
Georgetown, Dupont Circle, and Foggy Bottom are the best areas to rent great Airbnbs as they’re all upscale, protected neighborhoods.
What does shared pool mean on Airbnb?
A shared pool in a private Airbnb means that the pool is shared by all the occupants staying in the house at that time.
Is DC good for renting an Airbnb?
Since DC is a very walkable city, it’s one of the best cities to rent an Airbnb to stay in, especially for an extended period of time.
Some images on this article are copyrighted by Airbnb.