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The only 7 hotels and one Airbnb — you should consider booking in DC, according to a local travel writer

Christabel Lobo   

The only 7 hotels — and one Airbnb — you should consider booking in DC, according to a local travel writer
  • Washington, DC, has a wide range of impressive hotels suitable for any visitor's style and budget.
  • Read on for Insider's top picks for booking a centrally-located and comfortable stay in DC.

I'm a travel writer who splits my time between the road and Washington, DC, and when friends ask me where to stay in town, I always say the best strategy is to choose a hotel in a neighborhood that suits your vibe.

Whether you prefer art-filled Airbnbs or historic hotels, one thing's for certain: You're spoiled for choice in DC. From the iconic facades of Capitol Hill and the U Street Corridor to the trendy storefronts lining the cobblestone streets of Georgetown and the Wharf, DC is home to a distinct collection of diverse neighborhoods.

For those that like to shop, consider Logan Circle; its 14th street drag is filled with local boutiques, consignment stores, and trendy shops. To be by the water, Navy Yard in Southeast DC has a myriad of options for waterfront dining and rooftop lounges.

These are the best places to stay in DC I've discovered through my work, local staycations, and based on tips from visiting family and friends.

Lyle DC

Set in the heart of DC's Dupont Circle neighborhood, Lyle DC is all about convenience. It's an eight-minute walk to the nearest Metro station, and, if you happen to be visiting when the weather's nice, the National Mall is a 2-mile stroll away.

Housed in a quintessential 1940s art-deco building, the chic, neutral-toned rooms feature stunning burl wood headboards and bespoke rattan furnishings. Longer-term guests can opt for upgraded rooms, which offer kitchenettes and enviable city views.

Though Dupont Circle abounds with restaurants and bars, guests who want to experience the district's eclectic dining scene don't have to stray too far; Lyle's, the on-site restaurant, features seasonal new American fare for breakfast, brunch, and dinner.

Book Lyle DC

Riggs Washington, DC

Housed in a former bank, Riggs DC has reinvented the space to emerge as a leading luxury boutique pick in the city. The hotel stands out for bold, photogenic interiors that include guest rooms with plush velvet decor and minibars fashioned after old safes. Four of the suites are named for former First Ladies.

An on-site speakeasy bar also serves craft cocktails in the original vault, and a restaurant feels regal thanks to Corinthian columns.

Book Riggs DC

Eaton DC

Designed with the socially conscious in mind, Eaton DC offers discerning travelers more than just a comfortable night's sleep. Everything at this downtown DC hotel serves a purpose, including the sustainably-sourced minibar options in each of the thoughtfully decorated rooms and the property's carefully curated library, which has books on innovation, activism, gender, race, and more.

After a day exploring, book a spa day at Eaton's wellness center. In addition to infrared sauna sessions, there are several New Age practices on offer, including qigong workshops, plant-based sound baths, and movement meditations.

Book Eaton DC

The Hay-Adams

One of the most iconic hotels in DC, the Hay-Adams is named after John Hay, the secretary to President Abraham Lincoln, and Henry Adams, a direct descendant of Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams. These two men were actually the original residents of the houses that once stood on the location of the hotel.

These days, the property exudes opulent elegance with stately columns, Italian Renaissance-inspired decor, and a chic cream palette inside rooms facing Lafayette Park, The White House, and Saint John's Church. Make a reservation for The Lafayette, a chandelier-filled restaurant, or grab a drink at Off the Record, the hotel bar that's famously colored in all red with caricatures of notable political figures.

Book The Hay-Adams

The Watergate Hotel

Situated on the Potomac River next to Georgetown, The Watergate Hotel is perhaps one of DC's most infamous places. And to this day, it's one of the city's best places to stay whether or not you want to surround yourself with its history. Though, if you do, you're in the right spot.

The Watergate's past was fully embraced in a multi-million dollar renovation that includes the addition of an aptly-named Scandal Room, which was designed with features such as newspaper clippings, a tape recorder, and binoculars.

The rest of the hotel is more traditional with luxury balcony rooms with marble bathrooms, as well as a seasonal rooftop bar, a whiskey lounge, a spa, a heated indoor pool, and an on-site restaurant that is a favorite among locals.

Book The Watergate Hotel

The Kimpton George

Washington DC has several Kimpton properties but we like the Kimpton George for its central location in Capitol Hill near the National Mall and atmospheric design details that create a strong sense of place. Rooms pay homage to surrounding history with wallpaper that quotes the Declaration of Independence and brass accents that are reminiscent of Revolutionary War army uniforms.

Staying here comes with signature Kimpton perks like an in-room yoga mat, social happy hour, and bike rentals. There's also an on-site restaurant and a lounge area with a fire pit.

Book The Kimpton George

InterContinental The Willard Washington, DC

Located across the street from The White House, the InterContinental The Willard hotel dates back over 200 years and has welcomed famous guests including Abraham Lincoln, the Dalai Lama, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who edited his "I Have a Dream Speech" in the lobby. There's even a gallery filled with historical photos and artifacts, plus a timeline of the hotel's past.

Some rooms face Pennsylvania Avenue and the Washington Monument, and there's also an Oval Suite modeled after the Oval Office. Grab a cocktail at the Round Robin Bar or take breakfast on Cafe du Parc's terrace to feel like a DC politico.

Book InterContinental The Willard

A historic Victorian townhouse in Shaw

A five-minute walk from the closest Metro station, this warmly decorated two-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom rental is ideal for travelers looking to be within walking distance of DC's historic Shaw neighborhood, and who prefer a more residential setting over a hotel.

Sleeping up to six guests, this Victorian-era townhome is great for families or long-term getaways. Original brickwork, antique furnishings, and distinctive artwork add charm, and a luxurious soaking tub in the en suite full bathroom is the perfect way to unwind after an eventful day.

Book the historic Airbnb

View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting Washington, DC.

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