To the general US public, Washington DC is best known as being the seat of the Federal government. Yet, it also used to be a super popular tourist destination, predominantly thanks to its offer of seventy-four museums, masonic buildings, and various historical sites like the White House, the Capitol Building, and the Library of Congress.
Before the pandemic hit, the hospitality sector was one of DC’s most burgeoning industries, supporting over 80,000 jobs through more than one hundred and thirty modest and Washington DC luxury hotels, two thousand restaurants, and around forty-five performing arts venues.
Hence, the offer of top hotels in DC and places to eat was/is robust. But, in 2021, per an estimate from the American Hotel & Lodging Association, Washington DC lost more than $2 billion in travel revenues, as this sphere had to look to create new revenue streams to stay afloat.
Historically, it has not been easy to find a hotel in Washington. As per the pandemic, top-end and boutique hotels in Washington DC welcomed 24.6 million visitors, boasting an occupancy rate of over 70%. In 2021, this percentage dropped to 48%.
According to Tourism Economics, it won’t be until 2024 before the federal district as a whole and its lodging venues return to pre-pandemic levels. Still, the DC metropolitan area is one of the most resilient regions in the nation. Its professional service sectors and economy-propelled business should thrive once again, as DC’s lodging grounds aim to retain their former profit margins over the next two years.
So, if you are considering a visit and wondering – where to stay in Washington DC, know that the list of nice hotels in Washington DC is still abundant. Below, we rattle off the district’s top luxury picks per aggregated online reviews.
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1. The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown
Located on 3100 S Street NW, the Ritz-Carlton is undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in Washington DC, a quiet property within walking distance of pretty much anything of note in Georgetown.
Set along a quiet South Street, inside a converted industrial building rooted in history, this is a spot that boasts a soaring brick smokestack, something that you won’t find in other lodging establishments near the nation’s capital.
The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown provides a truly transformative guest experience with a recently remodeled spa featuring the renowned ESPA and Wellness Rooms and fine dining at Georgetown’s best-kept secret – Degrees Bistro. Nearby attractions include the Blues Alley packed with Jazz bars and Washington Harbour’s historic walking areas.
2. Trump International Hotel
Set inside an 1899 Romanesque Revival building, less than a mile from the White House, on 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, the Trump International is one of the best hotels in DC. It has a nine-story atrium, plus opulent federal-style rooms with marble baths and high ceilings.
On-site, visitors can expect to find a magnificent 10,000 square feet spa, a fitness center, a lobby bar, and the BLT Prime upscale steakhouse, a premium 5-star restaurant in Washington DC.
The room count here comes to two hundred and sixty-three, including thirty-five suites. Note that various museums, such as the Smithsonian, and the National Museum of American History, are less than a five-minute walk from the Trump International Hotel.
3. MGM National Harbor
Despite popular belief, the offer of Washington casinos with hotels is not lacking. Without argument, the MGM casino DC is the most famous of all the Washington casino hotels, even though it is not precisely in the district, but just minutes away on the banks of the Potomac River in the suburb of Oxon Hill.
It is an expansive complex that cost $1.4 billion to construct, which opened its doors in December 2016. The MGM National Harbor has three hundred and eight hotel rooms, and its gaming floor stretches 135,000 square feet, featuring two thousand modern slots that can get played at super-fast speeds, just like online gambling.
There are several high-end places to eat at the MGM National Harbor, like the Voltaggio Brothers Steakhouse and Ginger. Moreover, there are thirty resultants in less than a mile radius of this impressive resort casino in Washington DC.
4. The Willard Inter-Continental
Found in the heart of DC, at 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, the Willard InterContinental is an iconic hotel that has gotten listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a location that often gets referred to as the Residence of Presidents, which has welcomed hundreds of celebrities and foreign dignitaries over the building’s two-century existence.
It supplies luxurious accommodations, a deliciously inventive cuisine, and is a site booming with history. There are three hundred and thirty-five elegant rooms here, providing a unique mélange of historic charm and contemporary luxury. The White House is a five-minute walk from the Willard Inter-Continental, the Ronald Reagan Building, and International Trade Center.
5. The Fairmont
In most polls, the Fairmont on 2041 Main Street ranks as one of the best Washington DC hotels. Based in a fashionable West End area next to the historical Georgetown district, the Fairmont is an example of some DC grandeur, greeting guests in capital style.
It has some of the finest meeting spaces in the state and accommodations complete with exquisite service that has helped it attain and keep the coveted four-diamond status. Dining options at the Fairmont include the Juniper Restaurant and the lobby lounge and courtyard. They serve seasonally inspired menus that should satisfy most visitors’ cravings.
6. The Hay-Adams
The Hay-Adams is a 5-star hotel within walking distance of the Farragut West WMATA station, a four-minute walk from Renwick Gallery. On 800 16th Street NW. It is home to one hundred and twenty-four guest rooms and twenty-one deluxe suites. Nevertheless, its accommodations aside, this property is most regarded for its exceptionally-serviced event space for weddings and fancy meetings, the talk of the city.
There is little argument that this is one of the best hotels in Washington DC, if not the number one choice for most out-of-towners, as many consider it more than just a hotel. It is a downtown destination recognized as the capital’s top choice for elegant entertainment and fine dining. The Hay-Adam restaurant boasts a sophisticated ambiance that creates the ideal backdrop for most business meals or tasteful family meetings.
Final Thought
The six luxury hotels discussed above are only a small sample of Washington DC hospitality establishments that offer premium splendor and comfort. Other DC spots that supply a similar level of refined guest indulgence include the Four Seasons, The St, Regis, the Sofitel, Rosewood, the Mandarin Oriental, the Jefferson, the Conrad Washington, and a few others.
