Over two centuries ago, the area that would become the capital of the United States of America was a 61-square-mile swath of farms and forests, situated between two rivers and also between two states, one considered a southern state and the other, a northern state. And especially for that last fact, it became the ideal place to put the nation’s new capital, straddling the north and the south.
Paris-born urban designer Pierre L’Enfant was given the job to design the street plan of Washington DC. Inspired by the street plans of ancient Rome and Athens, he went to work, designing a city in four different quadrants that included a classic grid plan and, overlying that, a series of diagonal grand boulevards that would reveal striking architectural achievements.
He also left a huge open space in the center of the city which would become the National Mall, a public space for welcoming every and anyone—urban planning for a democratic society at its best.
Today, Washington DC is better than ever, both for locals and visitors alike. The city has a fairly extensive subway system and even a bike sharing program, so navigating the capital isn’t so hard. But it’s also important to base yourself in a section of the city that corresponds to your own interests. Are you a museum-goer, a traveler who lets their taste buds dictate their trip, a road warrior business traveler, or let’s-live-like-a-local kind of person? Whatever the case, there’s a neighborhood for everyone in DC. After thorough research, we’ve put together a guide on where to stay in Washington DC.
Best Places to Stay in Washington DC
Adams Morgan
Hip, central, and always happening, Adams Morgan is the place to go if you want to do a bar crawl or find a cool, local restaurant. Made up of 18th-century rowhouses, independent boutiques, mom-and-pop restaurants, and Gen Z-packed bars. In a city with enough museums and attractions for checking off a list, Adams Morgan is refreshingly free of all that. Instead, come here to just absorb the energy.
Hotel Recommendation: The Line DC. Housed in an early-20th-century church, The Line is a DC-inspired hotel with spacious guest rooms that have hardwood floors, local art on the wall, and enough amenities to make you want to stay awhile.
Capitol Hill
This neighborhood is basically the HQ for the United States government. Spend enough time here perched at a bar nursing a cocktail or lounging at a cafe or coffee and you’re bound to eavesdrop on some serious political gossip. The townhouse-laden neighborhood is also very easy on the eyes. Food lovers should carve out an hour or so to wander around Eastern Market, where a collection of groceries and street food vendors vye for hungry people’s attention.
Hotel Recommendation: Capitol Hill Hotel. This five-floor all-suite property has 153 large and well-appointed guest rooms. The hotel offers complimentary breakfast and free high-speed wifi.
Dupont Circle
One of the original hipster neighborhoods of DC, DuPont Circle also has an historic LGBTQ connection. The district is crammed with boutiques, bars, and bistros galore, plus plenty of art galleries and cafes to boot. Come on Sunday morning to amble around the Dupont Circle Farmers Market.
Hotel Recommendation: Tabard Inn. For over 100 years, this boutique hotel has been charming visitors. Each guestroom is unique, but all rooms have vintage furniture and, refreshingly, no television—though, there is high-speed wifi throughout the property.
Hotel Recommendation: Dupont Circle Hotel. Located smack in the center of the neighborhood, Dupont Circle Hotel offers five-star luxury, complete with spacious, earth-toned rooms, Nespresso coffee machines, and complimentary bottled water.
Georgetown
Historic and dripping with ambience, Georgetown is one of the best places to stay in Washington DC. You’ll most likely spot a senator or former president jogging or strolling by on their way home. From gorgeous 18th- and 19th-century townhouses to perfectly manicured gardens to the imposing classical campus of Georgetown University, it’s fun to just amble around the neighborhood and get lost.
Hotel Recommendation: The Georgetown Inn. For 50 years this classic hotel has been accommodating real royalty and Hollywood royalty and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Marlon Brando, and Elizabeth Taylor, among many others made the hotel their home away from home in DC. The 96 guest rooms are plush and comfortable, as you’d expect.
Hotel Recommendation: The Graham. This 57-room hotel is cozy to the enth degree. Half of the guest rooms here are suites and all have extremely soft linens, walk-in marble showers, and luxe bath products. Don’t miss out on the huge rooftop bar.
Traveler’s tip: Once you’ve decided on where to stay in Washington DC, check out our 3-Day Washington DC Itinerary
Penn Quarter
The Penn Quarter is not DC’s most charming neighborhood. But it is centrally located, with a lot of great hotels and restaurants, and there are a lot of iconic attractions within walking distance from here. Chinatown, the National Portrait Gallery, Ford’s Theater, and CapitalOne Arena (where the Wizards and Capitals play) are all here. If you want to dine or get a drink at an old DC institution, stop into Old Ebbet’s Grill.
Hotel Recommendation: Waldorf Astoria. Housed in landmark building, the Waldorf Astoria is a sight to be seen. The hotel’s reputation precedes it, so expect to be in the lap of luxury here. High-ceilinged rooms have dazzling chandeliers and stunning views of the city.
Hotel Recommendation: Marriott Marquis. All rooms at this centrally located property have minibars/fridges, high-thread-count linen, luxe bath products, and fast wifi, and large desk spaces.
U Street Corridor
Home to DC’s historic black community, the U Street Corridor is crammed with history. It is where Duke Ellington was born and it is home to the famed Howard Theater. When you get hungry, great food is not far away. Make a pilgrimage to historic Ben’s Chili Bowl for a half-smoke sausage (one of the few foods native to DC) and gawk at the mural in the alleyway, where famous Black Americans are portrayed on the wall: Michelle and Barack Obama, Dave Chappelle, Jesse Jackson, and Prince.
Hotel Recommendation: Hideaway Bed & Breakfast. Located just a few blocks south of U Street, this bed and breakfast has spacious, comfortable rooms and the host offers a delicious hearty breakfast each morning.
The Wharf
One of the city’s newest neighborhoods, the Wharf became an immediate hit with locals and visitors alike when it was completed around the year 2019. It’s the perfect place to stroll along the restaurant-and-cafe-lined waterfront, take in the sights, and do some serious people watching. When you get hungry, consider a meal at Michelin-starred Vietnamese eatery, Moon Rabbit.
Hotel Recommendation: InterContinental. With great views of the Potomac River and surrounding DC, the InterContinental is one of the most luxurious properties in the area. The 340-square-foot rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows (and thus lots of natural light) and the rooftop pool is a stunner.
Now that we’ve told you where to stay in Washington DC, it’s time to talk about the best way to see the city, which is, of course, by taking a glorious walking tour. Our expert local guides will show you the best of this historic and vibrant city.