With hundreds of hotels in the D.C. area, trying to find the perfect fit for your vacation can be a daunting task. From historic inns to enormous convention centers, D.C. has a room to fit your needs.
Prices start at just under $100 for those wishing to travel to Washington, D.C. while on a budget. At the low end of the price scale, visitors will sacrifice location and amenities. These two and three-star hotels are often located far from the center of town, offering rooms on the small side, with dated décor and limited conveniences. Many large hotels outside of the city also offer cheap rates on the weekends. Prices are low during the congressional recess in August and also late December and January.
A mid-range hotel offers comfort and style, with some amenities like free breakfasts, parking, and fitness centers. These are often three-star hotels within walking distance of major metro stations. Prices run from $150 to $300 per night.
Luxury hotels offer all the pomp and circumstance you would expect, at a price tag of $250 plus per night. These four and five-star hotels offer elegant accommodations, often with spectacular views. Central to most attractions, luxury hotels are a perfect choice if you want to be where the action is.
Neighborhoods
D.C. consists of a unique collection of neighborhoods, all with their own culture and vibe. Knowing a bit about these areas can be helpful when trying to decide where to stay. Here are the basics.
Foggy Bottom – This neighborhood consists of residential houses and offices, set along quiet, tree-lined streets. The area is very safe and within walking distance to the Kennedy Center, White House, and State Department. There are not many shopping or dining opportunities in Foggy Bottom.
Capitol Hill and Northeast – Home to many members of congress, this neighborhood is populated with quaint Victorian townhouses. It is walking distance to the Capitol, and offers a wide selection of restaurants and shops. This is a very touristy, high-priced area.
Downtown – This part of D.C. has undergone a renaissance in the past few years, offering plenty of lodging opportunities, and easy access to the White House.
Georgetown – Situated on the Potomac River, this university town offers a wealth of upscale dining and shopping opportunities. The neighborhood is very safe, with an abundance of parks and walking trails.
Dupont Circle – A great place for shopping and dining, this busy area offers plenty of modern, sleek hotels, at a steep price.
Adams Morgan – This is the place for nightlife in D.C. Adams Morgan never sleeps. Bars, restaurants, and boutiques are plentiful, but accommodations are relatively scarce.
Upper Northwest – This is a quiet, residential area within walking distance to the zoo. This neighborhood doesn’t get as busy as other parts of D.C. and there is usually plentiful parking. The hotels here are moderately priced.
Although there are more than 90,000 rooms throughout the city, it’s always a good idea to reserve one ahead of time. From budget inns to the city’s grandest hotels, there’s a room for everyone who is planning to travel to Washington, D.C.
