Washington DC is one of the best places to visit. There are so many great museums and sites to see here. To optimize your visit to the nation’s capital city, check out our recommendations for hotels near Washington DC museums.
Hotels Near Washington DC Museums: Luxury Hotel Options
Washington DC does not have a shortage of luxury hotels. Here are our favorite picks when it comes to the best luxury hotels near Washington DC museums.
Riggs Hotel – Top Luxury Choice
The Riggs Hotel is located on F Street and is very close to the National Portrait Gallery and Ford’s Theatre. It is also 5 minutes from the metro and 2 miles from the Lincoln Memorial. Riggs is just 4 blocks away from the National Archives, The Natural History Museum, The National Gallery Of Art, and The Outdoor Sculpture Garden (part of the National Gallery Of Art). It is also not too far from the convention center if you are coming into town for a conference but also would like to visit some of the famous Washington D.C. sites.
The Riggs Hotel is also one of Washington DC’s newer hotels. The design here is more opulent and it is definitely one of the best hotels in downtown Washington. This building was originally a bank in the 1800’s and has a bar where the bank vault used to be. They also have a very highly rated restaurant and a great basement speakeasy for evening cocktails.
Want to learn more about the Riggs? Check out WanderDC’s video review of the Riggs Hotel DC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KESF2yaj50
Conrad Washington DC
Conrad Washington DC is located on New York Avenue near CityCenter DC. It is one of the newest 5 start hotels in DC. It has amazing design and a great vibe.
This luxurious hotel offers pet-friendly rooms, along with an on-site restaurant and rooftop bar with unobstructed views of the monuments. It is within a mile of the White House and National Mall, and a 10 minute walk to the National Portrait Gallery and other Smithsonian Museums like the Natural History Museum. It is also just two blocks away from the new Museum Of Illusions.
If you enjoy shopping as well, this hotel is located at City Center which has a plethora of high end stores. The hotel has spacious rooms and is the perfect place to settle down after a long day of sightseeing. It is not the closet of the luxury options from the traditional sightseeing but is a great place for a first stay in Washington DC. There’s an acclaimed restaurant on site, as well as a fun rooftop bar that gives you great views of the nation’s capital.
JW Marriott Hotel
The JW Marriott Hotel is located on Pennsylvania Avenue and no more than a 5 minute walk from the White House. This award-winning hotel offers a luxurious room with views of Downtown DC, its own lunch and breakfast restaurant, and a fitness center. It is within walking distance of the national mall which is home to many of the Smithsonian Museums such as the National History Museum and the National Air and Space Museum. It is also next to many up-scale dining options in DC.
St. Regis
The St Regis Hotel is located on 16th street near Lafayette Square. This famous hotel has welcomed world leaders, dignitaries, royalty, and Hollywood icons over its many years standing. Its features are incredibly luxurious and notable, especially its grand lobby. The closest museum is the Renwick Gallery. It is also walking distance of the White House and the National Mall. This hotel has more of a traditional vibe. If you are craving modern luxury, opt for the newer Conrad hotel in City Center.
Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
The Waldorf Astoria Hotel is located on Pennsylvania Avenue and less than a ten minute walk to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian National Museum of American History, and the National Archives Museum. This hotel is incredibly luxurious and displays it with a 9 story atrium. The building also has a large clock tower that is available to be toured by guests. The amenities include a lobby bar, a restaurant, a sushi place, a fitness center, and even a spa.
If you are traveling with young children, the National Children’s Museum is also just around the corner from this full-service hotel.
The closest metro stop is Federal Triangle which is a very short walk from the hotel. This metro station has the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines running through it which gives you access to almost any place in DC. Another nearby metro stop is the National Archives / Penn Quarter stop. This metro station has access to the Green and Yellow metro lines. If you can afford the price tag on this hotel, the location is incredible.
Sofitel Washington DC
The Sofitel Hotel is located in Lafayette Square on 15th street. Walking about a mile down 15th street you will find yourself on the National Mall and at the National Museum of African American History. This hotel is also within a 6 minute walk from the White House.
The rooms are incredibly sophisticated and include marble bathrooms, large TVs, and pull out sofas. The hotel itself offers a French bistro and a lounge bar as food and drink options, and also includes a fitness center.
Salamander Hotel (Previously The Mandarin Oriental)
The Salamander Hotel is located at the end of the Maryland Avenue loop. It is right next to the Artechouse Museum and near the International Spy Museum as well. It is also only an 8 minute walk to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and only a little over a mile from downtown DC and the White House. It is also a short walk to the Washington Monument and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Contrary to popular belief this museum is not technically a Smithsonian Institution but it is located very close to many of the museums.
Within the hotel, they have a cocktail lounge, a world class restaurant, and also offer paid breakfast. Part of the restaurant’s outdoor area overlooks the Potomac River. For amenities, they offer a spa and an indoor pool along with a fitness center.
Hotels Near Washington DC Museums: Great Finds
If you’re looking for hotels near Washington DC museums that are a little easier on your waller, check out these very good options below.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco
The Kimpton Hotel Monaco may not be a 5-star hotel but it is as close as it gets. It is located on F street across from the National Portrait Gallery and 2 minutes away from the Capital One Arena. It is also less than half a mile from the National Mall. The Smithsonian American Art Museum is just next door and Ford’s Theatre (where Lincoln was shot) is also just two blocks away.
The hotel offers a French/New-American cuisine on-site as well as other amenities including a 24 hour gym and complimentary bike rentals. They also hold a free wine reception ever evening.
Hyatt Place
The Hyatt Place Hotel is located right next to the more expensive St Regis Hotel on K Street. It is located 6 minutes from the White House and nearby the National Mall as well. This hotel is most known for its rooftop bar, Ellipse, which offers plush seating and great views of downtown DC. They also offer complimentary breakfast here too.
AKA White House
The AKA White House Hotel is located on H street near the Renwick Gallery and a 6 minute walk from the White House. This hotel is in suite style with kitchens and is great for families. There is typically a 2 or 3 night minimum here as well. Rooms are very spacious and you can easily have comfortable accommodations for a family of 4.
Eaton Washington DC
The Eaton Hotel is a 4-star hotel on K Street near Franklin Park. They have a French-American restaurant, a cafe, and a cocktail bar. They also offer a rooftop bar with live music. Other amenities include a gym that offers yoga and meditation classes. This hotel may be a little further from downtown than most but it is only a 15-20 minute walk from the National Mall which has easy access to most Smithsonian Museums.
Hotels Near Washington DC Museums: Budget Options
Washington DC has some great budget options as well when it comes to finding hotels near Washington DC museums. Let’s take a look:
Hotel Hive
Hotel Hive is walking distance to the National Mall but it will take around 15 to 20 minutes. If you are comfortable using public transportation, there is a metro station close to Hotel Hive and this is a great way to get around DC. You can also save time using the metro by avoiding the traffic.
Citizen M Capitol Hill
CitizenM Hotel is very close to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, Hirshhorn Museum, and less than a mile from the Capitol Building. This hotel includes a 24 hour bar and restaurant, as well as soundproof windows that provide a great view. The rooms here are all King rooms, so its a great option for couples and solo travelers but may not be the best option for people traveling with children.
Hotels Near Washington DC Museums: Summary
Whether you are looking for luxury, mid tier, or budget, there is no shortage of hotels near Washington DC museums. Be sure to also see which hotels are near metro stations so that you have multiple ways to get around the city. Our top luxury choices include the Riggs Hotel, the Conrad, the JW Marriott, and the Waldorf Astoria. The best mid tier option is the Kimpton Hotel Monaco. Finally, for more budget friendly options, check out Hotel Hive and Citizen M Capitol Hill.
