Hotels in Washington

Washington Hotels

The nation's capital is full of historic sights, and as you take a stroll around the city you'll be able to see historic homes, monuments, and memorials wherever you look. Travelers from around the world come to Washington, D.C, from heads of state to tourists who want to learn about the history of the USA, and it's a lively, diverse city. Washington, D.C also boasts plenty of things to enjoy after a long day of sightseeing, from world class restaurants to busy nightclubs, and a great selection of bars where you'll often see politicians and their staff relaxing.

Things to see

The iconic White House is recognizable around the world, and this neoclassical building holds many national treasures. Tours need to be booked well in advance, but it's worth it to secure your spot. You'll be able to tour the grand hallways, with their columns and chandeliers, stopping to explore the many hidden rooms, with paintings of past presidents and artifacts gifted from around the world. If you're visiting the White House, then a stroll around the adjacent National Mall allows you to see some of the capital's most recognizable monuments, all set in serene park grounds. You'll see the Washington Monument, standing over 500 feet tall, and the Lincoln Memorial which is housed in a Greek style temple, with the seated statue of Lincoln and carvings of his famous speeches on the walls. At the heart of the park is the calm Capitol Reflecting Pool, a long stretch of water where you can see the reflection of the surrounding landmarks, with benches and grassy spots where you can relax on a sunny day. Visit the Smithsonian owned National Museum of American History and you'll be able to learn more about the history and culture of the USA, with interactive and fascinating exhibits set in a contemporary building. From the original Star-Spangled Banner, which inspired the lyrics to the national anthem, to the ruby slippers worn in the movie adaption of the Wizard of Oz, the museum has something for everyone.

Hotels in Washington

Stay close to areas such as Capitol Hill and you'll find many luxury hotels in Washington, D.C. With many visitors coming to the city for business or political reasons, you'll find most hotels have useful modern facilities such as free WiFi, business centers, conference rooms, and valet parking. You'll also find extras to help you relax, from indoor pools to full service spas, health clubs, and a selection of restaurants and bars on-site. If you are after more affordable Washington, D.C hotels, you'll be able to find some of the major chains close to the city, with inns offering free continental breakfasts, free WiFi, and easy access to the major attractions.

Where to stay

Capitol Hill is where some of the city's most important buildings can be found, from the Senate to the Supreme Court, as well as upmarket residential areas with historic rowhouses. It's where you'll find some of the city's finest restaurants, with a diverse selection of cuisines that reflect the many different cultures that stay here. Georgetown sits along the Potomac River, with a long waterfront park that gives you a great view of the Washington skyline. The area is famous for its historic architecture, with many charming red brick buildings, and there's a huge selection of designer and vintage boutiques, chic cafés, and cozy restaurants.

How to get to Washington

Washington Dulles International Airport has flights arriving from around the world, as well as domestic flights from cities around the USA. The drive into downtown takes about 40 minutes, but to avoid traffic then the public transport option is often better. You simply take a bus from the airport to Rosslyn Metro Station, then take the silver line to the Metro Center or other central destinations. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is closer, less than 15 minutes from the city by car, and has domestic flights to cities across the USA. From here you can simply take the National Airport Metro Station, with services on the blue and yellow line taking you downtown in less than 25 minutes. Union Station is the main arrival point for rail travelers, and is on several Amtrak lines that serve New York City, Boston, Chicago, and beyond, with many smaller suburban rail services also running.