Kyra Shapurji

Washington D.C. doesn’t just brag world-class parks, museums and galleries, a bounty of historical and political institutions and a gloriously eclectic restaurant scene—it’s also got a shedload of brilliant hotels. So, from long-standing landmarks to chic and modern boutiques, we’ve rounded up our favorite places to stay, including new reviews ahead of winter 2025 of Canal House, Fairmont Washington D.C. Georgetown and The Pendry.  Which area is best to stay in Washington D.C.? To explore D.C.’s boutique shops and gourmet restaurants, Adams Morgan could be the spot, but head to Shaw if slick shops and trendy galleries are more your schtick. Oh, and for some classic, quaint streets and pretty manicured gardens, opt for Georgetown. There’s more information in our neighborhood guide. Washington D.C.’s best hotels at a glance: 💎 Most luxurious: Four Seasons Washington DC 👛 Best budget: The LINE Hotel DC 👙 Best pool: Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf 🤩 Most iconic: Willard InterContinental Washington by IHG 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best cheap hotels in Washington D.C. How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, featur

The panoramic Potomac River views are the first and lasting impression to note about the Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf. The “little sister” hotel brand to Montage Hotels and Resorts can be found right in the middle of Washington, D.C.’s newer neighborhoods, ones that boomed post-pandemic for their mixed use of work and play.  To date, I’ve stayed in three Pendry hotels in the United States Northeast, and each one exudes contemporary luxury, but none quite match Washington DC - The Wharf’s full-frontal water views, inducing an “anchors away” feeling only found here. Why stay at Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf? If you’re enticed by hotel pools, the Pendry has one facing the river perched above the Wharf’s pier walk. Curved design lines and soft corners carry through to furniture choices, communal hallways, and even the glass facade undulates in motion mimicking the nearby marina’s waves.  Stay here for the replenishing water views, and you’ll still have decent accessibility to the National Mall and the monuments (a 10 minute drive or 30 minute walk). What are the rooms like at Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf? With 131 rooms including 38 suites, selection mostly hinders on how much of a river view you would like. There’s a trio to choose from with partial, deluxe, and corner rooms. If you’re trying to save a bit of your money then opt for a regular king room.  I stayed in a deluxe king river view and perched from my bed looking through the gleaming windows, I snacked on the

West End. Foggy Bottom. Georgetown. The nexus of all three of these neighborhoods meet at the Fairmont Washington, D.C. Georgetown hotel, and with its swivel doors, bellhops, and lobby greeters awaiting to welcome the gamut of travelers, it ticks all the boxes of a charmingly classic hotel. There’s a surprising amount of community-driven events hosted here–a couple occurred less than 24-hours during my stay–that span the calendar year like Nutcracker Afternoon Tea, which create a consistent mingling buzz and jovial energy between staff, locals, and guests. Here’s why you should stay.  Why stay at Fairmont Washington D.C. Georgetown? For its consistency and dependability. It brings brand-name recognition and makes for an elevated choice with proximity to the capital’s main museums and memorial sites. If you’re enticed by the grandeur of old school sentiment, it’s stately in all regards, so much so that it was the film location for the Hollywood blockbuster, Enemy of the State. Dignified with its neo-classic interiors, the marble is the design throughline and a metallic palette of gold, silver, and copper tones are embraced. Many amenities are touted for the guest that might need to crash here after a heavy day of meetings—or if you need to take a meeting—with the peace of mind that every room comes equipped with a proper desk and chair.  I don’t have a furry friend, but if you’re inclined to travel with a pet, the hotel goes out of its way to embrace this companion choice, and