Best Luxury Hotels in Washington D.C.

The AC Hotel Washington DC Downtown is the ideal option for those looking for a comfortable stay in a modern setting with excellent amenities and a collection of luminous and spacious rooms. The hotel features the AC Kitchen which serves a European breakfast spread to start your day the right way while the AC Lounge offers a tapas menu to pair with the selection of Spanish wines or the AC signature Gin & Tonic. Guests are invited to make the most of the facilities offered by the 24-hour, fully equipped fitness centre with Peloton bike. This hotel is pet friendly. The hotel’s location is conveniently close to two major metro stops meaning you’re well connected throughout your stay.

Formerly the General Post Office, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC is housed in a monumental building that has stood since the 1840’s. The hotel is located withing less than a five-minute walk from some of Washington DC’s most popular attractions including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Capital One Arena and Ford’s Theatre. The hotel is comprised of 184 guestrooms and suites with a perfect balance of traditional decoration and contemporary comfort and featuring the Robert Mills Suite with its 20ft ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows on the corner of the hotel. Guests are invited to dine at the Dirty Habit Restaurant and Bar with a chic outdoor patio and exquisite food and beverage options. Guests can also reserve private and in-room dining options to enhance their stay. There is a fully equipped 24-hour fitness centre. The hotel is pet friendly and provides guests with access to Wag! Premium benefits for the duration of your stay.

Standing today as the Riggs Washington DC Hotel, the former headquarters of Riggs National Bank, known as the Bank of Presidents, offers luxurious and unique accommodation to travellers from around the world. The hotel is comprised of 181 carefully designed guestrooms and suites with elements reflecting the building’s history with the exquisite Riggs Suite being housed in the former boardroom complete with ornate ceilings and fireplace. There are also accessible rooms and spaces on site. Guests are invited to make the most of the all-day on-site dining at the splendid Café Riggs which puts a contemporary twist on the concept of a classic brasserie. In the building’s original bank vault you’ll find the Silver Lyan Bar, the first bar by Mr Lyan outside of Europe. Guests can take full advantage of the 24-hour Riggs Gym or opt for the complimentary guest bikes to explore the city and make the most of your stay.

While still in its infancy, Posada del Angel was visited by the likes of Bill Clinton during his Presidency. But on first sight you may be surprised to learn it’s fewer than three decades old; with much patina, terracotta tiles, stone walls and a pretty pillared central courtyard bursting with blooms, it resembles a heritage building, blending well into Antigua’s cobbled streets and colonial-era properties. This was the UNESCO-listed city’s first-ever boutique hotel, with a long narrow outdoor pool, a plushly decorated outdoor terrace with far-reaching volcano views, a breakfast dining room with an open fire and just seven individualised suites.

Previously known as The Carlton Hotel, this prestigious residence in the heart of the Downtown was opened by President Coolidge in 1926 and has been welcoming heads of state ever since. It’s just a few blocks from the White House, with an exterior reflecting the Gilded Age glamour, with Palladian windows and a grand entrance. Inside, guests are surrounded by lush fabrics, chandeliers, fires and classic old world DC furnishings. The hotel has its very own cocktail, the Capitol Mary and champagne is opened nightly by the head sommelier by sword, during the sabering ceremony and toast. It also has a lavishly presented restaurant, a house car and is pet-friendly.

Found in the Foggy Bottom district, Washington’s Ritz-Carlton combines modern furnishings with period features. It has DC’s largest ballroom and an unusual cocktail and food pairing menu, available in the Quadrant Bar & Lounge. Those seeking a fuller meal can dine in the Westend Bistro, where breakfast is also served. Those travelling with children will appreciate the Ritz Kids Program, designed to make your little ones feel extra special (interconnecting rooms are also available). Upgrade to a Club Level suite for extra space, a work/dining space, free access to the Equinox Gym and entry to a Club Lounge.

This building has seen plenty of illustrious figures pass through its doors since opening in the 19th century. Nicknamed the Residence of Presidents (it’s close to the city’s premier address), the hotel is a celebrity haunt, with five-star service. The Round Robin Bar (described as the Oval Office of bars by Conde Nast Traveller) dates back to 1847 and specialises in handmade cocktails, while by day, it’s a sophisticated spot for afternoon tea. Cafe du Parc is a Forbes Travel Guide recommended French brasserie, while Le Cafe is its coffee shop sibling, with delicious pastries, entrees and a petite menu.

Around the corner from The Hay-Adams is the very grown-up Sofitel. It utilises a moodier decor palette than many of its local competitors, with darker hues, black and white vintage French posters and velvet upholstery. The hotel has a restaurant – Opaline Bar & Brasserie with an outdoor seating area and a fitness centre. 237 guest rooms take on a fairly minimalist style, with theatrical colours (lots of black and red), modern artworks and conveniences like blackout curtains and king-sized beds.

The Southwest Waterfront has seen more than its fair share of regeneration over recent years and it’s here that the Mandarin Oriental is found. As is customary in the brand’s properties, you’ll find plenty of Asian influences, reflecting the hotel chain’s heritage. This extends to the spa menu, the dining offer, artwork and decorative touches. Tea can be taken in the Empress Lounge and the Muse restaurant serves American favourites like cheeseburgers, along with sushi and Hong Kong specialities. After a hard day’s sightseeing, you can chill out in the Zen relaxation room and swim some laps in the 50ft heated indoor pool.

While many of DC’s luxe hotels are grand, large establishments, the Rosewood bucks the trend as an intimate boutique hotel with a high-end approach. Set beside the canal, it gives access to a leafier side of the city, although the eponymous monument can still be seen from the rooftop. And it’s here, at the top of the building, that the Rosewod’s pool (and a pool bar) is found. Guests can also dine with a view of the canal in the Grill Room and drink in the club-style Rye Bar. Rooms at the Rosewood are bang on-trend, yet supremely elegant, with espresso machines, Pratesi linens, touch-panel tech and monsoon showers.

The luxurious Conrad Washington DC Hotel is conveniently located in Downtown DC, mere blocks away from the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre. Some of the city’s main attractions are situated less than ten minutes from the hotel – The White House, the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian Museum. There is an exquisite selection of guestrooms and suites featuring the expansive, almost-2,500-sqft, two-bedroom Presidential Suite with a double-sided gas fireplace, baby grand piano and access to the exclusive Sakura Club. The Sakara Club offers complimentary breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails. On-site dining is available at Estuary Restaurant and Bar where a seasonal, Mid-Atlantic menu is served daily. Guests are also welcome to enjoy local dishes and beverages in the spectacular Summit Rooftop Bar. There is also a fully equipped fitness centre. The hotel is pet friendly.

Located on Downtown Washington DC’s Pennsylvania Avenue, the JW Marriott Washington, DC Hotel offers an award-winning stay in an ideal location. The hotel is situated mere steps away from some of the most iconic attractions such as The White House, the Smithsonian Institution, the National Mall, and Freedom Plaza. There is a collection of comfortable and contemporary guestrooms and suites featuring the spacious Presidential Suite. There are multiple on-site dining options including the Avenue Grill for breakfast and lunch and the 1331 Bar & Lounge for dinner and late-night drinks. There is also room service available for those wishing to enjoy a meal or beverage of their choice from the comfort of their own rooms. Guests are welcome to make the most of the fully equipped 24-hour fitness centre. The hotel is home to sophisticated and expansive meeting and function facilities.