Best Luxury Hotels in District of Columbia

Stay in Georgetown in the timeless surroundings and elegance of the Four Seasons Hotel. It boasts one of the top spas and fitness centres in the city. It’s rated 4-star by Forbes, with a saltwater lap pool and three-storeys of wellness facilities, where age-defying facials and healing massages are offered. The 222 bedroom property is also home to a destination restaurant, the Michelin starred Bourbon Steak, with an adjacent lounge and additional wine bar. It received a multi-million dollar contemporary facelift in 2016 under the direction of designer Pierre-Yves Rochon and has over 1500 works of art to peruse.

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.

Those seeking views of the city’s most famous landmarks should stay at the Hay-Adams. Its proximity to the political epicentre has afforded it visitors such as the Obama family, who made an extended stay just before taking residence at the White House. Family owned and dating back to the 1920s, it has a great bar (Off the Record with satirically themed cocktails), the Lafayette restaurant (named after the square onto which the hotel backs), a fitness centre and free bicycle use for guests. Kids and pets are well catered for too, with activities and treats.

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.

For over one hundred years, the Hamilton Hotel Washington DC has offered luxury and elegance in the heart of the nation’s capital. The ornate building itself is on the National Register of Historic Buildings and is named after the daughter of Alexander Hamilton. There is an array of 326 exquisite guestrooms and suites to choose from with adjoining and accessible options. There are two specialty suites on offer – The VEEP Suite and The Suffrage Suite: Women Win the Vote which celebrate historical and cultural aspects of the country. On-site dining is possible at Via Sophia where gourmet Italian cuisine is served as well as authentic Neapolitan pizzas. Society cocktail bar offers a relaxing atmosphere and a wide range of expertly crafted cocktails. Guests are invited to make the most of the 24-hour fitness centre. There is also an array of meeting and event spaces with award-winning catering and the capacity for up to 700 guests.

Set in a magnificent building with spectacular architecture and design, The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection is a lavish boutique hotel in the lively downtown area of the nation’s capital, Washington DC. The hotel offers a stunning collection of deluxe guestrooms and one- and two-bedroom suites including the expansive Presidential Suite. Guests are invited to dine in the on-site restaurant – the Edgar Bar & Kitchen combines the elements traditional American cuisine with a unique and modern twist. There is a fully equipped 24-hour fitness centre for exclusive guest use. The hotel boasts exceptional event spaces including the restored Grand Ballroom for hosting sophisticated functions, celebrations and even weddings. The hotel’s ideal location is ideal for business and leisure travellers alike and is conveniently near some of the city’s best and most desirable streets attractions.