Best Luxury 5 Star Hotels in District of Columbia

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.

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.

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.

The iconic former Post Office of Washington DC has been beautifully restored and transformed into the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC that is seen today. Located on the bustling Pennsylvania Avenue, the hotel is conveniently located close to some of the city’s major attractions such as The White House, the Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. The hotel is comprised of 263 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites featuring the city’s largest offering – the two-bedroom, bi-level Waldorf Townhouse, a 6,300sqft retreat with every modern comfort and private entrance. The hotel’s culinary offerings boast Michelin-starred The Bazaar by José Andrés and the options of dining underneath an impressive atrium roof featuring sophisticated chandeliers and elegant design. There is also the indulgent, Michelin-starred Sushi Nakazawa and the option of 24-hour room service. The on-site spa provides a Himalayan Salt Therapy Room and a team of treatment specialists while there is also a fully equipped fitness room. The hotel is pet friendly.