The Hay-Adams
Not for nothing did the Obamas check into the Hay-Adams before moving into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Old-school grandeur, luxurious decor, impeccable service, and stunning views of the White House make this a Washington fixture.
800 16th St., NW; 202-638-6600.
The Jefferson
This Beaux Arts gem on 16th Street reopened in 2009 following extensive renovations. Inside the lobby, checkered floors lead to rooms with opulent but tasteful furnishings.
1200 16th St., NW; 202-448-2300.
St. Regis
The St. Regis’s imposing, palazzo-style building was inaugurated by Calvin Coolidge in 1926. Lavish rooms and high-tech fittings, and butler service allow for a comfortable stay.
923 16th St., NW; 202-638-2626.
W Washington DC
While most of Washington’s luxury hotels are all about overstated elegance, the W is an ultra-trendy exception. In the main lobby, red patent leather chairs sit opposite zebra-print ottomans, while a deejay plays house music in the background.
515 15th St., NW; 202-661-2400.
The Willard InterContinental
Martin Luther King Jr. reportedly finished his “I Have a Dream” speech in this 1901 Beaux Arts landmark. This is Old Washington luxury at its best: mahogany furnishings, crystal chandeliers, and afternoon tea just minutes from the White House.
1401 Pennsylvania Ave., NW; 202-628-9100.
Capital Hilton
Located just off K Street, this storied Hilton location teems with power players during the week. Rooms are spare and elegant; amenities include access (for a fee) to the on-site gym and spa.
1001 16th St., NW; 202-393-1000.
Loews Madison Hotel
This boutique hotel is a stylish, well-positioned spot with elegant decor, 300-count Egyptian cotton sheets, free Wi-Fi, and reliable service.
1177 15th st., nw; 202-862-1600.
The Mayflower Renaissance
This downtown landmark may have a scandalous history—it’s where former New York governor Eliot Spitzer brought his career-ending “date”—but its reputation is otherwise solid. Painted murals, ornate moldings, and plenty of chandeliers add to the genteel ambience.
1127 Connecticut Ave., NW; 202-347-3000.
Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square
Two blocks from the White House, this Sofitel outpost combines European style with American efficiency. Rooms are simple and handsome, and an in-house library offers reading materials for guests to peruse.
806 15th St., NW; 202-730-8800.
This article appears in our Washingtonian Welcome Guide.
