Top Five Washington, D.C., Hotel Values

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In October, I reported on five hidden hotel values in New York City, and some of you requested a follow-up focusing on Washington, D.C. No problem! With numerous properties both inside the city proper and just on the outskirts, choosing a hotel in D.C. may seem overwhelming at first. But you’ll soon see that finding good value just means taking some time to sort through the many options available. Luckily, a former local (me) is here to help you.

I’ve compiled five properties that will help you make the most of your trip to the nation’s capital. Like my coverage of New York and Las Vegas, these hotel picks offer reasonable pricing and a little something special to make them stand out from the crowd. This could be a stellar location, rooms with unique features, or top-notch customer service. To appeal to a broad spectrum of travelers, I’ve selected hotels both in downtown Washington and just outside the city limits. All have great access, though, to the best D.C. has to offer. Take a look at my five picks, and be sure to suggest your own hotel favorites in the comments section below.{{{SmarterBuddy|align=left}}}Residence Inn Washington, D.C./Capitol

The Residence Inn Washington, D.C./Capitol, located on E Street SW, is a suite-style hotel just a short walk from the National Mall, where you’ll find the famous monuments and Smithsonian museums. Each suite has a fully stocked kitchen featuring ovens, dishwashers, and refrigerators; living areas have high-speed Internet access, flat-screen cable television, and luxury bedding. The hotel has a fitness center, a pool, and a whirlpool. Daily complimentary breakfast is included in your room rate; additionally, an evening dinner reception is available to guests Mondays through Wednesdays. Rates start at $159 for weekends in February.

D.C. Guest House

Get top-notch treatment at the D.C. Guest House bed and breakfast, situated in a historic building outside Logan Circle. The inn’s seven guest rooms feature unique artwork, wireless Internet access, satellite cable television, and DVD players. All guests have access to the inn’s DVD library, which features current releases. The property is a short walk from the D.C. Convention Center and its metro station. Rates start at $150 per night in February and include a full breakfast each day; a two-night stay is required when booking a Saturday night.

Hotel Rouge

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The Hotel Rouge, on the outskirts of fun and funky Dupont Circle, is a boutique property that celebrates all things chic. Like the color red? You’ll see a lot of it here, from room furnishings and decor to the hotel’s evening red wine and red beer complimentary happy hour. If your car is red, you’ll receive one free night of parking, too. Rooms have flat-screen television sets, PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii units, and luxury toiletries and bathrobes. The hotel has a 24-hour fitness center, as well as a bar and lounge. At publication time, getaway packages focusing on romance, shopping, and local attractions were available. Rates start at $129 per night and include the evening wine and beer reception, as well as morning coffee service.

The River Inn

Lots of extras await travelers at The River Inn, located in D.C.’s West End, close to the Foggy Bottom Metro station and a short walk from Georgetown. Rooms start at $119 per night for stays in February, and include suite-style accommodations, high-speed Internet access, in-room Starbucks coffee, evening turndown service, daily newspaper (upon request), and two-hour bicycle rentals. Accommodations feature pillow-top mattresses, flat-screen high-definition televisions, and luxury bath products. The hotel also has a restaurant and a fitness center.

Bethesda Court Hotel

Find a bargain just outside the city limits with a stay at the Bethesda Court Hotel. The property is one-and-a-half blocks from the Bethesda Metro Station on the red line, offering easy access to downtown D.C. and area attractions. Rooms feature luxury bedding, private baths, coffee makers with Wolfgang Puck coffee, cable television, and wireless Internet access. The hotel has a private courtyard, a fitness center, and a salon. Complimentary limousine service is available within a two-mile radius on a first-come, first-served basis. Rates start at $99 per night and include daily continental breakfast.

Your Turn

Have you consistently found good hotel deals in Washington, D.C.? Tell us about your favorite hotel values by leaving a comment below!