Visiting a new town can be overwhelming. You stare at maps for hours trying to figure out where to stay, where to eat, how to get to the sites you want to see, and attempting to understand the neighborhoods. Washington, DC is particularly hard to understand scale on a map. Short distances can take forever by car, and seemingly long distances are often just a 10 minute walk. Here are 4 neighborhoods I would recommend taking a look at when deciding where to stay in Washington, DC. This list is focused on those visiting Washington, DC for the primary tourist attractions that also like to experience the local neighborhoods.
Capitol Hill/Union Station
There is really only one hotel on Capitol Hill, and that is Capitol Hill Hotel. This is a small boutique hotel located across the street from the Library of Congress James Madison Building, and one block from the US Capitol. The location is almost unbeatable, in a relatively quiet neighborhood that boast several of our favorite restaurants and bars, a block from a metro station, and includes loaner bikes to get around the city! A short walk or ride from 2 other great neighborhoods with Eastern Market and Barracks Row next door, easy access to the National Mall and Smithsonian Museums, and even walking distance to Nationals Park.
On the other side of the Capitol next to Union Station there is a cluster of hotels ranging from the more affordable modern YOTEL to the more boutique and locally owned Phoenix Park that is home to the Dubliner, the oldest Irish Pub in DC. Other options on this stretch include a Hilton, Hyatt, and Kimpton. This little area is a hidden gem as it is not only walking distance to everything but there are a few great restaurants and bars in the area, including the new Japanese food hall Love, Makoto.
Thomas Circle/14th Street (near downtown)
Downtown and near the White House the hotels get quite expensive at over $500 a night, but if you look just north you will find this great little spot nestled between downtown DC on one side and some of DC’s premiere food and nightlife neighborhoods on the other. The Washington Plaza is an old favorite with a wonderful location and many amenities. Here you will find yourself only about a block from the beginning of the 14th Street corridor of bars and restaurants, one of DC’s main night life areas. Other nearby hotels include the Beacon and the Homewood Suites (about 50% higher cost). From Thomas Circle toward the White House, you will also find the Capital Hilton with a prime location and typically priced closer to $250 a night.
Dupont Circle
Dupont has been a center of food, nightlife, and shopping for decades. Today there are many hotels in the midrange of price at around $300 a night, however at the top of the hill there is the Washington Hilton usually falls under $200 a night and will put you a very short walk from great food and drinks in 3 neighborhoods with Dupont, Adams Morgan, and the U Street Corridor all nearby. Getting downtown is a little more tricky but an easy scooter ride, short cab/ride share, or you can metro to Metro Center on the red line from here.
Union Market/NOMA
Just a few years ago I would not have recommended these areas and now I spend much of my own time hanging out here. There are several hotels priced in the mid $200s located in NOMA, next to a metro station and surrounded by restaurants and nightlife with Union Market and H Street nearby, a 15 minute walk to Union Station at the edge of the US Capitol, and short scooter or cab/ride share ride away from Shaw, a nightlife area that’s geared towards slightly older crowds (not just people in their 20s) with several wonderful local watering holes and dive bars, some of which feature regular live music. Hotels to look at include Hyatt Place US Capitol (low $200) and Washington Marriott Capitol Hill on the higher end (mid to high $300). Stay south of Florida Avenue if stating in this area. Those spots on New York Avenue north of Union Market may look tempting but are an absolute pain to get to and from due to the location on the major highway and all of Union Market between there and the rest of town.
Areas I would avoid, but you might not?
I wouldn’t go for anything south of the National Mall personally. There are many affordable hotels just south of the National Mall for sure, but the area is absolutely dead as it is all government offices. If that doesn’t bother you and you just want as close as possible to the Smithsonian Museums, then go for it and check out Holiday Inn Washington Capitol but be warned, there is no food or drink for as far as the eye can see.
The Wharf has lots of options, several restaurants, a few music venues, and quite a few bars. But it is all pretty pricey and for me feels a little forced, like you can tell the area was built for tourists and is brand new. I primarily don’t recommend this area because I think you should experience DC and the wonder personality our neighborhoods possess.
National Park/The Yards is very similar to the Wharf in its new, built up around the baseball stadium, and has lots of restaurants and bars, but not an area I would recommend as again you can tell it was built as a place to hang out before or after the game.
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