When to Visit
Washington, DC has two distinct busy seasons. The first is from mid-January to June when Congress is in session. The city is packed with business visitors during the first half of the year. This is compounded by families and school groups visiting from mid-March to June. The city's famous cherry blossoms emerge during this time as well, making Washington, DC a particularly alluring, if busy, destination. Congress is in again from the second week in September until Thanksgiving, bringing a new surge of people to DC.
If possible, plan your visit around the end of August or the beginning of September. Crowds are at their lowest during this time, and hotel rates take a dive during these weeks as well. July is another option if you're looking for low crowds, but the weather is hot and humid, which is part of why the capital is so empty during this month. Winter is another low season for DC, but the weather is typically a deterrent, particularly for leisure travelers. You can find freezing temperatures and the occasional snowstorm during winter.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Washington, DC:
Washington by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Washington, DC. You can use these illustrations to determine the most cost effective dates to make a reservation in Washington for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Washington, DC
4 Star Average Prices: $208.49
If you're looking for elegant hotels in Washington, DC with exclusive amenities, you have several options that take hospitality to new levels. Book a room at the Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square and enjoy complimentary in-room mineral water, a fully stocked mini bar, and a soothing rain showerhead. Book in-room spa services for a truly pampering experience, or head down to the ICI Urban Bistro for a contemporary bite with a French twist.
For a boutique experience, try The Jefferson where you can lounge in front of the fireplace in the private book room or peruse the extensive collection of art and historical documents on-site. Elegant dining options at The Jefferson include The Greenhouse, Plume, and Quill.
The Fairfax at Embassy Row offers stunning historic accommodations. Elegant features like original crown molding and floorboards, cherry wood furniture, Fili D'oro linens, and Frette bathrobes offer an opulent experience. On-site dining is available at The Capitol Room. Formerly The Jockey Club, this location has hosted the likes of Frank Sinatra, Joe DiMaggio, and John and Jacqueline Kennedy.
The Omni Shoreham Hotel has served the elite of Washington DC since 1930. The hotel sits on 11 expansive acres just four blocks from the National Zoo. It offers a picturesque pool, spa and health club, and elegant on-site dining at Robert's Restaurant. Head up to your room and relax in style with your granite-topped wet bar, stainless steel bathroom fixtures, and plush bedding.
With a room at The Dupont Circle Hotel, you'll find so many elegant amenities you may never want to leave. Heated bathroom floors and a spacious walk-in shower make any morning routine a pleasure. Soft 300 thread count Irish linens beg you to lounge in bed. Head down to Café Dupont for local organic dishes with French-American flair.
Whether you're interested in lounging poolside or perusing stunning art during your stay, you can find luxury accommodations in DC that will suit your needs.
Cheap Hotel Options in Washington, DC
3 Star Average Prices: $171.43
Planning a budget trip to Washington, DC can be easier than you might think. If you're looking for low-cost accommodations where you don't have to sacrifice space for affordability, the Best Western Pentagon-Reagan Airport offers spacious suites and complimentary high-speed wireless Internet. The Comfort Inn Ballston helps you pad your budget by providing a complimentary breakfast each morning.
The Days Inn Alexandria is another cheap hotel option in the DC area. This is an ideal pick for business travelers with complimentary shuttle service to the Van Dorn Metro Station and free Wi-Fi in both the rooms and the lobby. A continental breakfast and morning coffee in the lobby offer a convenient start to the day that won't put a dent in your travel budget.
The Days Inn Washington DC/Connecticut Avenue puts you within just three miles of the White House, Smithsonian Museums, and Washington Monument. An on-site Italian Restaurant and complimentary Wi-Fi offer added perks for this budget pick.
Other picks with some of the lowest prices in DC include Econo Lodge Takoma Park, Days Inn Arlington Pentagon, and Red Roof Inn Washington DC – Oxon Hill. Though these options have fewer amenities, they can offer a handy solution for parties who need to keep their travel budget as small as possible.
2 Star Average Prices: $112.47
Best Discounts
If you know where to look, you can find special deals for nearly any type of party in Washington, DC. Whether you're looking for affordable military or government rates, or you simply want a handy package that rolls several of your travel expenses into one, you can find a property that caters to your party's needs.
The Beacon Hotel has a diverse selection of special offers including a union-preferred rate, AAA member rate, and government value rates. Simply booking ahead will save you money at this hotel. You'll enjoy 30 percent off for booking 45 days in advance, 25 percent off 21 days in advance, and a 20 percent discount when you book 14 days ahead. Customize your romantic weekend away with a date night package, or use the family value package for added savings on extended stays.
Book a stay at a Hilton Garden Inn and you can take advantage of discounts for AAA members, AARP members, military families, and seniors. Business travelers can enjoy packages for meetings of up to 25 people, while spontaneous leisure travelers can book a weekend getaway package with breakfast and a late checkout.
The Fairfax at Embassy Row offers some of the best rates for active military members and first responders with rates up to 50 percent off. Booking in advance at The Fairfax can help you net up to $50 in savings. Additional deals include savings for booking two or more nights in a suite, or cashing in on special offers for AAA members.
Washington, DC Neighborhoods
Washington, DC has several distinctive neighborhoods to consider when you're booking a hotel in the area. If you want to stay in the center of the city, look for a hotel in Penn Quarter. Though crowded, this area gives you easy access to restaurants, museums, and theaters. Midtown is one of the best choices for historical hotels. You'll still enjoy a central location here, but the traffic is somewhat milder than Penn Quarter.
If you want to be within easy reach of the National Mall and Union Station, head for Capitol Hill. If you have business at the Capitol, this is a particularly convenient pick. Dupont Circle is packed with hotels ranging from major chains to boutique finds. Art galleries and embassies abound in this area.
Take the time to explore your options in Washington, DC, and you're sure to locate a hotel that fits all your needs. Whether you're looking for a sleek conference room or a swanky spa, you can find it here at a price that fits your travel budget.
Best Value Options in Washington, DC
Washington, DC is packed with mid-range hotels that offer great value for your money. The Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC Downtown puts you just blocks from the US Capitol, While House, and Convention Center, making it a prime choice for business travelers. The hotel offers flexible meeting space for up to 155 people, and features complimentary Wi-Fi, so it's easy to get work done while you're on the road.
Book a room near the National Mall at the Holiday Inn Capitol. Here, you have access to value-added amenities like an on-site Starbucks and soothing courtyard garden. With three on-site restaurants, you'll never go hungry. Guests enjoy a Keurig coffee maker and refrigerator in each room, making it easy to grab a quick snack or beverage. A seasonal pool offers added entertainment in the summer.
If you're looking for a historic hotel that won't break your budget, the Hotel Baron Washington is an excellent pick. The building dates back to 1914, but 2011 refurbishments ensure that today's guests enjoy all the essential amenities. Guest rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi. This hotel offers rooms with two twin, double, or queen beds, making it a versatile pick for all types of travelers.
Perhaps you have a bit more to spend, but you want to make sure you're getting great value for your hotel dollars. The State Plaza Hotel is an amenity-packed option. This suite hotel offers spacious accommodations that are ideally suited to long-term travelers. If you're going to be in town on business for an extended stay, you'll feel right at home in some of these suites, which can be as large as some apartments. The hotel's concierge ensures that all your needs are met at this hotel, while nightly turndown service provides that finishing touch that makes for a truly special stay.
Travel overview of Washington, DC
Visiting America's capital, Washington DC, is like entering a large classroom to learn about American History 101. The nation's most revered monuments and landmarks are showpieces of a living museum that date back towards the end of the 1700s. The country's political powerhouse, the White House, draws the most awestruck visitors to the capital. The breadth and size of the National Mall covers some of the most visited museums in the country, if not the world, such as National Museum of Natural History and National Air and Space Museum. The Smithsonian Institution alone has 16 of its topnotch museums in Washington DC, showing visitors that the city is steeped in cultural artifacts. The Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument are just two of a series of monuments adding more to the patriotic pride of this premier city. Washington DC's bars and restaurants provide another reason why a visit to the nation's capital is a worthwhile endeavor. From one Zagat-rated establishment to another, you're faced with an endless range of culinary treats.
'Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company. These wise words were said by George Washington, the first president of the Unites States.
The Capital of Free and Brave
As you probably already know “ Washington is the capital of the United States. The city was named after George Washington, the first president of the United States. Even though the local life is unstoppable in Washington, there are thousands of tourists, who come to this city not only to see the famous capital, but also visit some lovely historical places that make America as one of the greatest and richest cultures in the world. If you are traveling to this city you will probably want to pay a visit to Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool, Library of Congress, National World War II Memorial and Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. In addition to this, you will probably need a place to stay during your visit, as it is almost impossible to see all the famous sites in one day. That is why we are giving you this short list of some great Washington hotels. Even though it is not that hard to find hotels in Washington, there are so many of them that you may get lost between the prices and their quality levels.
How to Stay on the Budget in Washington?
Let's begin with some great and cheap hotels in Washington. Yes, you have read it correctly. There are some pretty good and cheap hotels in Washington that will provide you with the basic needs while on your stay. So if you are looking for some budget accommodation, go ahead and read more about these hotels: Kimpton Hotel, Hampton Inn Washington, Capitol Skyline Hotel, Hotel Harrington or Holiday Inn Washington.
The Best Places to Stay in the Capital of the United States
Nevertheless, some of you may want to forget about counting each and every dollar on your vacation. If you are one of those kinds of people, go along and check out these Washington hotels: The George, a Kimpton Hotel, Omni Shoreham Hotel, The Dupont Circe or Four Seasons Washington. These hotels in Washington are known for their high quality, picturesque views and lovely staff to help you while on your stay.
The Historical Roots of America
But what else can you visit despite those famous sites already mentioned above? Well, you should definitely not forget to visit some great national galleries like National Portrait Gallery, The Phillips Collection, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts or Smithsonian Institution Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. What is also so great about Washington is that you can see some monuments or other places of interest almost in each and every corner of the city. So if you are really willing to spend a thoughtful holiday in the capital of the Unites States go ahead and start to pack your bags right now!
FAQs about hotels in Washington
How much does a cheap hotel in Washington cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Washington can be as cheap as $112.47 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Washington cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Washington has been $171.43 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a high-end hotel in Washington cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Washington has been $208.49 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
What are the Government Per Diem Hotel Rates in Washington, DC?
Below are the GSA reimbursement limits for hotel spending in Washington, DC excluding taxes per night. See gsa.gov for more details.
Applies to Washington DC (also the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church and Fairfax, and the counties of Arlington and Fairfax, in Virginia; and the counties of Montgomery and Prince George's in Maryland)
| Season Begin | Season End | Lodging Rate | Meals & Incidentals |
| October 1, 2025 |
October 31, 2025 |
$275.00 |
$92.00 |
| November 1, 2025 |
February 28, 2026 |
$196.00 |
$92.00 |
| March 1, 2026 |
June 30, 2026 |
$276.00 |
$92.00 |
| July 1, 2026 |
August 31, 2026 |
$183.00 |
$92.00 |
| September 1, 2026 |
September 30, 2026 |
$275.00 |
$92.00 |