The Washington center is about the area of National Museum of Natural History and the area of National Archives.
Washington DC is absolutely gorgeous to visit in the March and April months. With the cherry blossoms in full bloom around the mall and with the monuments as a backdrop, the city is beautiful. The Metro makes transportation easy as you travel to see all that the city has to offer. The Smithsonian Museum, Capitol Hill, the White House and other rich historical monuments make this city one of a kind. Looking to shop? Visit Georgetown, with cute boutiques and your favorite shops aplenty. Catch a show at the Kennedy Center or Constitution Hall. See one of your favorite musical acts or your favorite team at the Verizon Center, located at Gallery Place. The city has much to offer, including top restaurant options. DC has something for everyone!
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 |
Below are reviews of the city of Washington, DC from an actual visitor's perspective.
Great restaurants, lots to see and do...we really enjoyed all the museums.
It was a lot cleaner than I imagined. Sooo much to see and do! Loved the food options as well!
The museums
We have family here and the museums -- the Nationla Gallery and the Smithsonian are wonderful.
The people have all been amazing. The architecture and the Food is more than I ever expected ! I will definitely be back again and more often.
I have lived in Washington 3x for a total of 10 years. I love it. One of the most beautiful cities in the US. So much green space.
Everything we needed and wanted to see was in walking distance from hotel
Walking distance to the museums and the monuments. Seeing T-Rex fossil at the National History Museum. Seeing the Entertainment history at the American History Museum.
LOVED THE CITY. very easy to get around. Great restaurants people very friendly
Near Walgreens, Tatte and a small grocery store inside a condo around the block
Landmarks and atmosphere!
So many great places to visit: museums, etc. Walkable streets.
Touring the Capitol
I love the architecture and neighborhoods. GW University and Georgetown are wonderful.
I love walking the city at night, seeing the sights, monuments, and finally feeling safe. Police greet you on the street corners and arks with a smile, and the men and women in uniform are happy being there keeping you safe! After working here for a career or better, it's wonderful to see our Nations Capital, one we can truly be proud of, and enjoy again with confidence of safety and protection.
I can't comment about the city. I went to the baseball game and back to the hotel
All the wonderful sights. It's The Capital of the entire United States of America!
The Georgetown waterfront and of course the National Mall!
It is a best place for my family with memories.
Everything is nearby
We came to see baseball so the proximity to the park was excellent. Also the area down by river was beautiful with all the restaurants and bars.
We went to a baseball game.
Lots to do in proximity.
My son went to American University. Every time we visit we see a new site and love the beauty of the city and all it has to offer
We were guests at the White House for the Purple Heart recognition day event and everyone was very helpful to us inside and well as outside on the street near the White House.
The museums, the friendliness and variety of the people living there, the beauty of the buildings, the sense of history that pervades everything.
Very nice city
Endless restaurants, sightseeing, and great ground transportation.
Washington DC is a very beautiful city with lots of green open areas, lovely to walk or drive. We were here at the hottest time of year and still had a wonderful visit.
My son lives there just across the street. The hotel is in prime site for us to visit then head to a hotel room.
Easy walking around - Clean streets
The Naval Yard area was amazing. It was very clean and everyone was very nice.
All the beautiful sites.
I love the wide cultural mix in DC, an international city where all people are welcomed and respected.
Loved it.
The sightseeing!
Lots of memorable sites!
DC is the bomb!
One of my favorites was visiting The National Museum of African American History & Culture as well as the diverse food!
I like that there are a plethora of events to attend!
Good history lessons for my grandchildren
The tour guides were amazing. It seemed to be a clean city. It was a great experience to see The Whitehouse, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and Mt. Vernon.
public transportation is great . People are very approachable and helpful
The tours, museums and the food.
The city is very walkable and the Metro station is only 2 blocks away. All the museums are centrally located on the Mall.
Library of Congress. African American History Museum. National Gallery. Lafayette Park. Metro System.
Easy to move around in due to metro system
The Museum of the Bible was a great experience as well as our trip to the US Capitol Building.
We visited the capital, the museums and took the big bus around. Subway was very convenient.
Great museums, monuments and history.
A seafood restaurant that's a block away from the hotel is absolutely a "MUST DINE". The service and food were incredible!
Easy to get around whether by taxi, walking or metro.
The Hotel is in a very beautiful area.
The Lincoln assignation tour.
Memorial day parade
Dining. Things to do. City seemed relatively safe after dark.
Vibrant city!
The museums and visiting Arlington Cemetery.
I like Washington..the demonstration which supported Palestinians..the farmers market..and the program for which I came at catholic cathedral..I are twice at the Persian restaurant Dervish; the manager was most engaging.
Tours at several Smithsonian sites. Jazz at the Blue Alley and lots of Uber rides. Moonlight tour, African American Museum, National Gallery of Art and China Town also.
Very enjoyable and hospitable.
The history, the sites--So proud to be an American!
So green and beautiful!
Historical sites. Restaurants, shopping, etc.
Organized exhibits, free admission to many bldgs & museums and we found great restaurants all within walking distance of our hotel.
The history of our country and the beautiful buildings!
D.C. has great museums, attractions and dining!
We went to a couple of baseball games.
Georgetown is fun and felt safe, walking distance to lots of sites like the National Cathedral and embassies, shops and restaurants.
The o Museum in the Mansions, very close to hotel, as well as restaurant Wine and Dine were great pluses!
Really enjoyed the close proximity to many excellent restaurants, and museums.
Clean, easy and inexpensive to ride metro, lots to see and do, wonderful restaurants
Walking distance to museums and attractions.
The Native American Museum was awesome as was walking around the mall. The US Postal Museum was a wonderful surprise.
The museums. National Portrait Gallery and National Gallery of Art, Spy Museum and a night tour of monuments.
Clean hotel, great experience.
Hotel was in a great location, easy walk to sites and the metro. Clean!!
Near the national park and restaurants.
Washington is a walkable city with beautiful parks and the best museums. It's earning its rightful place as a foodie city.
Spy Museum and Cherry Blossom tress in bloom! The Old Town Trolley was fun!
Cherry blossoms!
A walking city. Clean.
Lunch at the pizzeria was excellent. The trees in bloom were beautiful, and the view of the Washington Monument at night from the hotel was amazing!
Washington is a walkable city with great beauty, parks, the best museums and is earning it's rightful place as a foodie city!
Our nation's capitol never disappoints!
Washington is a walkable city, w great beauty, parks, the best museums and is earning its rightful place as a foodie coty
Lots of places to visit!
I have not been to Washington in 35 years. It is quite beautiful.
I love the Four Five Coffee Obsession across from the hotel. The amazing venues that are always going on and the fact that everything is pretty affordable.
Everyone we met was friendly and welcoming. Many excellent restaurants.