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.
All the beautiful sites.
I love the wide cultural mix in DC, an international city where all people are welcomed and respected.
Loved it.
Everything
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
So much to see. Never a dull moment.
Somber
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.
All the sights, museums and how clean the Metro was.
Just like the city it self. The History.
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.
I get to visit family and enjoy the sights
Tourist attractions.
It was a national holiday and everything was shut down
Very close to the National Cathedral which is a fem.
Washington City is wonderful. I have been there many times but I enjoyed it better this time. It is clean. The Metro is clean and felt safe. The Best part of the Metro is the people working there. They were all exceptional, friendly, and went out of their way to help me. If I was a rich girl I would definitely want an apartment at Capitol South that I could visit every so often for it's beautiful political visuals, sights and very convenient transportation. Washington City sounds way nicer than "DC". No more "DC", please and thank you!
A short Walking distance to the metro station.
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!
The city is great!
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!
The o Museum in the Mansions, very close to hotel, as well as restaurant Wine and Dine were great pluses!
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.
The Smithsonian museums especially the Asian history museum
Clean, easy and inexpensive to ride metro, lots to see and do, wonderful restaurants
Although we had a rainy weekend, we could still carry out all our plans.
Tour of the our Capitol. No other time allows for the week needed to see more.
Love how walkable the city is with so many historic sites packed together and plenty of places to drink and eat.
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!!
Hotel was in a great local easy walk to sights and metro. Clean!!
It's beautiful and a wonderful city for those who like to walk , and great diversity of restaurants
Cherry blossoms in bloom. Lots of Museums and Art Galleries. I'll have to come back when I have more time.
Beautiful city, visited historic landmarks as well.
Cherry blossoms!
Great Museums!
Great Museums!
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.
My first time there. I found the hotel online, not sure why it popped up. I think the good Lord blessed me with the district hotel and the location, location, location. All I needed was a nice comfortable bed. The room was warm when it was very cold outside I treated myself to a five star hotel dinner one night. The salmon was the best. The waitress was amazing and all the little shops and boutiques and souvenirs were perfect. Love the small deli and things in walking distance.
Food!
A lot of things to see and do!
I loved that my wedding was in DC, because I chose to do an evening wedding and reception, which left a lot of time during the day for the guests to keep themselves busy. But there's so much to do in DC, they had a ton of choices and many are free! I made sure to include a map of the city and a list of some attractions in their welcome bag!
Hotel Washington's front desk professional assessed our family needs and gave us a superior room/suite w/adjoining room for daughter's family.
Fabulous!
Love DC especially Georgetown!
Was in Washington for a specific business meeting and the hotel was perfectly positioned for my meeting.
I liked the ease of moving around in the city
It is filled with interesting things to do!
There is a lot to do.
I liked the ease of moving around in the city.
La ciudad impecable
The hotel was close to the National Mall and the Smithsonian and walking distance to the Wharf District.
Food was great!
The wharf is a fun place to visit for dinner and entertainment! Close to hotel!
Congressional visit...this trip was exclusively for business only!!!