Despite the storied past of the area, the history of Capitol Heights goes back only about 100 years. In the early 20th century, as the population was exploding in D.C., many investors looked in the surrounding area for more land and housing options that provided a brief respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
During this time, an entrepreneur named Otway Zantzinger purchased 400 acres in what is now Capitol Heights, intending to separate the land into 4,000 lots. His plan worked to some degree, but a lack of infrastructure failed to attract more residents. In the 1970s, the Metro system finally connected the city to the rest of the area, bringing an influx of economic and population growth.
Today, the city is one of the most diverse parts of the capital area and is just minutes away from FedEx Field, the home of the NFL's Washington Redskins.
When should you visit Capitol Heights, MD?
Capitol Heights experiences a temperate climate that can ranging from freezing cold in the winter to scorching hot in the summer. However, the best time to visit is September through November. During this time of the year, the summer temperatures have finally cooled off, presenting brilliant fall weather that range from 50 degrees and 70 degrees throughout the day. Make sure to dress in layers, as it can dip below freezing once the sun goes down. Hotel demand isn't often in high demand, but watch out for the influx of fans during Redskins home games.
Another popular time to visit is from March to May. If you're lucky enough to travel in the spring, hop over to the annual Cherry Blossom Festival and see these amazing trees flower with white and pink blossoms. The beginning of the season is still a bit chilly, but by the time May comes around, expect highs in the 70s and maybe even the low 80s. The demand for hotels is usually based on the events happening in the area, so plan accordingly.
From June to August, tourist season is at its peak, and hotel prices soar — especially if you book late. The temperature can reach into the 90s during this time of the year. The heat, combined with oppressive humidity, basically makes shorts and a tee shirt mandatory.
The low season in Capitol Heights generally stretches from December to February. Although hotel demand is low, so are the temperatures. Dress warmly if you plan to visit during this time, and don't be surprised if you're greeted by a few inches of snow or temperatures that dip into the single digits.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Capitol Heights, MD:
Capitol Heights by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean price trends by star rating class in Capitol Heights, MD. You can use these illustrations to calculate the most cost effective time to stay in Capitol Heights throughout the year.
What are the luxury hotel options in Capitol Heights, MD?
4 Star Average Prices: £152.12
For a luxurious getaway near Capitol Springs, consider booking a room at the Rosewood. Situated on the banks of the scenic C&O Canal, this boutique hotel offers some of the finest amenities in the city.
Once you check-in, put your bags in your room and head to the rooftop bar and restaurant. With picturesque views of the Potomac River and the Washington Monument, there's nothing quite like having a cocktail or an appetizer up here. Retire to your room after a few drinks to enjoy a comfy bed with satin sheets, free wireless internet access, a massive LCD television, and more.
What are the low-cost hotel options in Capitol Heights, MD?
3 Star Average Prices: £102.02
When you want budget accommodation, you don't have to look too far in Capitol Heights. At the Extended Stay America, you can enjoy apartment-style living for a fraction of the cost of other hotels. Located just minutes away from FedEx Field, Prince George's Community College, and more, this hotel offers a relaxing stay.
Each room comes with plenty of amenities, including free wireless internet access, a 32-inch flat-screen television with cable programming, and a work desk. If you want to save even more cash by preparing your own meals, the rooms also have a full-size refrigerator and freezer, a microwave, and a stove top. Other perks include a free continental breakfast each morning, a 24-hour front desk for easy check-in and check-out, and discounted rates at a nearby fitness center.
2 Star Average Prices: £75.68
What are the best hotel discounts in Capitol Heights, MD?
Want to save money on your next visit to Capitol Heights? Check out the Wyndham Garden Hotel. Located just minutes from the College Park Aviation Museum, the U.S. National Arboretum, and Langdon Park, this conveniently located hotel also boasts substantial discounts. AAA members, AARP members, military personnel, government employees, and extended stay guests can all receive cut rates on standard king rooms or guest rooms with two queen beds.
Each room at the Wyndham Garden has plenty of comfort and entertainment features including free wireless internet, a 32-inch flat-screen television with cable programming, a refrigerator, and a microwave. Get a relaxing night's sleep on the pillow-top mattresses with soft, Egyptian cotton sheets or take a dip in the outdoor pool.
When you're feeling famished, head down to the coffee shop and cafe, or head to the bar and lounge for an after-dinner cocktail. Fuel up for the day with a free breakfast before catching the complimentary shuttle which takes you to popular areas around Capitol Heights and Washington, D.C.
What are the value hotel options in Capitol Heights, MD?
When you want certain amenities but have to stick to a budget, scope out the Courtyard by Marriott. With one king, two queen, or full-size suites, the Courtyard is an excellent place to stay for a comfortable night's sleep. When you stay here, you're near all the cool attractions such as Six Flags, FedEx Field Greenbelt Park, and the Capitol Sports Complex. To start your day off right, grab a delectable breakfast at the on-site restaurant. These cooked-to-order breakfasts satisfy your hunger, taste great, and are available to guests for a small fee.
If you're planning on heading to a Redskins game, you can also belly up to the bar and lounge and grab a fancy cocktail, glass of wine, or bottle of beer. Once you've had your fill of food and drink, it's time to explore the area. When you return, you can relax just as easily. Splash around in the indoor pool, stay on top of your workout routine at the fitness center, or soothe your aching muscles in the hot tub.
What are the top destinations and attractions in Capitol Heights, MD?
When you want to get outdoors on your trip to Capitol Heights, make sure to check out Marvin Gaye Community Park. Named after the iconic soul singer, this park stretches for 1.6 miles, making it the area's longest park. For decades, the park was known for its unsavory reputation as a hangout for drug addicts and miscreants, but over the last two decades, volunteers and community leaders have brought the park back to order. Perfect for a jog or soaking in the serene surroundings, this park shouldn't be missed.
With a 95 percent African-American demographic, Capitol Heights is the only place to go when you want some delectable soul food. Everlasting Life Restaurant is just a bit different from the rest. Unlike the menus of many soul food restaurants — which base many of their entrees around pork, beef, and poultry — Everlasting Life concocts a 100 percent vegan soul food menu. Even if you aren't into the vegan diet, it's delicious enough to keep you coming back for several heaping helpings.
If you want to explore part of Washington, D.C., without traveling too far to get there, venture to Southeast. Also known as SE, this southeastern quadrant of Washington runs adjacent to Capitol Heights, making it no more troublesome than a 10-minute ride on the Metro. Many of the city's most frequented sites are here, including Capitol Hill, The Big Chair, ruins of Civil War-era forts, the Congressional Cemetery, and RFK Stadium. With so many things to do, you could spend days exploring just this one section of the city.
As with any trip to this area of the country, don't miss out on Washington's most famous attractions. With a station right in Capitol Heights, the Metro links you to top-rated attractions such as the Smithsonian, the Washington Monument, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, Washington National Cathedral, and seemingly an endless amount of shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. The hardest part is choosing what to see first.
Whatever your reason for visiting Capitol Heights, you're sure to find the right mix of accommodation choices, whether it's a budget-friendly hotel on the outskirts of town or a luxury choice right in the thick of things. Make sure to book your room today at HotelPlanner to start planning your memorable trip to Capitol Heights.
FAQs about hotels in Capitol Heights