Beaux-Arts rooftop rendezvous
A century-old power player where historic Beaux-Arts grandeur meets vibrant modern nightlife steps from the White House.
“Today, the lobby has a salon-like feel, with black-and-white tiles and design nods to L'Enfant's plans for the District.”
Where it shines
Notable
Bold Amit Greenberg murals and cherry blossom headboards update the historic marble interiors.
Notable
A 1917 Beaux-Arts landmark on the National Register, marked by ornate exterior sgraffito.
Notable
VUE Rooftop draws sunset crowds for cocktails overlooking the White House and monuments.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
the trademark funky interiors and youth-culture borrowings may prove to be a bit much for some of Washington’s more traditional hotel guests.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Positioned directly beside the Treasury Department, the hotel places the White House lawn and Smithsonian museums just steps from the door.
The rooms
Oversized cherry blossom headboards anchor the bedrooms, while suites add bold floor-to-ceiling murals and direct monument views.
The spa
Private treatment rooms host massages using Comfort Zone products, and locker rooms have built-in steam showers.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
VUE Rooftop
The eleventh-floor terrace serves crab cakes and cocktails beside panoramic sightlines of the White House and Washington Monument.
At the table
Downstairs, Fireclay centers on an open Argentine grill and wood ovens, and the Lobby Bar serves evening cocktails.
How it began
Operating since 1917, this political fixture hosted guests like Elvis before a 15-year chapter as a W hotel preceded its independent return.
Good to know
Stay here
Hotel Washington
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.