Discreet power quarters
Operating across Lafayette Square from the White House, this Italian Renaissance residence has quietly hosted presidents, diplomats, and insiders since 1928.
“The elegant guest rooms are designed in a traditional style reminiscent of the area’s colonial roots featuring a neutral cream color palate…”
Where it shines
Remarkable
A house Mercedes handles downtown transfers, supported by a generous two-to-one staff ratio.
Remarkable
Generations of lobbyists and politicians have conducted quiet business across Lafayette Square.
Notable
Off The Record draws politicos and journalists to basement tables beneath satirical caricatures.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in AFAR.
The Hay-Adams is a 1928 Italian Renaissance monument, one whose privacy and discretion are near-legendary, and whose location… is one-of-a-kind.
“the hotel is known for its discreet and comprehensive, no-questions-asked service. Should guests need a ride to one of the District’s many important meetings, the house Mercedes drops off anywhere downtown, guaranteeing a first impression worthy of a luminary.”
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Lafayette Square sits right outside the doors, placing the White House across the street and the National Mall a short stroll south.
The rooms
Interiors feature ornamental plasterwork ceilings, walnut wainscoting, and marble bathrooms, with select upper-floor rooms opening onto balconies facing the White House.
The gym
The fitness center is equipped with Technogym machines and free weights, and loaner bicycles stand ready for the National Mall.
Dogs stay too.
Bar
Off The Record
Tufted red velvet banquettes and crimson walls line this basement bar, where classic cocktails arrive under framed political cartoons.
At the table
The Lafayette serves contemporary American cuisine beneath crystal chandeliers, with large picture windows overlooking the square.
How it began
The hotel was built on the site of adjoining 19th-century homes owned by Lincoln's private secretary John Hay and author Henry Adams.
Good to know
Stay here
The Hay-Adams
See rooms and prices on Expedia or Booking.com.
Add dates to see the price for your stay.
We may earn a commission when you book through Expedia or Booking.com. It never decides which hotels we include or how we rate them.
Washington D.C.
More like this
The St. Regis Washington, D.C.
“Gilded power quarters”
InterContinental the Willard Washington D.C. by IHG
“Beaux-Arts capital heirloom”
The Jefferson
“Jeffersonian literary sanctum”
Park Hyatt Washington D.C.
“Cherry blossom redoubt”
The Dupont Circle Hotel
“Mid-century circle salon”
Conrad Washington, DC
“Sculptural glass sanctuary”
Hotel Washington
“Beaux-Arts rooftop rendezvous”
Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square
“Art Deco French salon”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
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.