Situated on the Potomac River, the American capital city of Washington DC is best known as America’s political heartland. The iconic White House, the Capitol and Supreme Court can all be found here, along with other historic landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. Beyond the political bubble, Washington also has a vibrant cultural scene with top class museums and performing-arts venues such as the Kennedy Center.
For travellers on a budget, Washington has a wide choice of accommodation options in and around the city centre, from guest houses to basic but well-equipped hotels. We’ve picked out 10 of the best, based on cost, location and previous guest reviews.
Liaison Capitol Hill DC
From $108/ night
The outstanding feature of this Washington DC hotel is its rooftop pool and lounge, which are open throughout spring, summer and autumn. Guest rooms are furnished with modern decor and come with free WiFi and an iPod docking station. There’s an on-site restaurant serving traditional Southern cuisine and there’s also a pretty outdoor patio where diners can eat and relax. A separate bar offers cocktails, wines and a light food menu. Notable attractions including the United States Capitol Building and the Smithsonian National Museum of History are both a quick walk away, and there’s a metro stop just 400 yards from the hotel.
Hotel Harrington
From $143/ night
Visitors to Washington who like a variety of food options will enjoy the choice at Hotel Harrington, which boasts 3 on-site restaurants offering all-day dining. Other hotel amenities include a gift shop where local tour tickets can be purchased, laundry facilities, a free Internet café, and a fully licensed bar. Guest rooms come with a private bathroom, cable TV and free WiFi. The White House and Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History are both within a few minutes’ walk.
The Georgetown Inn West End
From $135/ night
Centrally located and close to many of the city’s main attractions including The White House, this affordable hotel is home to spacious, well-appointed guest rooms complete with coffeemakers, refrigerators and microwaves . Visitors can enjoy inclusive continental breakfast each morning in the dining room. There’s a free WiFi throughout the property and weekday newspapers are provided too. There’s a metro station nearby that offers easy access to other parts of the city. Connecticut Avenue and the Vietnam Memorial are also a quick walk away.
Kalorama Guest House
From $113/ night
Situated close to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, this basic but convenient guest house features rooms with heating and air conditioning, and come with either a private bathroom or access to a shared bathroom. Rooms also have a desk and some offer a sofa and cable TV. Elsewhere in the hotel there’s a cosy lounge area and free WiFi is available throughout. There’s a metro station within 5 minutes’ walk.
Embassy Inn Hotel
From $91/ night
Guest rooms at Embassy Inn Hotel are decorated in traditional style with wood furniture, as well as mod-cons such as Cable TV, free WIFI, and a hairdryer. Continental breakfasts are served daily and there’s 24-hour front desk where guests can request printing and faxing facilities. Free newspapers are also available daily. For theatre buffs, Studio Theatre is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the hotel, and some of the city’s most popular places of interest including The White House, the United States Capitol, and the National Zoological Park are all easily reachable by road or metro.
Red Lion Hotel Rosslyn Iwo Jima
From $66/ night
A seasonal indoor pool, 24-hour fitness centre and on-site pizzeria are the stand-out amenities at this affordable hotel, located a few miles west of the city centre and less than a kilometre from the Iwo Jima Memorial. Brightly designed guest rooms have a microwave and refrigerator. Other notable nearby attractions include Arlington Cemetery, the Kennedy Center and Georgetown.
District Hotel
From $91/ night
Positioned in the heart of the city, District Hotel features contemporary amenities and is popular with both business and leisure travellers. Guest can enjoy continental breakfasts served each morning. Local attractions including free WiFi is available throughout the hotel and there’s also free on-site parking. The iconic White House, along with a wide number of other famous landmarks, is just a few minutes’ walk away.
Hotel Hive
From $143/ night
This pet-friendly property features an on-site restaurant and scenic terrace that is ideal for pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap. Air conditioned guest rooms have a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries. The hotel’s front desk is open 24 hours a day. The world famous Lincoln Memorial is a few minutes’ walk away. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is just over 3 miles from the hotel.
Aaah Peace & Quiet
From $119/ night
This neighbourhood guest house comes with a number of communal amenities including a flat-screen TV, coffee machine and shared kitchen. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and there’s free street parking nearby. A bus stop is just seconds away, providing easy access to the city centre and its myriad attractions including The White House and the Washington Monument. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is 9.9 miles away.
The Baron Hotel
From $107/ night
Fans of traditional pub fare will want to sample the Bier Baron Tavern, located on-site at this affordable hotel. Guest rooms come with cable TV offering over 50 channels, a private bathroom and a work desk. The vibrant Dupont Circle neighbourhood is just seconds away by foot and the White House and Washington Monument can be easily reached by car. The bustling Georgetown neighbourhood is just over a mile away.