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Washington D.C. travel guide

Washington, D.C. lies on the Potomac between Maryland and Virginia, with the National Mall and its museums and monuments at the centre and the Metrorail network reaching out into both states. Hotels are spread across the city's East End, West End and Georgetown, with many more beside Metro stations in Arlington, Alexandria, Bethesda and Silver Spring.

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Getting there and choosing your base

  • Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA): Just across the river in Arlington and the closest airport. It has no customs facilities, so it mainly handles domestic routes, and the Blue and Yellow Metro lines reach downtown quickly; hotels on those lines in Crystal City or Pentagon City are an easy fit.
  • Washington Dulles International (IAD): Out in Sterling, Virginia, the main international gateway and a United hub. The Silver Line now runs to the airport but the ride downtown is long, so for a late arrival a night in Reston, Herndon or Tysons can make sense.
  • Union Station: Amtrak's Acela and Northeast Regional trains from Boston and New York arrive next to Capitol Hill, alongside MARC trains from Baltimore and BWI airport; the Red Line runs from the station.

Areas to consider

East End and Penn Quarter

Suits museum-heavy trips, with the Mall, the Capital One Arena and many Metro lines within a few blocks. Large convention-centre events fill these hotels first, so check the convention calendar for your dates.

Georgetown

Suits visitors who want boutique hotels, the waterfront and shopping streets in a historic setting. There is no Metro station in Georgetown, so check the bus or walking route to Foggy Bottom or Dupont Circle.

Dupont Circle, Shaw and Capitol Hill

Suits travellers who want restaurants and bars on the doorstep and a walk or short ride to the Mall. Rates here often undercut the East End, but check that the nearest station is on the line you will use most.

Arlington and Alexandria

Suits drivers, families and budget-minded visitors who can ride the Metro in. Make sure the hotel is a short walk from a Metro station, not just within the same county.

When to go

Hotels are usually dearest on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, when government and business travel peaks, and cheapest at weekends. Cherry-blossom season around the Tidal Basin in spring and autumn are the most pleasant times and draw crowds, while summer is hot and humid. Inaugurations, large conferences and protests can push prices up sharply; August, when Congress is in recess, tends to be quieter.

Before choosing a room

  • Hotel tax rates differ between the District, Virginia and Maryland, so compare the after-tax total when weighing a city hotel against one over the line.
  • Downtown hotels charge for parking, whereas many suburban ones do not; if you are driving, weigh that against the Metro fare into town.
  • The West End is mainly offices and goes quiet at night; if you book there, check what is open within a few minutes' walk in the evening.

Sources and planning resources

Facts checked on . Transport services, taxes and hotel offers can change. Confirm the details for your trip before booking.

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