Where to stay in Washington

Why we picked it

What convinced us is the combination of an independent, old-school grand hotel and a location that puts the monuments on foot: three blocks north of the White House, near Dupont Circle. We would book it for a special Washington trip, breakfast under the skylight in The Greenhouse, a cocktail at Quill, and the concierge and in-house historian to shape the days.

• A 1923 Beaux-Arts apartment building by Jules Henri de Sibour, a hotel since 1955, with a resident historian
• The Greenhouse restaurant under the lobby's restored historic skylight, Quill cocktail bar and the leather-bound Book Room
• The White House, the National Mall and the Smithsonian museums within about 0.5 to 1 mile

• The GreenhouseBreakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch under the historic skylight
• QuillClassic and signature cocktails, open daily 11:30am–midnight
• BreakfastWeekdays 7–10:30am in The Greenhouse; brunch on weekends
• Resident historian and Book RoomInsights into the city, and a library lounge of leather-bound books
• 24-hour fitness centerPelotons, treadmills, ellipticals and a TRX system
• University Club accessPool and expanded gym across the street, via the front desk
• Wi-FiComplimentary
• Twice-daily housekeepingPlus concierge and complimentary shoe shine
• Private car serviceTransfers from DCA and IAD arranged by the hotel
• Family welcomeWelcome wagon for children, connecting rooms on request
• Dog friendlyDogs up to 50 lb, $50 per stay
• Valet parkingThe main parking option for guests

Why we picked it

We would book it for a family or a longer stay: a kitchenette in every room, breakfast included in the amenity program, suites with two queen beds, and the Capitol, the Library of Congress and the Mall a short walk away. Capitol South Metro is one block from the door, so the rest of Washington is easy too.

• Every room has a kitchen or kitchenette with a refrigerator and microwave; suites sleep families comfortably
• One block from Capitol South Metro (Blue, Orange and Silver lines), near the Capitol, the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress
• Daily breakfast buffet for two and bicycles to borrow, through the hotel's guest amenity program

• Kitchen or kitchenetteIn every room, with refrigerator and microwave
• Breakfast buffetFor two, in the $30 + tax daily guest amenity program
• Wi-FiFree for all guests
• 24-hour fitness centerPeloton bikes, cardio and free weights
• Bikes to borrowRepublic bikes with lock and helmet, seasonal, first come first served
• Capitol KidsHighchairs, pack 'n plays and roll-away beds on request
• 24-hour Lobby MarketSnacks and drinks for purchase
• Valet parking$50 per night, tax inclusive, limited
• Pet friendly$150 fee per pet, per stay
• Business center24-hour, with printing