Best hotels for families, including some more affordable options in our nation’s capital
Economists recently rated Washington, D.C., the most expensive city in the United States to raise a family. However, visiting is far more affordable with the help of many family-friendly hotels that offer free metro access and even… no way… free dinner!
1. Mandarin Oriental
1330 Maryland Avenue, SW
If your family is seeking a posh experience, check into a room overlooking Washington’s waterfront at the Mandarin Oriental. This hotel is as close as you can stay to the cherry blossoms in the spring. Little ones are greeted by a complimentary stuffed animal and older kids can rent video game consoles. For some grown up playtime, the Mandarin has a reputation among my mom friends for having one of the best spas in the city. Starts at $335/night.
2. Hampton Inn, Washington, D.C./White House
1729 H Street, NW
My family appreciates the option of taking a breather at our hotel to recharge during a jam-packed day of sightseeing. If that’s your style, this Hampton Inn is ideally-located: steps away from the White House and the National Mall’s museums and monuments. Breakfast is complimentary. And there’s a small indoor pool, which you may want to plunge into – fully clothed – in August! Starts at $159/night.
KidTripster Tip: You will experience some street noise at this downtown hotel. Ask for a room on the side of the building away from neighboring nightclubs.
3. Omni Shoreham Hotel
2500 Calvert Street, NW
One of Washington, D.C.’s historic hotels, the Omni Shoreham is nestled among beautiful gardens in the quiet Woodley Park neighborhood adjacent to Rock Creek Park. I’ve had friends choose this hotel just so their kids could swim in the outdoor pool, a rare treat in a city that gets its fair share of snow in the winter. The hotel is conveniently close to the Woodley Park Metro and the National Zoo and within walking distance of restaurants. Starts at $159/night.
4. Washington Plaza Hotel
10 Thomas Circle, NW
Just five blocks north of the White House and south of some of the city’s hottest restaurants (and Whole Foods), the Washington Plaza Hotel is a sleek option for the family that wants to be in the middle of the action. Recently renovated, the plaza boasts a large pool. Starts at $229/night.
KidTripster Tip: This hotel may be more attractive to families with teens. The nearest metro is a 10-minute walk away.
5. Courtyard Washington D.C./Convention Center
900 F Street, NW
Tell your kids that they’re staying in a building that was once home to piles of cash. Then prove it when you show them the vault door, a relic of a19th century bank once housed here. Stay at the Courtyard and you’re within walking distance of the Verizon Center and the city’s bustling Chinatown which has a variety of kid-friendly restaurants and shops. The historic Ford’s Theatre is within walking distance, too. Starts at $249/night.
6. Embassy Suites Chevy Chase Pavilion
4300 Military Road, NW
Chevy Chase’s Military Road sits right on the border with Maryland, so you may think you’re signing up to stay in the suburbs. Think again. This Embassy Suites stands in the center of a busy dining and shopping mall. The Friendship Heights Red Line Metro stop is right downstairs. A 15-minute ride will take you to Chinatown and all stops in between including the National Zoo and Dupont Circle. Starts at $199/night.
7. Rosewood Washington, D.C.
1050 31st Street, NW
If you want a luxury hotel that’s family-friendly, check into the Rosewood in historic Georgetown. Visitors rave about the kid-friendly room service menu and rooftop pool. If you’re traveling with teens, you can let them loose on M Street, the city’s busiest shopping strip. Take in Georgetown’s historic row houses and mansions on your way to the recently-renovated playgrounds at Rose Park. It’s the perfect place to enjoy an early morning coffee, while the kids play. Starts at $485/night.
KidTripster Tip: The city’s Circulator bus is a fun way to travel with the kids from Georgetown to Washington D.C.’s Union Station, situated across the street from the Capitol Building.
8. Hotel Rouge
1315 16th Street, NW
Hotel Rouge gives you everything that you’d expect from a Kimpton Hotel: funky colors (mostly red – get it?), modern décor, and complimentary wine and cookies. What you may not expect is the spacious rooms with bunk beds. Four rooms are outfitted with this kid-friendly setup.And the entire hotel welcomes pets; you can walk the family dog around the beautiful streets of Dupont Circle, home to many foreign embassies. Starts at $119/night.
KidTripster Tip: Check out the Dupont Circle farmers market, open every Sunday year-round.
9. Best Western, Georgetown Hotel & Suites
1121 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Despite its name, the hotel is located closer to Foggy Bottom than Georgetown. But for the budget-conscious family, this Best Western has a suite rate that can’t be beat. There aren’t many attractions in this area, but a Metro stop is just a five-minute walk away. Starts at $108/night.
KidTripster Tip: Book early. At these rates, rooms go fast!
10. Residence Inn/DC Capitol
333 E Street, SW
Just a ten-minute walk from the Capitol and the National Air and Space Museum, Residence Inn with its spacious suites, pool, and free breakfast is ideal for families. A complimentary light dinner is served Monday through Wednesday (including an appearance by one of Washington, D.C.’s popular food trucks). This perk makes up for the fact that there aren’t many restaurants close by. Starts at $199/night.
For Top 10 Plays in Washington, D.C., click here.
For Top 10 Eats in Washington, D.C., click here.
Journalist Jocelyn Sigue lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband and daughter, two proud native Washingtonians. While she’s happy to live amid all that our nation’s capital has to offer, Jocelyn’s okay being a native San Franciscan.
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