The Top 10 Hotels in Washington, D.C.
This year's World's Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year's honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.
With marquee additions to its cultural, hotel, and culinary scenes over the past several years, the District of Columbia has proven its wide-reaching appeal. As popular as historic sites like the Lincoln Memorial and the White House continue to be, relatively newer destinations like The Wharf have caught the attention of an even broader swath of travelers who — judging from this year's winners for the best hotels in Washington, D.C. — clearly appreciate having a breadth of options.
Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated hotels on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.
Kip Dawkins Photography/Courtesy of The Hay-Adams
This year, readers voted in equal measure for newer hotels (No. 9 InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf) and classics (No. 2 The Jefferson). The latter group includes the 120-year-old icon Willard InterContinental Washington D.C., which claimed the No. 5 spot this year. Readers touted the "very comfortable beds," "history," and "the history gallery and the gingerbread exhibit." Other readers had similarly positive things to say about the No. 3 Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C.'s service and overall guest experience, calling it "great, great, great!" and commenting that "they aim to please."
But it was the Hay-Adams that emerged once again as T+L readers' pick for the best Washington, D.C. hotel. Keep reading to find out what made the repeat winner rise above the rest.
1. The Hay-Adams
Kip Dawkins Photography/Courtesy of The Hay-Adams
Repeating as a World's Best category winner is never easy, but then again, this hotel has been proving its staying power since it opened in 1928. The details seen throughout the Italian Renaissance-style mansion and its 145 rooms (walnut wainscoting, original plaster moldings) evoke a sense of timelessness that keeps visitors coming back year after year. This Leading Hotels of the World member, which sits within easy walking distance of the White House and the National Mall, is "hands down the best hotel in D.C., with warm, friendly service and a who's who of VIP guests," according to one reader's enthusiastic comments. Another fan echoed the praise, writing that it is "the epitome of greatness."
Score: 92.50
More information: hayadams.com
2. The Jefferson
Courtesy of The Jefferson
Score: 92.30
More information: jeffersondc.com
3. The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C.
Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton
Score: 92.00
More information: ritzcarlton.com
4. Hamilton Hotel
Getty Images
Score: 90.89
More information: hamiltonhoteldc.com
5. The Willard InterContinental Washington D.C.
Courtesy of Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C.
Score: 90.75
More information: washington.intercontinental.com
6. St. Regis Washington, D.C.
Courtesy of The St. Regis Washington, D.C.
Score: 90.15
More information: marriott.com
7. Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown
Courtesy of Fairmont Hotels and Resorts
Score: 90.07
More information: fairmont.com
8. Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C.
Courtesy of Four Seasons
Score: 87.36
More information: fourseasons.com
9. InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf
Courtesy of InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf
Score: 87.06
More information: wharfintercontinentaldc.com
10. Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC
Courtesy of Kimpton Hotel Group
Score: 86.22
More information: monaco-dc.com
See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2021.