The 10 Best Historic Hotels in Washington D.C.

Post originally Published April 12, 2024 || Last Updated April 12, 2024

See how everyone can now afford to fly Business Class and book 5 Star Hotels with Mighty Travels Premium! Get started for free.

The 10 Best Historic Hotels in Washington D.C. - Timeless Elegance: Luxurious Historic Accommodations in the Nation's Capital


Washington D.C. overflows with historic charm, and many of its most elegant hotels are housed in buildings that have stood the test of time. For an unforgettable stay steeped in luxury and tradition, consider one of these refined historic hotels.

The Jefferson Hotel first opened its doors in 1923 and has welcomed presidents, dignitaries and celebrities through its stately entrance. Guests can stay in sophisticated rooms furnished with period antiques, unwind in the tranquil spa or enjoy fine dining at the Michelin-starred Plume restaurant. The impeccable service and refined decor make it easy to imagine yourself transported back to the golden Jazz Age.
The Hay-Adams Hotel boasts one of the most prestigious addresses in D.C. overlooking Lafayette Square and the White House. Both the hotel and its Italian Renaissance-style building date back to the 1920s. Guests can sip cocktails on the rooftop overlooking the National Mall or enjoy afternoon tea in the ornate Lobby Lounge. The elegant accommodations feature period furnishings and custom Italian linens for a peaceful night's sleep.
For historic charm near the National Mall, The Willard Washington D.C. originally opened in 1818 and once hosted the likes of Martin Luther King Jr. and Walt Whitman. The palatial Beaux-Arts building features marble columns, crystal chandeliers and striking floral arrangements. Unwind after a day of sightseeing in thePEMbroke Room or Round Robin Bar before retiring to the sumptuous guest rooms.

What else is in this post?

  1. The 10 Best Historic Hotels in Washington D.C. - Timeless Elegance: Luxurious Historic Accommodations in the Nation's Capital
  2. The 10 Best Historic Hotels in Washington D.C. - Step Back in Time: Uncover the Storied Past of D.C.'s Iconic Landmark Hotels
  3. The 10 Best Historic Hotels in Washington D.C. - From Presidential Suites to Gilded Age Glamour: The Most Prestigious Historic Hotels in D.C.

The 10 Best Historic Hotels in Washington D.C. - Step Back in Time: Uncover the Storied Past of D.C.'s Iconic Landmark Hotels


Stepping through the grand entrances of Washington D.C.'s historic hotels is akin to embarking on a journey through the capital's celebrated past. These iconic accommodations have borne witness to pivotal moments in American history, their stately facades and elegant interiors offering a glimpse into bygone eras of opulence and refinement.
The Willard Washington D.C. stands as a prime example of this timeless allure. Tracing its origins back to 1818, this palatial Beaux-Arts landmark has hosted a veritable who's who of influential figures, from presidents and dignitaries to renowned writers and civil rights leaders. Guests can almost feel the weight of history in the hotel's marble columns, crystal chandeliers and ornate floral arrangements, which evoke the grandeur of a bygone age.
Similarly, the Hay-Adams Hotel boasts an illustrious legacy, having first opened its doors in the 1920s. Overlooking Lafayette Square and the White House, this Italian Renaissance-style building has welcomed countless luminaries over the decades, including political powerhouses and social elite. Today, visitors can soak in the hotel's refined elegance, whether sipping cocktails on the rooftop terrace or indulging in afternoon tea in the opulent Lobby Lounge.
For a glimpse into the glamour of the Jazz Age, the Jefferson Hotel offers an unparalleled experience. Established in 1923, this stately property has maintained its status as a premier destination for discerning travelers, hosting presidents, dignitaries and celebrities throughout its illustrious history. Guests can immerse themselves in the hotel's sophisticated ambiance, exploring the period-antique-furnished rooms, indulging in Michelin-starred dining at Plume, and unwinding in the tranquil spa.

The 10 Best Historic Hotels in Washington D.C. - From Presidential Suites to Gilded Age Glamour: The Most Prestigious Historic Hotels in D.C.


For over a century, Washington D.C.'s most prestigious hotels have welcomed presidents, royalty and celebrities behind their stately facades. These historic properties offer guests the chance to follow in the footsteps ofpowerful figures from the past.

The Hay-Adams Hotel, overlooking Lafayette Square and the White House, has an impressive guest list that includes Queen Elizabeth II, the Dalai Lama and numerous heads of state in its Italian Renaissance Revival building. The Presidential Suite features a private limestone balcony and temporarily housed Barack Obama.

The Willard InterContinental Washington D.C. has hosted Martin Luther King Jr., the Reverend Jesse Jackson, and every president since Franklin Pierce in its palatial 1903 Beaux-Arts building. The hotel's ornate Round Robin Bar is where the term "lobbyist" was coined by President Ulysses S. Grant.
The Jefferson Hotel's elegant accommodations have welcomed dignitaries like Charles Lindbergh within its stately 1923 façade. The ornate Presidential Suite includes a living room with 14-foot ceilings, while the East and West Bedroom Suites replicate Jefferson's private apartments at Monticello.
See how everyone can now afford to fly Business Class and book 5 Star Hotels with Mighty Travels Premium! Get started for free.