The Top 10 Hotels in Washington, D.C. in 2017

By John Scarpinato
July 11, 2017
Courtesy of St. Regis Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. has been in the spotlight all year — drawing supporters and protestors, elected officials and journalists covering the new Trump administration. But the more things change, the more others stay the same: when it comes to the hotel scene, our readers voted some of the city’s most iconic properties to the top of this year’s World’s Best list.

The No. 1 winner, the Jefferson, is a 99-room boutique hotel steeped in history. Set in a 1923 Beaux-Arts landmark, the property is filled with antiques and vintage books. The parquet floor of Quill, the property’s bar and lounge, mimics the one Jefferson designed for the parlor at Monticello, and the décor throughout each guest room was inspired by the founding father’s time in both Paris and Charlottesville. That attention to detail is what has our readers returning year after year. “My wife and I are loyalists,” said one. “What makes the Jefferson special is that it is a boutique hotel that truly specializes in personalizing your visit. Everyone calls you by name from the moment you walk through the door.”

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. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Hotels were classified as City or Resort based on their locations and amenities.

Another property that received high marks is the Hay-Adams. It has arguably one of the best locations in Washington, as it sits just four blocks from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. “Looking out the Juliet balcony onto the White House is pretty cool,” said one reader. The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown, also stands out for its unique location; the lobby, bar, and restaurant of the boutique hotel are set in a repurposed incinerator overlooking the Potomac, and guests are able to walk right into the heart of the thriving neighborhood. And new to the list this year is another landmark, reborn: the legendary Watergate, which emerged after a $125 million revamp with a glam, Midcentury look and staff uniforms to match created by Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant. “A unique part of history!” said one reader. “Absolutely loved staying here.”

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10. The Watergate

Courtesy of The Watergate Hotel

Score: 86.17

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9. The Ritz-Carlton

Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C.

Score: 87.57

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8. St. Regis

Courtesy of St. Regis Washington, D.C.

Score: 88.33

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7. Willard InterContinental

Courtesy of Willard Intercontinental

Score: 88.92

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6. Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown

Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington D.C.

Score: 89.50

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5. Sofitel Washington D.C. Lafayette Square

Courtesy of Sofitel Washinton D.C. Lafayette Square

Score: 89.64

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4. Four Seasons Hotel

Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

Score: 89.74

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3. Melrose Georgetown Hotel

Courtesy of The Melrose-Georgetown Hotel

Score: 91.02

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2. The Hay-Adams

Courtesy of The Hay-Adams

Score: 92.29

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1. The Jefferson

Courtesy of The Jefferson

Score: 93.89

Warm and inviting, with formal yet unpretentious service, the Jefferson appeals to both business and leisure travelers who need a top-notch place to stay in the capital. It’s even pet-friendly, for those who can’t bear to leave their dogs behind. “The old-world, European charm is what is appealing about this hotel — so superior to the cold, modern, minimalist hotels that do not create a relaxing environment,” said one reader. The 99 rooms are spacious, and include a signature Thomas Jefferson Suite that overlooks the White House and the Washington Monument. “This is a gem in a city of 50,000 rooms,” added another fan. “Treat yourself!”

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