World's Best The Top 10 Hotels in Washington, D.C. in 2018 By Rebecca Ascher-Walsh Rebecca Ascher-Walsh Rebecca Ascher-Walsh is a New York City-based journalist and author who specializes in celebrity and lifestyle coverage. Her work has been featured in Entertainment Weekly, Glamour, Food & Wine, and elsewhere. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on July 10, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Courtesy of The Jefferson As volatile as the political climate can seem these days, the seat of our government is rooted in history and tradition, a fact that is mirrored by our readers’ consistent choices in where to stay. When it comes to the top hotels in Washington, D.C., renowned luxury brands like the Four Seasons, St. Regis, Mandarin Oriental, and Ritz-Carlton perennially make the World’s Best list, as do boutique, independent properties that have been welcoming political power brokers for decades. 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. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities. Related: The 2018 World's Best Awards Set in the heart of tony Georgetown, the Four Seasons has spacious, contemporary guest rooms, as well as an impressive, mainly American art collection: 1,650 pieces grace the walls, some of which were commissioned for the hotel. The nearby Melrose Georgetown Hotel draws visitors for its cozy vibe and farm-to-table cuisine. “The staff was ever present and always ready to assist,” said one reader. “The location was excellent. I’d stay there again in a second.” But with a few exceptions, the favored places to stay in Washington, D.C., adhere to tried and true. The Hay-Adams, which opened in 1928, has counted Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart among its visitors, and D.C.’s power players continue to assemble in its Lafayette restaurant. One reader suggests this “historic hotel for romantic weekends,” while another adds, “A must do, at least once. It lived up to its reputation, and it’s worth the splurge to stay in a room with a direct view of the White House.” And at the 200-year-old Willard InterContinental, located in a Beaux-Arts building two blocks from the White House, “you can’t get more historic,” wrote one reader. “The location is outstanding; service is also excellent.” That opinion is seconded by another, who praises the lively bar scene: “Service is great, and the rooms are beautiful.” This year’s No. 1 pick is another landmark, housed in a building that dates from 1923. Read on for the full list of winners and see how they scored. 01 of 10 10. St. Regis Courtesy of The St. Regis Washington, D.C. Score: 84.75 02 of 10 9. Willard InterContinental Courtesy of Willard InterContinental Score: 85.45 03 of 10 8. Four Seasons Hotel Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Score: 86.57 04 of 10 7. Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown Courtesy of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Score: 86.60 05 of 10 6. Mandarin Oriental Courtesy of the Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C. Score: 87.00 06 of 10 5. Melrose Georgetown Hotel Courtesy of Melrose Georgetown Hotel Score: 87.60 07 of 10 4. Ritz-Carlton Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. Score: 87.85 08 of 10 3. Sofitel Washington D.C. Lafayette Square Courtesy of Sofitel Score: 88.21 09 of 10 2. Hay-Adams Courtesy of The Hay-Adams Score: 91.66 10 of 10 1. The Jefferson Courtesy of The Jefferson Score: 93.25 Antiques abound in this boutique hotel, which wins the top spot for the second year in a row. Located in a 1923 Beaux-Arts landmark, the Jefferson’s 99 guest rooms are inspired by our third president’s travels in Paris and home in Charlottesville, Virginia. Splurge on the Thomas Jefferson Suite and gaze out at the White House and the Washington Monument. One reader writes simply of the experience: “Exquisite.” See all of our readers' favorite hotels, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2018. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit