World's Best The Top 10 Hotels in Washington, D.C. in 2019 By Madeline Bilis Madeline Bilis Twitter Website Madeline Bilis is a writer, editor, and guidebook author based in New England. She has a soft spot for brutalist buildings and a degree in journalism from Emerson College. She was previously an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on July 10, 2019 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental In a city powered by conflicting opinions, there’s comfort in knowing our readers’ preferences in Washington, D.C., hotels are nothing if not consistent. For starters, their number one choice is a multiyear winner, while the other honorees feel as familiar as they do comfortable. 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 World's Best Awards 2019 Consider the Hay-Adams, a 91-year-old icon, which stands where the homes of John Hay and Henry Adams were once located. The hotel boasts ultra-luxurious amenities, including a complimentary Mercedes car service. “I don't have to think when I come here,” wrote one reader of the longtime favorite. Skilled staffers and concierges help the place to embody “classic D.C. elegance,” according to another. (Of course, its location across from the White House doesn’t hurt, either.) One of the only newcomers to the top 10, however, is the Darcy (No. 6). Opened in 2017, the 226-room property is not only eye-catching but also helps guests look their best. The place has an on-call tailor and an on-site haberdashery stocked with cuff links, tie clips, and the like for loan. The Willard InterContinental is similarly easy on the eyes, as it’s inside a historic Beaux-Arts building on Pennsylvania Avenue and features a palatial lobby with marble columns, planters of palms, and gilded light fixtures. “A true American treasure!” said one reader. Wondering what No. 1 could be? Read on to find out and peruse the full list of Washington, D.C.’s top hotels. 10. The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. Courtesy of The Ritz Carlton Score: 86.42 More information: ritzcarlton.com 9. InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf Courtesy of InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf Score: 86.72 More information: wharfintercontinentaldc.com 8. Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C. Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Score: 86.99 More information: mandarinoriental.com 7. Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Score: 87.25 More information: fourseasons.com 6. The Darcy Courtesy of The Darcy Score: 87.56 More information: thedarcyhotel.com 5. Melrose Georgetown Hotel Courtesy of Melrose Georgetown Hotel Score: 88.00 More information: melrosehoteldc.com 4. St. Regis Washington, D.C. Courtesy of The St. Regis Score: 88.88 More information: marriott.com 3. The Hay-Adams Courtesy of The Hay-Adams Score: 89.32 More information: hayadams.com 2. The Willard InterContinental Courtesy of The Willard InterContinental Score: 91.09 More information: washington.intercontinental.com 1. The Jefferson, Washington, D.C. Score: 92.38 More information: jeffersondc.com Thomas Jefferson was the nation’s third president, and this year, his namesake hotel takes the No. 1 spot for the third year in a row. Guests can connect with the Virginia-born founding father in every part of the place — all 99 guest rooms are inspired by his travels, while Quill, the bar, references the era-appropriate writing instrument. “It is quiet, beautiful, and highly service oriented,” one reader said of the hotel. “The rooms are well appointed and the dining is impeccable.” Indeed, the Jefferson has D.C.’s only Forbes five-star restaurant, Plume, which recalls Monticello’s gardens. See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2019. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit