Washington, D.C., a city brimming with iconic monuments, grand museums, leafy boulevards and cultural institutions, it’s an inspiring destination for a city break from the UK. Whether you’re fascinated by history, politics, art, or you just love exploring walkable neighbourhoods, America’s capital city delivers a memorable mix of experiences.
But when it comes to where to stay, Washington, D.C. has several distinctive districts, each offering something a little different. In this edition of 🌎 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐰𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐔𝐒𝐀 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 🌎, we’ve spotlighted five of our best areas for UK travellers to base themselves for a USA City Break, from charming, cobbled streets to polished downtown sophistication. And of course, we’ve included hand-picked hotel suggestions in each.
Thanks to direct flights from London to Dulles and a time difference of just five hours, it’s easy to enjoy a few days in D.C. without feeling rushed. But where should you stay to make the most of your Washington, D.C. city break?
🗺️ 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧, 𝐃.𝐂.: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐍𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐔𝐊 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬
Here’s our curated guide to our top five areas for a stylish and convenient stay in the U.S. capital.
🏛️ 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 & 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐥 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥
Capitol Hill is home to the U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress, and staying here puts you right next to some of Washington’s most iconic landmarks. It’s ideal if you’re planning to explore the National Mall, with its world-famous museums and monuments.
💡 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞?
✔️ Steps from the National Mall and Capitol.
✔️ Great for walking tours and museum hopping.
✔️ A mix of politics, architecture, and charm.
🏨 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐬:
• The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Capitol – Stylish, modern, and well-situated for sightseeing.
• Canopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf – Trendy and waterside, with great dining nearby.
• Phoenix Park Hotel – Classic charm with an Irish pub and Capitol views.
📍Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.
🎨 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 & 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦: 𝐃𝐮𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐥𝐞
Dupont Circle is one of the city’s most elegant and liveable districts, with leafy streets, independent bookshops, embassies, and art galleries. It’s perfect if you enjoy culture, café-hopping and a slightly more residential vibe.
💡 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞?
✔️ Intellectual charm with museums and cafés.
✔️ Easy Metro access to all key sights.
✔️ Popular with locals and ideal for couples.
🏨 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐬:
• The Jefferson, Washington DC – Timeless luxury and five-star service.
• Hotel Madera – Boutique feel with a modern touch.
• Lyle Washington, D.C. – Chic, art-deco style in a relaxed setting.
🖼️ Culture and elegance in Dupont Circle
🏛️ 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐱𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 & 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐕𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐬: 𝐅𝐨𝐠𝐠𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐦
Home to George Washington University, the Kennedy Center, and just a stone’s throw from the Lincoln Memorial, Foggy Bottom is a peaceful, leafy enclave offering you brilliant accessibility across the city.
💡 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞?
✔️ Great for visiting the Western Mall Monuments.
✔️ Cultural highlights and quiet surroundings.
✔️ Very walkable, yet central.
🏨 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐬:
• Hotel AKA Washington Circle – Apartment-style stays with space to relax.
• Hotel Hive – Fun, micro-hotel with quirky touches.
• The River Inn – Spacious suites near the Kennedy Center.
🎭 Enjoy culture and calm in Foggy Bottom
🌆 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐃.𝐂.
If you want to be at the centre of everything, Downtown is where it’s at. Close to the White House, National Portrait Gallery and Washington Monument, it’s bustling with energy and full of brilliant dining options.
💡 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞?
✔️ Walk to major landmarks and attractions.
✔️ Excellent dining, shopping, and museums.
✔️ Great choice for first-time visitors.
🏨 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐬:
• Conrad Washington, D.C. – Sleek, modern, and high-end.
• Riggs Washington, D.C. – Glamorous with historic flair.
• The Hay-Adams – Classic luxury overlooking the White House.
🏛️ Presidential views and luxury in Downtown D.C.
🏘️ 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦 & 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧
With its cobbled streets, elegant townhouses, and waterfront walks, Georgetown is the city’s most picturesque area. It’s known for excellent shopping, riverside restaurants and a romantic atmosphere—perfect for couples.
💡 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞?
✔️ Romantic and walkable with lovely views.
✔️ Upscale boutiques and historic landmarks.
✔️ Great for foodies and independent explorers.
🏨 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐬:
• The Poppy Georgetown – Intimate and characterful, with vintage flair.
• Canal House of Georgetown, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel – Boutique charm near the waterfront.
• Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC – The city’s most iconic five-star stay.
🛍️ Georgian charm and riverside style in Georgetown
🚍 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧, 𝐃.𝐂.?
Whether you’re into museums, monuments, culture, or cuisine, Washington, D.C. offers a city break experience that’s as enriching as it is enjoyable. And with these neighbourhoods and handpicked hotels, you’re perfectly placed to make the most of it.
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