Washington D.C is every family’s bonafide paradise.
The country’s capital is not just home to imposing neoclassical monuments like the Capitol and the White House.
It also boasts beautiful parks, museums, and a vibrant gastronomic scene.
There’s so much to see in DC that you need more than a day to experience everything.
Here’s the good news: the city has many hotels where you can stay.
The not-so-good news?
There are so many options that choosing the right one is challenging.
I know because I’ve been in your shoes.
Deciding the perfect hotel for my family during our yearly trips to the city was never a breeze.
But now I’ve learned my lessons.
And so I came up with this comprehensive review to help you.
I based it not just on my personal experiences but also on my interviews with fellow travelers.
I also ranked each lodging establishment according to criteria like cleanliness and hygiene and room size and layout.
Start planning with my roundup of the best family hotels in Washington DC:
Best Family Hotels In Washington DC Compared
There’s no shortage of accommodation options in Washington D.C, from luxurious hotels to secluded and rustic establishments. Here are our top picks:
Editor’s Choice
Hyatt House Washington, D.C/ The Wharf
The perfect combination of excellent waterfront views and easy access to D.C’s most exciting area, the Hyatt House is a stone’s throw away from most of the city’s historic attractions.
- Family-Friendly Facilities: 4.5/5
- Safety and Security: 5/5
- Cleanliness and Hygiene: 5/5
- Room Size and Layout: 5/5
- Location and Accessibility: 5/5
- Value for Money: 4.5/5
#2nd Best Choice
Washington Marriott at Metro Center
Enjoying a prime spot in Washington D.C’s Downtown area, the Washington Marriott is right in the heart of the city’s best restaurants, shopping areas and other attractions.
- Family-Friendly Facilities: 4.5/5
- Safety and Security: 5/5
- Cleanliness and Hygiene: 5/5
- Room Size and Layout: 4.5/5
- Location and Accessibility: 5/5
- Value for Money: 4.5/5
#3rd Best Choice
The Darcy, Curio Collection by Hilton
The folks over at Hilton must have figured out the perfect formula for a style-convenience mix; a factor that reflects in The Darcy.
- Family-Friendly Facilities: 4.5/5
- Safety and Security: 5/5
- Cleanliness and Hygiene: 5/5
- Room Size and Layout: 4.5/5
- Location and Accessibility: 5/5
- Value for Money: 4/5
Here are the top 15 family hotels in Washington D.C.
1. Hyatt House Washington, D.C/ The Wharf (Editor’s Choice)
725 Wharf St SW
Washington, DC 20024
(202) 554-1234
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Ratings Criteria
- Family-Friendly Facilities: 4.5/5
- Safety and Security: 5/5
- Cleanliness and Hygiene: 5/5
- Room Size and Layout: 5/5
- Location and Accessibility: 5/5
- Value for Money: 4.5/5
Pros
- Proximity to popular attractions
- Offers special rates and packages
Cons
- Minor room temperature issues
The perfect combination of excellent waterfront views and easy access to D.C’s most exciting area, the Hyatt House is a stone’s throw away from most of the city’s historic attractions.
The suites at the extended-stay hotel are large and roomy, equipped with kitchenettes and perfectly capable of accommodating your entire family quite comfortably.
While the kids make themselves at home in the spacious suites, mom and dad can enjoy the sights and sounds of The Wharf and its 20-plus restaurants and classy music venues.
For the history buffs, all it takes is a stroll up to the National Mall where you can spend the day soaking in all that the mall’s monuments and museums have to offer.
Come summer, the Hyatt’s rooftop pool turns into a party-attracting watering hole for guests to enjoy!
2. Washington Marriott at Metro Center
775 12th St NW
Washington, DC 2000
(202) 737-2200
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Ratings Criteria
- Family-Friendly Facilities: 4.5/5
- Safety and Security: 5/5
- Cleanliness and Hygiene: 5/5
- Room Size and Layout: 4.5/5
- Location and Accessibility: 5/5
- Value for Money: 4.5/5
Pros
- Modern amenities
- Convenience store on-site
Cons
- Expensive parking rates
Enjoying a prime spot in Washington D.C’s Downtown area, the Washington Marriott is right in the heart of the city’s best restaurants, shopping areas and other attractions.
Its proximity to the Metro Center means cheap and easy transportation for families to the city’s many must-see sites and sights, while other attractions, such as Capital One Arena, are within walking distance of the hotel.
After a long day of exploration, learning, and fun, families can come back home to a soak in the hotel’s large indoor pool.
3. The Darcy, Curio Collection by Hilton
1515 Rhode Island Ave NW
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 232-7000
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Ratings Criteria
- Family-Friendly Facilities: 4.5/5
- Safety and Security: 5/5
- Cleanliness and Hygiene: 5/5
- Room Size and Layout: 4.5/5
- Location and Accessibility: 5/5
- Value for Money: 4/5
Pros
- Stylish decor
- Pet-friendly (no pet fee)
Cons
- Small rooms
The folks over at Hilton must have figured out the perfect formula for a style-convenience mix; a factor that reflects in The Darcy.
The hotel can keep the little ones engaged with its Capital Kiddos package, where kids get to enjoy ice cream, set up play tents in lands of their imagination and gobble down hand-made ice cream cookie sandwiches (for up to four guests to your suite).
And that’s not even the best part!
The hotel also lets kids choose one of its four Darcy Daypacks, curated itineraries that take them through D.C’s many mind-blowing attractions.
Learning? Check. Fun? Check. Happy parents and children? Check! Et voila, three birds with one stone!
Related: Best Things to Do in Washington, D.C.
4. Lyle Washington D.C
1731 New Hampshire Ave NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 964-6750
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With its homey feel and prime location, Lyle Washington D.C is an excellent alternative to Hyatt House Washington, D.C/The Wharf and Washington Marriott at Metro Center.
This hotel is perfect for families, with its options for interconnecting rooms.
That means you and the kids can be together but can enjoy your privacy at the same time.
There are also rooms with full kitchenettes that can make you feel at home.
Want to do something together with your partner?
How about you hit the gym for your daily exercise?
Head to the nearby Smithsonian National Zoo afterward with the kids for the perfect bonding moment.
Hungry after a long day?
Check out any of the restaurants near the hotel—there are many.
Or why not dine in the hotel’s restaurant instead?
The food and drinks at Lyle’s Restaurant & Bar won’t disappoint.
Related: Best Family Resorts Near Washington D.C.
5. Capitol Hill Hotel
200 C St SE
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 543-6000
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Complete with all-suite and extended-stay options, the Capitol Hill Hotel is a great option for travelers who are looking for spacious kitchenette-equipped family suites with large closets, a living area the size of a very-mini-Antarctica and work desks for all those workaholics — all designed to ensure an utterly comfortable extended stay!
The family’s youngest members can have their fun with the Capitol Kids program that keeps them engaged with games and fun activities while making parents’ lives easier with services and amenities such as roll-away beds and highchairs.
The Capitol Hill Hotel is truly a home away from home that families can come back to after a day of Capitol Hill’s rich history and D.C’s colorful sights!
6. Fairmont, Washington D.C, Georgetown
2401 M St NW
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 429-2400
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Designed to be the perfect combination of sports, style and luxury, the Fairmont is a Four-Diamond hotel that doesn’t compromise on its family friendliness despite its sophisticated image.
Less than a mile away from the National Mall and the many shopping spots of Georgetown, the Fairmont is definitely a worthy consideration when looking for places to stay for families.
To make your stay sweeter and in honor of the panda Bao-Bao (whose cuteness I can’t stop gushing about), the hotel also offers a panda package that you can enjoy at the National Zoo, which includes a Zoo Welcome Gift Box and a donation of $10 every night of your reservation to the Giant Panda Conservation Fund run by the Friends of the National Zoo.
7. Holiday Inn Washington, D.C — Capitol
550 C St SW
Washington, DC 20024
(202) 479-4000
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No list of the best hotels to stay in Washington D.C with family is complete without an appearance by the Holiday Inn.
Designed to give families an experience replete with comfort and convenience, the hotel is merely minutes away from the National Mall and many of the capital’s historic attractions.
Guests can visit the sober World War II Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial, or have a fun family day at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, a perfect site for learning and fun for kiddos of all ages.
The babies (ages 0-6) can have their share of fun at the Wegman’s Wonderplace inside the museum, while tweens and teens can enjoy learning from the museum’s enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides on the many interactive tours the museum offers.
Related: Fun Things to Do with Kids in Washington DC
8. Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C
1330 Maryland Ave SW
Washington, DC 20024
(877) 401-9818
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Within walking distance from the sublime cherry blossoms of the Tidal Basin and the National Mall, the Mandarin Oriental, situated on D.C’s Southwest Waterfront, is an excellent option for those looking for places to stay with kids in the beautiful city.
While kids splash about in the hotel’s ginormous 50-foot indoor pool, mom and dad can unwind and enjoy some much-needed quality-break-time with relaxing sessions at the hotel spa.
9. Four Seasons Hotel, Washington D.C
2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 342-0444
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One of the most renown hotel-chains the world over, it’s no surprise that the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington D.C is one of the city’s premier hotel offerings.
Situated on Pennsylvania Avenue, guests at the hotel can enjoy postcard-worthy views of the C&O Canal and Georgetown.
The hotel is a great option for large families, with its excellent childcare services and amenities, such as the provision of baby monitors, bottle warmers, diapers, strollers and organic bath amenities, as well as board games and sports equipment for the older ones to enjoy.
Remember, just because your kids are having the time of their lives, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.
We all love our kids but come on, a guilt-free day off is to mom and dad what beets are to Dwight Schrute — indispensable.
Luckily, the hotel allows for just this.
You can hand the kids over to the hotel’s absolutely reliable Kids’ Concierge, ensuring a day of absolute fun for them while you enjoy a day-off from the kids with the better half.
A win-win all around!
10. JW Marriott Washington, D.C
1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 393-2000
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Another one of the big guns in the hotel industry, the luxurious JW Marriott enjoys a worldwide fan base. Their Pennsylvania Avenue property is no exception to the rule and is an absolute gem for family vacations.
Separated from the White House by a walk of a few minutes, D.C’s historic must see, the hotel is also extremely close to the National Theatre for performance-filled evenings as well the National Portrait Gallery for presidential portraits viewing.
11. Grand Hyatt Washington
1000 H St NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 582-1234
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Guests at the Grand Hyatt can enjoy direct access to the city’s Metro Center, elegantly done up family suites and a range of services and amenities to ensure that you have a hassle-free family vacation.
Guests can reach the National Mall after a quick Metro ride, or just saunter over to the Capital One Area to catch the Washington Capitals play.
Guests looking to indulge in some luxury shopping can head over to the scenic CityCenterDC for some high-end shopping experiences!
12. Residence Inn Washington, D.C — Capitol
333 E St SW
Washington, DC 20024
(202) 484-8280
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Located conveniently in the Southwest region of Washington D.C, the Residence Inn is a great option for families working with a budget.
With free food, a free breakfast buffet every morning, and a “social hour” where guests can enjoy a free dinner buffet (including meat, vegetables, salads and dessert) from 6 to 7:30 pm Mondays through Wednesdays, the Residence Inn gives guests great value for their money.
A mere 10-minute walk away from the Smithsonian museum and the National Mall, the hotel also has a great indoor heated pool that your kids will surely love as well spacious full-kitchen-equipped suites that the whole family will surely love!
13. Washington Plaza Hotel
10 Thomas Cir NW
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 842-1300
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With the White House a mere five-minute walk away and three Metro lines within a five-block radius from the hotel, the Downtown-located Washington Plaza Hotel is a worthy hotel option to consider, especially for those who want to be in close proximity to the city’s crowd-drawing sites.
To add to its convenient location, the hotel also has a gorgeous outdoor pool for the warm summer months, a kids’ menu that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket and spacious, airy rooms, most of which have been newly renovated.
Related: Best Restaurants in Washington DC
14. Omni Shoreham Hotel
2500 Calvert St NW
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 234-0700
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Ample space to run about and play on its lawns, a gorgeous outdoor pool and a convenient, prime location in close proximity to the Rock Creek Park and National Zoo, family hotel packages rarely come much better than the ones offered by the Omni Shoreham, especially in the summer months.
The hotel also runs a great kids program, the Omni Sensational Kids’ Program, and on checking-in, kids are given a backpack full of goodies such as games, treats, night lights, a first-aid kit and even outlet covers for the parents.
Related: Best Hotels in Washington D.C.
15. Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington D.C Georgetown
1250 22nd St NW,
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 857-3388
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Another offering from the House of Hilton, the Embassy Suites in D.C’s West End area is the definition of a luxurious stay.
Spacious suites with sinks, microwaves, refrigerators and 32-inch flat-screen televisions will have you and the kids not wanting to leave the place!
The hotel also offers a delicious and free breakfast buffet and kids can enjoy feeding fish in the hotel atrium’s koi pond, set amidst palm trees, glass elevators and waterfalls.
The hotel’s restaurant also offers a custom menu for kids, which includes delicacies such as chicken fingers, pizza, fettuccine and the like.
The staff is extremely courteous and polite; I’m sure that’s a herculean task given the number of kids running around the lobby!
However, the hotel is situated slightly far away from D.C’s prime tourist locations, which means you’ll have to rely on the capital’s cabs or walk for a while to reach a metro stop.
That being said, Embassy Suites is a great family option.
Related: Best Family Vacations on A Budget
Traveler’s Guide
Comparing Hotels: Which One Is Right For You?
Before picking a hotel for your trip, compare and contrast your potential lodging establishments.
Then choose the one that suits your preferences.
Hyatt House Washington, D.C/The Wharf offers value for money.
It features vacation packages that can help you save during your stay.
However, you may encounter minor room temperature issues.
Meanwhile, Washington Marriott at Metro Center has everything you need for an enjoyable stay.
It has modern amenities that will keep you busy.
And if you need to buy something, you can just head to its convenience store on-site.
But prepare to shell out more here since parking rates are expensive.
As for The Darcy, its stylish decor stands out, and it’s pet-friendly.
By pet-friendly, I don’t just mean you can take your furry friend to your room.
I mean, you don’t have to pay for pet fees either.
However, the rooms at the hotel are pretty small.
Lyle Washington D.C. is an excellent option if you want an establishment with a less hotel-like ambiance.
You’ll feel at home in your room with a complete kitchenette.
Its only downside?
Its bathrooms are relatively small.
How I Picked The Hotels
In picking the hotels, I first considered my personal experiences in Washington D.C.
And I’ve visited the city several times.
I was there for our yearly family trips and for my work as a travel writer.
For all those instances, I also planned the trips.
To ensure a holistic review, I also considered the insights from fellow travelers I interviewed during my visits.
Our Rating Method
I rate these hotels based on the following criteria.
- Family-Friendly Facilities: This criterion assesses the family-friendly facilities of every property. Does the hotel have kiddie pools, playgrounds, or game rooms? Are there supervised programs and activities for kids? I consider these questions when evaluating family-friendly activities.
- Safety and Security: This evaluates the property’s safety and security measures. Is the staff available 24/7? Are there CCTV cameras in common areas? Is the staff trained for emergencies? I consider these factors when rating safety and security.
- Cleanliness and Hygiene: I use this to assess cleanliness and hygiene. Are the facilities and public areas well-maintained? How often does housekeeping service the rooms? Do they provide complimentary toiletries? I ask myself these questions when evaluating cleanliness and hygiene.
- Room Size and Layout: I use this to evaluate room size and layout. Are the rooms spacious and comfortable? Do they offer family suites or interconnected rooms? Are there sufficient storage spaces in every room? I consider these questions when rating room size and layout.
- Location and Accessibility: I use this to assess location and accessibility. Are there any local attractions nearby? How many restaurants are within walking distance? How far is the closest public transport station? I consider these factors when rating location and accessibility.
- Value for Money: This criterion assesses the hotel’s value for money. Are the room rates reasonable? Does it offer packages or family discounts? Does each stay come with a complimentary breakfast? Are there additional fees? Are the amenities and facilities suitable for the hotel’s rate? I ask myself these questions when evaluating value for money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Safest Area To Stay When Visiting Washington DC?
The downtown area, particularly neighborhoods like Foggy Bottom, Dupont Circle, and Penn Quarter, is generally considered safe and convenient for visitors to Washington, DC.
Which Family Hotels In Washington DC Are Romantic?
Some romantic family hotels in Washington DC are Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf, Lyle Washington DC, and The Darcy, Curio Collection by Hilton.
Conclusion
Based on my experience, each of the best family hotels in Washington DC offers something unique.
At Washington Marriott at Metro Center, the kids had a blast in the indoor pool.
My partner and I, meanwhile, bonded over our workouts in the fitness center.
At The Darcy, the kids couldn’t stop taking selfies with the vibrant paintings in the Guestroom.
And I can’t count the times I reveled in the beautiful designer furnishings around me.
Lyle Washington D.C was like our home away from home.
I loved that I could prepare food for my family in our room’s kitchenette.
But of all these establishments, I’d say Hyatt House Washington, D.C/The Wharf still stands out.
My family and I didn’t have to travel long to visit The Capitol and The Museum of the Bible.
And the other good news?
It so happened the hotel was offering a special package during our stay.
And so, we ended up spending less.
You might experience minor room temperatures here.
But the hotel still offers the most bang for your buck of all the establishments on this list.
Editor’s Choice
Hyatt House Washington, D.C/ The Wharf
The perfect combination of excellent waterfront views and easy access to D.C’s most exciting area, the Hyatt House is a stone’s throw away from most of the city’s historic attractions.
- Family-Friendly Facilities: 4.5/5
- Safety and Security: 5/5
- Cleanliness and Hygiene: 5/5
- Room Size and Layout: 5/5
- Location and Accessibility: 5/5
- Value for Money: 4.5/5
