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Wide view of the US Capital buildingmage

Washington Hotels

Name: InterContinental The Willard Washington D.C.
Address: 1401 Pennsylvania Ave Nw, Washington, District of Columbia, 20004, United States
Telephone: 1-202-6289100
Rating: 4.6

Intro

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Title: Plan Your Washington, D.C. Vacation
Description: Get immersed in history, culture, and politics in the U.S. capital. Visitors to Washington, D.C., can explore landmarks like the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Capitol to connect with America's past and present. The city is also home to world-class museums, where you can explore exhibits on everything from art and science to history and innovation. Visit one of Washington, D.C.’s many beautiful city parks and unique neighborhoods, packed with charm and famous for their culinary specialties.
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Featured Hotels in Washington

Travel Guide Intro

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Insider’s Guide to Nation’s Capital

Description

Washington, D.C. is easiest to enjoy when you build the trip around a few anchor neighborhoods. The National Mall puts many of the city's defining landmarks and museums in one broad corridor, while Downtown and Penn Quarter keep restaurants, entertainment, and federal offices close. Capitol Hill feels more residential between major sights. Dupont Circle and Logan Circle bring dining and nightlife into the mix, while Georgetown and The Wharf trade monument views for waterfront time.

That variety makes location more important than it may seem on a map. IHG brands across Washington and the surrounding Virginia and Maryland communities give travelers options for sightseeing weekends, government travel, conferences, school trips, and longer stays.

Best Time to Visit Washington, D.C.

Spring and fall are the easiest seasons for long days on foot in Washington, D.C. Spring gets most of the attention because of the cherry blossoms, but peak bloom changes from year to year and popular weekends can fill quickly. Fall often brings comfortable walking weather without making every outdoor stop feel like an endurance test.

Summer can still be a great time to visit, especially for families and festival weekends, but heat, humidity, and afternoon storms are part of the experience. Use the middle of the day for museums, carry water, and save longer monument walks for the morning or evening. Winter is colder and may bring snow, yet the quieter pace can work well for museums, galleries, and historic sites.

Events can matter as much as the season. Federal ceremonies, graduations, major conferences, sports, holidays, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival can all tighten availability. If your dates overlap with a major event, book early and confirm timed-entry requirements before the trip. Security conditions, renovation schedules, and special events can also change access to individual attractions.

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Description

For a first visit focused on monuments and museums, Downtown, Penn Quarter, and the National Mall area are the most straightforward places to stay. You will be closer to the federal core, Capital One Arena, and several Metro stations, which can save time when the itinerary is already full.

Central Washington includes IHG brands such as InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and Vignette Collection. The Wharf is a strong choice if you want waterfront dining and entertainment without losing easy access to Southwest attractions. Dupont Circle and Logan Circle suit travelers who would rather step outside to restaurants, galleries, and nightlife after a day of sightseeing.

Capitol Hill works well when the U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, Union Station, and Eastern Market are priorities. Across the river, Arlington can simplify access to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and the Metro, with Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn represented in the area. Old Town Alexandria gives the trip a more historic waterfront feel outside the District, with Hotel Indigo and Holiday Inn among the IHG brands nearby.

Washington hotel searches can cover a wide metro area. Before booking, check the exact address and Metro access instead of relying on the city label alone. Parking and cross-city travel time can make two hotels that look close on a map feel very different once the day begins.

Description

Start with the National Mall, but do not try to conquer it all at once. The U.S. Capitol and the museums on the eastern side make a natural first block. The Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and nearby memorials can become a second. The distances are longer than they look, and dividing the Mall keeps the day from turning into one long walk between photo stops.

The Smithsonian museums are one of Washington's biggest advantages for travelers because general admission is free at many locations. Art, American history, natural history, aviation, and African American history and culture can each fill hours on their own. Some museums or special experiences may still require timed passes, so check before you arrive.

The city becomes more interesting once you leave the federal core. Georgetown is made for an unhurried walk along historic streets and the waterfront. Eastern Market adds a neighborhood feel to Capitol Hill, while U Street, Dupont Circle, and Adams Morgan bring music, restaurants, and nightlife into the itinerary. Rock Creek Park and the U.S. National Arboretum offer a break when you need more green space than marble.

For a two-day trip, keep the geography simple. Use one day for the Capitol side of the Mall and nearby museums. Spend the second around the Lincoln Memorial and White House area, then finish in Georgetown or another neighborhood that matches your interests. Families can make the same strategy work by pairing one major museum with shorter outdoor stops instead of stacking museums back to back.

Description

Washington's dining scene makes more sense when you follow the neighborhood you are already exploring. Penn Quarter and Downtown are convenient before a museum visit, arena event, or theater performance. The Wharf is better when you want the meal to come with river views, while Georgetown makes an easy stop for coffee, a shopping break, or dinner near the Potomac.

For more variety after dark, look toward Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, Shaw, U Street, and Adams Morgan. These areas put independent restaurants and bars closer together, which is useful when you want options without crossing the city for every reservation. Union Market and Eastern Market offer a different pace and work well as part of a neighborhood afternoon.

A few foods show up often in conversations about Washington, including the half-smoke, Ethiopian cuisine, and Chesapeake seafood. They are worth trying, but the city's international communities and embassy culture make the food scene much broader than a short list of local signatures.

Reserve the meals that matter most, especially for weekend dinners, brunch, and major event nights. A simple rule helps here: choose dinner near the day's final attraction. You will spend less time in transit and more time actually enjoying the evening.

Description

Luxury travel in Washington works best when access replaces excess. Staying near Pennsylvania Avenue, the National Mall, or The Wharf can put major sights, dining, and cultural venues within a tighter radius, leaving less of the day to transportation.

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts gives IHG travelers a luxury option in central Washington and along the Southwest waterfront, while Kimpton brings a design-led stay to several central neighborhoods. Build the day around one high-value experience, such as a private monument tour, reserved museum visit, afternoon tea, fine dining, or a performance at the Kennedy Center, then leave room around it.

Georgetown is a natural fit for a slower luxury afternoon with shopping, historic architecture, and waterfront dining. The National Mall can feel completely different early in the morning or after sunset, when the crowds thin and the monuments take on a quieter character.

Private transportation can help with formal events or a schedule that jumps between neighborhoods, but it is not automatically the fastest option downtown. Metro and walking may still win for short central trips. The real upgrade is an itinerary that groups experiences well and avoids unnecessary backtracking.

Description

You usually do not need a rental car for a city-focused Washington trip. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is the closest major airport to central D.C. and connects directly to Metrorail. Washington Dulles International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport serve the wider region but require more travel time to reach the District.

Metrorail and Metrobus cover many of the neighborhoods visitors use most. Walking works especially well once you are inside the National Mall, Downtown, Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, or The Wharf, although the mileage can add up quickly. Georgetown is the notable exception because it does not have its own Metrorail station, so visitors often use a bus, rideshare, bike, or walk from a nearby station.

Taxis, rideshare, and bike share are useful for filling shorter gaps. Driving is more likely to add friction through parking costs, road closures, and event traffic than to save time in the central core. A rental car starts to make more sense for places beyond the city, including Mount Vernon, Great Falls Park, Annapolis, or a broader Mid-Atlantic road trip.

Before heading out, check Metro service, station accessibility, road closures, and current attraction entry guidance. The simplest strategy is still the best one: stay near the neighborhood or transit line you will use most and avoid crossing the city repeatedly.

Description

Start with the two or three places you care about most, then choose the hotel around them. Downtown, Penn Quarter, the National Mall, and Capitol Hill are strong bases for a first trip built around monuments and museums. Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, and Shaw make more sense when restaurants and nightlife matter just as much.

The Wharf gives you a waterfront setting without leaving the city core. Crystal City can simplify airport access, while Old Town Alexandria works for travelers who want a historic base outside the District with regional transit connections.

Before booking, compare Metro access, parking, accessibility, and the realistic travel time to your planned stops. Washington rewards a focused itinerary. The less often you have to double back across the city, the more time you have for the museums, neighborhoods, meals, and monuments you came to see.

Washington hotel information
IHG hotels in Washington	60
Total IHG hotel rooms in Washington	5,005
Washington hotel price range	$204.50–$992.53 USD per night
Total Washington hotel reviews	45,856
IHG Washington hotels average review rating	4.28

Explore Washington Hotels by Interest

Upcoming Events in Washington

Mike J Maguire

ZooLights Express

With its vibrant displays, animal-themed decorations, and sparkling lights, Smithsonian's National Zoo's ZooLights Express is a joyous Christmas experience. In a family-friendly setting, visitors take a mini-train through colorful tunnels and immersive exhibits that celebrate conservation and the festive spirit.

Start date: November 20, 2026
End date: January 3, 2027

Event website

The Trump White House Archived

National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Washington, D.C., is a beloved holiday tradition held near the White House. It features live music, festive performances, and the grand lighting of the National Christmas Tree, kicking off the holiday season with joy, unity, and stunning holiday lights.

Start date: December 4, 2026
End date: December 4, 2026

Event website

BrianBoardman

Washington Auto Show

The Washington Auto Show is one of the largest and most prestigious automotive events in the United States, held annually in Washington, D.C. This event showcases a wide range of vehicles, from the latest models of cars, trucks, and SUVs to cutting-edge concept cars and green technology innovations.

Start date: January 23, 2027
End date: February 1, 2027

Event website

Aaron Burden

Presidents' Day

Start date: February 16, 2027
End date: February 16, 2027

Sophie Popplewell

St. Patrick's Day Parade

Washington throws a big St. Patrick's Day parade with all the bells and whistles - bagpipers, marching bands, floats and other fun festivities. The parade is held the Sunday before St. Patrick's Day. Irish-related events, ranging from theater to dance concerts, are held the days afterward. Visitors can catch the action on Constitution Avenue just north of the National Mall between 7th and 17th streets. Past parade grand marshals have included the late Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill Jr., once Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and football great John Riggins.

Start date: March 8, 2027
End date: March 8, 2027

Event website

suju

Easter

Easter is an important holiday on the Christian calendar. The exact date of Easter varies each year but always falls on a Sunday, sometime between late March and late April. On this day observing Christians all over the world attend mass (prayer service). They often go on picnics, have dinner with family and friends and give each other Easter eggs. The eggs symbolize new life and a new beginning.

Start date: April 5, 2027
End date: April 5, 2027

Serghey Savchuk

Smithsonian Craft Show

The Smithsonian Craft Show is a prestigious annual event that showcases the work of some of the finest contemporary craft artists in the United States. The show is known for its high standards of quality and creativity, with each artist being carefully selected through a rigorous jury process.

Start date: April 22, 2027
End date: April 26, 2027

Event website

Eric Stoynov

National Memorial Day Parade

The National Memorial Day Parade is a grand tribute to the courageous men and women who bravely fight and sacrifice everything for the security of their nation. This annual parade sees incredible musical performances by the best among the armed forces.

Start date: May 25, 2027
End date: May 25, 2027

Event website

Leamsii

Memorial Day

Held on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day is a public holiday in the United States. It commemorates those in the country's armed forces who died in the line of duty. Schools and many businesses are closed, and it is common for cities to hold a solemn parade in honor of the fallen.

Start date: May 25, 2027
End date: May 25, 2027

Cecilie Johnsen

The Capital Pride Honors

The Capital Pride Honors at the National Building Museum is a prestigious event celebrating LGBTQ+ leaders, activists, and allies. Hosted in Washington, D.C., it highlights outstanding contributions to advocacy, equality, and inclusion. The elegant venue adds grandeur to this inspiring night of recognition.

Start date: June 7, 2027
End date: June 7, 2027

Event website

Tim Evanson

Capital Pride Celebration

DC's Capital Pride is one of the largest celebrations in the country with upwards of a million people attending. The proceedings feature a street fair, festival and parade, all focused on civil rights issues, diversity and culture for gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-gender individuals.

Start date: June 20, 2027
End date: June 21, 2027

Event website

Evan Wise

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is an annual event in Washington, D.C., organized by the Smithsonian Institution. Held on the National Mall, it celebrates global cultural traditions through live demonstrations of music, dance, crafts, and food.

Start date: July 2, 2027
End date: July 7, 2027

Event website

Renith R

Mubadala Citi DC Open

The Mubadala Citi DC Open, formerly known as the Washington Open, is an annual tennis tournament held in Washington, D.C., usually in early to mid-August. It features both ATP and WTA events, attracting top global players.

Start date: July 25, 2027
End date: August 2, 2027

Event website

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