Smithsonian Station is a convenient Metro stop on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It is within one mile of several popular sites, including:
- the Smithsonian Castle
- the National Museum of American History
- the National Museum of Natural History
- the National Museum of African American History and Culture
- the Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden
- the Sackler Gallery
- the Freer Gallery of Art
- the National Museum of African Art
- the International Spy Museum
- the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
- the Washington Monument
- the National World War II Memorial
- the Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Smithsonian Station is on the Blue, Orange, and Silver Metro lines. If you stay near the stop, you will have efficient access to most of Washington, as well as parts of Virginia and Maryland.
There are lots of hotels within walking distance of Smithsonian Station. Here are some of the closest:
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Waldorf Astoria Washington D.C.
This luxury hotel took over the Old Post Office Pavilion building that once housed the Trump International Hotel. It boasts spacious rooms, excellent service, and a spectacular lobby bar displaying an enviable collection of crystal decanters. The Waldorf is a five- to ten-minute walk to the Smithsonian Station; it is also within a mile of ten open Smithsonian venues on the National Mall.
Riggs Washington D.C.
This boutique hotel occupies one of the few remaining Romanesque Revival buildings in Washington. It used to house a leading bank, and 23 presidents are known to have conducted business there. It is a 10- to 15-minute walk from the Smithsonian Station. It is also near Ford’s Theater, where you can see a show, take a guided tour, and view the flag-draped (no-longer-used) Presidential Box.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco
Washington D.C.
This historic hotel occupies a 19th-century building that once housed the General Post Office. It features high ceilings, grand hallways, and a stunning lobby with complementary coffee in the morning and wine in the evening. It is also catty-cornered from the Capital One Arena. It is about a 15-minute walk to the Smithsonian Station.
Hilton Washington D.C.
National Mall the Wharf
This upscale hotel sits in L’Enfant Plaza, midway between the National Mall and the Wharf, a vibrant waterfront strip teeming with lots of restaurants and shops. The building formerly housed the Loews L’Enfant Plaza Hotel (where my parents used to stay when they came to visit me in college). It is a five- to ten-minute walk to the Smithsonian Station.
Holiday Inn
Washington Capitol — National Mall
This midscale hotel has two restaurants, a spacious lobby, and a roof-top pool and bar. It is a five- to ten-minute walk to the Smithsonian Station.
Hyatt House
Washington D.C. — the Wharf
This extended-stay hotel features a great location on the Wharf, and many suites boast beautiful views of the Potomac River. It offers a complementary breakfast, and food at the bar in the evenings. It has ample outdoor lounge space, including a roof-top pool. It is a 10- to 15-minute walk to the Smithsonian Station.
Hyatt Place Washington D.C. — National Mall
This select-service hotel offers spacious rooms, complementary breakfast, and a roof-top bar. It is a 10- to 15-minute walk to the Smithsonian Station.
Bon voyage!
For two decades, I worked at political jobs. Then my parents got sick, and I went home to help care for them, and they died, fourteen weeks apart, in their late 60s. And I decided that life is too dear, and too uncertain, to fritter away in political offices. I fought back the sorrow with travel, and started this blog. I believe that passions are more fun when you share them with others, and my hope is to share my passions for travel and culture with you. Welcome! Read more …