9 Hotels near Metro Center in Washington, D.C.

Metro Center is the central station in the mass-transit system of Washington, D.C.  Staying near Metro Center is a great way to position yourself at the heart of the city’s bustling downtown.

The area is a convenient base from which to explore major attractions like the National Mall, the Smithsonian museums, and the White House.  It also features lots of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

The station provides easy access to most of Washington and parts of Virginia and Maryland.  The downtown stop is on the Red, Blue, Orange, and Silver lines.

 

There are plenty of hotels in the area; here are some of the more suitable:

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Riggs Washington D.C.

★★★★★

This historic hotel occupies one of the few remaining Romanesque Revival buildings in Washington.  It used to house a leading bank, and presidents and embassies conducted financial business there.  It is about a five-minute walk from Metro Center.  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.  The Riggs is a fine choice if you want a boutique hotel in a central area.

Willard InterContinental Washington

★★★★★

The historic Willard is one of Washington’s iconic hotels.  It has hosted every president since Millard Fillmore.  Julia Ward Howe wrote “Battle Hymn of the Republic” within its walls.  Ulysses S. Grant drank whiskey and smoked cigars here, and legend has it that the term lobbyist was coined to describe the favor-seekers who approached him.  I’ve enjoyed drinking and dining at its historic Round Robin Bar for decades.  The Willard is about a five-minute walk to Metro Center.  It’s an excellent choice if you want a sense of history in a central location.

Waldorf Astoria Washington D.C.

★★★★★

This historic Hilton property 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 Metro Center; it is also within a mile of ten open Smithsonian venues on the National Mall.  The Waldorf is an excellent choice if you want classic luxury in a central location.

Kimpton Hotel Monaco
Washington D.C.

★★★★-1/2

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 a five- to ten-minute walk to Metro Center.  It is also catty-cornered from the Capital One Arena.  The Hotel Monaco is a good choice if you want quirky style in a central location.

Hotel Washington

★★★★-1/2

This upscale hotel is a five- to ten-minute walk to Metro Center.  It is also steps away from the White House.  Its rooftop bar VUE is iconic, offering spectacular views of Washington.  When I worked nearby, it was a favorite spot to meet friends or take out-of-town guests.  It appeared in the Cold War thriller No Way Out.  The Hotel Washington is a good choice if you want sophisticated lodgings downtown.

Eaton D.C.

★★★★-1/2

This modern hotel is a five- to ten-minute walk from Metro Center.  It is located downtown very close to where I worked for several years in a fun job that fueled my wanderlust with travel from Ontario to El Salvador.  Accommodations range from cozy rooms to small suites.  They are equipped with books, smart TVs, and turntables and vinyl records, but no coffee makers.  It’s a good choice if you want something contemporary with a woke hostel vibe.

Grand Hyatt Washington

★★★★

This upscale hotel offers a direct connection to Metro Center.  It is also a short walk to several Smithsonian museums.  The hotel has spacious rooms and several restaurants.  It is a good choice if you want classic comfort and indoor access to the Metro.

J.W. Marriott Washington D.C.

★★★★

This upscale hotel is a four- to five-minute walk from Metro Center.  The hotel boasts elegant, spacious rooms with views of the city, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and multiple dining options.  The Marriott is a good choice if you want classic comfort in a central location.

Henley Park Hotel

★★★★

This historic hotel is a five- to ten-minute walk from Metro Center.  Its Tudor Revival structure was built in 1918 to provide Washington homes for Members of Congress.  It was then known as Tudor Hall, and its unique exterior features 119 gargoyles.  It has a tavern restaurant with a classic bar and offers afternoon tea.  Rooms are cozy, but suites are comfortable.  The hotel and bar are among my go-to spots.  The Henley is a good choice if you want an old-school vibe in a central location.

Staying near Metro Center provides a solid blend of convenience and comfort, with quick access to Washington’s unique museums and monuments and plenty of options for dining, shopping, and entertainment.