From the Wright brothers’ Flyer to the Apollo 11 command module Columbia, the Smithsonian‘s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., houses some of the most significant artifacts in aerospace history.
The Museum reopened in October 2022; it had been closed for renovations for a little more than six months. As of this writing, eight galleries are open to the public, while the remainder continue undergoing renovations. The Museum is free of charge to explore, but timed-entry passes are required, and there are ticket fees for some shows in the Planetarium. I visited recently, and although much of the Museum remains closed off, there are still many fascinating artifacts on display.
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Like most Smithsonian venues, the National Air and Space Museum is located on the National Mall. The closest Metro station is L’Enfant Plaza on the Yellow, Blue, Orange, Silver, and Green lines. Uber and Lyft are also efficient in Washington. Driving and parking are not, and I don’t recommend trying.
There are more than two dozen clean, comfortable hotels of different classes within a mile of the National Air and Space Museum. Here are some of the closest:
Waldorf Astoria Washington D.C.
This luxury Hilton property is a 10- to 15-minute walk from the National Air and Space Museum. It is also within walking distance of eight other open Smithsonian museums on the National Mall. The closest Metro station is Federal Triangle on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines.
The Waldorf took over the Old Post Office Pavilion building that once housed the Trump International Hotel. Attached to the building is the Clock Tower, from which visitors enjoy 360-degree views of Washington.
Rooms are spacious and elegant, and the service is outstanding. The hotel features a spa, a gym, and valet parking.
The Waldorf houses Michelin one-star restaurant Sushi Nakazawa. The Bazaar serves tapas. Its lobby bar/restaurant is one of my favorite spots in Washington, thanks to its spacious and comfortable atmosphere and enviable display of crystal decanters. Other Michelin restaurants within half a mile include: minibar (two stars), Fiola (one star), Café Riggs (inside the Riggs hotel), Rasika, China Chilcano (Bib Gourmand), Jaleo (Bib Gourmand), and Oyamel (Bib Gourmand).
Riggs Washington D.C.
This Preferred boutique hotel is a 10- to 15-minute walk from the National Air and Space Museum. It is also close to Ford’s Theater, where you can see a show, take a guided tour, and view the flag-draped (no-longer-used) Presidential Box. The closest Metro stop is Gallery Place on the Yellow, Red, and Green lines.
The hotel occupies one of the few remaining Romanesque Revival buildings in Washington. It used to house a leading bank, and several presidents and embassies conducted their financial business there.
The hotel offers elegant rooms and four suites named after former First Ladies. Amenities include a gym and valet parking.
The bank-turned-hotel has a bar housed in the original vault. Its Café Riggs is a Michelin restaurant serving contemporary French cuisine. Other Michelin restaurants within half a mile include: minibar, Cranes (one star), Fiola, Sushi Nakazawa, Rasika, Tonari, Zaytinya, China Chilcano, Jaleo, and Oyamel.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington D.C.
This historic IHG property is a 10- to 15-minute walk from the National Air and Space Museum. It’s also catty-cornered from the Capital One Arena. The closest Metro stop is Gallery Place. The hotel occupies a 19th-century building that once housed the General Post Office.
The hotel offers a gym, valet parking, and a stunning lobby with complementary coffee in the morning and wine in the evening.
Like all Kimptons, the Hotel Monaco offers special surprises to guests who invoke a seasonally changing secret password at check-in; the perks range from things like cocktail vouchers to hot-cocoa kits. As of this writing, the secret password is “No Shade”.
Its restaurant Dirty Habit has a broad American menu and an outdoor patio with a fire pit. Michelin restaurants within half a mile include: minibar, Cranes, Fiola, Café Riggs, Rasika, Tonari, Zaytinya, China Chilcano, Jaleo, and Oyamel.
Hilton Washington D.C.
National Mall the Wharf
This upscale hotel is a five- to ten-minute walk to the National Air and Space Museum. The hotel has a fabulous location midway between the National Mall and the Wharf, a vibrant waterfront strip teeming with lots of restaurants and shops. It is also steps away from the International Spy Museum. The closest Metro station is L’Enfant Plaza. Its building formerly housed the Loews L’Enfant Plaza Hotel (where my parents used to stay when they came to visit me in college).
The hotel has a gym and valet parking. Its casual L’Enfant Bar & Grill offers American cuisine. The hotel also has a Starbucks. Michelin restaurants within half a mile include: Del Mar and Officina.
Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill
This business hotel is a 10- to 15-minute walk from the National Air and Space Museum. It is steps away from the U.S. Capitol building. The closest Metro stop is Union Station on the Red line. I once hosted a conference in the large hotel. It offers a gym and on-site parking. Its Article One Grill and Lounge serve American fare.
Holiday Inn Washington
Capitol — National Mall
This midscale IHG hotel is a three- to four-minute walk to the National Air and Space Museum. It is also close to the Museum of the Bible. The nearest Metro stop is L’Enfant Plaza. The hotel has a gym, on-site parking, and a roof-top pool and bar. Its casual Capitol Bistro and 21st Amendment Bar & Grill serve American fare. The hotel also has a Starbucks.
Residence Inn by Marriott
Washington D.C. National Mall
This extended-stay hotel is a five- to ten-minute walk to the National Air and Space Museum. It is also near the Museum of the Bible. The closest Metro station is Federal Center SW on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. The rooms are spacious with kitchenettes. The hotel has a gym, on-site parking, and complementary breakfast daily.
Hyatt Place Washington D.C. | National Mall
This select-service hotel is a five- to ten-minute walk to the National Air and Space Museum. It is also nearby the Museum of the Bible. The closest Metro station is Federal Center. The hotel offers a gym, valet parking, complementary breakfast daily, and a roof-top bar. Its lobby bar/restaurant serves American fare.
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Continue your adventure in Washington:
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