What Are The Costs Of Staying At An Airbnb Vs A Hotel In Washington Dc
We spent over 40 hours digging into Airbnb listings in Washington, DC that compare the hotels near the Metro listed on this site. Our priority was to examine reliable Airbnbs with a strong track record that are also in close proximity to the Metro that ARE AVAILABLE as a while house or whole apartment
Airbnbs in and around Washington, D.C. come at a high cost relative to the value of hotels. When we looked at common weekends tourist visit Arlington, VA Airbnbs that compare closet with hotels are more expensive. Below are the average cost of Airbnbs when you have the whole place to yourself, meaning that the host is not staying with you. These averages also dont include cleaning fees, and other fees that Airbnb charges.
The trouble with Airbnb is the fees, particularly the cleaning fees. When you stay at a hotel you dont pay a cleaning fee, and outside of taxes the price shown is what you end up paying. This can make shopping Airbnb difficult because most of the time you wont understand all the fees until you are ready to book and have decided on a particular place. The extra work deciphering fees makes comparing Airbnb to a hotel in Washington, DC more difficult. Below are the fees to be aware of with Airbnb.
Best Area To Stay In Washington Dc For Nightlife
There are three areas that come out as winners in this section.
The first one is Dupont Circle.
It attracts a mature crowd with some beautiful late-night dining options and friendly bars.
Its quite a sophisticated area, although it gathers the younger generation on the weekend nights.
Suggested accommodations:
- Hotels: The Dupont Circle , Hotel Madera
- AirBnb & Holiday homes: Swann House
Adams Morgan is the alternative, especially if you want to mix with the very young crowd, possibly with some live music too.
And finally H Street NE for more of a hipster and communal atmosphere.
Restaurants wise, you will find a great mix of alternatives, from Mexican to Vietnamese, from Italian to Thai. Plenty of late-drink bars.
I would not hesitate to suggest all of them for a visit and a night out. In fact, move around if you plan to stay in the city for a few days.
Unfortunately, Adams Morgan has no Metro stations and H Street NE has only a light train .
In this respect, I would suggest only Dupont Circle as a place to stay in Washington DC for nightlife and sightseeing, possibly as close to the Metro station as you can.
Best Airbnb In Dupont Circle: Victorian Boutique Room
Nestled on a beautiful tree-lined street in the majestic home in the Dupont Circle district. The party spot! And the coolest cafes are nearbylike Kramerbooks & Afterwords, which you have to make sure you stop by before leaving. This home is located on the 2nd floor of Victorian Brownstone and its furnishings are anything but average. The intricate interior will seriously make you feel like royalty. One of the best things this home has is the bathroom pullout mirror. Youll see what I mean!
Don’t Miss: Smithsonian Museum Of Natural History
Best Hotel In Foggy Bottom: The River Inn
The River Inn-A Modus Hotel is a charming and elegant four-star property. It has an on-site fitness center, free bike rental for guests, and helpful and welcoming staff. There is also a popular on-site restaurant and a stylish lounge bar. Its also within walking distance of some MAJOR DC attractions! All this combined makes it a top pick for where to stay in Washington DC for sightseeing.
Where Is The Safest Place To Stay In Washington Dc
Like any major city in the world, youll want to explore Washington DC being mindful of your surroundings. I personally feel comfortable in all of the DC neighborhoods recommended here, even when traveling solo, and even at night. But, I realize that each traveler has his or her own level of comfort.
As a general rule, Georgetown is one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Washington, DC. So if you are visiting DC for the first time, you might want to look at accommodation options in that part of the city.
Read Also: Denver Art Museum Free Days
Don’t Go During School Vacation Week
Don’t go during school vacation week. The lines should were too long in some places. There were bus loads of kids when we went but they were well behaved. We enjoyed the Museum of American History and National Art Gallery. We had lunch at the cafeteria downstairs which was good. Also, at the expresso bar they have gelato that was really really tasty.
Walter E Washington Convention Center
At an impressive 2,300,000 square feet, DC’s major convention center is a super attraction on a super block bounded by Mount Vernon Square and 7th, 9th and N streets. Each year, it welcomes millions to conventions, sports games and entertainment events. It’s also hosted presidential inaugural balls and the ever-popular National Book Festival.
Recommended Reading: Hotels Near Wwii Museum New Orleans
Where Should You Stay In Washington Dc
Youve now explored six of the best places to stay in Washington, DC. If youre visiting for the first time, consider staying in the downtown or Capitol Hill areas.
Georgetown and Dupont Circle are great for families while Logan Circle has the best nightlife.
If you want the best prices, look for a hotel in Chinatown. Pick the spot that offers access to the attractions you want and find a hotel that fits your budget and itinerary for visiting Washington, DC.
Where To Stay In Georgetown
If youre looking for a great place to stay in this historic neighborhood, I recommend:
- Fairmont Washington DC. The rooms of this centrally-located hotel are spacious, comfortable, and pet-friendly. to see photos of the property and get current room rates.
- Hyatt Place Washington DC/Georgetown/West End. Just a five minute walk to George Washington University, your stay at this Hyatt Place includes breakfast. to see photos of the property and get current room rates.
- The Avery Georgetown. This boutique hotel is near the Dumbarton House and is about a 15 minute walk from Georgetown University and the Georgetown Riverfront Park. to see photos and check room rates.
Also Check: Hotels Near Coca Cola Museum
Best Places To Stay In Arlington
Hotel Pentagon
Hotel Pentagon is a great budget-friendly option for where to stay near Washington DC!
The guest rooms feature a flat-screen TV with cable, tea and coffee makers, a work desk, and some rooms feature a microwave and refrigerator! The Hotel Pentagon offers a hot American breakfast as well as a swimming pool, fitness center, and free parking!
Its close to Arlington tourist attractions such as the Signature Theatre, the Pentagon, the Tomb of the Unknowns, and the DEA Museum!
The Hotel Pentagon has a 7.1 rating on booking.com and offers rooms for as low as 101 dollars a night, making this a great option for budget-friendly places to stay near Washington!
CW@Home
CW@Home is an option for where to stay near Washington DC for apartment rentals!
This apartment is air-conditioned with two bedrooms, flat-screen TV, a kitchen ad a terrace! It includes access to an outdoor swimming pool available from May to October, a fitness and business center, and offers private parking!
Its close to all the things you should see during your trip to Washington as well as the classic Arlington staples such as the Tomb of the Unknowns, DEA Museum, the National Mall, and the Smithsonian National Air, and Space Museum, and the White House all within 5 km!
CW@Home has a 9.5 rating on booking.com, it requires a minimum of a two-night booking but has apartments available for as low as 403 dollars a night!
Check Rates: booking.com
Why Trust Our Advice
Why should you rely on our information? Because we speak with tourists every day during our walking tours.
They tell us what they like and dont like about their accommodations around the city. Some rave and some rant.
We listen and then share what they tell us with our readers.
We learn even more from the hundreds of detailed comments and recommendations from visitors on our Facebook group which has over 12,000 members!
These comments are filled with up-to-date hotel recommendations with detailed information from actual hotel guests.
Also Check: Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium
The National Museum Of Women In The Arts
A must-visit for anyone that’s femme-forward. It’s touted as the only major museum in the world solely dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements in the visual, performing and literary arts. Around since 1987, it displays some 4,500 paintings, sculptures, works on paper and pieces of decorative art. Highlights include works by Mary Cassatt, Frida Kahlo and Élisabeth Louise Vigée-Le Brun. Even the atmosphere is notable the museum resides in the old Masonic Temple and is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Understanding Washington Dc Neighbourhoods
Capitol Hill is the area east of the Capitol building. Rich with landmarks such as the Library of Congress, Supreme Court Building, and the Folger Shakespeare Library, this neighborhood is one of the oldest and most densely populated areas of Washington DC!
Its definitely one of the places to stay in Washington DC if youre looking to stay close to the Eastern Market, a must-visit, the year-round indoor and outdoor local food and art market! Not only is Capitol Hill home to this market, it also features plenty of restaurants, bars, and music venues to explore on Pennsylvania Avenue and Barracks Row!
Georgetown is a famous neighborhood in DC for tourists. Filled to the brim with boutiques, museums, dining, and rich nightlife, Georgetown is perfect for people who want to see a little bit of everything.
Its a mix of shops, restaurants, and residential areas which are homes to historic mansions, vintage townhouses, and rental apartments! It has plenty of biking and walking trails on the C & O Canals and Georgetown as well as featuring the Georgetown Washington Harbour Waterfront on the Potomac River.
It is within walking distance of Dupont Circle, Kennedy Centre, and a water taxi that connects to the National Mall, Old Town Alexandria, and the National Harbour!
Arlington is west of DC and housed by the lovely state of Virginia! Its a great option for staying during your vacation because while outside of DC, its much lower in cost but still close to the action!
Also Check: Iowa Children’s Museum Membership
Ronald Reagan Building And International Trade Center
For general tourism, the garage at the Reagan Building is one of the most convenient in the entire city. It is about a block and a half from the White House. It is also across the street from the Smithsonians American History Museum.
This is a great option if you are coming in on the weekend. Weekend rates are only $15 on Saturday and Sunday. However, during the week that price jumps to $35 per day. One thing to note about this garage is that it is in a federal government building. So, when you pull in a security guard will ask you to pop the trunk and will take a look around. Some people do not like this. However, others really do because it makes it feel like their car is in a really safe spot.
Dont Miss: Omaha Childrens Museum Membership
Things To See And Do In Dupont Circle
- Enjoy a wild night at Eighteenth Street Lounge.
- Eat, dance and party the night away at Café Citron, a club with a fiery Latin flair.
- Sip signature cocktail at Heist.
- Dance until dawn at Decades.
- Dine on fresh and delicious oysters, seafood and more at Hanks Oyster Bar.
- See incredible works of art at The Phillips Collection, Americas first museum of modern art.
- Choose from more than 20 beers on tap and a great selection of vintage games at Board Room.
- Enjoy one of the best happy hours in DC at the Madhatter.
- Climb to the top of the Spanish Steps and enjoy the view.
Read Also: Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum Hollywood
The 6 Main Parts Of Town
SVnova/Shutterstock
Washington DC has a couple of dozen distinct neighborhoods, each with separate attractions and reasons to visit. Out of the many areas to stay in Washington, DC, the following parts of the city are among the most popular:
Where Is The Best Place To Stay In Dc For Sightseeing
It all depends on the sights you want to see and the attractions you want to experience! But keep in mind that no matter where you stay in Washington DC, its easy to get around DC thanks to reliable and affordable public transportation. In fact, you can even stay in Northern Virginia or Southern Maryland and easily see the sights of DC.
Heres a summary of my recommendations:
- Foggy Bottom Just north of the western edge of the National Mall, Foggy Bottom is a great place to stay in DC if you plan on visiting the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Kennedy Center, or George Washington University.
- Georgetown Around the bend in the Potomac River, Georgetown is northeast of the Foggy Bottom neighborhood. Stay here to see beautiful gardens, amazing homes, and iconic sights from several shows and movies.
- Dupont Circle Here youll find Embassy Row and the National Geographic Museum.
- Woodley Park This DC neighborhood is a great place to stay if you plan on visiting the Smithsonian National Zoo.
- Penn Quarter This area of DC is just north of the eastern edge of the National Mall and within walking distance of the United States Capitol. Stay here if you plan to visit Fords Theatre, the National Portrait Gallery, or Chinatown.
- Capitol Hill If your itinerary includes the US Capitol, Library of Congress, or Supreme Court, then Capitol Hill may be the best place to stay in DC.
You May Like: Jewish Museum Nyc Current Exhibits
From Otherworldly Art Exhibits To Limited
Of the many national treasures to be found in DC, some of the most impressive monuments are actually housed in the many museums around The District rather than on the National Mall. From some of the worlds most coveted gems in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History to celebrations of language at Planet Word, the museum scene in DC is rife with educational and inspirational works that can appeal to a wide range of interests.
With the new season comes a bevy of new things to do, so if youre looking for a way to spend an afternoonor heck, a whole daychecking out one of DCs many world-class museums is a tough act to beat. Curators across disciplines have worked hard to create mind-boggling exhibits across the city that are worth a visit. Theres a lot to see, so to make things easy for you, weve rounded up all the coolest museum exhibits in DC right now that you can check out this spring.
Best Area To Stay In Washington Dc
The best areas to stay in Washington DC are around the National Mall, the White House and the United States Capitol.
If you scroll down a bit, you may see a green central area in the attached map. That is the National Mall.
There are some great neighborhoods around the Mall of which Penn Quarter, Downtown, Foggy Bottom and Southwest are clear winners, at least for the proximity to all the major attractions that city offers.
If you book your Hotel in Washington DC in the above areas, you can pretty much walk to all the usual suspects, including the White House.
These are, in my opinion, the best neighborhoods to stay in Washington DC for travelers, but they are not cheap.
For your information, the cost of the accommodations depends on the season of your visit and how busy is the week with politics and politicians.
This city is in fact one of the few destinations in the world where you may get some amazing bargains if you plan your Washington DC itinerary during the week days.
The city is well connected with the Metro network, however, this is not as extensive as you would expect.
In fact, some neighborhoods are reachable only by bus or taxi.
I personally suggest booking your accommodation close to a Metro station.
This will half your moving time, besides making it infinitely easier and cheaper too.
You can literally access all the major attractions using the Metro network.
Read Also: Where Is The Whitney Museum
Where To Stay In Washington Dc For Couples
From the moment you enter the grand lobby, the Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. rings with history and old-world charm. Some of its beautifully appointed guest rooms have views over the Washington Monument, and the White House and National Mall are a short stroll from this D.C. landmark. Relax after sightseeing over the hotels afternoon tea.
Guests can also relax over afternoon tea at The Jefferson, Washington DC near Dupont Circle and an easy stroll from the White House and National Mall. This romantic and historic hotel has every luxury: impeccable service, a beautiful paneled library for guests, nightly turndown, fine linens, and commodious bath tubs.
The Graham Washington DC Georgetown is a boutique hotel filled with charm. Its romantic décor, quiet side-street neighborhood, and rooftop terrace for relaxing in the evening provide the perfect antidote to Washingtons busy tourist activity.
Relax together after a days sightseeing overlooking a leafy park from a private balcony at the Morrison-Clark Historic Inn. The Victorian home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and its bright, well-decorated rooms have tall bay windows and antique features. The quiet neighborhood is a few blocks from the Convention Center and Metro, and within walking distance of the National Mall museums. The hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus stops nearby.
