Pros

  • Rooms renovated in 2010
  • Large variety of room and suite sizes and types (ask for a big one!)
  • Huge, well-equipped fitness club
  • High-speed in-room Wi-Fi
  • On-site spa -- rare for a D.C. hotel
  • Nice beds with duvets and super-soft pillows
  • Excellent water pressure in showers
See More Pros

Cons

  • Variety of room sizes means guests can get small one.
  • Fee to use gym
  • Daily fee for Internet
See More Cons

Bottom Line

The Hilton boasts a central location two blocks from Lafayette Square (behind the White House) and some nice features -- spa, huge gym, 30,000 square feet of meeting space, and rooms that were renovated in 2010. In addition to the Statler Lounge, a restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine at lunch and dinner, in late 2011 the North Gate Grill opened, serving all-American fare with an emphasis on home-style and farm-fresh quality. The latter is open for brekkie, lunch and except Sundays, dinner.

See More Bottom Line

Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Pets Allowed
  • Spa

Oyster Hotel Review

Capital Hilton

Scene

No surprises here: a midpriced, midsize, business-oriented chain hotel right downtown

Despite occupying an entire city block and boasting a past dating back to World War II ("Historic Hospitality since 1943," says the sign in the front), the Capital Hilton is nearly inconspicuous. One reason is that it is overshadowed by its much smaller but very high-profile neighbors along 16th Street near the White House. The Hay-Adams, St. Regis, and Jefferson are all within blocks. The other reason is that, with its cement-block structure and expansive layout -- 544 rooms on only seven floors -- the building resembles a hospital more than a hotel.

The comparison goes beyond mere appearances. Also like a hospital, the Hilton is more utilitarian than homey; it gets the job done without flourish or even, some would say, style. The front-desk staff will check you in efficiently and cordially, but don't expect anyone to open a door or help with your bags. In 2010, the Hilton completed a $26 million overhaul of the rooms, which are clean and comfortable, but they're generic, and their decor is uniform throughout the hotel. The food is tasty but unmemorable. A full 80 to 85 percent of the guests are in town on business, and most of those are conventioneers. Basically, the Hilton is like most other midpriced, midsize, business-oriented chain hotels.

See More Scene

Location

The heart of downtown, a 10-minute walk to the White House; 15 to the Washington Monument and the Mall

The location could be very convenient or very dull, depending on your reasons for visiting the capital. The immediate area, in the middle of old downtown, bustles during the day with nine-to-fivers in power suits, but it's quiet on weekends and downright desolate at night. Your only dining and drinking options are on-site or at other hotels like the St. Regis or Jefferson. Overall, it's a fine hub for sightseeing and perfect if you're in town to do business near the White House or Treasury. Just don't count on any nightlife.

  • Lafayette Park, two blocks south, is great for tourist-watching and statue-spotting.
  • 10- to 15-minute walk to Washington Monument, at the center of the Mall
  • 20- to 25-minute stroll to other points of interest on the Mall (though you can also take the Metro from the nearby McPherson Square stop)
  • Two blocks from three different Metro stops encompassing three different lines -- can get virtually anywhere
  • Two miles to Union Station; 10 minutes by cab, depending on traffic
  • Five miles to Reagan National Airport; 10 minutes by cab, depending on traffic
  • 25-plus miles to Dulles International Airport; at least 45 minutes by cab
See More Location

Things You Should Know About Capital Hilton

Also Known As

  • Hilton Washington Dc
  • Capital Hilton Hotel
  • Washington Dc Hilton

Room Types

  • Deluxe Room
  • Executive Room
  • Junior Suite
  • Room Selected at Check-in

Address

1001 16th St NW, Washington DC, 20036-5794, United States

Phone

(202) 393-1000

Website

Oyster Hotel Review

Capital Hilton

Scene

No surprises here: a midpriced, midsize, business-oriented chain hotel right downtown

Despite occupying an entire city block and boasting a past dating back to World War II ("Historic Hospitality since 1943," says the sign in the front), the Capital Hilton is nearly inconspicuous. One reason is that it is overshadowed by its much smaller but very high-profile neighbors along 16th Street near the White House. The Hay-Adams, St. Regis, and Jefferson are all within blocks. The other reason is that, with its cement-block structure and expansive layout -- 544 rooms on only seven floors -- the building resembles a hospital more than a hotel.

The comparison goes beyond mere appearances. Also like a hospital, the Hilton is more utilitarian than homey; it gets the job done without flourish or even, some would say, style. The front-desk staff will check you in efficiently and cordially, but don't expect anyone to open a door or help with your bags. In 2010, the Hilton completed a $26 million overhaul of the rooms, which are clean and comfortable, but they're generic, and their decor is uniform throughout the hotel. The food is tasty but unmemorable. A full 80 to 85 percent of the guests are in town on business, and most of those are conventioneers. Basically, the Hilton is like most other midpriced, midsize, business-oriented chain hotels.

See More Scene

Location

The heart of downtown, a 10-minute walk to the White House; 15 to the Washington Monument and the Mall

The location could be very convenient or very dull, depending on your reasons for visiting the capital. The immediate area, in the middle of old downtown, bustles during the day with nine-to-fivers in power suits, but it's quiet on weekends and downright desolate at night. Your only dining and drinking options are on-site or at other hotels like the St. Regis or Jefferson. Overall, it's a fine hub for sightseeing and perfect if you're in town to do business near the White House or Treasury. Just don't count on any nightlife.

  • Lafayette Park, two blocks south, is great for tourist-watching and statue-spotting.
  • 10- to 15-minute walk to Washington Monument, at the center of the Mall
  • 20- to 25-minute stroll to other points of interest on the Mall (though you can also take the Metro from the nearby McPherson Square stop)
  • Two blocks from three different Metro stops encompassing three different lines -- can get virtually anywhere
  • Two miles to Union Station; 10 minutes by cab, depending on traffic
  • Five miles to Reagan National Airport; 10 minutes by cab, depending on traffic
  • 25-plus miles to Dulles International Airport; at least 45 minutes by cab
See More Location

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Babysitting Services

  • Basic Television

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Pets Allowed

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Smoking Rooms Available

  • Spa

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.