Best Value Hotels in Downtown, Washington, D.C.

Opened in 1962, this upper-middle-range landmark hotel has a distinctive retro vibe and one of the city's best outdoor pools. Its 340 colorful rooms and suites pay tribute to their original design, but are also modern and practical, with coffeemakers, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and pillow-topped mattresses. Factor in the competitive rates, the excellent and extravagant breakfast buffet, and the hotel's proximity to major D.C. sights, and the Washington Plaza is one of the best values in town. During the off-season (when the pool is closed), guests may fare better at one of the Kimpton hotels in the area, such as the Palomar or the Madera, which have free nightly wine receptions. 

The 384-room Embassy Suites Hotel - Convention Center is an upper-middle-range option with amenities for both business travelers and families. While the vibe here is decidedly chain hotel, this one has plenty to offer with a restaurant and bar, fitness center, small indoor pool with a hot tub, gift shop, self-service laundry room, and business center. Freebies include an extensive breakfast and a two-hour nightly reception with free drinks. Wi-Fi isn't always free, though, and parking's pricey. All rooms are spacious suites with separate bedroom and living areas, and include pull-out sofas, mini-fridges, microwaves, and two flat-screen TVs. Travelers might want to compare rates with the Grand Hyatt Washington. And business travelers may prefer the Renaissance Washington DC Downtown Hotel, which is chicer but pricier. 

THIS PROPERTY RE-OPENED AS KIMPTON MASON & ROOK IN APRIL 2016. WE WILL UPDATE OUR PHOTOS AND REVIEW AS SOON AS WE CAN.

Holiday Inn Washington-Central/White House is an affordable mid-range hotel located a short walk from Dupont Circle and the White House. Its 212 rooms were updated in 2016 and feature bright decor, in sharp contrast to the glaringly dated lobby and all-day restaurant. On-site features include a seasonal swimming pool, a modern fitness center, meeting space for rent, a business center, and expensive (but secure) underground parking. Guests are a mix of business and leisure travelers, and kid-friendly perks such as free dining for children and sofa beds in some rooms make it a good choice for families. Travelers willing to spend a little more may want to consider the nearby Washington Plaza Hotel, another kid-friendly hotel with an extensive breakfast buffet.

Situated between lively Dupont Circle and downtown D.C., this 100-room Comfort Inn is a convenient choice for business and leisure travelers. The Convention Center is four blocks away, and many tourist attractions and top restaurants are within walking distance. Rooms are simple but with modern upgrades, and include mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, iPod stereos, and free Wi-Fi. A free breakfast buffet, small fitness center, and business center make this hotel a solid value (especially for guests not paying for parking). 

This 99-room mid-range boutique hotel doesn’t have many bells and whistles, but the location -- between Farragut Square and lively Dupont Circle -- is convenient. Highlights include a 24-hour business center, guest laundry room, and free Wi-Fi, gym passes, and shoe shines. Rooms are modern and spacious, and come with microwaves and mini-fridges. Travelers might want to also consider Topaz Hotel, which has a few more amenities and is closer to the action in Dupont Circle. 

This upper-middle-range hotel has 50 large, apartment-style suites that were fully renovated in 2009. Modern kitchens and contemporary furnishings make Eldon a comfortable choice in downtown D.C., but it lacks basic amenities, such as a fitness center and room service. Larger downtown competitors like Renaissance, Marriott Marquis, and Embassy Suites have more perks, but Eldon offers larger rooms at significantly lower prices. Most of Washington’s famous monuments and museums are less than 10 minutes away by taxi.

Smack in the middle of D.C.'s business district and two blocks from the convention center, the Twelve & K Hotel Washington DC (formerly Four Points by Sheraton) is a midtier business hotel with comfortable beds, clean rooms, free internet, a well-maintained pool, helpful service, and a 24-hour gym. The area is a dead zone on nights and weekends, but downtown nightlife is eight blocks away. All in all, a safe choice for business travelers.