Washington, D.C., is an ideal destination for a family vacation, with its wealth of educational attractions, historic landmarks, and interactive museums. Finding the perfect hotel to accommodate the needs of both adults and children can greatly enhance your trip. In this blog, I’ll review some of the top family-friendly hotels in D.C., share my personal experiences, and provide practical tips on reservations, routes, and amenities.
1. Omni Shoreham Hotel
My Experience
Staying at the Omni Shoreham Hotel was a delightful experience for my family. Nestled in a lush, wooded area near Rock Creek Park, the hotel combines historical charm with modern amenities. The rooms are spacious, providing ample space for children to play and adults to relax.
Highlights
- Location: 2500 Calvert St NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
- Reservations: Available through the Omni Hotels website, Booking.com, and Expedia.
- Amenities: The hotel boasts a large outdoor pool, perfect for children. There’s also a kid-friendly restaurant and beautiful gardens.
- Nearby Attractions: National Zoo, Rock Creek Park
- Tips: Request a room with a view of the park for a serene atmosphere. The hotel offers family packages that include breakfast and tickets to local attractions.
Getting There
- By Metro: Take the Red Line to the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan station, which is a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
- By Car: The hotel offers valet parking, and there’s ample parking in nearby streets and garages.
2. Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill
My Experience
The Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill is perfect for families interested in being close to the city’s main attractions. The location is unbeatable, with easy access to the Capitol, Smithsonian museums, and the National Mall. The hotel’s rooms are designed for comfort and convenience, accommodating families of all sizes.
Highlights
- Location: 400 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
- Reservations: Book directly through the Hyatt website, or use platforms like Hotels.com and Travelocity.
- Amenities: Indoor pool, free Wi-Fi, on-site dining, and children’s activities.
- Nearby Attractions: U.S. Capitol, National Mall, Smithsonian Museums
- Tips: Take advantage of the hotel’s family package deals which include breakfast and discounted tickets to nearby attractions.
Getting There
- By Metro: The nearest station is Union Station, which is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
- By Car: The hotel provides valet parking, and there are several parking garages nearby.
3. The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown
My Experience
For a luxurious yet family-friendly stay, The Ritz-Carlton in Georgetown is an excellent choice. The hotel is located in a historic building and offers top-notch service. My family enjoyed the spacious rooms and the kid-friendly amenities, including welcome packages for children.
Highlights
- Location: 3100 South St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007
- Reservations: Available through The Ritz-Carlton website, Kayak, and Orbitz.
- Amenities: Family suites, children’s programs, babysitting services, and an on-site movie theater.
- Nearby Attractions: Georgetown Waterfront Park, C&O Canal, Georgetown University
- Tips: Ask about the Ritz Kids program, which offers activities like scavenger hunts and arts and crafts.
Getting There
- By Metro: The nearest Metro station is Foggy Bottom-GWU, from which you can take a taxi or a bus to the hotel.
- By Car: Valet parking is available, and there are several public parking options in Georgetown.
4. Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington D.C. – Convention Center
My Experience
Embassy Suites by Hilton is a great option for families who appreciate the convenience of suite-style accommodations. Each suite includes a separate living area, perfect for families needing extra space. The complimentary breakfast and evening receptions were a big hit with my family.
Highlights
- Location: 900 10th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
- Reservations: Book through the Hilton website, Priceline, and Agoda.
- Amenities: Indoor pool, complimentary breakfast, evening reception with snacks, and kids’ menu.
- Nearby Attractions: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Ford’s Theatre, International Spy Museum
- Tips: Take advantage of the free shuttle service to local attractions. The suites are ideal for larger families needing extra space.
Getting There
- By Metro: The nearest station is Metro Center, about a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
- By Car: The hotel offers valet parking, and there are several nearby parking garages.
5. Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington D.C.
My Experience
The Kimpton Hotel Monaco offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities, located in a beautiful building that once served as a post office. The hotel’s family-friendly features, such as complimentary bike rentals and pet-friendly policies, made our stay enjoyable and memorable.
Highlights
- Location: 700 F St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
- Reservations: Available through the Kimpton Hotels website, Expedia, and Booking.com.
- Amenities: Complimentary bike rentals, pet-friendly, kids’ amenities, evening wine hour for parents.
- Nearby Attractions: National Portrait Gallery, Capital One Arena, International Spy Museum
- Tips: Join the Kimpton Karma Rewards program for free Wi-Fi and other perks. Request a room with a courtyard view to minimize street noise.
Getting There
- By Metro: The nearest station is Gallery Place-Chinatown, just a short walk from the hotel.
- By Car: Valet parking is available, and there are several public parking garages nearby.
6. Residence Inn by Marriott Washington, D.C. – Capitol
My Experience
The Residence Inn by Marriott is ideal for longer stays, offering apartment-style accommodations with fully equipped kitchens. This was especially convenient for preparing meals for my family. The hotel’s proximity to the National Mall made it easy to explore the city’s attractions.
Highlights
- Location: 333 E St SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
- Reservations: Book through the Marriott website, Orbitz, and Hotels.com.
- Amenities: Fully equipped kitchens, complimentary breakfast, grocery delivery service, and an indoor pool.
- Nearby Attractions: National Air and Space Museum, U.S. Capitol, National Museum of the American Indian
- Tips: Use the grocery delivery service to stock up on snacks and meals. The suites are perfect for families who need extra space and kitchen facilities.
Getting There
- By Metro: The nearest station is Federal Center SW, about a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
- By Car: The hotel offers on-site parking for an additional fee.
7. Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown
My Experience
The Fairmont Washington, D.C., in Georgetown offers a luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere for families. The spacious rooms and attentive service made our stay comfortable and relaxing. The hotel’s location in Georgetown provides easy access to shopping and dining options.
Highlights
- Location: 2401 M St NW, Washington, D.C. 20037
- Reservations: Available through the Fairmont website, Travelocity, and Kayak.
- Amenities: Indoor pool, children’s amenities, fitness center, and pet-friendly rooms.
- Nearby Attractions: Kennedy Center, Georgetown Waterfront Park, Rock Creek Park
- Tips: Check out the hotel’s family package deals, which often include breakfast and discounts on local attractions. The indoor pool is great for kids.
Getting There
- By Metro: The nearest station is Foggy Bottom-GWU, from which you can walk or take a short taxi ride to the hotel.
- By Car: Valet parking is available, and there are several nearby public parking options.
8. The Watergate Hotel
My Experience
The Watergate Hotel offers a unique blend of modern luxury and historic significance. The spacious rooms and kid-friendly amenities made our stay enjoyable. The rooftop bar provides stunning views of the city, and the indoor pool was a hit with the kids.
Highlights
- Location: 2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20037
- Reservations: Book through the Watergate Hotel website, Booking.com, and Expedia.
- Amenities: Indoor pool, rooftop bar, kid-friendly dining options, and pet-friendly rooms.
- Nearby Attractions: Georgetown, Kennedy Center, Rock Creek Park
- Tips: The rooftop bar is a must-visit for parents, offering stunning views of the Potomac River and the city. The hotel often offers packages that include breakfast and attraction tickets.
Getting There
- By Metro: The nearest station is Foggy Bottom-GWU, about a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
- By Car: The hotel offers valet parking, and there are several nearby parking garages.
Practical Tips for Booking Family-Friendly Hotels in Washington, D.C.
Reservations
- Book Early: Family-friendly hotels in D.C. tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Book your accommodations well in advance to secure the best rates and availability.
- Use Trusted Platforms: Websites like Booking.com, Expedia, and the official hotel websites are reliable for making reservations. Check reviews and ratings to ensure the hotel meets your family’s needs.
- Look for Packages: Many hotels offer family packages that include breakfast, tickets to local attractions, and other perks. These packages can provide great value and convenience.
Transportation Tips
- Metro: Washington, D.C.’s Metro system is efficient and family-friendly. Purchase a SmarTrip card for easy access to trains and buses. Metro stations are usually stroller-friendly.
- Walking and Biking: The city is walkable, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other. Capital Bikeshare is a great option for renting bikes, with stations throughout the city.
- Driving: If you’re driving, check the parking options at your hotel. Valet parking can be convenient, but it often comes with an additional fee. Public parking garages are also available.
Amenities to Look For
- Pool: An indoor or outdoor pool can be a great way for kids to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
- Kitchen Facilities: Hotels with kitchenettes or full kitchens can help you save money on meals and make it easier to cater to picky eaters.
- Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for hotels that offer children’s programs, game rooms, or activities to keep the little ones entertained.
- Family Suites: Spacious suites with separate living areas can provide more comfort and privacy for families.
Safety and Comfort
- Childproofing: Check if the hotel offers childproofing services or supplies like outlet covers and corner guards.
- Cribs and Extra Beds: Ensure the hotel can provide cribs or extra beds if needed. Some hotels charge extra for these, so inquire when booking.
- Pet-Friendly: If you’re traveling with pets, look for hotels that accommodate them and provide pet amenities.
Washington, D.C. offers a wealth of family-friendly attractions and accommodations that can make your trip enjoyable and memorable. Whether you’re looking for luxury, convenience, or budget-friendly options, the city has something to suit every family’s needs. By choosing the right hotel and planning your stay with these practical tips, you can ensure a comfortable and exciting visit to the nation’s capital. Happy travels!