The Most Romantic Hotels in Washington, D.C.

Located in one of Washington, D.C.'s most beautiful buildings, the Old Post Office, the Waldorf Astoria delivers exceptional service in the heart of the nation's capital. Its exclusive address on Pennsylvania Avenue, between the White House and the U.S. Capitol, is unmatched and puts you just steps from some of D.C.'s best museums. The stunning Romanesque Revival building is one of the tallest structures in the city, and the grand clock tower’s observation deck provides spectacular 360-degree views.

The hotel offers some of the most spacious accommodations in D.C. Rooms are clad in sophisticated cream and royal blue with pops of gold. Book the exclusive Waldorf Townhouse if you're seeking total privacy. Boasting 6,300 square feet, it’s the largest suite in the city and has a private entrance. Another highlight of the Waldorf Astoria is the spa, which offers body wraps, massages, facials, and more.

D.C.'s newest luxury hotel boasts an unbeatable location and an array of fantastic amenities. Pendry Washington, D.C., towers over the Potomac River in The Wharf, a bustling waterfront district with a marina, top-notch dining, a concert venue, bars featuring live music, and excellent shopping.

What makes the hotel stand out is its modern decor, a rarity in a city defined by an affinity for classic design. The hotel offers everything couples might need for a romantic getaway, including comfortable rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, a beautiful sunlit spa with an elegant couple’s suite, and a terrace with a large heated pool that overlooks the river. But the Pendry’s crown jewel is its rooftop restaurant and bar, Moonraker. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it offers jaw-dropping city views, best enjoyed with a selection of sashimi and sake.

With a great view of the C&O Canal, Rosewood Washington, D.C., is a peaceful home base for couples looking to stay in the city’s beautiful Georgetown neighborhood. The hotel only has 55 accommodations, but the variety is impressive. Options range from standard rooms and apartment-style suites (including a 1,300-square-foot Presidential Suite with a dining room and office) to six townhouses with private entrances for residential-style living.

Enjoy the hotel's rooftop pool during the day or relax in your room with a couple’s massage (the hotel doesn’t have an on-site spa). Rosewood Washington, D.C., also has an excellent lineup of seasonal experiences that will help you make the most of your stay in the district, including bike tours to Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, and a rooftop barbecue on the Fourth of July.

This legendary hotel on the banks of the Potomac is steeped in history and offers guests a sophisticated setting for their D.C. stay. Rooms and suites are impeccably decorated in mid-century style and complemented by queen- and king-size beds, La Bottega toiletries, marble bathrooms, balconies, and garden or river views.

After its last renovation, the hotel reopened its doors with the sprawling 12,500-square-foot Argentta Spa, which features an indoor saltwater pool, whirlpool bath, sauna/steam room, and gym. Couples wishing to make their stay even more relaxing should take advantage of the Argentta Spa Package, which includes a luxury room or suite, two 50-minute massages, and complimentary late checkout on Sunday. Whatever room you book, just make sure to head to Top of the Gate, the hotel's rooftop bar, at the end of the day for sunset views over the Potomac River.

One of D.C.'s most-awarded hotels, The Hay-Adams lives up to the hype. Occupying a stunning Italian Renaissance-style building right across from the White House, it offers unmatched views of the nation's most famous address and Lafayette Square. With floral curtains, earthy colors, and bas-relief ceilings, each of the 145 rooms and suites is decorated with the elegance of a European mansion. Make sure to ask for a room with French doors, a private balcony, and White House views.

The Hay-Adams is also renowned for its sophisticated food and beverage offerings. Start your evening with drinks at Off the Record, the hotel's chic bar, a favorite of D.C.'s elite. The space is anchored by a cozy fireplace and furnished with discrete, deep red banquettes. The fine-dining restaurant, The Lafayette, serves modern American cuisine in an elegant setting.

One of Washington, D.C.'s most luxurious and renowned hotels is also a gem for history buffs. The Jefferson occupies a gorgeous 1923 Beaux Arts building downtown and features the elegant Book Room, where you’ll find a curated selection of leather-bound tomes to read by the fireplace. This is also where the hotel’s in-house historian presides for four hours each Saturday. 

Appropriately, the 99-room property features stunning decor and excellent dining options. (It's been the go-to spot of many First Ladies for work and private lunches.) Its most beautiful feature is an arched skylight that crowns the lobby's Greenhouse restaurant. When you need to unwind, settle into a cozy corner of Quill, the hotel's bar, for a craft cocktail, or reserve a private Cabinet Room, which comes with a TV, coffee table, and leather couch. If you can, book the First Lady Suite, a gorgeous top-floor space with city views and three Juliette balconies. Cuddle in front of the gas fireplace and order room service for a romantic night in.

As one of D.C.'s finest addresses for almost a hundred years, The St. Regis has welcomed many presidents and dignitaries. Its Presidential Suite is in a league of its own when it comes to glamour, luxury, and privacy. The 2,510-square-foot space includes a plush king-size bed with Frette linens, a soaking bathtub, a walk-in closet, a dining room, a living room, and a library. Also nice: By booking a suite, you get access to the hotel's legendary butler service, which includes packing and unpacking services, in-room drink delivery, and garment pressing.

The St. Regis Bar is one of the district's most famous watering holes and offers an extensive list of wines and craft cocktails. (Order its signature Bloody Mary.) Want to try something unique? Join the 6 p.m. Champagne Sabering Ritual in the lobby, where a saber is used to open bottles of Champagne.

On the border of D.C.'s Chinatown and Penn Quarter neighborhood, Motto by Hilton offers guests easy access to the city's most iconic landmarks, museums, and restaurants. While the rooms are on the small side, they have everything you need for a relaxing stay: comfortable queen-size beds, free Wi-Fi, 50-inch TVs, and smart room technology to adjust the lighting and room temperature. Another plus? Large windows provide beautiful downtown views.

The hotel also has a trio of impressive food and beverage spots. With live music and an exhaustive selection of bourbon and craft cocktails, Crimson Whiskey Bar is a great happy hour or pre-dinner option. When sunset arrives, head to Crimson View. With folding glass doors that transform this spacious lounge into an airy rooftop bar, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic date.