Family-Friendly Hotels in Washington DC: Perfect for Your Next Vacation!

Washington DC has approximately 149 hotels with 34,000 hotel rooms, ranging from economical chains to 5-star blowout hotels with swimming pools frequented by presidents and kings from the world over. The list below represents our favorites for adults traveling with school-age or older children because we know, with so many DC family attractions, you’ll be staying around for longer than you planned.

For more choices, contact your travel agent or the Washington, DC Convention and Visitors Bureau who claim there are 772 hotels in the DC Metro area! They can provide information about transportation, special events, current special/hotel promotions, and other lodging ideas. Remember that many chains, including Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, Residence Inn, Comfort Inn, and others have lesser-priced accommodations in neighboring Maryland and Virginia that are easily reached on the Metro.

Washington DC Budget, Family-Friendly Hotels

The Lombardy Hotel
2019 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20006
202/828-2600; 800/424-5486
Traditional in style with a homey, welcoming vibe, The Lombardy’s full-kitchen suites are well-priced. It has a very convenient location just four blocks from the White House. The streets around the nearby George Washington University in Foggy Bottom are always hopping, and there are many cheap ethnic restaurants working hard to please customers.

Hotel Tabard Inn
1739 N Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
202/785-1277
Nestled in three Victorian townhouses, just off Dupont Circle, this quirky bargain features 40 uniquely decorated rooms above one of DC’s favorite restaurants. It’s a charming and comfortable base for families. Rates include continental breakfast and free passes to the Capitol YMCA located around the corner.  Note that some rooms require guests to share a washroom with another room. It’s very homey and, if you avoid room #9 (by user reviews the least favorite), you’ll do fine. The two-bedded room #33 is very spacious and well set up for families with younger children too, if you don’t mind sharing the bathroom down the hall. In summer, their nice outdoor patio is a great place for breakfast. Pet friendly place, too.

Washington Plaza Hotel
10 Thomas Circle NW
Washington, DC 20005
202/234-0700
Surprisingly stylish and modern, the Washington Plaza was designed by noted architect Morris Lapidus, and has been renovated since our last visit. This highrise is on Thomas Circle, close to Union Station, and popular with business travelers on a budget. Staff is very helpful and pleasant, rooms are spacious and quiet, there’s room service, a gym and free WiFi. There’s even a self-parking underground garage. The large, ground floor outdoor pool — where you can order food — is a real plus in summer after a long day of sightseeing.

Washington DC Mid-Priced, Family-Friendly Hotels

St. Gregory Luxury Hotel & Suites
2033 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
800/829-5034; 202/530-3600
The 154 guestrooms and suites are large, comfortable and feature refrigerators and some kitchenettes; parents are sure to love this and the pay laundry room available to guests. Kids will love the life-size statue of Marilyn Monroe that greets guests as they arrive in the lobby. The great location is convenient (within 10 minutes walk) to three Metro Stations. St. Gregory has its own popular M Street Bar & Grill with an outdoor patio, too. Or, try the Beacon Bar & Grill at the St. Gregory’s sister hotel nearby. Kids 13+ staying in your room pay $20 per night.

The Graham Georgetown
1075 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007
800/388-2410; 202/337-0900
This chic European-style hotel near M Street in Georgetown gives families with older kids a fun neighborhood packed with restaurants to easily explore at night. It is 10 minutes from the National Airport and near the lively Washington Harbour complex, with its riverside cafes (a big outdoor scene in summer) and bustling marina. The high style, all-suite accommodations include lots of marble, plush bedding, coffee makers, fridges, microwaves and complimentary internet access. Kids age 12+ pay $25/night to stay with you. Book ahead for the popular Rooftop Bar.

Washington DC Good & Convention-Sized Family Hotels

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
201 Waterfront Street
National Harbor, Maryland 20745
301-965-4000
Situated just outside of Washington D.C. on the National Harbor, the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center offers a sprawling resort-like experience complete with full-service spa, on-site restaurants, and live entertainment. Seasonal offerings include a Christmas village display complete with a train ride and gingerbread making events, Cirque de Soleil show underneath the indoor atrium overlooking the harbor, and holiday ICE! display, where themed characters come to life in a full-sized ice display. There’s also an ice slide where grown-ups and kids can sail down while wearing blue parkas. Regardless of the time of year, guests can enjoy an indoor pool. Among top three things to do along the National Harbor Boardwalk: 1. Ride the Capital Wheel Ferris wheel soaring 180 feet into the air. 2. Take off with the Urban Pirates on a swashbuckling adventure. 3. Board a sightseeing cruise.

Omni Shoreham Hotel
2500 Calvert Street, NW
Washington, DC 20008
202/872-1680, 888/444-OMNI
This convenient and historic hotel has seen DC’s celebrities and political luminaries come by since 1930. You will definitely enjoy the hotel’s 11 manicured acres a few blocks from the National Zoo (Zoo/Woodley Park exit on the Metro Red Line.) While the style is grandmotherly, the 894 spacious and comfortable rooms are very well maintained. Enjoy the staff’s very good service and spend time in the enormous and beautiful public spaces. Families with toddlers will love the very large (for DC) heated outdoor pool and sundeck, open April to November. Don’t overlook the small “Wildlife Viewing Deck” next to Rock Creek Park for bird watching. Each August, the hotel offers Dive-In movies, too, for outdoor viewing by the pool with complimentary S’mores and glow sticks by the fire pit. Cozy meeting areas make the Omni Shoreham a good place for a larger group or reunion. Note that kids 5 and under eat free.

Washington DC Posh, Upscale Yet Very Family-Friendly Hotels

Fairmont Washington
2401 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037
800/257-7544; 202/429-2400
Located near the Kennedy Center and a few blocks from Rock Creek Park, this pet-friendly hotel is a 5-minutes’ walk from the Foggy Bottom Metro. The 415 quiet spacious accommodations boast a luxe New World style. Corner rooms have a large sofabed that easily accommodates kids, plus a coffeemaker and tea setup, bathrobes and slippers and small dining area. Expect the finest service. The Fairmont has a Balance CrossFit Center with state-of-the-art equipment, a sauna, steam room and regularly scheduled classes. There is even a Paleo Diet meal option at their snack counter. Best yet with little ones, the large, heated indoor pool keeps regular “Family Swim” hours. An adjoining, full service locker room makes it easy to clean the kids up afterwards. Do stop by Fairmont’s lavish weekend buffets at its farm-to-table, sustainable cuisine restaurant. The clever, healthful kids menus that reflect the hotel’s partnership with the Smithsonian Museums (Dinosaur Egg Omelet with “Triceratop’s favorite meal: sliced fruit”.) The beautiful interior courtyard where meals are served is a peaceful urban getaway for parents and a place to let off steam for kids.

Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner
1700 Tysons Boulevard
McLean, VA 22102
800/241-3333; 703/506-4300
Despite its suburban location, we think families with toddlers will be interested in this posh hotel’s “POLO (Protect Our Little Ones) Program” which provides room baby-proofing free of charge. The hotel is also an especially fun destination around any major holiday with lots of special activities for kids and really does up the themed decor. There is a Day Spa on premises, and babysitting available so you can take advantage of it. Small pets welcome.

JW Marriott
1331 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20004
800/393-2503; 202/393-2000
Discover this huge, 772-room bustling center of international diplomacy just a minute’s walk from the White House. The JW, as it’s known, features two restaurants, an on-site Starbucks, an indoor pool, exercise and game room, and staff babysitting. According to families who have stayed at this large, deluxe property and enjoyed its excellent service, the steep weekend rate is worth it. Invest a little more for a room with a great city view. If you can’t afford it, DC is full of great Marriott brands; the 1,175-room Marriott Marquis Washington, DC has weekend bargains near the Convention Center. Plus, many Courtyard by Marriott and Fairfield Inn properties ensure you’ll find a place within your budget.

Things to Do Near Your Family-Friendly Hotel in Washington DC

Washington DC is a city packed with history, culture, and fun activities for families. Here are some of the top things to do near many of the family-friendly hotels in Washington DC:

Visit the Tidal Basin

The Tidal Basin is a beautiful spot to take a walk, rent a paddle boat, or just relax and enjoy the scenery. Plus, it’s a great place to see the cherry blossoms in bloom in the spring.

Ride the Capital Wheel Ferris wheel

The Capital Wheel is a giant Ferris wheel that offers stunning views of the city. It’s a great way to see all of the major landmarks in one place.

Go on a swashbuckling adventure with the Urban Pirates

The Urban Pirates offer boat tours on the Potomac River that are perfect for kids. Kids will love dressing up like pirates and learning about pirate history.

Take a sightseeing cruise

There are a number of companies that offer sightseeing cruises on the Potomac River. These cruises are a great way to see the city from a different perspective and learn about its history.

For a full list of things to do in Washington D.C., you can check out our complete post guide with our Washington D.C. family attractions.

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