The District of Columbia is renowned for its abundance of museums (many of which are free), iconic landmarks, and seasonal cherry blossoms. Recently, the new waterfront shopping and dining complex, The Wharf, has provided travelers with additional reasons to explore this vibrant city. Whether visitors are interested in historical sites, cultural experiences, or culinary adventures, GoTravelDaily readers have numerous choices for accommodation, spanning historic grand hotels to modern boutique options.
How Voting Works
Each year for the World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily invites readers to share their travel experiences from around the world, expressing their preferences for top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. In 2023, nearly 165,000 GoTravelDaily readers participated, marking a significant increase of almost 25 percent compared to pre-pandemic participation levels. More than 685,000 votes were tallied across over 8,500 distinct properties, including hotels, cities, and cruise lines.
Hotels were categorized as resort hotels, city hotels, or safari lodges based on their location and amenities. The establishments were specifically evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Rooms/facilities
- Location
- Service
- Food
- Value
Respondents rated each characteristic on a scale ranging from excellent to poor. The final scores for each hotel represent the averages of these responses.
What Readers Loved
In terms of the best hotels in Washington, D.C., established luxury brands such as Rosewood and Waldorf Astoria were recognized alongside smaller independent properties that discreetly host politicians and diplomats. A notable boutique winner is The Hay-Adams (No. 3), a near-century-old landmark located directly across from the globally recognized address—1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
The Jefferson (No. 2) boasts a prime location near Dupont Circle and the National Mall, and readers appreciated its focus on detail: “They thought of everything, including velvet stools for ladies’ pocketbooks,” noted one WBA voter. However, this meticulous attention does not interfere with the hotel’s comforting atmosphere, as another reader described it as “cozy and comfortable, yet elegantly dressed.”
Exceptional service is the hallmark of Conrad Washington D.C. (No. 7), with one reader stating, “The staff consistently goes above and beyond.”
For the second consecutive year, the newer Riggs Washington D.C. was chosen as GoTravelDaily readers’ favorite hotel in Washington, D.C. Continue reading to discover why it claimed the top position and to view the complete list.
The Winner
Riggs Washington D.C.
This hotel, which opened in 2021 within a historic bank building from 1891, is situated in the vibrant Penn Quarter, mere steps from the National Portrait Gallery. With 181 rooms, including four special suites featuring soaking tubs—and in one, a baby grand piano—each pays tribute to four First Ladies (Louisa Adams, Caroline Harrison, Ida McKinley, and Angelica Van Buren). All accommodations highlight elegant details, such as Italian Carrara marble bathrooms and striking jewel-toned fabrics. According to one reader, it is “the chicest, most beautiful hotel in D.C., a much-needed addition to Washington.” The hotel is also gaining accolades for its beverage program, with Silver Lyan, run by celebrity mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana, described as “the best cocktail experience I’ve had in years” by one satisfied visitor.
The Full List
Reader Score: 96.94
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 94.79
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 92.61
Reader Score: 92.20
5. Waldorf Astoria Washington D.C.
Reader Score: 90.75
Reader Score: 90.40
Reader Score: 90.39
8. Sofitel Washington D.C. Lafayette Square
Reader Score: 89.70
9. InterContinental the Willard, Washington, D.C.
Reader Score: 88.35
10. Park Hyatt Washington D.C.
Reader Score: 86.93
