Foggy Bottom or Navy Yards hotel location

Question

We have 3 nights booked at Conrad which is fairly central I think for sightseeing. Need to move on for the next 3 nights, as hotel is full…. and wondering whether either of the above two locations might offer a nice alternative area to wander and dine, with a bit of sightseeing too. Looking at Westin Georgetown or AKA Washington Circle versus Thompson in Navy Yards. The Wharf hotels are coming in very expensive for our dates. Any advice please?

Answer

Both Foggy Bottom and Navy Yard are excellent options for your second hotel stay in Washington DC, but they offer different experiences in terms of atmosphere, dining, and sightseeing.

Foggy Bottom is a well-established, central neighborhood that is close to the National Mall, Kennedy Center, and George Washington University. It has a quieter, more residential feel while still offering a variety of restaurants and cafes within walking distance. Staying here provides easy access to museums and monuments by foot or a short Metro ride.

Westin Georgetown or AKA Washington Circle are both in or near Foggy Bottom. They are walkable to Georgetown’s shopping and dining district, which offers cobblestone streets, boutique stores, and a lively restaurant scene.
You can also easily access the Lincoln Memorial, Kennedy Center, and Watergate area.
This area has a more classic DC charm and is quieter in the evenings compared to the more tourist-heavy spots.

Navy Yard, on the other hand, is a newer, rapidly developing area along the Anacostia River. It is vibrant with modern restaurants, bars, and the Nationals Ballpark, giving it a lively urban feel. The Wharf is nearby, providing additional waterfront dining and entertainment options.

Thompson Hotel in Navy Yard is close to the waterfront, restaurants, and bars, making it ideal if you want a more modern, bustling neighborhood.
The area is more geared toward nightlife and contemporary dining experiences.
It’s slightly farther from the central National Mall and museums, but Metro and rideshares make sightseeing easy.

In summary, choose Foggy Bottom/Georgetown if you want central access to monuments, museums, and a classic DC neighborhood to wander in. Choose Navy Yard if you prefer a modern, lively area with new restaurants, a waterfront setting, and nightlife, accepting slightly longer travel to the main tourist sites.