Choosing hotel in D.C.

Question

Hello, I was wondering if anyone here has hotel recommendations for D.C.?

I've been looking at perhaps the Sofitel or Hilton Capitol Hill?

I will also be arriving and leaving D.C. on Amtrak from Boston.

Answer

Choosing a hotel in Washington, DC depends on your priorities: location, amenities, and convenience for transportation. Since you are arriving and departing via Amtrak from Boston, your primary concern might be ease of access to Union Station, as well as proximity to tourist sites and Capitol Hill if you want to explore the central areas of the city.

The two hotels you mentioned, Sofitel and Hilton Capitol Hill, are both excellent choices, each with its own advantages:

Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square: Located near the White House and the National Mall, this hotel is centrally located, stylish, and offers luxury amenities. It’s about a 15–20 minute walk or a short taxi ride to Union Station, which is convenient for your Amtrak arrival and departure. Being near the National Mall also means easy access to museums, monuments, and restaurants.
Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill: Very close to Capitol Hill and a short walk from the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress. This hotel is also about a 15–20 minute walk to Union Station. It offers standard Hilton amenities, comfortable rooms, and easy access to Metro lines for exploring other areas of the city.

If you are looking for other hotel options that balance location and convenience for an Amtrak traveler:

Kimpton George Hotel: Located near Chinatown and about a 10–15 minute walk to Union Station. Modern boutique hotel with comfortable rooms and great service.
Grand Hyatt Washington: In the Penn Quarter area, about a 10–15 minute walk to Union Station. Large hotel with full amenities, good for travelers who want easy access to dining, theaters, and attractions.
Marriott Marquis Washington DC: Located downtown near Metro Center, slightly further from Union Station but connected by Metro or a 10–15 minute taxi ride. Offers modern rooms and good on-site facilities.

For convenience with Amtrak travel, staying within a 15–20 minute walk to Union Station is ideal, especially if you have luggage. Both Sofitel and Hilton Capitol Hill satisfy this, so your choice can depend on whether you prefer a location closer to the National Mall and White House (Sofitel) or closer to Capitol Hill landmarks (Hilton).

Other considerations include amenities that matter to you, such as on-site dining, fitness center, or room size. If budget is not a major constraint, both Sofitel and Hilton Capitol Hill offer comfortable, central options for your DC stay.

Choosing hotel in D.C.

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