Yotel - New Jersey Avenue

Question

We are coming from the UK the back end of August, we have never been to Washington so decided to book 2 nights in a hotel there when we booked our flights with British Airways, there wasn't a great deal of offerings from them, we went for the Yotel on New Jersey Avenue - we are 2 Adults, an 18yr old and a 14yr old. We are getting the train down from NYC so wanted somewhere not to far from where the train comes in, not to far from the main sights to visit (walkable) and also walkable to places to eat / drink and somewhere that would sleep the 4 of us in the one room (since it's only for 2 nights).

Is this hotel "ok", we are not toooo bothered about a small room (as it's only 2 nights) and we usually all take ear plugs when we are all in the room together haha, but as long as the area is OK and safe to walk out / back to the hotel in the evening, that is the main concern.

Answer

The YOTEL Washington DC on New Jersey Avenue is generally considered a convenient and safe option for short stays, especially for visitors coming from the train at Union Station. Its location is within walking distance of the National Mall, Capitol Hill, and several Smithsonian museums, making it a practical choice for sightseeing.

Location & Safety

The area around New Jersey Avenue and Union Station is well-trafficked, especially during the day, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops. At night, the streets are typically safe for walking, though usual urban precautions apply, such as staying on well-lit streets and being aware of your surroundings.

Union Station is just a short walk, so arriving by train is easy and convenient.
The National Mall and major monuments are about 10–15 minutes on foot, depending on pace.
Evening walks to nearby restaurants and casual bars are straightforward, with a mix of locals and tourists around.

Hotel & Room Considerations

YOTEL rooms are known for being compact, designed with space-saving layouts. For a family of four, this means the room will be cozy, but manageable for a short 2-night stay. Bringing earplugs, as you mentioned, is a good idea since the rooms can be close-quartered.

The hotel offers smart design and efficient use of space, though storage is limited.
Some rooms have bunk-style or fold-out sleeping arrangements suitable for 2 adults and 2 teens.
High-tech amenities like adjustable lighting and automated check-in/check-out make short stays convenient.

Accessibility & Dining

You’ll find plenty of casual dining options within a short walk, from quick service to sit-down restaurants. If you want to explore more of DC’s food scene, the surrounding neighborhoods of Capitol Hill and Penn Quarter offer a wide range of choices. For evening activities or a relaxed dinner, walking back to the hotel from these areas is easy.

Casual restaurants, coffee shops, and ice cream parlors are nearby for quick meals.
Penn Quarter is about a 10–15 minute walk for more diverse dining options.
Union Station itself has several food options if you prefer staying very close to the hotel.

Overall, YOTEL on New Jersey Avenue is a suitable choice for a short city visit, especially for a family comfortable with compact rooms. The location is safe, central, and convenient for both sightseeing and dining, making it a practical option for your 2-night stay in DC.