Location location location for a Dec stay

Question

Hi there.

Will be in Washington early Dec for 3 nights. Require 2 possibly 3 rooms depending on configurations. Will be travelling with husband and 3 young adults aged 21, 19 and 16.

Have narrowed hotels down to these few based on price and what we think location wise. Hoping to spend no more then $350 USD per room per night as we will be paying for possibly 3.

Any thoughts on the following? Have read reviews, am more interested in personal experience especially re location. We don’t mind walking a bit but would also like good access to transport to maximise our time. We won’t have a car. Thanks in advance!

Hilton Garden Inn - Georgetown

Residence Inn Downtown

Quincy ( price seems to good to be true but it does have a large damage deposit per room?)

Hyatt Place White House

Holiday Inn Central/White House

The Royal Sonesta DuPont Circle

We also looked at Hilton at National Mall The Wharf and Holiday Inn National Mall but thought they might not be as convenient?

Thanks again!

Answer

For a 3-night December stay in Washington DC without a car, location and access to public transport are key, especially with young adults in your group. Early December can be cold, so walking distances and proximity to Metro stations are important considerations.

Here’s a breakdown of the hotels you listed:

Hilton Garden Inn – Georgetown: Georgetown is charming with cobblestone streets, shops, and restaurants. However, it’s a bit removed from the main National Mall attractions. Walking is possible but long, and the nearest Metro is not very close (Foggy Bottom station is about 15–20 minutes on foot). Good for exploring Georgetown itself, but less convenient for sightseeing the monuments and museums.
Residence Inn Downtown: Excellent location near Metro stations, making it very convenient for getting around the city. Spacious rooms and suites are a plus for families. You can walk to a few key attractions, and Metro access allows easy travel to the Mall, museums, and monuments. Overall a practical choice for sightseeing.
Quincy Hotel: Very central, near Metro Center and McPherson Square, meaning easy access to the National Mall, monuments, and other downtown areas. Price is appealing, but the large damage deposit might be inconvenient. Rooms may be smaller, so check configurations if you need 2–3 rooms.
Hyatt Place White House: Good location within walking distance to the White House and downtown attractions. Metro access is excellent. Rooms are modern and comfortable. Convenient for sightseeing and dining options nearby.
Holiday Inn Central/White House: Similar benefits to Hyatt Place: close to the White House, downtown attractions, and Metro stations. Reliable chain with standard amenities.
Royal Sonesta – Dupont Circle: Dupont Circle is lively, with restaurants, cafes, and nightlife. Good for young adults. Metro access is decent (Dupont Circle Station on the Red Line). Walking to the Mall is longer (20–30 minutes), but the neighborhood is more vibrant than the immediate downtown area.

Regarding the other hotels you considered:

Hilton at National Mall / The Wharf: Very convenient for Mall attractions and waterfront strolls. Slightly further from downtown restaurants and nightlife. Wharf is newer and nice, but may be more expensive.
Holiday Inn National Mall: Very close to Smithsonian museums and the Mall. Practical if your priority is sightseeing, but less vibrant at night.

Summary and Recommendation: If sightseeing and easy Metro access to the Mall are your top priorities, the Residence Inn Downtown, Hyatt Place White House, or Holiday Inn Central/White House are probably the best balance of convenience, comfort, and reasonable walking distances. For a livelier neighborhood with restaurants and nightlife for young adults, Royal Sonesta Dupont Circle is excellent, though a bit further from the Mall. Georgetown is more scenic but less practical for your sightseeing goals without a car.

For a group of 5, make sure to check room configurations, as some hotels offer suites or connecting rooms which might be more comfortable than booking multiple standard rooms. Also, book early for December as prices rise during the holiday season.