Hamilton Hotel vs Hotel Washington

Question

I am still trying to choose a hotel for my stay in June. What are your thoughts and opinions of The Hamilton Hotel vs. Hotel Washington. They are both in my budget and seem to be close to one another. Any insights? Thank you!!

Answer

Good question! Both The Hamilton Hotel and Hotel Washington are solid, historic options in downtown DC. Your choice will depend on your priorities: location, style, walkability, and how close you want to be to certain attractions. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide:

The Hamilton Hotel

Location: 1001 14th Street NW, just north of Franklin Square. Very walkable to Metro Center / McPherson Square, and not far from the White House, the National Mall, and downtown.
Vibe & Design: Historic Beaux-Arts building (built 1922) with elegant but approachable charm. After a recent renovation, it has a modern lobby, a restaurant (Via Sophia), and a cocktail bar (Society).
Guest Experience: According to reviews, rooms are comfortable and clean. Some guests mention small/minibar fridges; others note strong soundproofing. The staff is friendly, and the location is praised for its convenience.
Transit Access: Very good — easy walk to McPherson Square Metro. Convenient for both sightseeing and access to other parts of the city.

Hotel Washington

Location: 515 15th Street NW, between Pennsylvania Avenue and F Street. This is very central, practically on “Pennsylvania Avenue,” making it super close to the White House, the Mall, and many downtown attractions.
Vibe & Design: Also historic (built 1918) with classic Beaux-Arts architecture. It has that timeless, elegant “old DC” feel.
Atmosphere: Because of its position on Pennsylvania Ave, it's really in the heart of the political and historic core. This gives it a grand, traditional feel and makes it easy to walk to many key sites.
Convenience for Sightseeing: Extremely walkable to the National Mall, monuments, and many Smithsonian museums. You’ll save on travel time because many of the top attractions are within easy reach.

Pros & Cons Comparison

The Hamilton – Pros: Slightly more “local but upscale” feel, very good public transit links, renovated interiors, strong service.
The Hamilton – Cons: Less of a “grand avenue” feel, rooms may have some quirks (e.g., fridge/minibar).
Hotel Washington – Pros: Iconic DC location right on Pennsylvania Avenue, classic historic charm, superb walkability to monuments.
Hotel Washington – Cons: Because of its very central location, expect more foot traffic and a busier street feel; might be slightly more touristy.

My Recommendation:

- If your priority is sightseeing and you want to be steps from the Mall, monuments, and important landmarks, Hotel Washington is perhaps the more convenient pick.
- If you want a slightly quieter base, strong transit access, and a comfortable, historically elegant hotel that still feels central, The Hamilton Hotel is a great choice.

Either one is very good for first-time visitors. You’ll be well positioned to explore DC’s major sites and enjoy the city’s historic character.