Hotel Opinions

Question

Trip booked in May coming into DCA and looking to stay convient to the mall / white house. Any one have any opinions. So far I have the Holiday Inn which is at the National Mall. The Hampton Inn White House or was looking at staying down by the wharf. We are up for walking but trying to decide safest location, best location to utlize for a lot of the Mall activities and opinions of staying at the wharf and taking the metro or bus to get close to activities.

Answer

For a trip focused on visiting the National Mall, White House, and nearby monuments in DC, choosing a hotel that balances convenience, safety, and walking access is key. Here’s a detailed breakdown of your options:

Holiday Inn at the National Mall

This hotel is highly convenient for walking to major attractions like the Smithsonian museums, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial. Being on the Mall puts you right in the center of the main tourist area, which is well-patrolled and generally safe during the day.

Pros: Walking distance to most museums, monuments, and Memorials; central location minimizes need for Metro or taxis.
Cons: Can be busy and touristy; hotel prices may be higher due to prime location.

Hampton Inn White House

Located close to the White House, this hotel is also within walking distance of many downtown attractions, including Lafayette Square, the Ellipse, and a few museums. It is slightly north of the main Mall area, so some monuments may require a 10–15 minute walk.

Pros: Very close to the White House; convenient for downtown dining and attractions; generally considered safe.
Cons: Walking to the far end of the National Mall (Lincoln Memorial, WWII Memorial) may take 20–25 minutes.

Hotels at the Wharf

The Wharf is a newer waterfront development with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. It’s a lively area and considered safe, especially in the evening, but it’s farther from the Mall and the White House (roughly 2–3 miles). You would likely rely on the Metro, buses, or rideshares to reach the main attractions each day.

Pros: Trendy area with good dining and nightlife; scenic riverside walks; safe and well-maintained.
Cons: Daily commute to major monuments and museums; Metro or bus trips required; less central for daytime sightseeing.

Recommendation:

If your main goal is to focus on sightseeing on the National Mall and surrounding monuments, staying at the Holiday Inn on the Mall or the Hampton Inn near the White House will save time and energy, especially since you prefer walking. Both are very safe areas during the day, and hotel staff can advise on evening walks.

Staying at the Wharf is a fun option if you prefer a modern, lively riverside experience and don’t mind commuting. You would need to budget extra time for Metro rides or rideshares each day, which can be an added consideration for a tight sightseeing schedule.