There’s a reason that Washington DC is considered one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities in America.
And why 58% of commute trips are by foot, bicycle, or public transportation.
Not only is easy to get around without a car, but many of the things to see and do are also within a walkable distance from each other.
Hence why it’s even more important to pick the right area to stay when you’re not relying on a car.
There are mainly three no-car-friendly areas to consider:
- Downtown
- Dupont Circle
- Columbia Heights
Besides having some of the best accommodation overalls, you’ll also be close to most of the popular things to see and do during your visit.
Along with easy access to public transportation and other options.
So it’s indeed a win-win situation.
📖 Table of Contents
Where To Stay in Washington DC Without a Car
The following places are all within or close to the three previously mentioned no-car-friendly areas (Downtown, Dupont Circle, and Columbia Heights).
Quick overview of the best places to stay in Washington DC without a car based on price and previous guests:
| ● 🎒 Budget: | HighRoad Hostel (Rated: 9.7 of 10) 🤩 |
| ● 🏨 Mid-Range: | Morrison-Clark Historic Hotel (Rated: 8.8 of 10) 🤩 |
| ● 🥂 High-End: | Waldorf Astoria Hotel (Rated: 9.4 of 10) 🤩 |
($) Best Hostels in Washington DC Without a Car
1. HighRoad Hostel
This popular hostel-hotel is located in the Adams Morgan neighborhood. Right between Dupont Circle and Columbia Heights.
As the name suggests they both offer mixed dorms with 6 beds. And private rooms for 2-4 people.
Making it suitable for most types of travel.
Judging by the impressive amount of positive reviews, it’s no surprise they once won an award among the top 10 best medium hostels in the world (by Hostelworld).
This place is for you if you’re looking for the best place to stay on a budget without sacrificing location, comfort, or amenities.
And their amenities are many.
Including:
- 24-hour reception
- Bed dividers for increased privacy
- Memory foam mattresses
- Free towels
- Free on-site laundry
- Free coffee and tea
✅ Book now and secure the best price with Hostelworld
2. Generator Washington DC
This luxury hostel-hotel is located inside Dupont Circle.
They offer 4-bed mixed and female dorms. And private rooms for 2-4 people.
Judging by their selection of rooms and amenities, it’s more a hotel rather than a hostel. But still a perfect mix between the two. Making it suitable for most types of travel.
If the name “Generator” is familiar to you. It’s might because they have 15 other locations in Europe and America. And are known for their high standards.
This place is for you if you’re looking for luxury on a budget.
They also have a great variety of amenities.
Including:
- 24-hour reception
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
- Fitness center
- Mexican restaurant
- Bar & Café
- Bike hire
✅ Book now and secure the best price with Hostelworld
3. U Street Capsule Hostel
This new and popular hostel is located near Columbia Heights. And not that far from Dupont Circle either. Welcoming their first visitors in 2021.
They offer 6-18 bed female, male, and mixed dorms. And private rooms for up to 2 people.
And since their dorm beds are capsules. It gives you more privacy compared to regular hostels. Making it even more suitable for most types of travel.
If you have yet to try a capsule hostel, or just want excellent budget accommodation for a good price, this place is for you.
Let’s have a look at some of their amenities.
Including:
- 24-hour check-in
- Social events
- Offers flexible booking terms
- Refillable water stations
- Coffee shop
- Self-service laundry
✅ Book now and secure the best price with Hostelworld
($$) Best Hotels in Washington DC Without a Car
1. Morrison-Clark Historic Hotel
You’ll find this popular hotel in a remarkable historic building Downtown. It was built in 1864, and can even be found on the National Register of Historic Places.
They offer rooms and suites for 2-4 people. Decorated with authentic antiques staying true to its history.
The result is a great balance between old charm and modern amenities that don’t compromise on comfort.
If you’re looking for a great hotel at one of the best locations Downtown, and for a good price, this place is for you.
Let’s have a quick look at some of their amenities.
Including:
- Outdoor courtyard
- Restaurant
- Bar & Lounge
- Fitness center
- Laundry and dry cleaning
- Free daily newspapers
✅ Book now and secure the best price with Booking.com
2. citizenM Washington DC Capitol
This new and popular hotel is located a bit south of Downtown. And welcomed their first guests in late 2020.
They offer rooms for up to 2 people. A noteworthy thing is that their rooms are identical. This is to stay true to its clever design and give you the best experience possible.
Outside the rooms, you’ll find plenty of things to do. You could for example grab a drink at their rooftop bar while enjoying a view that includes the White House itself.
It’s also worth mentioning their environmentally friendly initiatives. Such as getting 90% of their electricity from renewable sources. Or ditching plastic bottles for refillable water stations.
If you’re looking for a new place to stay for a great price close to the major attractions, this place is for you.
They also have a great variety of amenities.
Including:
- 24/7 guest service (including food & drinks)
- Extra large beds with fluffy pillows
- In-room colored mood lights
- Wall-to-wall soundproof windows (all rooms)
- Rooftop bar
✅ Book now and secure the best price with Booking.com
3. Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center
You’ll find this popular boutique hotel inside China Town right next to Downtown.
They offer rooms for up to 2-3 people. With an interior that has a minimalistic vibe and gives peace of mind to support a good night’s sleep.
Outside the rooms, you could grab a meal at their on-site restaurant, or break some sweat in their gym.
If you’re looking for a small boutique hotel for a great price, with one of the best locations, this place is for you.
Let’s take a look at some of their amenities.
Including:
- Rooftop-bar
- Restaurant
- Fitness center
- Big in-room flat screens
✅ Book now and secure the best price with Booking.com
($$$) Best Luxury Hotels in Washington DC Without a Car
1. Waldorf Astoria Hotel
This stunning luxury hotel is located south of Downtown close to the White House and other major attractions.
They offer rooms and suites for up to 3-4 people. Their historic building used to be the iconic Old Post Office. And houses interiors and exteriors that are hard to beat.
And once you’ve explored the grand main hall, consider visiting the clock tower to get a view of the city from their 270-foot observation deck. Making it one of the tallest towers in D.C.
If you’re looking for the most luxurious accommodation the city has to offer, despite a matching price tag, this place is for you.
And as you can expect, they have several amenities worth your while too.
Including:
- Concierge service
- The Waldorf Astoria luxury spa
- The Peacock Alley restaurant
- Fitness center with modern equipment
- Free access to the clock towers observation deck
- Connecting rooms option for bigger groups
✅ Book now and secure the best price with Booking.com
2. AKA White House
You’ll find this award-winning luxury aparthotel in central Downtown only one block from the White House.
They offer residences for up to 3-7 people with a minimum stay of 3 nights. Including marble bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens, large terraces, and much more.
Here you’ll have a place to call home during your stay with everything you need. And where even the smallest details have been considered.
If you prefer the service of a hotel, but the privacy of a high-end apartment. At the perfect location. And all for a great price, this place is for you.
There’s a wide variety of amenities too.
Including:
- King-size beds with luxury linens
- Lavish bathrooms with amenities
- Fully-equipped modern kitchens
- Bosch washers and dryers
- Premium cable package
✅ Book now and secure the best price with Booking.com
3. Hotel Madera
This popular luxury boutique hotel is located in the center of Dupont Circle, only one block from the famous roundabout itself.
They offer rooms, studios, and suites for up to 3-7 people. All rooms are spacious, and light, and some with balconies.
Outside the rooms, you’ll find their Firefly restaurant specializing in New American Cuisine and innovative cocktails. And a brand-new fitness center with an extensive selection of equipment.
If you’re looking for a luxurious place to stay with a relaxing atmosphere. That makes it easy to unwind, but also to get some work done if needed, this place is for you.
And their many amenities might make it tempting to stay longer than planned.
Including:
- Large working desks with ergonomic chairs
- In-room La Colombe coffee and tea service
- Large 55″ in-room TVs
- Bath amenities from LATHER
- A new fitness center with a lot of equipment
✅ Book now and secure the best price with Booking.com
Best No-Car-Friendly Accommodation in Washington DC (Map)
- HighRoad Washington DC Hostel
- Generator Washington DC
- U Street Capsule Hostel
- Morrison-Clark Historic Inn
- citizenM Washington DC Capitol
- Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center
- Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
- AKA White House
- Hotel Madera
Leave a reply