Best Places to Stay in Washington DC: Top Hotels by Budget, Neighborhood, and Distance to Nationals Park

Choosing the right neighborhood can make your Washington DC trip easier, especially if your plans include a game at Nationals Park. This guide to the best places to stay in DC includes highly rated hotels for every budget, organized by neighborhood and distance to the stadium.

This guide covers the best neighborhoods to stay in Washington DC, hotel recommendations by price range and guest ratings, and travel times to Nationals Park.

Damien Dsoul/unsplash U.S. Capitol building

Best Places to Stay in DC Overview

Neighborhood	Best For	Distance to Nationals Park
Navy Yard / The Wharf	Closest to the stadium	Walking distance
Capitol Hill	History and quiet location	10–15 minutes by Metro
Downtown / Penn Quarter	First-time visitors, central location	15–20 minutes by Metro
Dupont Circle	Dining, local feel, value options	20–25 minutes by Metro
Georgetown	Upscale stays, charm	25–30 minutes by car or Metro combo

If your trip centers around baseball, staying in Navy Yard or near the Wharf offers the most convenience.

Navy Yard & The Wharf (Best for Nationals Games)

This is the closest area to the stadium and the easiest choice for game-focused trips.

Thompson Washington D.C. by Hyatt – Navy Yard

• Price range: $$$ ($250–$400)

• Rating: ~9/10

• Distance to Nationals Park: 5-minute walk

• Why stay here: Modern rooms, rooftop bar, excellent location for game days.

InterContinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf

• Price range: $$$$

• Rating: ~9.2/10

• Distance: 5–7 minutes by rideshare, 20-minute walk

• Neighborhood: Waterfront dining, shops, and entertainment.

Capitol Hill (Best for History + Convenience)

Quiet, walkable, and close to major landmarks.

Capitol Hill Hotel

• Price range: $$–$$$

• Rating: ~8.8/10

• Distance to Nationals Park: 10–15 minutes via Metro (Blue/Orange/Silver lines to Green Line connection)

• Why stay here: Comfortable suites and a residential neighborhood feel.

Phoenix Park Hotel

• Price range: $$$

• Rating: ~8.7/10

• Distance: About 15 minutes by Metro

• Location bonus: Steps from Union Station.

Downtown / Penn Quarter (Best for First-Time Visitors)

This central area puts you close to the National Mall, museums, and restaurants.

Grand Hyatt Washington

• Price range: $$$

• Rating: ~8.7/10

• Distance to Nationals Park: 15–20 minutes via Metro (Green Line)

• Why stay here: Direct Metro access and central location.

JW Marriott Washington DC

• Price range: $$$$

• Rating: ~9/10

• Distance: 15–20 minutes by Metro

• Neighborhood: Walking distance to the White House and National Mall.

Dupont Circle (Best Value + Local Feel)

Great restaurants, walkability, and often better hotel prices than downtown.

The Dupont Circle Hotel

• Price range: $$$

• Rating: ~9/10

• Distance to Nationals Park: 20–25 minutes via Metro

• Why stay here: Stylish property in a lively neighborhood.

Holiday Inn Washington-Central/White House

• Price range: $$ ($150–$250)

• Rating: ~8.3/10

• Distance: 20–25 minutes by Metro

• Why stay here: Affordable option in a central area.

Georgetown (Best for Upscale Charm)

Historic streets, shopping, and waterfront views, though not directly connected by Metro.

The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C.

• Price range: $$$$

• Rating: ~9.3/10

• Distance to Nationals Park: 25–30 minutes by car or rideshare

• Why stay here: Luxury boutique feel in a quiet, historic area.

Georgetown Suites

• Price range: $$–$$$

• Rating: ~8.5/10

• Distance: 25–30 minutes to the stadium

• Why stay here: Spacious rooms and good value for the area.

More Budget-Friendly Hotels in Washington DC ($90–$150)

Hotel Hive – Foggy Bottom

• Price range: $110–$180 (often lower off-season)

• Rating: ~8.6/10

• Distance to Nationals Park: 20–25 minutes by Metro

• Why stay here: Micro-rooms but clean, modern, and one of the best values in DC

• Neighborhood: Close to the National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, and a Metro station.

Generator Hotel Washington DC – Dupont Circle

• Price range: $90–$150

• Rating: ~8.0/10

• Distance: 25 minutes by Metro

• Why stay here: Budget-friendly with both private rooms and hostel-style options

• Neighborhood: Walkable area with restaurants and cafés.

HI Washington DC Hostel – Downtown

• Price range: $40–$120 (depending on private or shared room)

• Rating: ~8.7/10

• Distance to Nationals Park: 15–20 minutes by Metro

• Why stay here: Clean, centrally located, and one of the cheapest options in the city

• Neighborhood: Walking distance to the National Mall and major attractions.

Days Inn by Wyndham Washington DC/Connecticut Avenue – Upper Northwest

• Price range: $100–$160

• Rating: ~7.8–8.0/10

• Distance: 30 minutes by Metro

• Why stay here: Reliable budget chain with easy Metro access

• Neighborhood: Quiet residential area with lower prices than downtown.

Hotel Price Guide

Budget Level	Typical Nightly Rate
Budget	$120–$200
Mid-range	$200–$350
Luxury	$350–$600+

Prices vary by season, events, and baseball schedules.

How Your Hotel Location Affects Your Trip

Where you stay in Washington DC can shape your entire experience. If your trip includes a baseball game, choosing a hotel near a Metro station or within walking distance of Navy Yard will make getting to Nationals Park much easier.

For detailed seating tips, food options, and game-day planning, link here to your Nationals Park Visitor Guide.

If your trip also includes sightseeing, many travelers prefer staying in Downtown, Capitol Hill, or Dupont Circle for easy access to museums and major landmarks.

For a full list of attractions, neighborhoods, and must-see experiences, link here to your Everything to Do in Washington DC guide.

Staying near a Metro station allows you to easily combine sightseeing during the day with a Nationals game in the evening.

Getting to Nationals Park

• Metro: Green Line (Navy Yard–Ballpark station) is the easiest option

• Walking: Possible from Navy Yard or the Wharf

• Rideshare: Convenient from most neighborhoods

• Driving: Not recommended due to traffic and parking costs

How to Choose the Best Area

• For baseball-focused trips: Navy Yard or the Wharf

• For sightseeing: Downtown or Capitol Hill

• For dining and nightlife: Dupont Circle

• For luxury and shopping: Georgetown

Staying near a Metro station makes getting to the stadium quick and easy.

FAQ: Best Places to Stay in DC

What is the closest area to Nationals Park?

Navy Yard is within walking distance and the most convenient option.

Is Metro easy for game days?

Yes. The Green Line stops directly at the Navy Yard–Ballpark station.

Do I need a car?

No. Washington DC is one of the easiest major cities to navigate using public transportation.

Final Thoughts

The best places to stay in DC depend on your priorities. Navy Yard offers unbeatable convenience for Nationals games, Downtown and Capitol Hill provide easy access to major attractions, Dupont Circle delivers great value and dining, and Georgetown offers a more upscale experience. With strong hotel options across every budget and excellent public transportation, Washington DC makes it easy to plan a comfortable stay around your baseball trip.