Should You Stay Near the L’Enfant Plaza Metro?

Written by Katie Howard – Updated November 14, 2023
Where To Stay in Washington, D.C. > Lenfant (Smithsonian)

What is the Best L’Enfant Plaza Hotel?

The Best L'Enfant Plaza Hotel: Holiday Inn
Why: Rooftop Pool, Easy Walk to National Mall

There are 3 hotels within a four block radius of the L’Enfant Metro station. Each of the three hotels would appeal to families visiting DC who want to be able to walk to the National Mall. On average we found that the Holiday Inn is often the most affordable, but keep in mind this hotel doesn’t offer free breakfast or commonly have rooms with kitchenettes like the nearby Hyatt House or Residence Inn. The Holiday Inn is newly renovated, and it has a rooftop pool adding some additional bonus points for families with kids. Because the Holiday Inn is one of the most accessible hotels to the National Mall we suggest travelers start here first if you are looking at staying south of the Mall near L’Enfant.

Cheack Rates for the Holiday Inn

Other Nearby Hotel Options?

While hotel options are limited south of the National Mall near either the Federal Center, Capitol South, or L’Enfant Metro stations all four hotel choices offer up a variety of experiences that should suit any travelers’ expectations. If suites rooms with a kitchenette are important the Hyatt House and Residence Inn fit the bill as good options for families, or small groups. Each offer free breakfast, and since each offer kitchenettes this can help save on food during your visit. For romantic getaways the boutique luxury minded Capitol South Hotel fits the bill. As mentioned above, families will want to prioritize looking at the Holiday Inn for several reasons.

Compare L'Enfant Hotels

Is L’Enfant Right for You?

hotels near lenfant plaza metro station Washington dc

L’Enfant Neighborhood: The neighborhood near the L’Enfant Metro, south of the National Mall is best for families who want to prioritize the walking to the National Mall every day, or intellectuals reluctant for nightlife. The area is surrounded by massive government buildings and when five o’clock rolls past commuters travel home leaving the area bland and sterile. Sometimes this is welcomed for those who enjoy peaceful surroundings, but a burden for those who crave nearby restaurants and the thrill of locals heading out for nightlife. The Mall is at its busiest during the day, but it is regarded as safe to stick around to view the beauty of the monuments lit up after dark. Altogether this neighborhood won’t appeal to all, but is close by to downtown and DCA via Metro, plus 395 runs adjacent to the neighborhood making for easy highway access.

L’Enfant – Where to Eat, What to Do, Pictures

L'Enfant Hotel Maps

Things to Do in L'Enfant

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Things to Do: While the Mall is a major tourist destination, you’ll also find DC locals enjoying the recreational and cultural opportunities the area offers. The Mall is at its busiest during the day, but it is safe to stick around to view the beauty of the monuments lit up after dark—the only nightlife the area offers. The National Park Service operates concession stands along the Mall and during good weather you’ll find food trucks lined up on 7th or 14th streets, as well as the ubiquitous hot dog and ice cream vendors. Many of the museums are equipped with cafeterias—Mitsitam Café at the National Museum of the American Indian has won multiple awards for its indigenous American cuisine—but they can be quite expensive. In addition to the attractions along the Mall, this area also offers easy walking access to the Tidal Basin, where you can visit the Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Martin Luther King, Jr. memorials; the White House; and downtown Washington. Runners and bikers will particularly enjoy the lack of traffic on the Mall and the easy access to other trails. Both the National Park Service and the Smithsonian Institution offer tips for visiting with children.