Hotels Near Smithsonian Museums – Family / Sightseeing

Written by – Updated September 20, 2021
Where To Stay in Washington, D.C. > Smithsonian Museums

What is the best hotel near Smithsonian museums?


1484271751_08_thumbs_upThe Best Smithsonian Hotel: Holiday Inn
Why: Rooftop Pool, Newly Renovated, Walk to Mall

Keep in mind that the Smithsonian Metro is located directly on the National Mall and while there are hotels within a few blocks of this station it is not necessary home to a group of hotels. However, there are two hotels that stand out for tourists that want to be within 3-4 blocks of the Smithsonian Metro station. Of the two we like the Capitol Holiday Inn for its rooftop pool, newly renovated rooms (as of 2015), and location for families who want an easy walk to the Monuments and Smithsonian Museums. If you can stomach the rates this is one of the best hotels for seeing Washington, DC.

Check Rates at Holiday Inn

Other Nearby Hotel Options?


As mentioned, the Smithsonian Metro is located on the National Mall without a number of hotels directly around the station. However, several groups of hotels at L'Enfant, Chinatown, Metro Center, or Farragut Sq. will suit travelers who want to walk to the National Mall from their hotel. As for hotels closest to the Smithsonian Metro, either Hotel Harrington or the Capitol Holiday Inn standout. As mentioned above, we suggest prioritizing Holiday Inn. However, Harrigington Hotel is located in downtown Washington, DC on the north side of the Mall, this location may appeal to those who want restaurants and attractions closer to the hotel. Hotel Harrington is a basic older hotel that has much cheaper parking rates, and room rates relative to its nearby competitors. It has a good reputation as an adequate place to stay in downtown Washington, DC.

What is it like staying near Smithsonian museums?


nieghborhood_vibe_48Smithsonian Neighborhood: Since the Smithsonian Metro station sits on the National Mall chances are that you are either going to stay south of the National Mall toward the L’Enfant Plaza station or north of the Mall in downtown DC near the Chinatown, Metro Center, or Farragut Sq.. The National Mall is major divider in terms of the type of neighborhood. South of the Mall is dead at night. This can be welcome for those who enjoy a peaceful walk through the National Mall, or families who want to be in a less chaotic atmosphere. The area is surrounded by massive government buildings and when five o’clock rolls past commuters travel home leaving the area bland and sterile. North means that your stay in downtown with lots of restaurants, attractions and nightlife options to choose from. Of course, much more hustle and bustle. Travelers who want the easy walk to and from the National Mall will be happy being south. Travelers who want to be able to walk from their hotel to more things to do will appreciate being in downtown. There will be lots more hotel options north of the Mall in downtown.

Map of Hotels Near Smithsonian Museums

What hotels are closest to Smithsonian Museums?


hotels_near_smithsonia_national_mall

The closets hotels near the Smithsonian museums are; 1. Capitol Holiday Inn, 2. Hyatt House and 3. Residence Inn south of the National Mall. All of these hotel choices are excellent for families because the area tends to be quieter at night, and less congested during the day making it easy to get to your hotel to the Smithsonian museums.

Are downtown hotels close to Smithsonian museums?


hotels near Smithsonian portrait gallery

Hotels in downtown Washington, D.C. are within a 20 minute walk to the Smithsonian museums along the National Mall. The only Smithsonian museum in downtown D.C. is the National Portrait Gallery which is close to the Verizon Center and the Chinatown Metro Station.

What hotels are near the Smithsonian museum of Natural History?


The best hotels near the Smithsonian museum of Natural History are; 1. Capitol Holiday Inn, 2. Hyatt House and 3. Residence Inn south of the National Mall. All of these hotel choices are excellent for families because the area tends to be quieter at night, and less congested during the day making it easy to get to your hotel to the Smithsonian museum of Natural History.

Where are the Smithsonian museums?


hotels_near_smithsonian_national_mall

Most Smithsonian Museums can be found right in the National Mall Area. There are 16 museums, buildings and galleries both inside and on the outskirt of the National Mall. The most popular museums in the National Mall are the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of American History.

What hotels are close to the National Zoo?


hotels near national zoo in washington dc

The National Zoo is in the Woodley Park neighborhood of DC. Woodley Park is an affluent urban residential neighborhood just north of Dupont Circle along the red line. The two primary hotels in this area are the Omni and Marriott. Each of these hotels are very large, and used for conferences or group trips. Each tend to be expensive on weekdays. Each are excellent choices for families because they are so big the grounds feel like a resort.

A cheaper hotel option near the National Zoo is one Metro stop away at Van Ness. This is home to the economy minded Days Inn. Parking rates are less than other DC hotels and most guests commented this is an excellent choice to use as a place to sleep.

What hotels are near the Smithsonian museum of Air and Space?


The best hotels near the Smithsonian museum of Air and Space are; 1. Capitol Holiday Inn, 2. Hyatt House and 3. Residence Inn south of the National Mall. All of these hotel choices are excellent for families because the area tends to be quieter at night, and less congested during the day making it easy to get to your hotel to the Smithsonian museum of Natural History.



3 Best Hotels Near the Smithsonian Museums

1. Holiday Inn Washington Capitol – Natl Mall


Holiday Inn
Rates - $$
Blocks to Metro - 2
Parking - $40 / Day
Wifi - Free
Breakfast - $16 - $20 A La Carte
Airport Shuttle - No
Holiday Inn
550 C Street S.W. Washington, District of Columbia
20024 United States
L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station
600 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA

2. Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall


federal-center-hyatt-place

Hyatt House
Rates - $$$
Blocks to Metro - 3
Parking - $40 / Day
Wifi - Free
Breakfast - Free Buffet. Hot & Cold Items
Airport Shuttle - No
Hyatt House
400 E St SW, Washington DC, DC 20024-3246
L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station
600 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA

3. Residence Inn Washington, DC/Capitol


federal-center-residence-inn

Residence Inn
Rates - $$$
Blocks to Metro - 2
Parking - $35 / Day
Wifi - Free
Breakfast - Free Buffet. Hot & Cold Items
Airport Shuttle - No
Residence Inn
333 E St. SW, Washington, District Of Columbia 20024 USA
L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station
600 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA