The Best Hotels in Washington DC for Your Springtime Getaway
Last Updated on March 26, 2025 by Erin Donahue
When the delicate pink and white blossoms transform the nation’s capital into a photographer’s paradise, finding the perfect accommodation becomes just as important as timing your visit for cherry blossom peak bloom. As someone who’s scoured the internet researching the numerous hotels in Washington DC during this high season, these are two properties that offer distinctly different experiences during the city’s most beautiful time of year.
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CitizenM Washington DC Capitol Hotel
If you’re planning a trip to this city and looking for a place to stay that offers comfort, convenience, and style without breaking the bank, CitizenM Washington DC Capitol Hotel is an excellent option. I ended up staying here, and paid out of pocket because every other hotel was exorbitantly priced! Happy to report I was pleasantly surprised.
There are two CitizenM Hotels in Washington D.C., but I’ll be focusing on the Capitol location. Situated within walking distance of all the major attractions, this affordable luxury boutique hotel provides the perfect base for exploring DC during cherry blossom peak bloom. The hotel features 240 cleverly designed identical rooms, providing a consistent and efficient experience for all guests.
Room Features
- One XL bed perfect for couples or solo travelers
- Fast WiFi for sharing those cherry blossom photos
- Widescreen TV for relaxing after a day of exploration
- Mood lights to set the perfect ambiance
- Fluffy pillows and blackout blinds for restful sleep
The rooms feel a bit small, but CitizenM designers equipped each with a work desk and a flat-screen TV offering satellite channels. For longer stays, the microwave oven and refrigerator are convenient for self-catering. The bathrooms feature roll-in showers and separate toilets, along with hairdryers and bath sheets.
Dining & Amenities
One of my favorite discoveries was that CitizenM offers unlimited coffee options all day if you spend $20 on their breakfast buffet in the morning. This was perfect for fueling up before heading out to catch the early morning light on the cherry blossoms.
Historic Luxury at Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
The second hotel consideration is a bit more bougie. Have you ever wondered where you can experience the finer things in life while surrounded by history and spring beauty? Formerly the old Post Office, the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC is a landmark that has withstood the test of time and now offers one of the most luxurious stays in the capital.
As you step into the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, you can’t help but feel the grandeur and elegance that it exudes. Waldorf Astoria reimagined the historic building, which appears on the National Registry of Historic Places, as a luxury destination while preserving its architectural treasures. To give you an idea of the attention to detail, Peacock Alley uses cloth napkins instead of paper ones. That’s next level!
Ambiance & Architecture
I’m absolutely obsessed with the atrium and the stunning chandeliers that create a magical atmosphere! Depending on the day, there’s live music, sometimes with a harpist, or like during my visit, a pianist. The melodies floating through this historic space create an unforgettable ambiance. The hotel’s clocktower, the third-tallest building in Washington, D.C., offers incredible views from its observation deck.
Dining Excellence
Across the way is The Bazaar by Michelin-starred chef, José Andrés, offering a culinary experience that matches the visual feast of cherry blossom peak bloom. The hotel also houses Michelin-starred Sushi Nakazawa, serving the omakase of Chef Daisuke Nakazawa.
Accommodations & Amenities
With 263 expansive guest rooms and suites, including some of the largest in the city, accommodations feature elements of the building’s original décor, including stately solid wood doors, wainscoting, and soaring windows. The finely appointed bathrooms include six-foot tubs and separate glass-enclosed showers.
For ultimate relaxation after days of walking the blossom-lined paths, the 10,000-square-foot Waldorf Astoria Spa includes six rejuvenating treatment rooms and couples suites. The 24-hour concierge service can help arrange perfect cherry blossom viewing experiences, while the fitness center keeps you energized.
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is the creative studio of Erin Donahue, offering photography, videography, and content creation services for brands, hotels, tourism boards, and publications.
Based in New York City, but available globally, this multi-disciplinary digital creative left a career in the hedge fund space to pursue her passion as a travel and brand photographer, creating imagery that resonates with audiences. She approaches every project with a focus on storytelling, producing visuals that engage and inspire.
Her work has been commissioned by brands like Sony, Apple, and Google, and the content she has created has reached millions across social media.
To keep up to date with everything she shares, follow along on social media and read up on what camera gear she uses to capture the shot.
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