Do you want to see the sights of Washington, D.C. but avoid the hustle and bustle of the city? Staying in Bethesda may be a great option for you, and it’s much more budget friendly than downtown DC hotels.
At just about 20 minutes by Metro away from the heart of D.C., Bethesda features cute and upscale shops, a great arts and entertainment district, and a whole host of luxurious hotels perfect for traveling with kids, friends, or your significant other.
Check out the list below for some of our favorite hotels in Bethesda. And yes, they have free WiFi.
One word of caution: Most hotels allow parking but do charge a fee depending on the length of your stay.
The Bethesdan Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Address: 8120 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814 | Details
Parking: $25/day
Pool: Outdoor (open Memorial Day to Labor Day)
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Originally founded by hotelier and philanthropist Leo Bernstein, this fashionable, boutique-style Hilton hotel offers comfort in the heart of Bethesda. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood spacious rooms with natural light.
This hotel has the charm of a family-run hotel, with a friendly-staff, and the standards and cleanliness enforced by a national chain. Rooms come with a coffee maker, and a shuttle service is available for guests.
The Bethesdan is in a prime downtown location near the Arts and Entertainment District with plenty of shopping. It is within a five-minute drive from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Hyatt Regency Bethesda
Address: 7400 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814 | DETAILS
Parking: $12/visit
Pool: No
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Just 20 minutes from downtown Washington, D.C. and located conveniently above the Bethesda Metro station, the Hyatt Regency offers convenience, style and comfort above all else.
Along with room service, the hotel has four dining options on site, including Morton’s, The Steakhouse, Brown Bag, Starbucks, and a Daily Grill. You’ll always have somewhere to eat throughout your stay, regardless of time of day—especially if you travel with picky eaters.
The Hyatt has a contemporary and sleek design, with white and silver detailing all over the lobby and rooms.
Global Luxury Suites Bethesda Chevy Chase
Address: 4850 Rugby Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814 | DETAILS
Pool: Yes
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This newly built high rise suite complex offers modern design, grills, pizza ovens, a rooftop hangout space, pool room, swimming pool, playground and so much more. Even the sleek exterior of the skyscraper-like building is impressive.
Choose a luxury vacation rental apartment in a size ranging from a studio to a 2-bedroom with a den. Units include energy-star approved appliances.
Global Luxury Suites is centrally located in downtown Bethesda. You’ll be walking distance from restaurants serving cuisine from around the world as well as stores like Trader Joe’s and lululemon.
Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/ Bethesda
Address: 7301 Waverly St, Bethesda, MD 20814 | DETAILS
Parking: $20/night
Pool: Yes
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The classic Hilton Garden Inn Bethesda is close to downtown shopping and restaurants. Breakfast and dinner are available on site at the hotel’s Garden Grille & Bar.
The Hilton Garden Inn has a great indoor pool, so your trip has something for the kids regardless of what time of year it is. The hotel also has a cute outdoor dining area perfect for viewing the sunrise or sunset.
Along with the restaurants available right in the hotel, there is also a sundries shop to stock up on chips, coffee, and other snacks, or for that toothbrush someone inevitably forgot.
Bethesda Marriott Suites
Address: 6711 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20817 | DETAILS
Parking: $17/night
Pool: Yes
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Located close to Montgomery Mall, the National Institute of Health and the Suburban Hospital, this Marriott hotel has scenic city views, its own jogging trail and seasonal indoor and outdoor pools.
Like many other hotels on this list, it has an on-site restaurant and bar. Darcy’s Kitchen + Bar boasts creative, adventurous cuisine.
The Marriott Suites also has tons of space for company events, weddings and other social affairs, with more than 11,000 square feet of event space.
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This post was published by Keryn Means, a Washington DC travel expert, and the editor and publisher of DC Travel Magazine. Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of those links we will receive a small commission.
Washington, D.C. Travel Resources
Your Washington, D.C. vacation doesn’t have to be stressful. We’ve got the resources you need to plan your trip and make the most out of your time in the city and surrounding area. If this is your first time to the capital region, check out our Washington, D.C. trip planner and itineraries.
For transportation, check out our D.C. driving guide and our guide on how to ride the metro. For those flying in, you’ll want to read our guides to BWI, DCA and IAD airports.
Dive into our things to do in D.C., which is always being updated and evolving to make sure you have the latest and greatest activities to fill your checklist of things to do. Don’t forget about food, the real reason we all travel, right? Our Washington, D.C. restaurant guide will get you started and lead you into neighborhoods full of delicious treats.
For more resources, check out our pages on Baltimore, Frederick, Richmond, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Shenandoah National Park and beyond.
Where to Stay in Washington, D.C.
Budget: When it comes to Washington, D.C. budget hotels, prices vary depending on the season. In the middle of October, a four-star hotel could be under $150, while in December it may be over $400. At any given time of year, though, Hotel Hive is a safe bet for value when it comes to resting your head. If you are looking for a hostel, Hi Washington D.C. Downtown is well located for exploring all of the D.C. museums, restaurants and bars at the fraction of the price of a hotel. Check rates and availability here.
Mid-range: Every USA hotel chain can be found in Washington, D.C., but stay at the St. Gregory Hotel when you want a local touch. The modern, light-filled rooms will welcome you to the city, whether you are in a studio or suite with wraparound terrace. The hotel is walking distance to Georgetown, the National Mall and Embassy Row, making it easy to explore without a rental car. Check rates and availability here.
Luxury: You are spoiled for choice when it comes to luxury hotels in Washington, D.C. We love cozying up at the Graham Georgetown, a sweet little boutique hotel in one of the hottest neighborhoods in the city. Check rates and availability here. Major hotel brands like The Fairmont, Mandarin Oriental, Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons Hotel Washington D.C. and St. Regis Washington D.C. all have outposts here as well. If you want something a bit more historic, we recommend The Jefferson, Washington D.C. Ninety-nine rooms in this luxury boutique hotel bring together an attentive staff, petite spa, and the Michelin-starred Plume restaurant with all of the history you could hope for when you are in the nation’s capital. Check rates and availability here.
Family-friendly: We always gravitate towards the Kimpton hotels whenever we are traveling with kids. Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington D.C., once the General Post Office building, is located in the Penn Quarter neighborhood just four blocks off the National Mall near the National Gallery of Art. Price point is mid-range, depending on the time of year you visit. Parents will love the nightly wine events and evening nightcap perks as well as complimentary coffee and a tea bar each morning. Kids will love that they can borrow a fish friend for their stay, and that there is always a treat on hand that they can enjoy, and the robes are just their size. Kimpton also has adult and child-size bikes to borrow so you can cruise around town during your stay. Check rates and availability here.
Looking for Washington DC Rentals? Check HERE for the best location, size and rates.
Washington DC Rental Car
If you just flew in , you probably need a rental car. Although you can certainly take the Metro most places, especially if you fly into DCA, you may want a rental car to get out and explore. Find the best priced and availability HERE.
Planning a Trip to Washington, D.C.? Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
Whether you are traveling domestically or coming from an international destination, travel insurance is a must for anyone coming to Washington, D.C. You will be exploring both inside and outdoors; hiking may even happen if you get adventurous. You could find yourself on a Segway or bike tour. The city is highly populated and accidents and crime do happen. This is not to scare you, but to prepare you for what could occur when you are checking out the free museums, exploring neighborhoods, finding the best food and learning about the local street art. Should something happen, travel insurance has you covered.
We recommend and use Allianz Travel insurance. Our family is covered under a household plan, but their individual plans are just as robust if you are a solo traveler or a couple looking to get away. I’ve been a customer for more than five years and have always been in good hands with the Allianz team.
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