Hotel The Hay-Adams, Washington D.C.
More photosThe Hay-Adams is arguably the most prestigious address in Washington, D.C., famously boasting that “nothing is overlooked but the White House.” Located on Lafayette Square, the hotel occupies the former site of 19th-century mansions owned by John Hay—Abraham Lincoln’s personal secretary—and historian Henry Adams. Their homes were once the epicenter of D.C.’s intellectual life, hosting legendary figures like Mark Twain and Theodore Roosevelt.
In 1927, these historic homes were razed to make way for the current Italian Renaissance-style structure, designed by architect Mihran Mesrobian and opened in 1928. The building features intricate Tudor and Elizabethan motifs, with some original wood paneling from the Hay residence still integrated into the public spaces. Over the decades, it has remained a haunt for the elite, from Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh to modern-day political power brokers.
A highlight of the property is “Off the Record,” a basement bar celebrated for its collection of political cartoons and its status as a place to be seen, but not heard. For those seeking views, the “Top of the Hay” rooftop event space provides a stunning, direct panorama of the White House, frequently serving as a backdrop for political dramas filmed in the city.
Its location places you in the heart of the capital. You are just steps away from the White House, St. John’s Church, and the expansive National Mall, where the Smithsonian Institution’s many museums are easily accessible. It remains a quintessential D.C. experience for those who appreciate history, discretion, and proximity to the center of American power.
Expert reviews
“One of the city’s great heritage hotels, the Hay is a beautiful old building where ‘nothing is overlooked but the White House.’ The property has a palazzo-style lobby and probably the best rooms of the old-school luxury genre in the city.”
“This romantic, Italian Renaissance grande-dame on Lafayette Square, often rated as one of the world’s finest hotels, has welcomed presidents and other distinguished guests since 1928 (Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh, and Sinclair Lewis among them).”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Washington.
“Once part of the White House grounds, Lafayette Square contains a number of important, historic buildings, including the White House, the Old Executive Office Building, and, of course, The Hay-Adams — named for John Milton Hay, Abraham Lincoln’s private assistant and secretary of state, and Henry Brooks Adams, author and descendent of Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams.”
“This 88-year-old hotel’s tagline ‘Where nothing is overlooked but the White House,’ would be corny if it were not true. The Hay-Adams is known for its sublime service as well as for being the hotel that lies closest to the White House and the only one with such straight-on views, best seen from guest rooms on the top floors six through eight.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Washington.
“If you want a classic Washington experience, stay at the Hay-Adams. The luxury hotel offers unparalleled White House views from its position on the National Mall, along with elegant interiors, a fantastic restaurant and a bar where you can spot Washington insiders sipping after-work cocktails.”
What guests liked
- Room service
- Boutique style
- Friendly staff
- Excellent Wifi
- Great location
- Comfortable beds
Location
Recent guest reviews
28 May 2026
Exceptional
3 December 2025
Exceptional
2 September 2025
Exceptional
17 July 2025
Bed in tradition and lacking all five-star qualities.
The historic hotel was something to behold especially the culinary gems and great staff.
The squeeky floor of the guests above you does not make for a romantic or pleasant stay, especially with a five-star price tag.
3 February 2025
Exceptional
28 December 2024
Exceptional
30 November 2024
Exceptional
7 September 2024
Exceptional
21 August 2024
Exceptional
29 June 2024
5 worest night in my life at this hotel
Bad un-far deduction from my card
Very bad as my above floor was fully of maintenance and i cant sleep one night.
6 June 2024
Exceptional
28 May 2024
They charged again even though I paid thru booking.com
I paid to booking.com, at my arrival I am requested to pay again, they said pay here later cancel from booking.com. If not they wouldn’t accept me to hotel. After second payment, I paid %25 higher than what I paid to booking.com
One of the worst experience I ever had at that level. Never trust 9.3 rating.
14 April 2024
Fabulous
23 March 2024
Bad
Nothing
They charged my stay twice and still didnt remit my money
21 February 2024
Exceptional
2 February 2024
Very poor
24 January 2024
Exceptional
7 January 2024
Very good
31 December 2023
Exceptional
18 December 2023
Exceptional
11 December 2023
Very good
20 November 2023
Exceptional
19 November 2023
Exceptional
17 November 2023
Fabulous
7 November 2023
Fabulous
6 November 2023
Very good
6 November 2023
Exceptional
6 October 2023
Fabulous
2 October 2023
Fabulous
15 September 2023
Exceptional
7 September 2023
Fabulous
5 September 2023
Exceptional
5 September 2023
Fabulous
29 August 2023
Very good
From the moment you arrive until you leave, you’re greeted by the most welcoming, friendly and helpful hotel staff. The hotel itself is exceptionally beautiful as well and gives off an english grand house vibes.
The only complaint I had was that the floors made a creek sound. It’s cute and adds to the english house feel until you’re trying to sleep and here the little sounds from the floor above. Not great for a light sleeper.
21 August 2023
A first class experience- fit for a king!
Excellent location, immaculate property and exceptional staff.
Big thanks to Franziska Head Concierge who went above and beyond to make our stay truly the best.
Will 100% return.
Nothing!
19 August 2023
It was a wonderful experience overall.
Smart Tv was not connecting to Netflix - that was hotels fault , not Netflix, they need to update their servers and software. Their engineers couldn’t figure it out. Bar didn’t work on Monday.
16 August 2023
Exceptional
14 August 2023
Exceptional
9 August 2023
Beautiful hotel in a great location
The location was superb for walking or the metro. The staff were welcoming every time you saw them and wished you a pleasant day. The room was comfortable and well equipped plus stunning.
Poor signal on some TV channels
27 July 2023
Lovely stay with exemplary employees
The employees were exceptional. Anya at the front desk could not have been more helpful and kind. Housekeeping staff member helped with ice one evening and was lovely! One of the gentlemen at the door gave us a tour of the rooftop setting. I'm sorry I didn't capture their names.
breakfast room service was pricey for what it was
24 July 2023
Fabulous- we are locals, this was our first time here for a staycation, and we loved your hotel!
Brian was so friendly and helpful! My husband and I loved that he chatted with us about DC - he is professional, smart, friendly and embodies hospitality.
Well- it’s expensive. But you are a lovely hotel and we will be back.
18 July 2023
Beautiful well located hotel steeped in history.
Beautiful property and the staff and decor exceptional.
The air in our room couldn’t keep up with the heat outside. But it was very hot and muggy that weekend.
Also our mattresses and pillows were unfortunately very hard and uncomfortable.
14 July 2023
Very good
Mattress should be replaced.
11 July 2023
I would stay in this fantastic place again, in a heartbeat.
The room, staff and location were spectacular.
I would have like a small empty refrigerator in the room. The only one provided was stocked full with stuff to purchase.
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Snack bar
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits (additional charge)
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Packed lunches
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Allergy-free room
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Grocery deliveries (additional charge)
- - Pet basket
- - Pet bowls
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Currency exchange
- - Tour desk
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Private check-in/check-out
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Fitness centre
- - Fitness
- - Temporary art galleries
- - Stand-up comedy (additional charge)
- - Walking tours (additional charge)
- - Bike tours (additional charge)
- - Happy hour (additional charge)
- - Tour or class about local culture (additional charge)
- - Live music/performance (additional charge)
- - Live sport events (broadcast) (additional charge)
- - Aerobics (additional charge)
- - Bicycle rental
Entertainment & family services
- - Babysitting/child services
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Parking garage
- - Electric vehicle charging station
- - Accessible parking
Transport
- - Public transport tickets (additional charge)
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key access
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Face masks for guests available
Other Washington D.C. hotels
The Line Hotel, Washington D.C.
The Line Hotel in Washington, D.C. is a masterclass in adaptive reuse, housed within a stunning 110-year-old neoclassical church in the heart of the Adams Morgan neighborhood. Originally built in 1912 as the First Church of Christ, Scientist, the building’s dramatic architecture—complete with soaring 60-foot vaulted ceilings, ionic columns, and intricate millwork—has been brilliantly preserved and transformed by INC Architecture & Design.
CN Traveler + 1 more“In a city that’s traditionally very industry and sort of “meh” when it comes to anything that’s not a museum or a monument, it stands out for being a seriously cool hotel with excellent design and really great food and drink offerings.”
Eaton DC, Washington D.C.
Eaton DC is far more than a place to sleep; it’s a self-described "radical experiment" in hospitality. Opened in 2018 by founder Katherine Lo, the hotel serves as a cultural hub for activists, artists, and changemakers. It functions as a platform for progressive causes, featuring its own live community radio station, a 50-person cinema, and rotating art exhibits that focus on social justice and local talent.
CN Traveler + 1 more“Eaton DC has the trappings of any cool city hotel: a botanical-heavy, Instagram-ready rooftop bar that slings strong cocktails and pan-Asian tacos; a wellness studio offering alternative therapies like reiki and crystal-healing; rooms (a staggering 209) curated with records and mini-libraries.”
The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington D.C.
The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C., is a sophisticated boutique hotel with a fascinating industrial past. Opened in 2003, the property occupies the historic 1932 Georgetown Incinerator building. It has cleverly preserved much of its original character, most notably the towering 130-foot brick smokestack that still dominates the neighborhood skyline and now serves as a unique, intimate private dining space.
New York Times + 3 more“This chic 86-room hotel is the chain’s smallest and feels more like an elite Alpine nook than a hub of ever-bustling Georgetown.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Washington, D.C.
The Graham Georgetown, Washington D.C.
The Graham Georgetown is a sophisticated boutique hotel that draws its name and inspiration from Alexander Graham Bell, the famous inventor who once resided in this historic neighborhood. As a member of Historic Hotels of America, the property beautifully blends its 18th-century Federalist-style architecture with contemporary, upscale interiors.
New York Times + 1 more“The Graham embodies the duality of Georgetown, a neighborhood that is both a raucous night-life haunt and home to genteel Washington society. Tranquil, modern rooms paired with a vibrant rooftop offer hotel guests equal parts serenity and excitement, not to mention a tucked-away spot from which to start exploring the city.”
5 June 2026
Exceptional