Willard InterContinental Hotel, Washington D.C.
More photosThe Willard InterContinental is a true Washington, D.C. institution, often called the “Residence of Presidents” because every U.S. leader since Franklin Pierce in 1853 has either stayed or attended events there. Designed by architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh in a grand Beaux-Arts style, the current structure opened in 1901 as the city’s first skyscraper. Its history is woven into the fabric of the nation, notably serving as the place where Martin Luther King Jr. finalized his “I Have a Dream” speech.
The hotel is famous for its unique political lore. It is said that President Ulysses S. Grant coined the term “lobbyist” while frequenting the hotel’s lobby to enjoy a cigar and brandy, often bothered by people seeking favors. Another enduring legacy is the “Round Robin Bar,” where Henry Clay famously introduced the mint julep to Washington, solidifying the drink as a staple of the capital’s social scene.
Beyond its political history, the property remains a pinnacle of classic elegance. Guests are often drawn to the ornate lobby and the tradition of afternoon tea in the hotel’s legendary Peacock Alley.
Its location is unbeatable for those eager to explore the capital. Situated on Pennsylvania Avenue, the hotel is just one block from the White House. You are also within easy walking distance of the National Mall, the Smithsonian museums, and the Washington Monument, making it a perfect home base for experiencing the heart of American history.
Expert reviews
“This grandiose, opulent Beaux-Arts Hotel, the crown jewel on DC’s most famous street (and just a block from the White House), has sat in the middle of the city’s political and social scene since 1818.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Washington.
“Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C., at more than 200 years old, is a classic Washington hotel near the White House that recently underwent an extensive $18 million renovation.”
“From its very start, the Willard has hosted foreign dignitaries, from Japan’s 70 Samurai princes in 1860 to… well, take a look at what head of state is on the schedule to visit President Obama, and there’s a good chance that dignitary is booked at the Willard.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Washington.
“Ideally positioned just blocks from the White House, the iconic Willard InterContinental hotel has been a center of the Washington, D.C. social and political scene since it opened in 1818.”
“Since opening as a hotel in 1818, this Washington DC institution has become a stately must-stop for history buffs visiting the US capital. But come also for the even-keeled friendliness, deliciously strong drinks, hearty food and cosy guest chambers.”
What guests liked
- White House
- Friendly staff
- Excellent Wifi
- Great location
- Beautiful hotel
Location
Recent guest reviews
5 August 2025
Well worth the expense for the location alone.
Location
Helpful staff
Elegant decor
Breakfast items hit or miss. Outstanding pastries.
Have has better omelets at fast food restaurants
Expected more from dinner menu at that price point but appetizers were excellent
22 July 2025
Perfect luxury hotel
Brilliant location. Lovely large individual rooms. Helpful staff
28 June 2025
My favorite hotel in Washington DC.
Beautiful, lots of history, and centrally located.
27 June 2025
The attention to detail, and the quality of the staff make for a wonderful stay
Location is excellent, and the room was spacious, along with outstanding staff
Their dinning facilities could be improved
7 March 2025
Short stay but very impressed!
The staff were very friendly- I had a bad cold and unfortunately just went to bed after I arrived - reception offered me late check out which is just what I needed to get some rest. Was sad I didn’t have opportunity to enjoy restaurant etc but will visit again some other time hopefully!
28 February 2025
Great location, I would have given it a “10” but the $70.00 a night for parking was a bit much.
Location was excellent
The cost of valet parking
21 January 2025
A beautiful hotel for a quick D.C. visit.
We spent just one night here, but I wish it was more! This hotel was beautiful and had a heap of history. Despite its age, it was wonderfully refurbed and so well appointed. The room was huge, the bed comfortable and the bathroom was stunning. The shower was huge and glorious. I loved the location as well, it was easy to walk to some major monuments and museums. It was the perfect spot for our quick trip. We tried to have breakfast, but hadn't thought about the fact it was a Saturday during the Christmas holidays, so it was really busy and we didn't have time. So if you're there on a weekend, go to breakfast early! I can also highly recommend The Hamilton restaurant that was nearby. ALSO, if you want to do the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, be sure to 'book' your tickets well in advanced. While they are free, their popularity is off the chart so they ticket it.
Nothing, the place was fantastic.
18 January 2025
Always a pleasure at the Willard.
Great. Staff was beyond wonderful. Beautiful rooms. Room service on time. Really nice. Decor was stunning. The extra bar was lovely in the lobby.
Valet was under staffed.
13 January 2025
We loved our stay at the Willard, we were very well looked after.
The Willard would be one of the best places to stay in Washington. The room was great. Excellent location to the Mall and all the museums and other tourist attractions. Five minute walk to the White House and an easy walk to the Capitol Building.
The hotel is a very ornate building, with beautiful features. Loved the Round Robin Bar and the staff that worked at the bar were excellent.
1 January 2025
An amazing stay with family in an extra amazing room that made our DC trip feel special and elevated!
Beautiful property with gorgeous holiday decorations that were an extra treat!
Any issues were immediately addressed.
30 December 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed our first stay at the Willard!
Everything!!!
Would have preferred it if the cafe were a sit down restaurant.
26 December 2024
Merry Christmas night
Fabulous room, decorations throughout hotel beautiful, good coffee
Nothing
21 December 2024
Best Hotel in Washington DC Beautiful Impeccable Service
we liked everything one of the most amazing hotels I've ever stayed. 10+ Star 🌟
Highly Recommend
N/A
Liked Everything
19 December 2024
One of The Best Hotels in The World 🌎
I like Everything about this Hotel. probably one of the beautiful and amazing hotels I've ever stayed in. The service quality decor atmosphere was Impeccable.
I can't think of anything I didn't like
Perfection
17 December 2024
We can't wait to book another reservation for a special occasion!
It was an amazing experience!! Beautiful holiday decorations. Welcoming staff. Convenient to many DC treasures. (including the White House) We can't wait to stay there again. We also bought a holiday ornament of the Willard. I will always look at it with the fondest of memories.
There was nothing that we didn't like.
6 December 2024
The best hotel we have stayed in when in the USA
The luxury and elegance. It is in the perfect place to see all the magnificent sights of Washington.
It was perfect there was nothing to dislike
5 December 2024
Perfect hotel for a short trip to DC, on the doorstep of the White House and memorials
Classic design and sense of history, in a fantastic location
Nothing
3 December 2024
Beautiful hotel in a wonderful location
The location is wonderful! Right by the White House and walking distance to The Mall. The hotel is beautiful, grand lobby, tea time at Peacock Alley is very nice
-
21 November 2024
Great Place to Stay in DC
Everything was wonderful. Room was spacious, breakfast was wonderful, staff were very friendly and helpful. It’s a great location for seeing the Mall and the museums and monuments. Cafe du Parc was also great for dinner.
There were foreign delegations that caused the hotel to feel like the airport. Also, protesters were loud.
29 October 2024
Will definitely book again.
Very comfortable hotel and location was great. The concierge Robert Watson was great. Helped us with meals, tickets and advise.
2 October 2024
Amazing hotel and staff
Location 10/10
Staff 10/10
Room 10/10
Staff changed my room after a minor issue and went above and beyond to make sure I was happy and comfortable.
1 October 2024
Great location, beautiful hotel, not the most friendly staff or experience on arrival
Absolutely beautiful hotel, very clean and wonderful location. Room service food came incredibly fast and was hot on arrival
The staff weren’t the most friendly or helpful. Not what I would expect at a hotel of this standard.
The tv was old and wouldn’t let you cast. Also shower curtain- gross
13 September 2024
Excellent Lobby room and faciliies.
Breakfast was very good.
Reception desk was very ourteus and efficient.
Congested shower.
31 August 2024
Memorable Stay in a beautiful city, full of history.
Lovely chap at reception, upgraded our room which was a lovely surpise . Stunning hotel with amazing history. Fantastic location for walking to most tourist stops.
Would have liked a kettle on the room as I only drink tea.
25 August 2024
Everything was perfect at the Willard, could not have asked for a better hotel experience
Beautiful, lavish, ornate. Really unique experience and I’m looking forward to the next trip to The Willard!
Nothing. Great location, beautiful space and a lot of fun
22 August 2024
Fabulous location, luxurious and comfortable
- fantastic location near the White House, opulent old building with character, quiet and comfortable rooms, we slept extremely well. Efficient and quiet air con.
Very little to criticise! Expensive, but USA prices are high generally so cannot say hotel was overpriced. The handheld shower attachment wasn't working but that was a minor gripe. I had to unplug the radio /alarm clock as the blue light disturbed my sleep. It would be nice to have fresh milk provided for tea and coffee.
22 August 2024
Do it, spectacular hotel.
Book this hotel. Don’t even think about it. This is THE one. Location, beautiful, clean…I can go on for days.
11 August 2024
Absolutely worth the experience!
Beautifully restored historic hotel in excellent location. Public rooms are magnificent. Guest rooms were quiet and comfortable.
Bathroom vanity was falling apart and clearly needed maintenance. They had it propped up with 3 wooden blocks. Definitely not in keeping with the feel of the rest of the room. Also....shower only produced lukewarm water and spray was very weak.
25 May 2024
Loved having drinks and eating outside. Wanted to have dinner outside Thursday but there was
Breakfast was great. Our order was messed up on our last day. But overall, it was a good value.
Our toilet was too low and didn’t adequately flush. Not good.
16 May 2024
loved the hotel and will still there whenever we return to
timeless but mot musty or dated.
on site cafe and and restaurant were average at best.
10 May 2024
Makes Washington comfortably walkable.
Excellent breakfast and friendly bar made for a very pleasant stay. The location in Washington is hard to beat!
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Snack bar
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits (additional charge)
- - Coffee house on site
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Barber/beauty shop
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Grocery deliveries (additional charge)
- - Paid WiFi
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
- - ATM/cash machine on site
- - Concierge service
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Sauna
- - Fitness centre
- - Golf course (within 3 km) (additional charge)
- - Spa & wellness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Beauty services
- - Spa facilities
- - Steam room
- - Fitness
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Temporary art galleries
- - Happy hour (additional charge)
- - Tour or class about local culture
Outdoors
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor furniture
- - Picnic area
Entertainment & family services
- - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)
- - Board games/puzzles
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
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
- - Face masks for guests available
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Best place near The Mall.