Gay Washington Washington DC City Guide

What do we know about DC? Yes, it’s the nation’s capital, home to the United States government and well; there are a ton of monuments and museums (all of which are worth visiting). What those of us who are not from DC typically fail to realise is that beyond politics, it’s a pretty amazing city and destination. The metro system is very easy to use, the shopping is world-class, and there’s an abundance of sights to see. Some pretty important people are constantly visiting the capital, so, of course, the hotel options are all going to be top-notch and ready for dignitaries. And the culinary scene in the city has been on a constant climb that continues to keep it growing, always outdoing itself. DC has some of the best restaurants in the United States, and if you just go there to eat, you won’t be disappointed. But there’s also something else about the city which makes it unique, and that’s the atmosphere – it’s a perfect blend of hustle and bustle with upscale and refined (if you know where to look). For your definitive Washington gay guide, you’ve come to the right place.

The best hotels in Washington DC

Let’s open this Washington DC gay travel guide with a roundup of the best places to stay in DC. While there are two impeccable Ritz-Carlton properties within the city limits, the smaller more boutique Georgetown offering, just two miles from the city centre, is our favourite. The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C. is both quiet and intimate, set within a historical build and featuring numerous facilities, including a recently renovated spa, wellness rooms, a full-service fitness centre, two on-site restaurants and unparalleled views of Georgetown. In the summer, a third dining option comes into play; The Yard, a modern garden restaurant serving up seasonal cuisine and craft cocktails. Another 5-starrer is The LINE Hotel DC, a former Neoclassical church now directing its evangelism towards great hospitality and style, with its modern, meticulously curated interiors, four on-site restaurants and its very own radio station. A temple to the arts, in the Adams Morgan district, every room is plushly furnished with Persian rugs and vintage burnished brass accents, alongside a mini library and original artworks. The Monument View Master Suite is especially hard to beat, thanks in part to its epic private terrace views.

Over on the corner of 12^th and K Street NW in downtown DC, close to shopping hubs and the Smithsonian, lies Eaton DC, a hotel offering its guests luxury rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and countless other perks, including an Asian fusion restaurant, café and three on-site bars. As well as its own radio station, Eaton boasts a 50-seat theatre for various events and screenings, a wellness centre and rooftop terrace. For more large windows among marbled bathrooms and modern design, check-in at The Dupont Circle Hotel, well located at the top of the Dupont Circle. With its hands-on staff, The Dupont goes the extra mile for its guests, providing farm-to-table dining, an outdoor relaxation area with a grand fountain feature and a mid-century inspired cocktail bar. Lastly, for a more private DC experience, the AKA White House is the perfect choice, servicing a luxury range of contemporary furnished apartments where the beds are king-sized, the bathrooms are marbled and the rooms are both elegant and spacious. The penthouse suites at AKA are also noteworthy for their terraces and outdoor dining areas beside the newly renovated lobby and shared lounge serving up coffee and cocktails.