Hotel
The Jefferson
An independent luxury hotel in a 1923 Beaux-Arts building at 16th and M Streets, with 99 rooms, two Michelin Keys and the Michelin-starred restaurant Plume.
The Hay-Adams
A 1928 luxury hotel facing Lafayette Square and the White House, with a fine-dining restaurant, a well-known bar and a rooftop with city views.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic luxury hotel
- Area
- Lafayette Square, Washington DC, United States
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Official site
- hayadams.com
Good to know
- White House views
- The Lafayette restaurant
- Off The Record bar
- Rooftop event space
- Accessible rooms
Why we recommend it
The Hay-Adams is one of Washington's grand historic hotels, and few addresses are closer to the centre of American politics. It faces Lafayette Square directly across from the White House, and its slogan, "Where nothing is overlooked but the White House", sums up the main selling point. The hotel is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.
The building dates from 1928 and was designed by Mihran Mesrobian in an Italian Renaissance style. It stands on the site of the 1885 homes of the statesman John Hay and the historian Henry Adams, which were demolished to make way for it, and the hotel takes its name from them. President-elect Barack Obama and his family stayed here in the weeks before his inauguration.
Rooms range from Classic and Deluxe to Premier rooms and Executive Suites, and there are accessible rooms. Ask about views when you book if seeing the White House from your room matters to you. The Lafayette, the hotel restaurant, serves contemporary American food from breakfast through the evening. Off The Record is the hotel's cocktail bar, with the tagline "the place to be seen but not heard", and the rooftop space, Top of the Hay, with its wraparound balcony and views over the White House and the skyline, is used for private events and weddings.
The Hay-Adams suits couples, business travellers and anyone who wants a classic, central luxury stay. It is within walking distance of the White House area, the downtown business district and the National Mall, so you can see many of the main sights on foot. St. John's Episcopal Church, known as the Church of the Presidents, is across the street.
Book well ahead for busy periods such as the spring cherry blossom season and major political events, when central hotels fill quickly. The hotel offers seasonal packages, such as a Capital Getaway, and a newsletter for offers. Meetings and weddings are also hosted.
The nearest Metro stations are within a few minutes' walk in the downtown area, and taxis are easy to find. For an evening out, Off The Record is in the hotel, and the restaurants of downtown and Penn Quarter are a short taxi or walk away. Old Ebbitt Grill is a few blocks east for a less formal meal.
The Hay-Adams FAQs
Where is The Hay-Adams?
At 800 16th Street NW, facing Lafayette Square across from the White House.
When was the hotel built?
It opened in 1928 and was designed by Mihran Mesrobian.
Can I see the White House from the hotel?
The Top of the Hay rooftop has views over the White House; ask about room views when booking.
What dining is available?
The Lafayette restaurant serves contemporary American food from breakfast through the evening.
Is there a bar?
Yes. Off The Record is the hotel's cocktail bar.
Are accessible rooms available?
Yes. The hotel lists accessible rooms among its room types.
Can I hold an event there?
Yes. Top of the Hay is used for private events, meetings and weddings.
How do I contact the hotel?
Call +1 202-638-6600 or email [email protected].