14 Luxury Hotels in Washington, D.C. Where Historic Grandeur & Modern Luxury Meet for the Perfect Celebration

Located just two blocks from the White House, the historic Astor Ballroom at The St. Regis Washington, D.C. attracts dignitaries and royalty alike. Floor-to-ceiling Palladian windows, Empire chandeliers and dark wood-beamed ceilings make this one of the most impressive event spaces in a city renowned for its remarkable architecture. The adjacent outdoor Astor Terrace allows guests to bring the celebration outdoors. Winter weddings are especially magnificent in the transparent tented pavilion. Best of all, this hotel is pet-friendly, so you don’t have to leave your four-legged friends at home.

Astor Ballroom Capacity: 220 (seated) – 300 (standing)

Leave the museums and government buildings behind and head to Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.’s most vibrant and artistic neighborhood. The modern ballroom inside The LINE DC can accommodate upward of 500 people or be divided into three distinct spaces for more intimate affairs. The contemporary lighting and classic grey color palette easily accommodates any aesthetic or vision. Guests will savor the locally-sourced menu by James Beard award-winning chef Spike Gjerde. Let the celebration continue after hours and experience the dynamic nightlife of Adams Morgan for a truly unforgettable event.  

Banneker Ballroom Capacity: 320 (seated) – 500 (standing)

The Mandarin Oriental, Washington, D.C. is close to Capitol Hill, but its exclusive waterfront views overlooking the Washington Marina make it one of the most sought after hotels in D.C. This five-star luxury hotel works with the most accomplished event professionals to create your ideal celebration. The Grand Ballroom’s lack of pillars and impressive 18-foot ceilings allow every guest a clear view of everything from a corporate presentation to the best man’s toast. It’s also one of the only luxury spaces in the city with a motor coach entrance and completely private access. The Oriental Ballroom is just as lavish with an adjoining marble foyer, an ideal spot for branding opportunities. While both rooms are spacious and perfect for a high guest count, they can also be divided into smaller spaces to accommodate the versatility of your luxurious event.

Grand Ballroom Capacity: 700 (seated) – 1000 (standing)

Oriental Ballroom Capacity: 400 (seated) – 625 (standing)

For over two centuries, this AAA Four-Diamond property has set the standard for luxury hotels in Washington, D.C. and beyond. Known as the “Residence of Presidents,” The Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. has hosted every United States president since Franklin Pierce. It’s 1400 Pennsylvania Avenue address offers unsurpassed views of many iconic city landmarks. The Crystal Ballroom inspires with its cascading crystal chandeliers, hand-carved gold leaf crown molding, and marbled green columns. The Grand Ballroom is just as stunning with crystal chandeliers, beveled mirrors, and an exquisite hand-painted mural. Whether you plan to host a lavish soirée or a fashionable corporate reception, The Willard InterContinental delivers excellence on every level.

Crystal Ballroom Capacity: 210 (seated) – 250 (standing)

Grand Ballroom Capacity: 450 (seated) – 600 (standing)

Originally home to the city’s General Post Office, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Washington, D.C. is one of the earliest architectural achievements of the city. In 1859, Harper’s New Monthly Magazine wrote, “We doubt there is a building in the world more chaste and architecturally perfect than the General Post Office.” Maintaining the site’s original historical brilliance, this luxury hotel in Washington, D.C. showcases authentic cast iron ceilings and marble floors. Enjoy the Athens room, once the dead letter room for the US Post Office. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide excellent lighting for all photography and stunning views of the courtyard. The 20-foot ceilings and antique scrollwork and millwork add to the historic grandeur. The Paris Ballroom is also impressive with floor-to-ceiling windows and natural skylights. We especially love how pillars naturally divide the room into versatile sections, perfect for more eclectic events.

Athens Room Capacity: 150 (seated) – 200 (standing)

The Paris Ballroom Capacity: 250 (seated) – 300 (standing)

The recently-renovated Fairmont Washington, D.C. is located in Washington’s stylish West End near historic Georgetown. This four-diamond luxury hotel is renowned for its excellent hospitality. Make a dramatic entrance to your celebration on the magnificent staircase leading to the Grand Ballroom. Crystal chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling Palladian mirrors, and a coffered ceiling recreate the opulence of Georgetown’s most historic mansions. Event planners will love the state-of-the-art audio-visual support that brings this architectural work of art up to 21st-century standards.

Grand Ballroom Capacity: 540 (seated) – 700 (standing)

The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. is a five-star hotel that boasts one of the largest luxury ballrooms in the district. The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom showcases 14.5-foot ceilings, filigree chandeliers, and pale gold silk wall coverings. Imported marble floors, mahogany furnishings, and American landscape art make this an impressive room for your timeless celebration. The Plaza ballroom is equally impressive and the perfect size for cocktail receptions and rehearsal dinners. This Ritz-Carlton property hosts one celebration at at time, ensuring your event is the top priority of the day.

The Plaza Ballroom Capacity: 160 (seated) – 220 (standing)

Ritz-Carlton Ballroom Capacity: 850 (seated) – 1100 (standing)

The Park Hyatt Washington, D.C. is a 5-star luxury hotel located just outside Georgetown in the West End neighborhood. Descend the grand staircase for a climactic entrance to the Gallery Lounge. Upholstered leather walls and soft lighting give this room an aura of modern romance and intimacy that’s perfect for evening cocktail receptions. The Gallery Ballroom is spacious and well-lit with flush-mount crystal chandeliers. The room accommodates lighting, screens, and hung equipment, making it ideal for more vibrant celebrations that include dance party-making lighting and décor schemes.

Gallery Ballroom Capacity: 300 (seated) – 450 (standing)

The Great Room, Altitude

Beaux Arts Opulence meets innovative design at the W Washington, D.C. This recently renovated hotel is close to the White House and offers unrivaled views of the city. Gaze out the floor-to-ceiling windows of the famous Altitude rooftop ballroom and let the nation’s historic landmarks be the backdrop for your chic celebration. The Great Room is ideal for large bashes. Oversized flush-mount crystal chandeliers, striking modern columns, and a dramatic staircase bring back the glamour of the 1920s. With all the best that D.C. has to offer right at your fingertips, you’ll love this stylish venue.

Altitude Capacity: 180 (seated) – 250 (standing)

The Great Room Capacity: 420 (seated) – 700 (standing)

The Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. is the town’s first five-star, five-diamond luxury hotel, making it the home of international and domestic politics for more than three decades. The Corcoran Ballroom is a spacious venue with elegant chandeliers and rich draperies. The lack of pillars makes the room perfect for an expansive dance floor. The room’s high-tech capabilities guarantee a dynamic celebration. A drop-down ceiling screen, stage wash and pin-spot lighting, logo projection, and multiple projection screens mean top-notch entertainment can perform without worry. We especially loved this Washington Wizards basketball-themed Bar Mitzvah with a hardwood court dance floor and colorful uplighting.

Corcoran Ballroom Capacity: 300 (seated) – 500 (standing)

Known as both the “Grande Dame of Washington,” and the “Hotel of Presidents,” the Mayflower Hotel is a part of the prestigious Autograph Collection. The palatial Grand Ballroom has hosted every presidential inaugural ball, from Calvin Coolidge to Ronald Reagan. Today the ballroom still boasts its original 23-karat gilding. The 21-foot high ceiling and wrap-around balcony give this room a royal ambiance unmatched by surrounding hotels. This glamorous ballroom wedding used creative lighting to showcase the space. Hosts have the option to extend their celebration into the connecting Chinese Ballroom for additional space. The half-round dome at the center and ornate gold leaf filigree mirrors recreate the glory of this hotel’s illustrious past.

Chinese Ballroom Capacity: 200 (seated) – 250 (standing)

Grand Ballroom Capacity: 500 (seated) – 800 (standing)

Ranked #1 on Conde Nast Traveler’s “Best Hotels of Washington, D.C.” list, the InterContinental Washington, D.C. – The Wharf resides in the city’s newest waterfront neighborhood. Water taxis can easily transport you to fashionable restaurants and historic landmarks alike. The Waterside ballroom’s floor-to-ceiling windows let guests enjoy dazzling views of the Potomac. Globe chandeliers add a modern, organic twist to the room that matches the vibrancy of this innovative neighborhood. The Algonquin is perfect for more intimate parties looking to indulge in spectacular panoramic views on the 12th floor.

Algonquin Capacity: 180 (seated) – 252 (standing)

Waterside Capacity: 450 (seated) – 630 (standing)

The Watergate Hotel may be home to the one of the most scandalous events in American history, but it’s also renowned for its avant-garde design and commitment to service. The Watergate Hotel’s dramatic undulating copper lobby evokes the flowing course of the Potomac. The Moretti Grand Ballroom, named after The Watergate Hotel’s original architect Luigi Moretti, is modern with a glittering starlight ceiling and Gucci marble statement wall. The Cecchi Junior Ballroom captures the eye with unique flowing wave-like chandeliers. Don’t forget to visit The Rooftop for impressive views of the Potomac River.

Cecchi Junior Ballroom Capacity: 140 (seated) – 250 (standing)

The Rooftop Capacity: Up to 350

Moretti Ballroom Capacity: 510 (seated) – 600 (standing)

Trump International Hotel Washington, D.C. is a top destination spot for Washington’s elite. Its prime location makes it an ideal place to begin exploring the city. Tours of the hotel’s 315-foot tall Clock Tower provide impressive panoramic views of the Capitol, and guests can discover some of the district’s vibrant history in the curated Museum Gallery Walkway. The Presidential Ballroom is timeless with dramatic 16-foot ceilings, Palladium mirrors and glittering crystal chandeliers. This spacious 13,200 sq. ft. space is column-free for uninterrupted dancing and socializing. Your celebration is destined to be a truly deluxe affair at this lavish hotel.

Presidential Ballroom Capacity: 1000 (seated) – 1300 (standing)