The Hay-Adams
Washington, D.C., United States · ★★★★★ · 9.6/10 Exceptional · guest rating
5-star hotel facing Lafayette Square, a three-minute walk from the White House, with the Lafayette restaurant, a bar and concierge service.
The Hay-Adams occupies an Italian Renaissance-style building facing Lafayette Square, at 800 16th Street NW. It opened in 1928 on the site where John Hay and Henry Adams lived, and today remains one of Washington's classic addresses for its closeness to the White House, about a three-minute walk away. It is a practical base for exploring the city's political center on foot.
The Lafayette restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner with upscale American cuisine, and the hotel has a bar, room service and a lobby with a fireplace. Services include a concierge, bellhops, turndown service and bicycle loans. Reservations and hours are worth confirming with the hotel. It is a classic-style option rather than one with extensive recreational facilities. Ask about current services.
Why stay here
- 5-star hotel directly facing Lafayette Square
- The White House about a three-minute walk away
- Lafayette restaurant and a bar in the hotel
- Italian Renaissance-style building that opened in 1928
- Tip: ask for a room with a view of the square or the monument
The setting
The hotel is on one of the quietest corners of the capital's political center, overlooking Lafayette Square park. Rooms have classic decor, spacious beds and, in some cases, a balcony with a view of the Washington Monument, as the photos show. If the view matters to you, ask the hotel for a room facing the square or the White House, though assignment depends on availability.
What we like
- Location facing Lafayette Square, steps from the White House
- Historic 1928 building with classic decor
- Lafayette restaurant and a bar in the hotel
- Concierge, bellhops and turndown service
- Metro and K Street a few minutes on foot
Worth knowing
- Wellness facilities are more basic than at other luxury hotels
- The area has heavy security and official activity, with streets occasionally closed
Don't miss
Walk to Lafayette Square and the White House, minutes from the hotel, and continue to the National Mall and the Smithsonian museums. If you are interested in political history, try brunch or dinner at the Lafayette restaurant, and confirm hours first.
Facilities
- Lafayette restaurant
- Bar
- Room service
- In-room Wi-Fi
- Fitness center
- Business center
- Concierge
- Turndown service
- Bicycle loans
- Electric vehicle charger
- Laundry and dry cleaning
- Pets accepted (ask about conditions)
Location
The Hay-Adams is at 800 16th Street NW. Lafayette Square is a one-minute walk away, the White House and the Smithsonian National Postal Museum about three, Farragut West station about four and K Street about five. Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is about 15 minutes by car; traffic varies by time of day.
Address: 800 16th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20006
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More photos
Frequently asked questions
How close is it to the White House?
The White House is about a three-minute walk away and Lafayette Square one. For security reasons, some streets in the area may have closures or checkpoints, so ask the hotel before you arrive.
Does it have a restaurant?
Yes. The Lafayette restaurant offers breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner with American cuisine. Confirm hours and whether you need a reservation, especially for weekend brunch.
Is there a pool or spa?
The hotel's information lists a fitness center and a business center, but no pool or spa. If that matters to you, ask the hotel before booking.
How do I get here from the airport?
Reagan Washington National Airport is about 15 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The Farragut West Metro station is about a four-minute walk from the hotel.
Want to compare dates? Check availability for The Hay-Adams / see the current rates.
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