By Meg Jernigan
The Best Washington, D.C., Hotels From Which to See Fireworks
If you prefer not to brave the throngs on the National Mall during a fireworks celebration, there are hotels in Washington, D.C., with views of the festivities. Accommodations in hotels near the Mall are expensive, but cheaper rooms can be found across the Potomac River in Northern Virginia. Many of these hotels will also afford views of smaller fireworks displays in suburban areas that typically start during or after the fireworks on the Mall.
Willard Intercontinental
This historic hotel, built in 1850 and restored in 2001, is two blocks from the White House and very close to the National Mall. The Willard is an AAA 4-Diamond Hotel. Rooms on the south side of the hotel have a direct view of the fireworks.
The Willard Hotel
1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20004
http://www.washington.intercontinental.com/washa/index.shtml
(202) 628-9100
Mandarin Oriental
The Mandarin Hotel, east of the Tidal Basin, is within walking distance of Capitol Hill and the Mall. West-facing rooms have views of the fireworks. The Mandarin was rated one of the top 100 hotels in the world by Institutional Investor magazine.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
1330 Maryland Ave. SW
Washington, D.C. 20024
http://www.mandarinoriental.com/washington/
(202) 554-8588
Key Bridge Marriott
The Marriott is across Key Bridge from the Georgetown section of Washington. East- and south-facing rooms have a view of the Mall. The Capitol View Ballroom on the top floor of the hotel has floor-to-ceiling windows and features a buffet on Independence Day.
Key Bridge Marriott
1401 Lee Highway
Arlington, VA 22209
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/waskb-key-bridge-marriott/
(703) 524-6400
Sheraton National Hotel
The Sheraton is on the south side of Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac from the Mall. Rooms with a view to the east are prime spots for watching the fireworks.
Sheraton National Hotel
900 S. Orme St.
Arlington, VA 22204
http://www.sheratonnational.com/
(703) 521-1900
Hay-Adams Hotel
The Hay-Adams is just north of the White House and Lafayette Square. South-facing rooms have the best view of the fireworks. The hotel terrace, with an open bar and dessert service, is open on the Fourth of July.
Hay-Adams Hotel
16th and H Streets NW
Washington, D.C. 20006
http://www.hayadams.com/
(202) 638-6600
Churchill Hotel
Built in 1906 as luxury apartments, The Churchill Hotel in the Dupont Circle area north of the Mall is a member of the Historic Hotels of America group. Reserve a south-facing room for the best view. The hotel offers a Fourth of July package that includes Metro passes and a meal.
Churchill Hotel
1914 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
http://www.thechurchillhotel.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=36
(202) 797-2000
Doubletree Inn in Crystal City
Within walking distance of the Crystal Underground Shopping Center and the Pentagon, the Doubletree is west and slightly south of the Mall. Rooms facing the Potomac River have the best views. The Doubletree is an AAA 3-Diamond hotel.
Doubletree Inn in Crystal City
300 Army Navy Drive
Arlington, VA 22202
http://doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US/dt/hotel/DCAAEDT-Doubletree-Hotel-Crystal-City-National-Airport-Virginia/index.do
(703) 416-4100
Embassy Suites Hotel
Located in the West End area of Washington, rooms on the higher floors of the south side of the Embassy Suites Hotel provide views of the fireworks. The hotel has a 3-Diamond AAA rating.
Embassy Suites Hotel
1250 22nd St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20037
http://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en_US/es/hotel/WASDNES-Embassy-Suites-Washington-D-C--District-of-Columbia/index.do
(202) 857-3388
Resources
About the Author:
Meg Jernigan has been writing for more than 30 years. She specializes in travel, cooking and interior decorating. Her offline credits include copy editing full-length books and creating marketing copy for nonprofit organizations. Jernigan attended George Washington University, majoring in speech and drama.
Photo Credits:
Willard Intercontinental, DC Pages, Marriott, Sheraton, Downtown Hotels Directory, Doubletree, Embassy Suites
