Where to Stay for the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is Washington, DC's signature spring event, marking the 1912 gift of cherry trees from Tokyo and the long-running friendship between the United States and Japan. The 2026 festival runs from March 20 to April 12, with the best odds for peak color in the last week of March, though weather can still push bloom earlier or later. NPS usually releases a peak-bloom prediction in late February or early March; the forecast is most accurate within about 10 days of peak, so the NPS Bloom Watch page is the key resource as your trip approaches.
Most first-time visitors focus on two areas. The Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park loop—between the Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial—has the highest tree density and classic water views. Just north, the National Mall and Washington Monument grounds add more cherry trees plus easy access to Smithsonian museums and several Metro stations.
Where you stay shapes how easily you can reach these spots. Hotels near the Mall, L’Enfant Plaza, The Wharf/Southwest Waterfront, and Foggy Bottom put you about 10–20 minutes on foot from the Tidal Basin or one quick Metro stop away. These areas book out early around peak bloom and festival weekends, so 8–12 weeks ahead (or by January for specific room types) is a good rule of thumb.
Note: From 2024–2026, the Park Service is rebuilding sections of the Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park seawalls, removing and replacing more than 150 cherry trees. Paths remain open, but expect fencing, narrower walkways, and noticeable gaps in the tree line. Staying close—or on a direct Metro line—helps avoid bottlenecks on busy days.
Best Hotels Near the Cherry Blossom Festival
Staying near the Tidal Basin, the National Mall, or The Wharf gives you the quickest access to peak bloom, memorial walks, and major festival events. Here are the main hotel options, grouped by location and stay style to help you compare walking access and amenities.
Salamander Washington DC – closest to the Tidal Basin
Salamander sits on Maryland Avenue SW, just a few minutes’ walk from the Tidal Basin, so you can reach the Jefferson and FDR memorials without using transit. The style is classic luxury, with a full-service spa, indoor pool, and refined lobby bar, plus some rooms offering partial water or monument views. It suits travelers who want a quieter, resort-like setting close to the cherry blossoms rather than a crowded downtown strip.
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Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf – Direct Access to L’Enfant Plaza
This Hilton is built on top of L’Enfant Plaza, one of DC’s main Metro hubs, with indoor access to multiple lines and a 10–15 minute walk to the Tidal Basin. Many rooms face the Smithsonian Castle, the Capitol, or the Southwest skyline, and the large rooftop terrace and seasonal pool provide clear views toward the Mall. Generous public spaces—a big lobby lounge, on-site restaurant, and flexible seating—make it practical for groups and travelers meeting colleagues on property.
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InterContinental Washington DC – The Wharf – Waterfront Views and Dining
InterContinental anchors one end of The Wharf, steps from the river promenade, live music venues, and a dense cluster of restaurants and bars. Rooms and suites often feature floor-to-ceiling windows, and some add balconies with direct river views; the rooftop bar is one of the stronger viewpoint spots in the neighborhood. This is a good fit if you want a polished, international-style hotel and plan to divide your time between blossom walks and evenings along the waterfront.
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Hyatt House Washington DC / The Wharf – Suite-Style Rooms
Hyatt House offers studio and one-bedroom suites right on the Wharf promenade, which is especially helpful for families or longer stays. Many units include full or near-full kitchens and separate living areas, and some look out over the river. Being next to the Wharf’s restaurants, piers, and water taxis means you have easy options for casual dining and entertainment without leaving the immediate area.
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Hyatt Place Washington DC / National Mall – Good Value Near Museums
Hyatt Place sits in a quieter government-office pocket a few blocks south of the Mall, within walking distance of several Smithsonian museums. Room layouts typically include a sectional sofa that can double as extra sleeping space, which works well for small families or colleagues sharing a room. A rooftop bar and terrace add an unexpected perk at this price point, with views over low-rise federal buildings and toward the Capitol.
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citizenM Washington DC Capitol – Compact Rooms, Large Social Spaces
citizenM is built around small, well-equipped rooms and oversized shared areas. Each room has a wall-to-wall bed, smart lighting, and app- or tablet-based controls that appeal to travelers who like tech-forward stays. The ground-floor “living room” combines long work tables, lounge seating, and a bar, so many guests spend evenings downstairs working or relaxing instead of staying in their rooms.
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JW Marriott Washington, DC – Landmark on Pennsylvania Avenue
JW Marriott sits on Pennsylvania Avenue between the White House and the Mall, and upper floors can offer views toward the Washington Monument or the Capitol. The busy lobby, bar, and restaurant areas create a steady flow of conference and business guests, which can be useful if you prefer a more energetic, professional atmosphere. Multiple nearby Metro entrances give quick access across the region, from Capitol Hill to Arlington, without changing hotels.
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Hotel Hive – Micro-Hotel Near the Lincoln Memorial
Hotel Hive combines industrial-style design with very compact rooms; some offer bunk-style beds or private terraces instead of extra floor space. The pizzeria and rooftop bar attract locals as well as guests, so the property feels more like a neighborhood hangout than a traditional hotel tower. It works best for travelers who prioritize price and location near the Lincoln Memorial and Tidal Basin over room size.
Courtyard Washington, DC / Foggy Bottom – Quiet, Residential Setting
This Courtyard is tucked onto a calm block near George Washington University, which gives it more of a residential feel than many downtown hotels. Some rooms look out onto tree-lined streets or campus buildings rather than main roads, which can help light sleepers. From here you can walk to the Lincoln Memorial, the Kennedy Center, and the west end of the Mall without needing a car.
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State Plaza Hotel – All-Suite Layouts with Full Kitchens
State Plaza consists mostly of large suites, many with full kitchens, dining tables, dressing areas, and substantial closet space. That setup suits longer stays, families, and travelers who want to unpack fully or keep groceries on hand. Its low-rise buildings and courtyard layout contribute to a quieter, residential feel just a short walk from the Mall and the State Department.
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Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC – Historic Penn Quarter Hotel
Hotel Monaco occupies a 19th-century post office and customs building, so many rooms come with high ceilings, tall windows, and distinctive architectural details. Public spaces lean into the historic shell with bold, boutique-style design, giving the property more character than a standard business hotel. The location in Penn Quarter puts you within an easy walk of Capital One Arena, galleries, and a strong cluster of restaurants.
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The River Inn – Suites on a Calm Foggy Bottom Street
The River Inn offers spacious suites with full kitchens and separate living areas on a quiet street near the river and residential Foggy Bottom. Some rooms look toward the Watergate complex or leafy side streets, and the overall environment feels more like an apartment building than a hotel. It is a good option if you want walkable access to the Mall and Georgetown but prefer a calm place to sleep.
Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center – Small Rooms in the Downtown Core
Motto features compact rooms with platform beds, under-bed storage, wall hooks, and built-in shelving in place of large closets. Certain room types use bunk or loft-style beds, which can work well for friends sharing or travelers used to European micro-hotels. The ground-floor bar and café serve as the main gathering space, and from the surrounding streets you can walk quickly to CityCenterDC, Gallery Place, and several Metro lines.
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Mall vs. Dupont Circle: Which Area Works Best for the Festival?
If reaching the blossoms quickly is your priority, staying near the National Mall, The Wharf, L’Enfant Plaza, or Foggy Bottom is usually the most straightforward choice. From these neighborhoods you can walk 10–20 minutes to the Tidal Basin and key memorials, or ride a single Metro line from stations like Smithsonian, L’Enfant Plaza, Federal Triangle, Foggy Bottom–GWU, or Waterfront. That setup makes early starts and midday breaks much easier.
Dupont Circle offers stronger neighborhood dining, bars, and everyday city life, but you will rely on the Red Line and typically change trains at Metro Center or Gallery Place to reach Smithsonian. This works for travelers who care more about restaurants and evening options than shaving minutes off their morning walk. For families with strollers, anyone carrying heavier camera gear, or travelers planning multiple blossom visits in one day, staying on or south of the Mall will usually be more efficient.
If you prefer staying closer to a major transit hub rather than the Mall or Dupont Circle, our guide to hotels near Union Station offers additional options in a different part of the city.
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Table of Contents
Where to Stay for the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is Washington, DC's signature spring event, marking the 1912 gift of cherry trees from Tokyo and the long-running friendship between the United States and Japan. The 2026 festival runs from March 20 to April 12, with the best odds for peak color in the last week of March, though weather can still push bloom earlier or later. NPS usually releases a peak-bloom prediction in late February or early March; the forecast is most accurate within about 10 days of peak, so the NPS Bloom Watch page is the key resource as your trip approaches.
Most first-time visitors focus on two areas. The Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park loop—between the Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial—has the highest tree density and classic water views. Just north, the National Mall and Washington Monument grounds add more cherry trees plus easy access to Smithsonian museums and several Metro stations.
Where you stay shapes how easily you can reach these spots. Hotels near the Mall, L’Enfant Plaza, The Wharf/Southwest Waterfront, and Foggy Bottom put you about 10–20 minutes on foot from the Tidal Basin or one quick Metro stop away. These areas book out early around peak bloom and festival weekends, so 8–12 weeks ahead (or by January for specific room types) is a good rule of thumb.
Note: From 2024–2026, the Park Service is rebuilding sections of the Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park seawalls, removing and replacing more than 150 cherry trees. Paths remain open, but expect fencing, narrower walkways, and noticeable gaps in the tree line. Staying close—or on a direct Metro line—helps avoid bottlenecks on busy days.
Best Hotels Near the Cherry Blossom Festival
Staying near the Tidal Basin, the National Mall, or The Wharf gives you the quickest access to peak bloom, memorial walks, and major festival events. Here are the main hotel options, grouped by location and stay style to help you compare walking access and amenities.
Salamander Washington DC – closest to the Tidal Basin
Salamander sits on Maryland Avenue SW, just a few minutes’ walk from the Tidal Basin, so you can reach the Jefferson and FDR memorials without using transit. The style is classic luxury, with a full-service spa, indoor pool, and refined lobby bar, plus some rooms offering partial water or monument views. It suits travelers who want a quieter, resort-like setting close to the cherry blossoms rather than a crowded downtown strip.
Book Salamander Washington DC on Dyme →
Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf – Direct Access to L’Enfant Plaza
This Hilton is built on top of L’Enfant Plaza, one of DC’s main Metro hubs, with indoor access to multiple lines and a 10–15 minute walk to the Tidal Basin. Many rooms face the Smithsonian Castle, the Capitol, or the Southwest skyline, and the large rooftop terrace and seasonal pool provide clear views toward the Mall. Generous public spaces—a big lobby lounge, on-site restaurant, and flexible seating—make it practical for groups and travelers meeting colleagues on property.
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InterContinental Washington DC – The Wharf – Waterfront Views and Dining
InterContinental anchors one end of The Wharf, steps from the river promenade, live music venues, and a dense cluster of restaurants and bars. Rooms and suites often feature floor-to-ceiling windows, and some add balconies with direct river views; the rooftop bar is one of the stronger viewpoint spots in the neighborhood. This is a good fit if you want a polished, international-style hotel and plan to divide your time between blossom walks and evenings along the waterfront.
Book InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf on Dyme →
Hyatt House Washington DC / The Wharf – Suite-Style Rooms
Hyatt House offers studio and one-bedroom suites right on the Wharf promenade, which is especially helpful for families or longer stays. Many units include full or near-full kitchens and separate living areas, and some look out over the river. Being next to the Wharf’s restaurants, piers, and water taxis means you have easy options for casual dining and entertainment without leaving the immediate area.
Book Hyatt House Washington DC / The Wharf on Dyme →
Hyatt Place Washington DC / National Mall – Good Value Near Museums
Hyatt Place sits in a quieter government-office pocket a few blocks south of the Mall, within walking distance of several Smithsonian museums. Room layouts typically include a sectional sofa that can double as extra sleeping space, which works well for small families or colleagues sharing a room. A rooftop bar and terrace add an unexpected perk at this price point, with views over low-rise federal buildings and toward the Capitol.
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citizenM Washington DC Capitol – Compact Rooms, Large Social Spaces
citizenM is built around small, well-equipped rooms and oversized shared areas. Each room has a wall-to-wall bed, smart lighting, and app- or tablet-based controls that appeal to travelers who like tech-forward stays. The ground-floor “living room” combines long work tables, lounge seating, and a bar, so many guests spend evenings downstairs working or relaxing instead of staying in their rooms.
Book citizenM Washington DC Capitol on Dyme →
JW Marriott Washington, DC – Landmark on Pennsylvania Avenue
JW Marriott sits on Pennsylvania Avenue between the White House and the Mall, and upper floors can offer views toward the Washington Monument or the Capitol. The busy lobby, bar, and restaurant areas create a steady flow of conference and business guests, which can be useful if you prefer a more energetic, professional atmosphere. Multiple nearby Metro entrances give quick access across the region, from Capitol Hill to Arlington, without changing hotels.
Book JW Marriott Washington, DC on Dyme →
Hotel Hive – Micro-Hotel Near the Lincoln Memorial
Hotel Hive combines industrial-style design with very compact rooms; some offer bunk-style beds or private terraces instead of extra floor space. The pizzeria and rooftop bar attract locals as well as guests, so the property feels more like a neighborhood hangout than a traditional hotel tower. It works best for travelers who prioritize price and location near the Lincoln Memorial and Tidal Basin over room size.
Courtyard Washington, DC / Foggy Bottom – Quiet, Residential Setting
This Courtyard is tucked onto a calm block near George Washington University, which gives it more of a residential feel than many downtown hotels. Some rooms look out onto tree-lined streets or campus buildings rather than main roads, which can help light sleepers. From here you can walk to the Lincoln Memorial, the Kennedy Center, and the west end of the Mall without needing a car.
Book Courtyard Washington, DC / Foggy Bottom on Dyme →
State Plaza Hotel – All-Suite Layouts with Full Kitchens
State Plaza consists mostly of large suites, many with full kitchens, dining tables, dressing areas, and substantial closet space. That setup suits longer stays, families, and travelers who want to unpack fully or keep groceries on hand. Its low-rise buildings and courtyard layout contribute to a quieter, residential feel just a short walk from the Mall and the State Department.
Book State Plaza Hotel on Dyme →
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC – Historic Penn Quarter Hotel
Hotel Monaco occupies a 19th-century post office and customs building, so many rooms come with high ceilings, tall windows, and distinctive architectural details. Public spaces lean into the historic shell with bold, boutique-style design, giving the property more character than a standard business hotel. The location in Penn Quarter puts you within an easy walk of Capital One Arena, galleries, and a strong cluster of restaurants.
Book Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC on Dyme →
The River Inn – Suites on a Calm Foggy Bottom Street
The River Inn offers spacious suites with full kitchens and separate living areas on a quiet street near the river and residential Foggy Bottom. Some rooms look toward the Watergate complex or leafy side streets, and the overall environment feels more like an apartment building than a hotel. It is a good option if you want walkable access to the Mall and Georgetown but prefer a calm place to sleep.
Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center – Small Rooms in the Downtown Core
Motto features compact rooms with platform beds, under-bed storage, wall hooks, and built-in shelving in place of large closets. Certain room types use bunk or loft-style beds, which can work well for friends sharing or travelers used to European micro-hotels. The ground-floor bar and café serve as the main gathering space, and from the surrounding streets you can walk quickly to CityCenterDC, Gallery Place, and several Metro lines.
Book Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center on Dyme →
Mall vs. Dupont Circle: Which Area Works Best for the Festival?
If reaching the blossoms quickly is your priority, staying near the National Mall, The Wharf, L’Enfant Plaza, or Foggy Bottom is usually the most straightforward choice. From these neighborhoods you can walk 10–20 minutes to the Tidal Basin and key memorials, or ride a single Metro line from stations like Smithsonian, L’Enfant Plaza, Federal Triangle, Foggy Bottom–GWU, or Waterfront. That setup makes early starts and midday breaks much easier.
Dupont Circle offers stronger neighborhood dining, bars, and everyday city life, but you will rely on the Red Line and typically change trains at Metro Center or Gallery Place to reach Smithsonian. This works for travelers who care more about restaurants and evening options than shaving minutes off their morning walk. For families with strollers, anyone carrying heavier camera gear, or travelers planning multiple blossom visits in one day, staying on or south of the Mall will usually be more efficient.
If you prefer staying closer to a major transit hub rather than the Mall or Dupont Circle, our guide to hotels near Union Station offers additional options in a different part of the city.
Explore Dyme stays across Washington, DC for lower impact travel.
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