For solo travelers, choosing a suitable accommodation is not only about safety and comfort, but also affects the rhythm and experience of the entire journey. In Washington, the capital of the United States, although there are many high-end hotels, there are not many “treasure apartments” that are truly reassuring in terms of affordable prices, convenient locations, high security and complete facilities.
1. Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center
History and Overview
Motto by Hilton is a new concept brand of Hilton Group that focuses on “micro-lifestyle”. Its Washington DC City Center branch opened in 2019, and its target customer group is young travelers who pursue cost-effectiveness and design. Although the room area is not large, every corner has been carefully designed without wasting an inch of space. Mainly based on simple industrial style, the room is equipped with intelligent control system, comfortable mattress and soundproof windows, which is very suitable for solo travelers.
Location and transportation conditions
The hotel is located in the Chinatown district in the city center. It takes only two minutes to walk to the Gallery Place-Chinatown subway station. Three subway lines (red, yellow and green) intersect here, and you can quickly get to the White House, the National Mall, Capitol Hill and Union Station. There are bus stops and bicycle rental points in the surrounding area, and the transportation network is well developed.
Cost
Depending on the off-season and peak season, the price of a standard room (single occupancy) is usually between US$110 and US$160 per night, and about US$130 to US$190 after tax. By booking in advance and choosing flexible dates, you can even get a discount price of less than US$100.
Surrounding attractions
The National Portrait Gallery, Ford’s Theater, and the Washington Convention Center are within a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian Museums are a 15-minute walk south. There are all kinds of Asian and Latin food around at night, and the atmosphere is safe.
Recommended booking platforms
Booking.com: Free cancellation policy, frequent room rate discounts
Expedia: Frequent package flight + hotel discounts
Agoda: Suitable for Asian users, supports multi-currency settlement and simplified Chinese services
Suitable groups
Young solo travelers, city explorers, short-term business visitors, and people with limited budgets who value brand services.
2. Sonder | The Quincy
History and Overview
Sonder is a company that specializes in providing smart short-term rental apartment services. The Quincy was originally an old boutique hotel, and was fully renovated in 2021 and taken over by Sonder. The interior of this nine-story building adopts a modern and simple style. Each room is equipped with a kitchenette, dining table and office area, and the supporting facilities are complete, which is very suitable for long-term solo travel.
Location and transportation conditions
The apartment is located between Dupont Circle and Downtown, and it takes only 4 minutes to walk to the Farragut North subway station. The red line can directly reach Union Station, National Zoo and other major areas. The nearby K Street is an important commercial avenue in Washington, with dense bus routes, and it is easy to walk to the White House.
Costs
The price is between $130 and $180 per night, and long-term stays (more than 5 days) can enjoy discounts, which is less than $120 per night. Some rooms have balconies or open kitchens, which is a very cost-effective choice.
Nearby attractions
There are Dupont Circle, the International Spy Museum, and the National Geographic Headquarters nearby, and it is relatively safe to walk home at night. The Quincy itself is also just a few steps away from conveniences such as Whole Foods, CVS, and Trader Joe’s.
Recommended booking platforms
Airbnb: Suitable for travelers who like short-term rental experience and communication with landlords
Expedia: There are many promotional activities in cooperation with Sonder
Priceline: Provides some mystery rates and discount packages
Suitable for people
Travelers who go to Washington alone to work or explore culture, single long-term users who pay attention to quality of life, and freelancers.
3. Hotel Hive
History and Overview
Hotel Hive is the first “micro hotel” brand in the United States, focusing on efficient space and environmentally friendly design. The hotel opened in Washington in 2017 and quickly became a popular choice among backpackers and young travelers. Although it is a hotel, the room type is closer to a high-quality youth hostel, with excellent hygiene and privacy protection.
Location and transportation conditions
The hotel is located in the Foggy Bottom district, less than 5 minutes’ walk from George Washington University, the Kennedy Center for the Arts and the Potomac River, and about 6 minutes’ walk from the Foggy Bottom subway station. The area is close to the government building area and has excellent public security.
Cost
Rates are usually between $90 and $150 per night, and some room types have shared bathroom designs, which can be as low as $75, suitable for those with limited budgets. Each room is equipped with high-quality bedding and Wi-Fi, and provides necessary toiletries.
Surrounding attractions
It takes only 15 minutes to walk to the Lincoln Memorial, and you can visit the Washington Monument and the Tidal Basin along the river. There is a bar and pizza restaurant on the first floor of the hotel, which is a social place for many single travelers to meet friends.
Recommended booking platforms
Booking.com: Frequent member-only discounts
Hotels.com: Get one free night for every ten nights booked, suitable for frequent travelers
Expedia: Special offer packages include breakfast
Kayak: Compare prices on different platforms at the same time
Suitable groups
Backpackers, young solo travelers, female solo travelers, independent travelers with high safety needs but limited budgets.
4. CitizenM Washington DC Capitol
History and Overview
CitizenM is a global fashion micro-hotel chain brand founded in the Netherlands, which entered the Washington market in 2021. The apartment combines the space design concept of technology and art. Although the room is small, it is equipped with a smart tablet to control all devices. The public area is open and encourages social interaction and collaboration.
Location and transportation conditions
The hotel is located at the south end of the National Mall, close to Capitol Hill, and only 5 minutes walk to the Smithsonian subway station. It is very suitable for single travelers who like to explore urban culture. There are many bus lines nearby covering the southwest and southeast directions.
Costs
The average price is between $140 and $190 per night, and booking during the breakfast package period is more affordable. The smart room system is very modern, and the bedding and bathing facilities are of star quality.
Nearby attractions
The National Gallery, Air and Space Museum, and the Capitol are all within walking distance, and you can even walk to the Navy Pier (The Wharf). The night security is good, suitable for evening jogging and night photography.
Recommended booking platforms
Agoda: Suitable for travelers in the Asia-Pacific region, with a friendly interface and automatic exchange rate conversion
Booking.com: Provides instant booking and free cancellation
Orbitz: Often combines with airlines to launch package plans
Suitable groups
Suitable for single business travelers, technology-oriented travelers, photography enthusiasts, and urban culture explorers.
5. Stay Alfred at Varsity on K
History and Overview
Stay Alfred is a well-known urban short-term rental service provider, focusing on “serviced apartments”. Its Varsity on K is one of its representative properties in Washington, providing fully furnished one-bedroom suites. In response to the transformation of the operating model after the 2020 epidemic, it is now under the control of a management company to continue serving travelers.
Location and transportation conditions
Located in the West End, it is an 8-minute walk to the Foggy Bottom subway station and close to high-end neighborhoods such as Georgetown and Dupont Circle. The location is quiet but convenient, suitable for solo travelers who like a quiet environment.
Cost
The price of a one-bedroom apartment is between $160 and $230 per night, including a separate kitchen, washing machine, and living area. If you choose to stay midweek or book 30 days in advance, the lowest price can be as low as $150 per night.
Surrounding attractions
The Washington Zoo, the National Cathedral, the Rock Creek Park bike trail, and the Georgetown boutique neighborhood are all nearby, suitable for solo travelers who like outdoor leisure and cultural exploration.
Recommended booking platforms
Vrbo: Suitable for families and small groups, but also many individual travelers
Booking.com: Detailed pages, transparent review system
Expedia: Clear search engine ranking, easy to compare
Suitable groups
Solo digital nomads, long-term city explorers, and those with high quality of life requirements.
In a city like Washington with a strong political atmosphere, dense tourists, and a fast pace of life, traveling alone does not mean a compromise experience. Choosing the right apartment not only allows you to enjoy convenient transportation and a safe environment, but also an extension of a comfortable life. Whether you are a backpacker, business traveler, freelancer, or cultural explorer, hotels in Washington can find the right balance between budget and comfort for you.
On the road, a sense of security and a sense of belonging are not contradictory – they can coexist harmoniously in these warm apartments in Washington.
