Waterfront views, The Anthem next door, the DC Water Taxi out front, and some of the best restaurants in the city within walking distance.
The Wharf is one of the most visited destinations in Washington DC — 24 acres of Southwest waterfront with restaurants, music venues, the oldest continuously operating fish market in the country, and Potomac River views that change completely between morning and midnight. Staying here puts you steps from all of it. The hotels along The Wharf are purpose-built for the location and consistently well-reviewed. Here is exactly where to stay and what to know before you book.
Hotels Near The Wharf DC: Our Top Picks
Waterfront views, The Anthem, the Fish Market, and the DC Water Taxi — all within walking distance.
InterContinental Washington DC
The flagship Wharf hotel — directly on the water, stunning Potomac views, full-service luxury. The most impressive address at The Wharf.
Check RatesCanopy by Hilton Washington DC
Hilton boutique brand with a strong design identity and great Wharf location. The best mid-range choice on the waterfront.
Check RatesHyatt House Washington DC
Extended-stay format with full kitchens, free breakfast, and suite-style rooms. Best for families and longer visits to The Wharf.
Check RatesHampton Inn Washington DC Convention Center
15 minutes by Metro, free breakfast, reliable quality. Best price-to-location if Wharf rates are out of budget.
Check RatesBest Hotels at The Wharf DC
The Wharf has three purpose-built hotels right on the waterfront — the InterContinental, the Canopy by Hilton, and the Hyatt House. All three are excellent. The choice comes down to budget and travel style.
On the Waterfront
InterContinental Washington DC – The Wharf
The flagship hotel at The Wharf — a full-service luxury property directly on the Potomac with sweeping river views from most rooms. Pool, spa, multiple restaurants, and the most impressive physical address on the waterfront. If you want the definitive Wharf hotel experience and budget is not the primary constraint, this is it.
→ Check rates on Hotels.comCanopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf
Hilton boutique brand with a strong local design identity, thoughtfully appointed rooms, and a great position on the waterfront. The best mid-range choice at The Wharf — consistently well-reviewed for service and location, with Hilton loyalty benefits. A meaningful step below the InterContinental in price with much of the same location advantage.
→ Check rates on Hotels.comHyatt House Washington DC / The Wharf
Extended-stay format with full kitchens, separate living areas, and free breakfast. The right call for families, groups, and anyone staying more than a few days who wants the ability to cook and spread out. Well-positioned on The Wharf with the same walkability as the other two properties. Consistently strong reviews for value and family friendliness.
→ Check rates on Hotels.comResidence Inn Washington DC Southwest
Marriott extended-stay property in the Southwest Waterfront area — full kitchens, free breakfast, and a location that puts you within easy walking distance of The Wharf without paying the waterfront premium. A solid option for longer stays and Marriott loyalty members who want Wharf proximity at a lower price point.
→ Check rates on Hotels.comWhat to Do When You Are Staying at The Wharf
The Wharf rewards slow exploration. Walk the full length of the waterfront — our end-to-end Wharf walking guide covers every pier, every stop, and what to look for. Find the quieter spots — our guide to the best places to sit at The Wharf covers the spots most visitors walk right past. And if you are visiting on a busy weekend, our Wharf without the crowds guide tells you exactly when and where to go.
The DC Water Taxi runs from The Wharf to Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria, and National Harbor year-round. Staying at The Wharf gives you the best possible base for a multi-waterfront day. See our DC Water Taxi guide for schedules, stops, and booking.
What Makes The Wharf Worth Staying At
Most DC hotel clusters are convenient but not particularly pleasant to be in. The Wharf is different — the waterfront itself is genuinely beautiful, the outdoor spaces are well-designed, and there is always something happening. Free live music on Transit Pier every Friday evening from May through September. The Fish Market open most mornings. The Anthem bringing major acts to a 6,000-seat venue steps from your hotel room.
DC JazzFest uses The Wharf as one of its primary venues — see our DC JazzFest guide for the full picture. If you are visiting during the festival, staying at The Wharf puts you at the center of it.
Getting Around DC from The Wharf
- Metro: Waterfront station (Green Line) is about a 10-minute walk — puts you on the Green Line with connections across the city. L Enfant Plaza (multiple lines) is also about a 10-minute walk. See our DC Metro guide.
- Water Taxi: Year-round service to Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria, and National Harbor from The Wharf docks. See our DC Water Taxi guide for full details.
- Free Shuttle: The Southwest Neighborhood Shuttle loops between the Metro, National Mall, and The Wharf throughout the day — free, no fare required.
- Parking: Three underground garages on-site. Rates run about 3 for two hours on weekdays — significantly more on concert nights at The Anthem. See our DC parking guide and best DC parking apps before you drive in.
- Flying in: See our DC airports guide and Reagan National tips.
Search All Hotels Near The Wharf DC
Rates at The Wharf hotels shift significantly by season and concert schedule. Check across platforms before you book — and check The Anthem calendar before you set your dates if you have flexibility.
Quick Reference: Hotels Near The Wharf DC
| If You Want | Book This |
|---|---|
| Best luxury waterfront | InterContinental Washington DC — directly on the Potomac |
| Best boutique mid-range | Canopy by Hilton — great location, strong reviews |
| Best for families | Hyatt House — full kitchens, free breakfast, suite rooms |
| Extended stay near Wharf | Residence Inn Southwest — kitchen, breakfast, lower rate |
| Metro to downtown | Waterfront station (Green Line) — 10 min walk from hotels |
| Water Taxi to Alexandria | From The Wharf docks — year-round service |
| Free waterfront music | Transit Pier — Friday evenings May through September |
| Concert at The Anthem | Budget extra for parking — check Anthem calendar first |
The Wharf is one of the genuinely pleasant places to be based in DC. The waterfront at night, coffee from the Fish Market in the morning, a Water Taxi to Old Town Alexandria for the afternoon — it is a DC trip that does not feel like a DC trip. Book early for Anthem concert weekends and summer Friday evenings when The Wharf fills up fast.
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