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Romantic Getaways in Washington DC - Fun for 2 in the Capitol 

By: Greg Mattson, ERV Editor - Updated: Oct 27, 2022   

Washington DC is a treasure of mesmerizing collection of sights, monuments, museums and institutions. It's also a great destination for romantic weekends, anniversary trips, and honeymoons. 

View Looking Towards Capitol Hill, Washington, DC

Best Time to Visit Washington DC - a winter getaway will probably restrict you to all the museums and indoor historic sites in the area. Autumn is a pretty time in D.C and Virginia, and May and June are comfortable months before the heat and humidity of summer set in.  Many people think Washington is at it's prettiest during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, in the first 2 weeks of April.

So no matter if your getaway is winter or summer, we've included a mixture of indoor and outdoor things to do in the Washington DC metro area. Have fun exploring D.C.!

Washington DC Romantic Hotels for Every Budget

Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC

Kimpton Hotel Palomar, Washington DC

Affordable:

• Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC - What Other Couples Liked: Relaxed, Comfortable and Friendly...Fine Hotel & Nice Breakfast...New Hotel, Excellent Location and Understated Elegance. 2021 ERV Rating* for Romantic Washington DC Hotels: 86% - Very Good. (2201 M Street NW, Washington DC  202-974-6010) √ COVID Safety Plan: Yes
  

Romantic Washington DC Whirlpool Suites:

• Royal Sonesta Washington DC - One of the most romantic boutique inns in the Washington DC area. Spa suites with large 2-person jetted tubs are available, plus there's an outdoor heated pool, as well as complimentary morning coffee and evening wine reception. 2021 ERV Rating* for Washington DC Jetted Tub Suites: 88% - Very Good. (2121 P St NW, Washington DC  202-448-1800) √ COVID Safety Plan: Yes

Luxury Washington DC Honeymoon Hotel: 

• Mandarin Oriental - The Presidential Suite looks very romantic, and they can arrange a massage treatment in their spa, or candlelit dinner at the Muze restaurant. 2021 ERV Rating* for Romantic Washington DC Hotels: 86% - Very Good. (1330 Maryland Ave SW, Washington DC  202-554-8588) √ COVID Safety Plan: Yes

Hotel Packages:

• Romantic Getaways in Washington DC - Weekend Hotel Packages - discount Web Rates at the Marriott, Sofitel, Fairmont Washington DC & more.

alexandrian hotel

Front Entry to the Alexandrian Hotel in Alexandria, VA

• Alexandrian Hotel - for those who wish to stay just outside of DC, the Alexandrian is a great choice. Both standard and loft rooms are available, and they also have some of the nicest Whirlpool Suites in the greater Washington DC area. Located close to the water on King St in Alexandria, with a ton of dining options and shops in Old Town just a free trolley ride away. 2022 ERV Rating*: 86% - Very Good. (480 King St, Alexandria 703-549-6080)

Vacation Rental & Cabin Getaways:

• Luray Virginia Romantic Cabins & Cottages - these honeymoon cabin rentals are just 90 minutes drive from the capitol, and they offer hot tub suites, fireplaces and private decks. There's activities like kayaking, hiking and fishing in nearby Shenandoah National Park.

Romantic Spots & Tours in Washington DC

• Hornblower Romantic Dinner Cruise - Check out a romantic dinner cruise with on the Potomac, complete with live music, observation deck, and multi-course dinner.

• Washington DC Memorials at Night - avoid the daytime crowds and enjoy historic D.C. at sunset and during the evening. The popular Lincoln Memorial, as well as both the Jefferson and Roosevelt Memorials take on a unique and romantic beauty at night under the lights.

• Vue, Hotel Washington - discuss the federal budget and the best views of Washington D.C. over a couple of cocktails on the roof of this romantic hotel.

• The Mall - you've seen it in movies, now take a romantic walk down this scenic and historic corridor.
  

In Front of the Lincoln Memorial, with the Washington Monument in the Distance.

• Georgetown - tour historic sites, discover the waterfront shops, or dine on crab cakes in one of this areas romantic restaurants. 

• Theodore Roosevelt Island - after a day or two of seeing Washington's great museums and historic sites, hit the great outdoors in Roosevelt Island, one of the best secluded spots in Washington DC. You can walk, bike or even kayak here, and enjoy the peaceful views of the city across the water.

• Eastern Market - a fun romantic activity on Sundays is strolling through the streets of this Capitol Hill neighborhood and exploring the farmers market, arts and crafts and food stands.

Romantic Getaways Near Washington, DC

Colorful King St, Old Town Alexandria VA

Autumn Colors on King St, Alexandria VA

• Old Town, Alexandria, VA - just across the Potomac River in Virginia, you'll love this historic waterfront town & seaport with it's antique shops and quaint restaurants on King Street. Enjoy a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride down the cobblestone streets. For a romantic weekend stay, you'll love the Morrison House Boutique Hotel.

• Virginia's Romantic Hot Tub Suites - bubbly getaways in hotel and B&B Whirlpool suites.

At the Lookout at Great Falls Park near Washington DC in Fairfax, VA

• Great Falls Park - with it's superb setting on the banks of the Potomac River, scenic Great Falls Park is a nice spot for a romantic picnic on a day trip from Washington, DC. (14 miles from the city).

More...

• Romantic day trips and weekends away from Washington DC - see our tips and reviews on romantic Virginia Getaways for Couples.

• Also right next door to DC are lots of options for escapes and romantic weekends in Maryland.

• The Official Washington DC site for tourism has a great section on romantic places in Washington DC, so be sure to check it out.  

*ERV Rating: our unique, non-scientific ratings for romantic accommodation include:

• Amenities: including Whirlpool bath or JACUZZI® Tub, scenic view, fireplace, lounge, etc
• Location: proximity of hotel to restaurants, pubs, downtown, etc
• Clientele: demographic the hotel attracts (couples, families, business travelers, etc)
• Popularity: based on social media & crowd-sourced reviews 
• Value: product offered compared to room rate 
• Please Note: percentage ratings are not absolute but for comparative use only  

√ COVID Safety Plan: identifies hotels and inns that clearly indicate they are taking measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

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