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The best credit card for hotels in Washington DC.

Updated

Why this card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card for hotels in Washington DC.

DC has the St Regis Washington DC, Ritz-Carlton Washington DC, JW Marriott on Pennsylvania Avenue, and Marriott Marquis. Hyatt has the Park Hyatt Washington DC and Grand Hyatt. Hilton has the Conrad Washington DC and Waldorf Astoria DC (the old Trump International Hotel).

Annual fee

$650

Best earn rate

6 points per dollar at Marriotts, Platinum status, 85,000-point free night certificate annually

Signup bonus

Currently around 150,000 points after tiered spend, see issuer for the current offer

St Regis Washington DC and Ritz-Carlton Washington DC both price around 75,000 to 95,000 points a night against $600 to $900 cash, and the 85K free night cert covers a standard night at either. Platinum status at the St Regis gets you butler service, evening drinks in the lobby, and frequent upgrades to a suite. JW Marriott Pennsylvania Avenue is across from the Treasury, so the location for inauguration or summit weeks is unmatched.

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If the top pick is not right

Alternative: World of Hyatt Credit Card.

Park Hyatt DC in West End prices around 30,000 to 40,000 points a night against $500 to $750 cash. Anniversary free night covers the Grand Hyatt downtown. Cheaper card if your DC trips are personal rather than business.

ChaseAnnual fee $95

At a glance

Side by side.

SpecMarriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express CardWorld of Hyatt Credit Card
Annual fee$650$95
Best earn rate6 points per dollar at Marriotts, Platinum status, 85,000-point free night certificate annuallySee alternative section above
Signup bonusCurrently around 150,000 points after tiered spend, see issuer for the current offerVaries by month

Local tip

What to know before you book.

DC has a clear cherry blossom peak (late March to early April) when hotel rates double and most chain awards block out. The other expensive week is each summer's July 4 weekend. May, September, and January are the cheapest months and have the most points stay availability.

Questions

Frequently asked.

What is the best credit card for hotels in Washington DC?

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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card from American Express. St Regis Washington DC and Ritz-Carlton Washington DC both price around 75,000 to 95,000 points a night against $600 to $900 cash, and the 85K free night cer... Annual fee is $650.

How many points do you need for a free night in Washington DC?

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Roughly 80,000 points per night at the recommended chain for Washington DC. Cash rate is around $340 per night, so the points stay is a meaningful discount versus paying cash.

Is the World of Hyatt Credit Card a better choice for hotels in Washington DC?

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Park Hyatt DC in West End prices around 30,000 to 40,000 points a night against $500 to $750 cash. Anniversary free night covers the Grand Hyatt downtown. Cheaper card if your DC trips are personal rather than business. Annual fee is $95.