Considering a trip to Washington, DC? Remember, you can use Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, or Starwood points for free nights at top hotels in our nation’s capital!
Emily and I spent a weekend there a number of years ago and loved visiting spots like the Washington Monument, The White House, and the World War II Memorial. There’s so much to see and do there!
I’ll show you 5 top hotels in Washington, DC, where you can stay using Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, and Starwood points!
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- 5 Top Washington, DC, Hotels Using Marriott & Starwood Points
Washington, DC Marriott and Starwood Hotels With Points
Link: Marriott Hotels in Washington, DC
Link: Starwood Hotels in Washington, DC
Did you know you can redeem Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, or Starwood points for award nights at all 3 hotel chains?
And if you collect Starwood or Marriott points, you can transfer points instantly between your accounts. Marriott points convert to Starwood points at a 3:1 ratio.
Plus, you can link your rewards accounts before booking a stay at either of the 3 hotel chains, and get an instant status match!
I haven’t personally stayed at all of these hotels, but hopefully this list will give you a few great ideas for your next trip to the capital!
1. The St. Regis Washington, DC
If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in the heart of it all, consider the The St. Regis Washington, DC.
Folks on TripAdvisor give it great reviews for its fantastic location (2 blocks from the White House!), helpful staff, and elegant decor.
A Category 6 Starwood hotel, rooms here in May 2017, cost from ~$814.
Or you could save your money and use 25,000 Starwood points for a free night stay.
And if you don’t have enough Starwood points, you can convert Marriott points to cover the cost of your stay. You’d need 75,000 Marriott points to have enough for a free night, because Marriott points transfer to Starwood at a 3:1 ratio.
While that might be a lot of points, it could be worth it if you want to splurge for a special occasion!
2. The Ritz-Carlton Washington, DC
The beautiful tier 4 Ritz-Carlton Washington, DC is another wonderful spot to consider if you want to use your points for an extravagant stay downtown. Or if you’re looking for a comfortable and convenient hotel during a business trip.
It gets excellent reviews on TripAdvisor for its great location, friendly and professional staff, and quiet rooms. They even allow dogs for a fee, and will provide a plush dog bed, dog bowls, and all-natural dog treats! 😉
I found rooms in May 2017, for ~$717 or 60,000 Ritz-Carlton points per night. So you’re definitely getting Big Travel using your points here!
And if you don’t have enough Ritz-Carlton points for a stay, don’t forget you can use Marriott points, or convert Starwood points to cover your stay.
You’d need to transfer 20,000 Starwood points for 1 free night.
3. The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, DC
“Wow” is the word many reviewers on TripAdvisor use to describe their experience at The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, DC.This hotel gets outstanding reviews for its location near many bars, restaurants, and shops. Along with its excellent service and cozy atmosphere.
It’s also just a short drive from downtown Washington, and all of the popular tourist spots.
Nights at this Ritz-Carlton tier 4 hotel in May 2017, cost ~$522 or 60,000 Ritz-Carlton points per night.
You’d need 60,000 Marriott points, because Ritz-Carlton and Marriott are essentially the same frequent-guest program (just with different branding and marketing). So you can use your Ritz-Carlton points to stay at Marriott hotels and vice versa.
Or 20,000 Starwood points (60,000 Marriott points / 3) for an award night. Because you get 3 Marriott points for every 1 Starwood point you transfer.
4. JW Marriott Washington, DC
The JW Marriott Washington, DC Category 8 Marriott Hotel would be another fantastic choice for your next trip to the nation’s capital.It’s only a ~10 minute walk from The White House and the National Museum of American History. And it gets good reviews on TripAdvisor.
I found nights here in May 2017, for ~$560.
But if you wanted to splurge on this hotel and save your cash, you could use 40,000 Marriott points. Or use ~13,334 Starwood points (40,000 Marriott points / 3) for a free night. Just remember, you must transfer in increments of 1,000!
5. The Westin Georgetown, Washington, DC
The Westin Georgetown, Washington, DC, is another great option for your visit.This Category 5 Starwood hotel gets 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor for its spacious rooms, easy access to the Metro, and friendly staff.
Rooms at the The Westin Georgetown, Washington, DC, have flat screen TVs, luxury bedding, and some even have views of downtown Washington!
In May 2017, rooms cost ~$532 per night.
Instead, you could use 16,000 Starwood points or transfer 48,000 Marriott points for a free night. And spend the money you save on the hotel room for a delicious meal at one of the great restaurants in Georgetown!
Bonus Budget Pick: TownePlace Suites Falls Church
Looking for a budget hotel near the city? Consider the TownePlace Suites Falls Church in Falls Church, Virginia.
This Category 2 Marriott hotel gets great reviews on TripAdvisor. Folks love the complimentary breakfast, helpful staff, and ensuite kitchens. It’s also ~2 miles from the metro station and only a ~25 minute ride to downtown Washington.
Rooms here in May 2017, cost ~$264 or only 10,000 Marriott points per night. So it’s a great option if you’re looking to get more value from your points!
Also, the weekend rates usually fall to ~$118 per night. Making it a good budget choice for a long weekend trip, even if you’re paying cash.
Cards That Earn You Free Stays
1. Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Credit Cards
Link: Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card (personal)
Link: Marriott Rewards Premier Business Card (small business)
You can earn 80,000 Marriott points after completing minimum spending requirements with the Marriott Rewards Premier personal and small business cards.
And with the personal version of the card, you can earn another 7,500 bonus Marriott points when you add an authorized user and make a purchase within the first 3 months of opening your account. The $85 annual fee is NOT waived for the first year.
The $99 annual fee on the small business version of the card is also NOT waived for the first year. Here’s my review of the offer.
2. Starwood Credit Cards
Link: Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express (personal)
Link: Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express (small business)
With the AMEX Starwood personal and small business cards, you can earn 25,000 Starwood points after completing the minimum spending requirements.
I recommend the AMEX Starwood cards for everyday non-bonus spending. Because you’ll earn 1 Starwood point per $1 you spend, which can be converted to 3 Marriott or Ritz-Carlton points. And that’s better than the 1 Marriott or Ritz-Carlton point per $1 you spend you’ll get with the Marriott and Ritz-Carlton cards!Also, the AMEX cards are easier to get than the Chase cards. Because of Chase’s 5/24 rule, where if you’ve opened ~5 or more credit cards (from any bank) in the past 24 months (excluding certain business cards), it’s unlikely you’ll be approved for most Chase cards.
Just remember, you can only earn the bonus on any AMEX card ONCE per lifetime.
3. Ritz-Carlton Card
Link: Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card
You can earn 3 free nights at participating Ritz-Carlton tier 1 through 4 hotels after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of opening a Chase Ritz-Carlton card.
You’ll also get 10,000 Ritz-Carlton points when you add an authorized user and make a purchase in the same timeframe.
The $450 annual fee is NOT waived the first year, but the card offers perks that offset the annual fee. Here’s my review of the deal.
Even if you’ve opened 5+ new cards in the past 24 months, you’re still eligible for the Ritz-Carlton card.
Bottom Line
You can use Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, or Starwood points to stay at top-rated hotels in Washington, DC.
For example, you could redeem points for free nights at the luxurious The St. Regis Washington, DC. Or stay just outside of downtown Washington in the historic neighborhood of Georgetown, at The Westin Georgetown, Washington, DC!