
Washington/Rock 'n' Roll DC Marathon Top Hotel Picks
Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability

Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability
Lace up for the Rock 'n' Roll DC Marathon, where every stride pulses with history and high-energy vibes! This isn’t just a race—it’s a moving concert through Washington, D.C.’s heartland. From the solemn grandeur of the Lincoln Memorial to the iconic Capitol Building, live bands pump up the energy along the route, turning your run into an electrifying celebration of American spirit. Ready to run your own anthem through the nation’s capital?




















Everything you need to know about Rock 'n' Roll DC Marathon
The Watergate Hotel is a top choice, located just a 10-minute walk from the race start line along the Potomac River. It offers luxury accommodations and premium amenities, including exclusive event shuttle services. The hotel's prime location also provides easy access to cultural landmarks like the Smithsonian Museums and Lincoln Memorial, making it ideal for runners and spectators alike.
Take the Washington Metro to Farragut West Station or McPherson Square Station, both within 500 meters of the course. Additionally, organizers provide free shuttle buses from designated hotels and parking lots directly to the start line. HopeGoo your shuttle in advance saves time and avoids traffic congestion. The start area features clear signage and medical stations to ensure safe and efficient race commencement.
After the race, visit the food markets near Union Station to enjoy local culinary delights and craft beer. Stroll through the National Mall to admire the illuminated U.S. Capitol and Washington Monument at night. Music lovers can join the DC Street Festival, immersing themselves in the city’s vibrant rock culture. Many hotels also offer post-race recovery services like massage therapy and yoga classes to help athletes relax and rejuvenate.
Yes! The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and National Air and Space Museum are both located on the National Mall, perfect for family visits. East Potomac Park features playgrounds and outdoor theaters hosting free performances. Families can spend a full day enjoying educational and entertaining activities together. Some hotels also offer family suites and childcare services, ensuring parents can participate comfortably.
Official merchandise booths are located at the National Mall and Washington Convention Center entrances, offering limited-edition gear such as running shirts, commemorative pins, and personalized bibs. Additionally, the Smithsonian Store carries rock-themed art pieces and collectibles. All items feature eco-friendly packaging and a race year tag, making them ideal keepsakes. Some stores even offer on-site customization for personalized gifts to share with friends and family.
The finisher medal is inspired by a rock guitar, crafted in metal with engraved details of the 2024 race name and participant number. The reverse side features a silhouette of the U.S. Capitol and Potomac River patterns, symbolizing Washington’s identity. The medal includes a detachable lanyard that doubles as a keychain or display piece. This design combines collectible value with personal achievement, honoring both music and the city’s cultural legacy.
See what other travelers say about Rock 'n' Roll DC Marathon

The hotel exceeded my expectations! The room was spacious and well-appointed with a microwave and fridge—perfect for storing snacks or preparing simple meals. Everything was clean and fresh, giving a comfortable, home-like feel. Just a short walk away, there are two convenient supermarkets—super handy for grabbing essentials. I also loved the on-site restaurant; their Thanksgiving dinner special was delicious, beautifully presented, and offered great value. It’s rare to find such a pleasant stay in the heart of DC—this place truly stands out.

Check-in and check-out were both quick and smooth, with friendly staff making the process effortless. The hotel's location is unbeatable—just a short walk from the White House and nearby museums, plus easy access to public transit for exploring the city. Rooms are cleaned daily, keeping everything fresh and tidy, and the breakfast spread is generous and delicious. I especially appreciated the complimentary coffee and hot water available at the L1 lounge every morning—perfect for starting the day right. Overall, this stay was exceptional, and I’d definitely choose this hotel again on my next visit to Washington, D.C.

Staying at Phoenix Park Hotel was one of the best decisions I made for my trip to Washington D.C. The location is unbeatable—within walking distance of major attractions, and just a short ride on the metro to everywhere else. The hotel itself has a wonderful historic charm; the architecture and interior details give it a unique character that feels both authentic and elegant. Everything was spotlessly clean, from the room to the common areas. The staff went above and beyond with their warm and welcoming service—always smiling, helpful, and genuinely interested in making your stay enjoyable. I’d highly recommend this hotel, especially for first-time visitors to D.C. It’s not just convenient, it’s memorable. A true gem in the heart of the city.

Staying at the Washington Marriott at Metro Center was an absolute delight! The hotel’s location is unbeatable—just a short walk from the metro station, with direct elevator access that made moving luggage effortless. I loved how close it was to major attractions: the Washington Monument, Capitol Hill, and the White House are all within a 15-minute stroll. This made exploring downtown D.C. so convenient and stress-free. The neighborhood itself is vibrant, with plenty of great restaurants and cafes just outside the door. Everything you need for a comfortable, well-placed stay is here. If you're looking for a central, hassle-free base in Washington, D.C., this hotel is a top choice. Highly recommend!

The location is absolutely perfect—just four blocks north of the National Mall, right in the sweet spot between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. I couldn’t have asked for a more central spot for exploring the city’s top attractions. The staff went above and beyond with their friendliness and helpfulness—always smiling, ready to assist, and made me feel welcome from day one. Breakfast was a highlight: fresh, delicious, and well-prepared with a great variety of options. Comfortable rooms, quiet atmosphere, and everything you’d want in a downtown stay. This place truly delivers on every front. Highly recommend for any traveler visiting DC.

Staying at Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf was absolutely one of our best experiences during our visit to the city. The location is unbeatable—walking to major museums like the Smithsonian and National Mall takes just under 20 minutes, making it incredibly convenient for sightseeing. The room, while modest in size, was spotless, well-maintained, and comfortably furnished with a cozy bed that made for a great night’s sleep. The American breakfast was a highlight—freshly made pancakes, crispy bacon, eggs, and a wide variety of fruits and beverages. It felt hearty and satisfying every morning. Staff were friendly, attentive, and always ready to help with any request, which added to the warm, welcoming vibe. I especially appreciated the lounge area with free coffee and tea service—perfect for relaxing after a long day exploring. This stay truly stood out compared to previous trips to Washington, D.C., and I’d definitely book here again. Highly recommend for travelers who value comfort, convenience, and genuine hospitality.

Staying at Holiday Inn Washington Capitol was an absolute steal! The location is unbeatable—just a 10-minute walk to the U.S. Capitol, with subway and bus stops right nearby, making it super easy to explore the city. The room was spacious, spotless, and incredibly comfortable, with soft bedding that made for a restful night’s sleep. The front desk staff were friendly and went the extra mile by handing me a personalized local guide with tips on must-see spots. Plus, there's a cozy café and several dining options right on the ground floor—perfect for grabbing coffee in the morning before hitting the sights. Everything about this stay felt seamless and well thought out. If I'm ever back in Washington, D.C., this will be my first choice again.

I had an excellent stay at this hotel and couldn’t be happier with the experience. The room was spotlessly clean, with fresh linens and a nice morning coffee setup along with hot water—perfect for starting the day. The third-floor fitness center offers free water, which is a thoughtful touch. The self-service laundry is affordable at just $3.50, a great value for longer stays. While bottled water is only complimentary for Hilton Honors members ($5 for non-members), it’s still reasonable given the convenience. One of the highlights? A large supermarket right outside the building on the upper level—super convenient for grabbing snacks or essentials. The room even comes with a microwave, making meal prep easy. It’s just a 200-meter walk to the metro station, so getting around Washington D.C. is super easy. The area feels safe and well-connected, ideal for exploring the city. The only minor note: the elevator makes a bit of a whooshing sound when moving—slightly noticeable but not bothersome. Staff were always polite and helpful, and my deposit was refunded quickly. Overall, this hotel delivers comfort, convenience, and great service. I’d definitely come back.

I ended up changing my flight and arrived a day early, so I decided to extend my stay by one more night. State Plaza Hotel exceeded my expectations overall—while the room isn’t huge, it comfortably fit our family of three. The two 1.5-meter beds were spacious and cozy, perfect for a good night’s sleep, and there was even a small desk that came in handy for working or letting the kids do homework. The bathroom with a separate vanity area was a real plus—great privacy and functionality. The kitchen is well-equipped with a stove, fridge, toaster, coffee maker, and sufficient dishes and utensils—ideal for preparing meals, especially when traveling with kids. The only minor downside is that the nearest grocery store is a bit far, requiring a short walk, but public transport access to downtown is excellent. Overall, great value, convenient location, and a welcoming atmosphere—I’d definitely stay here again.

Staying at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington DC Convention Center was an absolute delight. The room was incredibly spacious, featuring a separate living area that made the space feel even more open and comfortable—perfect for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing. The front desk staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful throughout our visit, making check-in and check-out smooth and stress-free. Cleanliness was top-notch—everything from the bedding to the bathroom felt fresh and well-maintained. The location couldn’t be better: right in the heart of downtown DC, with major attractions like the U.S. Capitol and National Mall just a short walk away. We didn’t need to rely on transportation at all. For convenience, comfort, and value, this hotel is hard to beat. I’d absolutely stay here again on any future trip to Washington, D.C.

This hotel is absolutely stunning, with elegant decor and spacious, well-appointed rooms that made our stay incredibly comfortable. Check-in was seamless and we were even able to get in early—no waiting around, which was a huge plus. Located right along the riverfront, the views at night are magical, with soft lights reflecting off the water. The location is fantastic for exploring downtown DC, and everything from transit access to nearby restaurants is just steps away. Highly recommend this gem—it’s a perfect blend of style, comfort, and convenience.

Staying here for a month was one of the best decisions I made during my trip to Washington, DC. After trying several hotels, this Residence Inn truly stood out. The location is unbeatable—right near the National Mall, with walking access to major attractions and a metro station just steps away. The room was incredibly well-equipped: full kitchenware including utensils, pots, knives, and even a dishwasher—perfect for longer stays. Breakfast was excellent, with a wide variety of options, and they didn’t use disposable plates. Staff were attentive, constantly refilling empty dishes and clearing used ones without hesitation. The heating system worked wonders—even on windy days, the room stayed cozy and warm, making for a restful night’s sleep. I didn’t know how to use the dishwasher at first, but everything I needed (sponges, cleaning supplies, cloths) was already stocked in the kitchen. It made long-term living so much easier. From start to finish, every moment here brought positive memories. This stay truly wrapped up my trip on a high note. Thank you!
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