DC is weird. One minute you’re walking past a glass-and-steel monolith that looks like a high-security server farm, and the next, you’re on a leafy street in Foggy Bottom where everything feels like a 1970s political thriller. That’s where you find the State Plaza Hotel Washington. It isn't the flashy, neon-soaked luxury trap you’ll find closer to the Wharf. It’s different. It’s quiet. Honestly, it’s basically an apartment building masquerading as a hotel, which is exactly why people who actually know DC keep coming back here.
If you’ve ever stayed in a "micro-hotel" where you can touch both walls at the same time, this place will feel like a palace. Most rooms here aren't just rooms; they are suites. Big ones. We’re talking full kitchens with actual stoves, not just a sad microwave sitting on a mini-fridge. For a city where a mediocre salad costs $22, having a kitchen is a legitimate flex.
The Foggy Bottom Location Reality Check
Location is everything, but people usually misunderstand what "good location" means in DC. They want to be right on top of the National Mall. Big mistake. If you stay on the Mall, you’re in a dead zone after 6:00 PM. The State Plaza Hotel Washington sits at 2117 E St NW. You’re tucked between George Washington University (GWU) and the State Department.
It’s safe. It’s remarkably quiet.
You’re walking distance to the Kennedy Center, which is huge if you’re catching a show and don't want to fight the post-performance Uber surge pricing. The Lincoln Memorial is maybe a ten-minute stroll away. You can go see Abe at 2:00 AM when the crowds are gone and the air is cool. That’s the real DC experience.
The proximity to the State Department means the neighborhood has a heavy security presence, which gives the whole area a vibe of "important people are doing important things nearby." It’s polished but lived-in. You’ll see students from GWU rushing to class with overpriced coffee and diplomats in sharp suits looking stressed. It’s authentic.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Suites
The biggest misconception? That "all-suite" is just marketing fluff. At the State Plaza, the floor plans are massive because the building was originally designed for long-term residential use.
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- The Kitchens: These aren't "kitchenettes." You get a full-sized refrigerator, a four-burner stove, an oven, and a dishwasher. If you’re traveling with kids or you’re on a restricted diet, this is a lifesaver. You can hit up the Whole Foods on I Street (about five blocks away) and actually cook a real meal.
- The Workspace: Because of the diplomat and consultant crowd, the desks are actually big enough to work at. No tiny glass circles that wobble when you type.
- The Decor: Look, it’s not ultra-modern. If you want "industrial chic" with exposed pipes and Edison bulbs, look elsewhere. The style is traditional—lots of mahogany tones, cream fabrics, and classic floral accents. It’s "Old Washington" in a way that feels comfortable rather than dated.
Dining at Garden Cafe and Beyond
Let’s talk about the Garden Cafe. It’s the hotel’s onsite restaurant. In a city where every new bistro tries to "reimagine" avocado toast, the Garden Cafe just does the basics well. The outdoor patio is the star here. It’s surrounded by greenery and sits slightly below street level, making it a weirdly peaceful sanctuary in the middle of a capital city.
Is it the best food in the city? No. But for a solid breakfast or a quiet drink after a day of walking 15,000 steps at the Smithsonian, it’s perfect.
If you want to venture out, you’re in luck. Foggy Bottom has evolved. You’ve got Founding Farmers nearby—which is always packed, so book ahead—and Tonic at Quigley’s for those massive plates of tater tots. For something more upscale, Nobu is just a short walk north. The contrast is what makes the State Plaza Hotel Washington work; you can save money by cooking breakfast in your suite and then blow that savings on high-end sushi for dinner.
The Logistics Nobody Mentions
Parking in DC is a nightmare. It’s a literal circle of hell. The hotel offers valet, but it’s pricey—usually around $50 a night. That’s standard for the area, but it still bites.
If you’re smart, you won't bring a car. The Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro station (Blue, Orange, and Silver lines) is a few blocks away. You can get to Reagan National Airport (DCA) in 15 minutes. You can get to the Smithsonian stations in under 10. Driving in DC is basically a sport for people who enjoy frustration, so just use the Metro.
Another thing: the gym. It’s actually decent. Most hotel gyms are a dark room with one broken treadmill and a yoga ball. The fitness center here is bright and has enough equipment for a real workout.
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Why Business Travelers Choose State Plaza
If you’re in town for a conference or a meeting at the World Bank or IMF, the State Plaza Hotel Washington is a strategic move. The Wi-Fi is consistently fast—essential when you’re uploading massive decks—and the staff is used to dealing with people who are on a tight schedule.
There’s a refined level of service that feels personal. You aren't just guest #402. The bellhops and front desk staff often recognize returning guests by name. In a city that can feel cold and bureaucratic, that kind of warmth matters.
Acknowledging the Competition
To be fair, there are other options. You have the Watergate Hotel nearby if you want to spend three times as much for the history and the rooftop bar. You have the Fairmont or the Park Hyatt further north in West End for high-end luxury.
But those places don’t have the "home base" feel. When you stay at the State Plaza, you feel like you live in DC. You have a "neighbor" who walks their dog past your window. You have a favorite corner store. It’s a softer landing.
Navigating the Rooms: A Pro Tip
When you book, try to snag a room on a higher floor facing the back. The street noise on E Street isn't terrible, but the interior-facing rooms are silent. Also, ask for one of the "Executive Suites" if you need the extra square footage. They are roughly 600 square feet, which is bigger than many DC apartments.
One minor quirk? The elevators. They can be a bit slow during peak checkout times. Give yourself an extra five minutes if you’re catching a train or a flight. It’s an older building, and while it’s been renovated, the elevator bones are what they are.
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Making the Most of Your Stay
Staying at the State Plaza Hotel Washington puts you in a prime position to see the "real" Washington. Everyone does the Mall. You should too. But since you’re right there, walk over to the REACH at the Kennedy Center. It’s a stunning architectural expansion with open spaces and public art.
Take a walk through the GWU campus. It’s an urban campus, so it’s integrated into the city grid. There’s a certain energy there that keeps the neighborhood feeling young and vibrant despite the proximity to all the government "gray suits."
Actionable Takeaways for Your Visit
- Skip the Rental Car: Use the Metro or the Circulator bus. You’ll save $50+ a day on parking and avoid the headache of DC’s one-way street labyrinths.
- Use the Kitchen: Even if you don't cook full meals, having a place to store snacks and cold drinks saves a fortune over the course of a week.
- Walk to the Monuments at Night: The walk from the hotel to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial is safe and gorgeous after dark.
- Check the Kennedy Center Schedule: They have free performances on the Millennium Stage almost every day at 6:00 PM. It’s a five-minute walk from your room.
- Book Directly: Sometimes the hotel website offers "government rates" or "university rates" that don't show up on the big travel booking sites. It’s worth a five-minute check.
The State Plaza Hotel Washington isn't trying to be the trendiest spot in the District. It doesn't need to be. It wins by providing space, utility, and a killer location. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you belong in the city, even if you’re only there for forty-eight hours.
If you want a room that feels like a home rather than a cubicle, this is your spot. Just remember to bring your walking shoes—the best parts of the neighborhood are meant to be seen on foot.
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