Washington DC Cherry Blossom Season 2023: Where To Stay

Cherry blossom season brings hordes of visitors to the nation’s capital.

This year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival will take place in Washington, DC, between March 20 and April 16, 2023. On March 1, the National Park Service will predict the peak blooming period for the Yoshino cherry trees around the Tidal Basin, which may bloom earlier than in the past.

For those living within driving distance—-and even for residents of the DC metro area—-spring is a perfect time for a getaway (or staycation) when the District is bathed in pink.

Many hotels, at a range of price points, offer seasonal, cherry blossom-themed overnight packages, bespoke culinary experiences, special cocktails, amenities, and tours for visitors.

The list below is a sampling of these properties. Be sure to check the respective websites for additional information, booking availability and other details.

Viceroy Washington DC

Viceroy Washington, DC is a contemporary boutique property located in the Logan Circle area, just steps away from 14th Street and a 25-minute walk from the Tidal Basin. The hotel was a 2022 recipient of a Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Award.

The hotel’s Cherry Blossom Tea Salon Package includes overnight accommodations and an exclusive tea service that allows guests to craft personalized tea blends including cherry blossom, of course. The hotel restaurant, Dovetail, will be offering optional cherry-themed food and cocktail menus.

Salamander Washington DC

The 5-star Mandarin Oriental was rebranded as Salamander Washington, DC last fall. Located on the revitalized Southwest waterfront, the 373-room luxury property is only a short walk from the monuments and occupies one of the closest locations to the Tidal Basin.

The Cherry Blossom Views package includes accommodations (two-night minimum) with views of the Tidal Basin and a cherry blossom-inspired Afternoon Tea service for two delivered to guests’ rooms or suites.

The Jefferson, Washington DC

Built in 1923, the five-star, Beaux-Arts design The Jefferson, Washington DC was once a residential building. It was reinvented as an intimate boutique hotel in 2009.

Guests at the hotel can book a private luxury boat tour as part of the newly launched Blossoms by Boat package. This unique experience includes: a two-night stay at the hotel; a 1-½ hour private boat tour on the Potomac to view the blossoms close-up; a cherry blossom-inspired picnic for two created by Executive Chef Fabio Salvatore; and two cherry blossom cocktails at Quill (the hotel bar, rated as one of DC’s best cocktails bars).

Courtyard by Marriott Washington DC Dupont Circle

The pet-friendly 3-star Courtyard by Marriott Washington DC Dupont Circle is located on a residential street in this lively neighborhood known for its embassies, architecture and nightlife.

The hotel’s Cherry Blossom Package features a gift bag for guests that includes locally-brewed Cherry Blossom Beers and a late checkout.

The Watergate Hotel

The legendary Watergate Hotel is located on the banks of the Potomac River. With interior designs by Ron Arad and retro uniforms by Mad Men costume designer, a stay at this mid-century icon will be memorable.

Starting March 13th, the hotel will be offering a Pedal and Picnic package for two that includes a bike rental so guests can cycle among the blooms before they enjoy a picnic. The special Watergate picnic basket includes a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and charcuterie. A cherry blossom afternoon tea for two is available at the hotel’s Kingbird restaurant on weekends.

The Royal Sonesta Washington DC

Conveniently located in a walkable neighborhood with restaurants, bars and shops, the 4-star Royal Sonesta Washington, D.C, is a short walk from Dupont Circle and its Metro station. Once an apartment building, the property was converted into a hotel in the 60s and rebranded by Sonesta in 2019.

Guests staying during the Cherry Blossom Festival receive a live cherry blossom branch at check-in and enjoy a $50 credit for food and/or cocktails at the hotel’s in-house restaurant, Certo. Cherry blossom cocktails will be on the bar menu.

Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City

The 5-star Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City is located in historic Arlington, Virginia close to the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery. Connected to a large shopping center, the hotel is just two Metro stops or a 12-minute drive from the Tidal Basin.

The Springtime in DC package (available between March 3 and June 25th on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights) includes overnight accommodations, a daily breakfast credit, a pair of Metrorail passes, Rosé Champagne and chef’s choice of Cherry Blossom amenity, along with maps and festivity information for cherry blossom visitors. The hotel will also offer a Cherry Blossom Tea between March 18th through April 16th.

Hamilton Hotel

Open since 1922, Hamilton Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Only a 10-minute walk from the Tidal Basin, the hotel is five minutes from the National Mall. It was voted the #6 Best Hotel in DC in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards.

For cherry blossom season, the hotel pays homage to the traditional Japanese custom of hanami (flower viewing). From March 1 to April 30, guests booking the Hanami at Hamilton package will receive a curated picnic basket with goodies from Via Sophia, the hotel’s onsite osteria.

Also see the National Cherry Blossom website and a previous 2023 Forbes article on Cherry Blossom Season in DC for additional information.