🇺🇸 Washington, United States
Independence House Bed & Breakfast
📍 1808 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA
Photo: official website
Your stay — Independence House Bed & Breakfast
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Washington.
The Property — Independence House Bed & Breakfast
Independence House is a quiet, residential-style B&B in a converted 19th-century townhouse near Dupont Circle. The lobby feels like an old-fashioned parlour: worn wooden floors, a ticking carriage clock, and the smell of fresh coffee from the self-serve kitchen. It suits independent travellers or couples who want a calm, unpretentious base within walking distance of museums and Metro stations, and don't mind en-suite bathrooms that are compact and a bit dated.
Chronicles of Washington
Washington was founded in 1790 as a purpose-built federal capital, designed by Pierre L'Enfant with broad avenues radiating from the Capitol and White House. The 1888 completion of the Washington Monument and the 20th-century additions of the Lincoln Memorial and National Mall cemented its monumental civic core. Neighbourhoods like Georgetown retain 18th-century rowhouses, while Shaw and the U Street corridor reflect Harlem Renaissance-era African American culture. Today the city blends political power, world-class Smithsonian museums, and a thriving restaurant scene rooted in Ethiopian, Vietnamese, and Salvadoran communities.
Best Time to Visit
Full Washington guide →Best months
April and October: cherry blossoms or crisp autumn leaves, mild temperatures (10–20°C), lighter crowds than summer peak.
Peak / festival surge
March–April for the National Cherry Blossom Festival; hotel prices can double. July sees Fourth of July crowds and heatwaves (30–35°C).
Budget shoulder season
September and November: lower room rates, comfortable weather, fewer queue times at museums and monuments.
Weather & packing
Summers are humid and storm-prone with sudden downpours. Pack a compact umbrella and light cotton layers; no one dresses formally outside official buildings.
Live City Briefing — Washington
- Metro's Red Line is partially closed for track work on weekends through summer 2026 — check WMATA alerts before heading to downtown stops.
- The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History opens a major new exhibition on 1950s Cold War culture in June 2026.
- Dupont Circle's farmers' market (Sundays) runs year-round but shifts to early summer produce starting late June; arrive before 10am for best pickings.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Independence House Bed & Breakfast, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the second floor (top floor) for the best experience. This floor has fewer rooms than the first floor, so it's less likely to be noisy. Additionally, being on the second floor means you'll have a higher ceiling, which can make the room feel more spacious.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the first floor, as they're closest to the front door and may be noisier due to foot traffic. Also, be aware that there's no lift, so you'll need to haul your luggage up the stairs.
Best views
Unfortunately, this hotel's orientation and location don't offer any notable views. You'll be facing a residential area with limited visual interest.
Quietest floors
Second floor
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for potential street noise, especially during weekdays before 18:30, as the area is a residential permit zone 6. Residents and delivery vehicles may disrupt the quiet.
Insider tips
When parking on the street, be mindful of the residential permit zone 6 during the day and park after 18:30 on weekdays or on weekends to avoid fines. If you have a lot of luggage, consider parking at the nearby public garage at 400 New Jersey Ave SE, which is a short walk away and offers a more convenient option.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Independence House Bed & Breakfast
Free for guests; speed approx 50 Mbps down, no login, device limit 5
No lift; all rooms on first and second floors, stairs only (historic row house)
Complimentary digital access to The Washington Post via app code at check-in; no printed papers. Building originally a 1910 townhouse, converted 1987.
Check-in 15:00–21:00 (early bag-drop from 11:00, no charge; late check-out fee $30 until 14:00, subject to availability)
Free after check-out until 18:00; no charge
No step-free entrance; one small step at front door (no ramp). No ground-floor rooms. Not suitable for wheelchair users.
No on-site parking; street parking free after 18:30 weekdays and all weekend (residential permit zone 6 during daytime). Nearest public garage at 400 New Jersey Ave SE ($25/day). No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 14.5% of room rate per night (includes DC occupancy tax and tourism fee)
Deposit & card hold: Full first night charged at booking; incidentals hold of $50 per night on check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church (202 m · ~3 min walk)
- Church: Saint Marks Episcopal Church (286 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Capitol Hill United Methodist Church (370 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Capitol Hill Baptist Church (417 m · ~5 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Seward Square — 256 m · ~3 min walk
Sewall-Belmont House and Museum — 819 m · ~10 min walk
Folger Theatre — 433 m · ~5 min walk
Garfield Playground — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 239 m · ~3 min walk
Grubb's Pharmacy — 371 m · ~5 min walk
The Corner Market — 355 m · ~4 min walk
Eastern Market — 636 m · ~8 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →US Dollar, USD
Use ATMs for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaux at airports and tourist-heavy spots near the Mall.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; contactless and Apple/Google Pay work at most shops, restaurants, and on Metro.
Restaurants: 15-20% pre-tax. Taxis: 10-15%. Hotel porters: $1-2 per bag; housekeeping: $2-5 per night.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Filter coffee at a café or bodega: around $2.50.
A sandwich or slice of pizza from a deli: about $8-12.
A main at a casual neighbourhood restaurant (e.g. burger or pasta): about $15-20.
Food trucks on the National Mall and near Navy Yard offer tacos, hot dogs and falafel for $8-12.
Safeway, Giant, and Aldi are common budget supermarkets nearby.
T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and discount racks at Macy's in downtown DC.
Metro day pass $13.50 (unlimited rides after 9:30am); from DCA airport take Metro for $2-4.
Walk or bike (Capital Bikeshare $8 day pass) instead of Uber. Drink tap water – it's safe and free. Pack lunch for the Mall to avoid overpriced snack stands.
Good to know — Washington
Type A/B · 120V
safe
USD ($)
Emergency Contacts
WashingtonWhere to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Washington, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Independence House Bed & Breakfast
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 239 m · ~3 min walk — pharmacy · Grubb's Pharmacy — 371 m · ~5 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Dulles International Airport (IAD) → Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station
💡 Buy a SmarTrip card at the airport kiosk before boarding; you'll need it for the transfer to the Silver Line metro into the city.
Wiehle-Reston East Station → Farragut West Station (closest to hotel)
💡 Avoid peak hours (7:30-9:00 AM, 4:30-6:00 PM) if possible — train carriages get stuffed. Stand near the centre of the platform for quicker exit at Farragut West.
Dulles International Airport (IAD) → Corporate Suites Of Washington
💡 Flat rate to DC zones available, but ask the driver to take the Dulles Toll Road to avoid backups on the main highway.
Union Station → Benning Road
💡 This only runs on a limited 2.2-mile loop in Northeast DC, so it's useless for airport transfers. Skip unless you're sightseeing near the Capitol and want a quick hop to the H Street corridor.
About Washington
Wikipedia ↗Washington most commonly refers to: George Washington (1732–1799), the first president of the United States Washington (state), a state in the Pacific Northwest of the United States Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States A metonym for the federal government of the United States Washingt...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Independence House Bed & Breakfast?
Request a room on the second floor (top floor) for the best experience. This floor has fewer rooms than the first floor, so it's less likely to be noisy. Additionally, being on the second floor means you'll have a higher ceiling, which can make the room feel more spacious.
Which rooms should I avoid at Independence House Bed & Breakfast?
Avoid rooms on the first floor, as they're closest to the front door and may be noisier due to foot traffic. Also, be aware that there's no lift, so you'll need to haul your luggage up the stairs.
Is Independence House Bed & Breakfast noisy?
Be prepared for potential street noise, especially during weekdays before 18:30, as the area is a residential permit zone 6. Residents and delivery vehicles may disrupt the quiet.
Which rooms have the best views at Independence House Bed & Breakfast?
Unfortunately, this hotel's orientation and location don't offer any notable views. You'll be facing a residential area with limited visual interest.
What are insider tips for staying at Independence House Bed & Breakfast?
When parking on the street, be mindful of the residential permit zone 6 during the day and park after 18:30 on weekdays or on weekends to avoid fines. If you have a lot of luggage, consider parking at the nearby public garage at 400 New Jersey Ave SE, which is a short walk away and offers a more convenient option.
What time is check-in at Independence House Bed & Breakfast?
Check-in at Independence House Bed & Breakfast is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Independence House Bed & Breakfast have Wi-Fi?
Free for guests; speed approx 50 Mbps down, no login, device limit 5
Is there a city or tourist tax at Independence House Bed & Breakfast?
14.5% of room rate per night (includes DC occupancy tax and tourism fee)
Where can I eat cheaply near Independence House Bed & Breakfast?
A sandwich or slice of pizza from a deli: about $8-12.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Independence House Bed & Breakfast?
Metro day pass $13.50 (unlimited rides after 9:30am); from DCA airport take Metro for $2-4.
When is the best time to visit Washington?
April and October: cherry blossoms or crisp autumn leaves, mild temperatures (10–20°C), lighter crowds than summer peak.
Top Attractions in Washington
💡 Visit in late winter for the orchid display — it’s spectacular. The indoor jungle is warm and humid year-round, so bring a light jacket you can take off.
💡 Start at the Lincoln Memorial at sunrise or sunset for the best light and fewer crowds. Avoid midday in summer — it’s exposed and gets brutal heat.
💡 Go on a weekday and head straight to the Hall of Fossils on the first floor — it’s less crowded than the ground-floor gems. Enter from the Constitution Avenue side to dodge the queue.
💡 Come at night — the monument is lit up and far quieter. You can stand in the same spot Martin Luther King Jr. gave his 'I Have a Dream' speech. On a clear night, the view south to the Jefferson Memorial is good too.
💡 Park at the Nature Center on Glover Road for the best trail access. The Western Ridge Trail is less crowded than the main path. Bring cash for the parking meter — cards don’t always work.