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Discover Capital Hilton, which has hosted Inaugural Balls, presidential interviews, and presidential visits from every President since FDR.

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Capital Hilton, a member of Historic Hotels of America since 2014, dates back to 1943.

Capital Hilton was constructed during the international conflict of 1939 to 1945, where the Allies fought to stop the global conquests of the Axis powers.

The Capital Hilton was first known to its guests as the Statler Hotel, which opened its doors to the public on January 18, 1943 after being constructed during World War II. Since its inception, it has played host to a wealth of prominent gatherings, cementing its identity as one of Washington D.C.’s most notable hotel entities throughout history. Presidents, dignitaries, celebrities, and queens have graced the Capital Hilton with their presence, beckoning guests to delight in the hotel’s esteemed accommodations.

When the property opened, travelers marveled at its state-of-the-art features, which included central air-conditioning, Zeon tube lighting, a copy of USA Today delivered each week, and such luxurious accommodations and event spaces that were unheard of prior to its construction. The Statler Hotel quickly garnered a reputation of exquisite innovation and became revered by those who experienced its glamour. Since the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt, each United States President has made a point to stay at the Capital Hilton and continue decades of unfettered tradition. The hotel has also hosted Princess Elizabeth, Winston Churchill, and Martin Luther King, Jr., creating a lasting legacy of notable public figures.

Throughout the years, the Capital Hilton has not only accommodated influential world leaders, but the property has also been the site for a vast number of historical events. Inaugural Balls, private presidential interviews for vice presidential candidates, and presidential visits have all been held at the Capital Hilton. The hotel was the first to construct an official Presidential Holding Room, now known as the Continental Room, for the president to engage in private conversations. Important moments throughout history have occurred infinitely at the Capital Hilton, as its exquisite legacy continues to thrive today.

  • Famous Historic Guests +
    "Princess Elizabeth of the United Kingdom, who visited the hotel to attend the Washington Press Corps reception. Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II. Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights leader who returned to the hotel after his iconic “I Have a Dream” address along with the leaders of the march. Lucille Ball, American actress best known for I Love Lucy. Fred Astaire, American dancer widely regarded as the most influential dancer in the history of film. Judy Garland, American actress best known for The Wizard of Oz and Meet Me in St. Louis. Mickey Rooney, American actor who was one of the last surviving stars of the silent film era. General Douglas MacArthur, American general who played a prominent role in the Pacific theater during World War II and crafted the notable “Old Soldiers Never Die” speech in the hotel’s elegant Presidential Suite. Fidel Castro, revolutionary Cuban leader who spoke at the hotel for the American Society of Newspaper Editors in 1959."
  • Famous Historic Events +
    "Inaugural Balls. Private presidential interviews for vice presidential candidates. The hotel was the first to construct an official Presidential Holding Room, now known as the Continental Room, for the president to engage in private conversations. Presidential visits. The U.S. Conference of Mayors Meetings. War Bond Drives."
  • History Mystery +
    Which hotel hosted Presidential Inaugural Balls for Reagan, Johnson, Nixon, Kennedy, and Eisenhower? If you guessed the Capital Hilton (1943) in Washington, DC you guessed correctly! This historic hotel has a long standing history with U.S. Presidents throughout its history. First known to guests at the Statler Hotel, it has played host to a wealth of prominent gatherings, cementing its identity as one of Washington D.C.’s most notable hotel entities throughout history. Presidents, dignitaries, celebrities, and queens have graced the Capital Hilton with their presence, beckoning guests to delight in the hotel’s esteemed accommodations. Since the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt, each United States president has made it a point to stay at the Capital Hilton and continue decades of unfettered tradition. Throughout the years, the Capital Hilton has not only accommodated influential world leaders, but the property has also been the site for a vast number of historical events. Inaugural Balls, private presidential interviews for vice presidential candidates, and presidential visits have all been held at the Capital Hilton. The hotel was the first to construct an official Presidential Holding Room, now known as the Continental Room, for the president to engage in private conversations. Important moments throughout history have occurred infinitely at the Capital Hilton, as its exquisite legacy continues to thrive today.