
Arlo Washington DC
Best for rooftop pool-and-bar energy, big capacity, and easy access to museums and the Mall.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Arlo Washington DC is a 4-star lifestyle hotel in Judiciary Square with a large roster of rooms and a seasonal rooftop pool—good for travelers who want rooftop energy and easy access to the National Mall. Riggs Washington DC is a design-forward 5-star luxury hotel in Penn Quarter, set in a former bank—read this if you prefer a boutique luxury stay with a distinctive historic interior.
Updated · about 0.6 km apart

Best for rooftop pool-and-bar energy, big capacity, and easy access to museums and the Mall.

Best for Penn Quarter luxury in a converted bank building and a compact, design-led stay.
When Arlo Washington DC wins: choose Arlo if you want a lively rooftop bar/pool scene, lots of room options (445 rooms), and multiple event spaces for larger meetings or social gatherings.
When Riggs Washington DC wins: pick Riggs if you want a smaller, five-star hotel with a strong lifestyle-luxury identity in the heart of Penn Quarter and proximity to Smithsonian museums and Ford’s Theatre.
Bottom line: Arlo is the higher-capacity lifestyle pick with seasonal rooftop pool energy and easy museum/Mall access; Riggs is the more intimate five-star choice for travelers seeking Penn Quarter’s banking-hall luxury vibe.
| Category | Arlo Washington DC | Riggs Washington DC |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | 4-star lifestyle; modern addition to a restored 1888 building; rooftop bar/seasonal pool energy | 5-star design-forward luxury in a restored former bank (Penn Quarter) |
| Location | Judiciary Square — short walk to National Building Museum, National Mall, Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter — steps from Smithsonian American Art Museum, Ford’s Theatre, Capital One Arena |
| Hotel size (rooms) | 445 rooms | 181 rooms |
| Check-in age | Lead guest must be 21+ at check-in | |
| Pools | Seasonal rooftop outdoor pool (ART DC), guest-key access; hours typically 10am–8pm | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Bodega (lobby café), ART DC rooftop bar (Japanese/Pan-Asian shareables); Altair/Arrels changes noted in sources | Cafe Riggs (brasserie) and a bar/lounge; room service during limited hours |
| Spa / wellness | Alo Wellness Club concept: 24-hour fitness center + wellness programming; no traditional named spa | Not published |
| Known for | Rooftop pool/ART DC rooftop bar and large event capacity across many meeting rooms | Converted bank interior and Penn Quarter luxury positioning |
| Meeting & event space | Five meeting rooms; ~4,287 sq ft total; rooftop and courtyard event options | Conference space about 2,500 sq ft with 2 meeting rooms |
| Accessibility & services | Free high-speed WiFi, concierge, 24-hour front desk, pet policy allows dogs/cats with fee | Free WiFi, concierge, 24-hour front desk, valet parking (surcharge) and limo/town car service available |
Arlo sits in Judiciary Square with short walks to museums, the National Mall, and transit.
Great base for museum and Mall sightseeing with easy Red Line access.
Riggs is in Penn Quarter, immediately near the Smithsonian American Art Museum and cultural venues.
A compact downtown location for museum-goers and theater attendees.
Arlo offers a large inventory of rooms in a restored 1888 building plus a modern addition.
You’ll find more room-type variety and capacity at Arlo for groups and events.
Riggs has a smaller, boutique collection of individually decorated guestrooms.
Riggs is the smaller, more intimate five-star option with individually styled rooms.
Arlo’s food-and-drink focuses on a rooftop bar plus a lobby café and a full-restaurant program.
Stronger rooftop cocktail and grab-and-go café scene; restaurant lineup has evolved recently.
Riggs centers on Cafe Riggs, a brasserie-style restaurant and an on-site bar/lounge.
A single-house restaurant and lounge model that fits the hotel’s boutique luxury profile.
Arlo’s seasonal rooftop pool and rooftop bar are central to the hotel’s identity.
If a rooftop pool and rooftop events are priorities, Arlo delivers that energy.
Riggs’ notable feature is its converted bank setting and design-forward public spaces.
Riggs trades rooftop-pool energy for a distinctive banking-hall luxury atmosphere.
Arlo focuses on fitness and wellness programming alongside its rooftop nightlife.
Good for guests who want a 24/7 gym, wellness programming and rooftop nightlife rather than a spa.
Riggs offers a 24-hour health club and upscale evening dining but no published traditional spa details.
Riggs covers fitness and refined evening dining; traditional spa services are not published.

Arlo — seasonal rooftop pool (ART DC) with an active bar scene and Capitol/Monument views.

Riggs — five-star design-forward hotel in a former bank, steps from museums and theater.

Arlo — more overall meeting space (about 4,287 sq ft) and multiple flexible event venues.

Riggs — smaller room inventory and individually decorated guestrooms for a boutique feel.
Arlo Washington DC has a seasonal rooftop pool (ART DC) open to registered guests; Riggs’ listing does not publish a pool.
Both are centrally located: Arlo is near Judiciary Square museums and the Mall; Riggs places you in Penn Quarter next to the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Ford’s Theatre.
Yes — both hotels list wheelchair-accessible rooms and accessible public areas in their supplier information.
No — neither property is all-inclusive; on-site breakfast and other dining are usually available for an extra fee.
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