Washington DC is the perfect destination for budget travelers. It is home to the Constitution, the Smithsonian and the Lincoln Memorial-- all of which you can visit for free!

The US capital offers a range of affordable hotels, from a pop art boutique to a dependable Holiday Inn.

Great deals are available on weekends, when business travelers pack up and head home.

Read on for our top three budget hotels in Washington DC. For the latest news on local attractions and events, visit the "We Love DC" blog and Twitter page.

Hotel Helix: This fashionable boutique hotel boasts pop art decorations, free champagne during happy hour and a lively bar. The lobby features prints of Marilyn Monroe and neon lights, while rooms have funky furniture, bright wallpaper and a minibar stocked with condoms. Clearly, this is not the Marriott! You are more likely to spot a hipster than a family in the lobby. The Helix is a short walk to the restaurants and bars of Logan Circle and a thirty minute walk to the Mall. The block is home to a 7-11 (great for self-caterers) and a bike rental kiosk. March weekend rates start at $139 for a King Deluxe Room. AAA members get up to 15% off posted rates. 

Location: 1430 Rhode Island Ave., NW

Website: http://www.hotelhelix.com/

Twitter: @kimpton 

Holiday Inn Washington-Central: This appeal of this budget hotel? Location, location, location. It sits six blocks from the White House and is a short hop to trendy restaurants and a Whole Foods on P Street. This hotel is popular with business travelers who want to be close to the embassies and families who are visiting the historical attractions. “You should plan to do a LOT of walking,” cautioned a TripAdvisor member. It’s a fifteen minute walk to the two closest Metro stops. If you don’t feel like walking, tour buses stop right in front of the hotel.

Location: 1501 Rhode Island Avenue Northwest

Website: http://www.inndc.com

Twitter: @holidayinndc  

Woodley Park Guest House: If you want a more personal hotel experience, opt for a bed and breakfast. Situated near Marriott and Omni conference hotels, this guest house is comfortable and clean; it’s a ten minute walk from the National Zoo. Owners Courtney & Joe are on hand to provide a homemade breakfast, answer questions about DC attractions and discuss politics (if you are game). “The owners and staff are delightful. They are just like family, welcoming you in to their home,” noted a TripAdvisor member. Rooms with a queen bed and private bath start at $190. As part of a February 2011 sale, all rooms are $50 off and come with free parking.

Location: 2647 Woodley Road, NW

Website: http://www.dcinns.com/woodley.html

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WoodleyParkGuestHouse

***

As always, you can also keep up with the latest hotel news and deals by following us on Twitter: @OneTravel

Do you have a favorite budget hotel in Washington DC? Share your experience with other travelers by leaving a comment below!