Where to stay for the NFL Draft in Washington.

In 2027 the NFL Draft comes to Washington for the first time since 1941, and it is being staged on the National Mall with the U.S. Capitol behind the stage. The draft has become one of the largest events in sports: the 2026 draft in Pittsburgh drew more than 805,000 fans over three days. Hotels near the Mall will go early, and for a group of friends or a family, one house is usually easier than three hotel rooms.

We have two homes, and have been hosting guests since 2019, with 370+ reviews averaging 4.97. Booking here is booking with the owner rather than a platform, at our best available rate.

The dates and where it happens

• Dates. Thursday April 29 to Saturday May 1, 2027.
• Draft Theater. On the National Mall, in front of the U.S. Capitol.
• NFL Draft Experience. The free fan festival, along Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd and 7th Streets, with games, exhibits, autographs and photos with the Lombardi Trophy.
• The schedule. In recent years the first round has been Thursday evening, rounds two and three Friday, and the final rounds Saturday. Check the NFL's schedule once it is published.

The event is free. Confirm times, entry and bag rules on the NFL's draft pages before you go, as details are still being announced.

Which home fits your group

Capitol Hill, for walking to the draft

The home sits on a quiet residential block one block from Stanton Park, five to six blocks east of the Capitol. From the front door, the walk to the Draft Theater and the Pennsylvania Avenue fan area runs past the Capitol grounds, about 25 minutes. After the first round ends on Thursday night, you walk home instead of waiting for a train or a rideshare in the crowd.

Union Station is a ten minute walk for anyone arriving by Amtrak or MARC, and the restaurants on H Street and around Eastern Market are close for dinner on the off hours. Check Capitol Hill for draft weekend.

Foggy Bottom, for driving in or a quieter base

Foggy Bottom is on the west side of downtown, on a quiet street between Georgetown and the George Washington University campus. It is farther from the draft footprint, and that has its own advantage: in the evenings you are away from the crowds, with Georgetown's restaurants a short walk away.

To reach the draft, the Foggy Bottom Metro station is five minutes from the door, and the Orange, Blue and Silver lines run direct to Federal Triangle, the closest stop on those lines to the Pennsylvania Avenue fan area. And because the home has a private off-street parking space with a Level 2 EV charger, families driving in can park once and leave the car for the weekend, which matters when streets around the Mall are closed. Check Foggy Bottom for draft weekend.

Why a house for draft weekend

• Room for the whole group. Draft trips are usually friends or family traveling together. Separate bedrooms, one kitchen, one living room to watch the picks you are not there for.
• A place to regroup. Three long days outdoors. A home to come back to between rounds, rather than a hotel lobby.
• Parking that is already solved. A private space in Foggy Bottom, or a registered street permit on Capitol Hill.
• A direct rate. Booking here means no platform service fee added at checkout.

While you are in town

Most visitors have time around the rounds. The memorials are lit after dark and the crowds thin out, which makes an evening tour a good way to see the city between draft days:

• The monuments by moonlight. A two hour evening tour in a replica vintage car, past the memorials on the Mall.

Tours are booked through Viator. We may earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.

Book early

Draft weekend falls in Washington's busy spring season, and with hundreds of thousands of visitors expected, both homes will book well ahead. Cancellation is a full refund 21 or more days before check in.

Practical notes

Check in after 4:00 PM, check out by 11:00 AM, with flexibility on request. Entry is by keypad, with a code sent before you arrive. One dog of 50 pounds or under is welcome for $200 per stay. The primary renter must be 30 or older, and there is no smoking and no parties or events at either home. The full FAQ is here.

Common questions

When is the 2027 NFL Draft in Washington DC?

Thursday April 29 to Saturday May 1, 2027. The Draft Theater is on the National Mall in front of the U.S. Capitol, and the free NFL Draft Experience runs along Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd and 7th Streets.

Is the 2027 NFL Draft free to attend?

Yes. The NFL describes it as a free three-day event, including the NFL Draft Experience fan festival. Check the league's own draft pages closer to the date for entry details, bag rules and any reserved areas.

How far are your homes from the NFL Draft?

The Capitol Hill home is about 25 minutes on foot from the Draft Theater and the Pennsylvania Avenue fan area, past the Capitol. The Foggy Bottom home is on the other side of downtown, and the easiest way there is the Orange, Blue or Silver line from Foggy Bottom station toward Federal Triangle.

When should I book a place to stay for the 2027 NFL Draft?

As early as you can. The 2026 draft in Pittsburgh drew more than 805,000 fans over three days, and draft weekend falls in Washington's busy spring season. Most visitors arrive Wednesday or Thursday and leave Sunday.

Should I drive to Washington for the NFL Draft?

Expect road closures around the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue for several days. If you drive, plan to park once and leave the car. The Foggy Bottom home has a private parking space with a Level 2 EV charger, and on Capitol Hill we register your plate for free residential street parking before you arrive.

Check Capitol Hill dates Check Foggy Bottom dates

Ask Andrew about draft weekend

Short Stay in DC is not affiliated with the NFL. Event details are from the league's announcements and may change. Updated November 2026.