Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Amortization of deferred financing costs	$ 3,499	$ 3,965	$ 4,164
Accumulated amortization on deferred financing costs	13,200	9,700
Advertising expense	$ 6,200	4,200	$ 4,100
Limited Partner's ownership interest in the Operating Partnership	99.60%
Number of subsequent taxable years for which entity will not qualify as REIT upon failure to qualify in any taxable year	4 years
DBT Met Hotel Venture, LP
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Noncontrolling ownership interest of third party	1.70%
RLJ Lodging Trust LP
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Limited Partner's ownership interest in the Operating Partnership	0.40%
Land improvements
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Estimated useful lives	15 years
Building improvements
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Estimated useful lives	15 years
Buildings
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Estimated useful lives	40 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment | Minimum
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment | Maximum
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Estimated useful lives	5 years
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets | Accounting Standards Update 2015-03
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Unamortized deferred financing costs	$ 2,600	$ 2,300