Renee Sklarew, author of The Unofficial Guide to Washington, D.C., tells us about seven new hotels in our nation’s capital.
Washington, D.C., has more than 100 hotels from which to choose. Each has its own advantages, and many are listed in The Unofficial Guide to Washington, D.C. But a few have opened (or are opening) since publication. Take a look to see if any fit your vacation lifestyle needs.
Hotel Zena: This bold new cultural hub celebrates female empowerment through provocative art, design, and exciting and relevant programming. The boutique hotel celebrates feminine strength, celebrated by all genders, races, and sexualities, and is a haven for the liberated forward thinker. Hedy’s Rooftop has beautiful city views and is about a 5-minute walk to The White House and Logan Circle’s bars and nightlife.
Kimpton Banneker Hotel Located on Embassy Row, the 10-story boutique hotel will engage guests in D.C.’s rich history and urban culture. The relaxed French bistro and a year-round rooftop bar and open-air deck offer iconic views of the Washington Monument and the White House. The location is between the two popular residential neighborhoods of Dupont Circle and Logan Circle, where you can get a true feel for what it’s like to live in the nation’s capital. The Banneker’s name is a nod to Benjamin Banneker, one of the country’s major Black innovators who, aside from contributions to astrology, mathematics, and civil rights, played an integral role in surveying the land that would become D.C.
Holiday Inn Express Washington DC Downtown Located 1 mile from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and Capital One Arena, this mid-size hotel features free Wi-Fi and a hot daily breakfast. Each room is equipped with a microwave, mini-refrigerator, 43″ TV, and in-room safe. It’s the perfect place to stay if you have kids in tow. This is a residential urban neighborhood about a 20-minute walk from the National Mall and Smithsonian museums.
citizenM: This Dutch lifestyle hotel stresses “affordable luxury” and is located between the DC Wharf and the National Mall. The hotel welcomes guests to enjoy the cloudM rooftop bar and exterior terrace—all were designed by Concrete Amsterdam and furnished by Vitra, both long-term collaborators of citizenM. It’s a 10-minute walk to the National Mall and Smithsonian museums from here.
YOTEL Washington, DC: YOTEL Washington D.C. is known for its signature technology and the newest elevated health and safety program, #SmartStay. The hotel is located very close to Capitol Hill and Union Station. The iconic Art & Soul restaurant features Chesapeake Bay seafood and seasonal dishes from local farms. You’ll have an easy walk to the National Mall from this location.
Lyle Located in the vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood, Lyle will give you a feel for what it’s like to live in Washington D.C.—it’s just steps away from the eclectic restaurants and shops on U Street. The hotel’s design references Art Deco, and Lyle’s restaurant is led by Executive Chef Nicholas Sharpe, who is known for seasonal, contemporary American fare. Lyle’s Summer Staycation package includes welcome drinks, breakfast, and free valet parking.
The Ven at Embassy Row Located in Dupont Circle, the hotel features vibrant, social spaces inspired by Scandinavian design and a gallery with rotating art. Enjoy the views of Embassy Row’s stately mansions from The Rooftop at the Ven’s pool and bar. The walk to the White House and National Mall will be around 20 minutes, but you’ll enjoy passing all the shops and restaurants along the way.
For all there is to see and do at our nation’s capital, check out Renee Sklarew’s book The Unofficial Guide to Washington, D.C. If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to our YouTube channel and sign up for our newsletter here. Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
