Insider’s Guide 7 Hidden Gems Among Washington DC’s Top-Rated Hotels

Insider's Guide 7 Hidden Gems Among Washington DC's Top-Rated Hotels - The Hay-Adams Unveils New Rooftop Bar with Panoramic Views

The Hay-Adams Hotel has unveiled "Top of the Hay," a new rooftop bar offering spectacular vistas of the White House and Washington DC's cityscape. This addition to the hotel, already lauded as a world-class destination for its bar scene, blends luxurious amenities with panoramic views. The rooftop bar provides a fresh vantage point to appreciate the hotel's location next to Lafayette Square and the surrounding monuments. The Hay-Adams, known for its historical charm – originally built as a residential hotel in the 1920s – further strengthens its position as a top destination in DC. Whether it's the acclaimed hospitality, the spacious rooms with modern features, or the exceptional dining options, the hotel continuously strives to deliver an elevated guest experience. It's no wonder it stands out amongst Washington's renowned hotel scene, appealing to both residents and visitors alike seeking a taste of luxury in the city's center.

The Hay-Adams, a hotel already recognized for its luxurious amenities and prime location near Lafayette Square, has introduced a new rooftop bar dubbed "Top of the Hay". From its perch 130 feet above street level, it provides an unparalleled vantage point over the city's iconic landmarks, including the White House and Washington Monument. The bar itself appears to be a product of modern architectural thinking – retractable glass walls offer an open-air feel when weather permits, while noise-reducing features help create a calmer environment in a busy area. It's an interesting approach to melding urban surroundings with a more secluded experience.


The bar's food and drink offerings lean towards a locally-sourced approach, highlighting the region's culinary landscape. The focus on limited-edition spirits within the beverage menu is noteworthy, presenting patrons with a chance to explore uncommon flavors. However, it remains to be seen whether this will translate to a broader appeal or remain niche within the city's bustling bar scene.

There are a number of design features that indicate the hotel has taken into account the realities of the location. Reflective surfaces appear to be employed for temperature management, and the bar is well-designed for accessibility, with elevators and ramps. Advanced lighting options using LED technology offer a way to control ambience and energy consumption. With the shifting sun throughout the day, the rooftop offers dynamic views, including sunrise and sunset vistas, which naturally alter the overall mood. Seasonal pop-up events are planned, injecting a more temporary element into the bar's activities and presumably helping to draw people in. However, this dynamic programming relies on execution – will it be a successful way to drive visitation? It's one element of the experience that merits observation over the coming months.

What else is in this post?

1. Insider's Guide 7 Hidden Gems Among Washington DC's Top-Rated Hotels - The Hay-Adams Unveils New Rooftop Bar with Panoramic Views
2. Insider's Guide 7 Hidden Gems Among Washington DC's Top-Rated Hotels - Eaton DC Launches Innovative Artist-in-Residence Program
3. Insider's Guide 7 Hidden Gems Among Washington DC's Top-Rated Hotels - Willard InterContinental Introduces Exclusive History Tours
4. Insider's Guide 7 Hidden Gems Among Washington DC's Top-Rated Hotels - Kimpton Hotel Monaco Debuts Farm-to-Table Restaurant Concept
5. Insider's Guide 7 Hidden Gems Among Washington DC's Top-Rated Hotels - The LINE DC Partners with Local Distilleries for Craft Cocktail Experience
6. Insider's Guide 7 Hidden Gems Among Washington DC's Top-Rated Hotels - Riggs Washington DC Transforms Former Bank Vaults into Unique Suites
7. Insider's Guide 7 Hidden Gems Among Washington DC's Top-Rated Hotels - Hotel Zena Showcases New Rotating Art Exhibitions by Female Artists

Insider's Guide 7 Hidden Gems Among Washington DC's Top-Rated Hotels - Eaton DC Launches Innovative Artist-in-Residence Program

Eaton DC has taken a unique approach to hotel experiences by launching an innovative Artist-in-Residence program. Teaming up with American University and STABLE Arts, this initiative highlights the hotel's commitment to cultural exchange and artistic expression. The program's 2023 resident, Seema Reza, is expected to create a new multimedia and performance piece, adding a dynamic dimension to the hotel's already eclectic environment.

Eaton DC's goal is to become a nexus for creative minds and community engagement in the city. Led by artist Sheldon Scott, the program has had over 30 participants, fostering a continual flow of new ideas and art within the hotel's walls. This approach aims to weave art and social awareness into the fabric of the hotel's experience. The hotel features a curated art gallery space showcasing rising local artists, so guests aren't just staying overnight, but gaining insight into the local artistic scene.

Beyond the art, the hotel is known for its emphasis on community, which is evident in its emphasis on well-being. Coupled with the stylish decor influenced by a Scandinavian aesthetic, Eaton DC aspires to serve as a base for progressive individuals, making it a focal point in the Washington D.C. cultural landscape. However, it remains to be seen how this commitment to social engagement will shape the future of the hotel and its impact on the neighborhood over time.

Eaton DC has initiated an intriguing artist-in-residence program, teaming up with American University's Antiracist Research and Policy Center and STABLE Arts. This initiative seems aimed at establishing the hotel as more than just a place to stay – it's positioned as a creative hub in the heart of Washington DC. The 2023 resident, Seema Reza, focused on a multimedia and performance project during the spring, demonstrating the program's scope.

The hotel's cultural strategy is led by Sheldon Scott, and it appears that they've hosted over 30 artists through this program so far. It's an ambitious undertaking that aims to blend art with hospitality. The hotel itself incorporates an interesting design philosophy, referencing Scandinavian retro aesthetics. This, combined with their stated mission of serving the local community and providing a space for changemakers, points to an unusual approach to the hotel business.

Their accommodations boast features like certified organic bedding and larger-than-average suites. In addition to rooms, they feature an art gallery, showcasing local artists. They even promote a wellness program, pushing a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. One wonders if this wide range of activities will be cohesive, or if it will become diluted as they attempt to appeal to a wider audience. It remains to be seen whether this approach truly resonates with a wider range of travelers or if it becomes a niche offering within the capital's vibrant hotel scene.

Integrating the arts into the hotel experience is definitely an interesting strategy. Whether this will translate into increased tourism, especially among art lovers, and create a more vibrant community remains to be seen. It's a concept worth exploring as it challenges the traditional notion of what a hotel's role can be within a city. It will be interesting to see how this experiment evolves in the coming years.

Insider's Guide 7 Hidden Gems Among Washington DC's Top-Rated Hotels - Willard InterContinental Introduces Exclusive History Tours

The Willard InterContinental in Washington, D.C. has recently launched special historical tours. Given its long and storied past – having hosted every U.S. president since the mid-1800s – and its proximity to the White House, it's a natural fit to explore the hotel's role in American history. These tours try to link the hotel's luxurious atmosphere with its historical significance, hoping to provide a unique experience for visitors who are interested in the cultural side of the city. Located near many important historical locations and having deep roots in the nation’s history, the Willard continues to present itself as a high-end hotel and a living archive of the past. It remains unclear if this type of tour is what today's travelers are looking for – as they navigate the city's pace and desire to engage with the past within a larger context.

The Willard InterContinental in Washington D.C., a hotel with a storied past dating back to 1850, has introduced a new series of historical tours. This hotel, a landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has hosted a remarkable array of prominent individuals, including every U.S. president since the mid-1800s. Its location near the White House and the National Mall makes it an attractive option for anyone interested in exploring the city's historical significance.

These tours delve into the hotel's architectural evolution, tracing its shifts in design through various periods, from Victorian to more modern styles. Interestingly, the Willard itself has a connection to American culinary history, having supposedly popularized the dessert known as "cobbler." The hotel has been a silent witness to many important events in U.S. history, including the very origins of the Secret Service.

The tours themselves offer access to areas normally off-limits to hotel guests, including spaces containing relics and artifacts, some dating back to the Civil War. It's intriguing how the hotel manages to preserve these pieces of history within the context of a modern luxury hotel experience. While the use of cutting-edge audio guides provides a modern touch, it raises questions about the balance between historical accuracy and entertainment within these presentations.

I am curious whether the hotel's internal systems hold further data about the hotel's guest history, including the names of influential people who have stayed there. Such data, if accessible and presented in an appropriate way, could provide even greater insight into the hotel's significant role in shaping political and social events. The Willard InterContinental's shift toward structured historical tours appears to be in line with a larger movement within the luxury hotel industry. Educational travel seems to be attracting more attention, and this initiative demonstrates how historical and cultural elements can be incorporated into a hotel's offerings.

While the intent is to provide guests with a chance to learn about the past, the specific framing of historical events in these tours merits consideration. The way history is presented in these types of experiences can shape people's understanding and interpretations of past events. This initiative brings up questions about how the curated stories fit with present-day understanding of the events and figures associated with the hotel's long history.

Insider's Guide 7 Hidden Gems Among Washington DC's Top-Rated Hotels - Kimpton Hotel Monaco Debuts Farm-to-Table Restaurant Concept

The Kimpton Hotel Monaco has added a new restaurant, Dirty Habit, to its offerings. This farm-to-table concept emphasizes fresh, local ingredients in its menu, aiming to create a unique culinary experience. Dirty Habit isn't just about the food; it also boasts a stylish, modern design with a strong emphasis on social plates and a well-curated cocktail menu. Adding to the atmosphere, there's a large patio area that can be used for dining, giving a slightly different perspective to this downtown location. The hotel itself has always aimed at being a more individualized, personalized choice for guests, and the new restaurant seems to be part of this philosophy. It is yet to be seen if this new concept will successfully carve out a niche in the already crowded dining scene in Washington D.C. While the emphasis on local sourcing is appealing, the long-term success of this approach will depend on how well the restaurant attracts and maintains a regular clientele.

The Kimpton Hotel Monaco has recently unveiled a new dining concept called "Dirty Habit", a farm-to-table restaurant. This aligns with the growing interest in local food experiences within the hospitality sector, as many travelers increasingly prioritize dining at establishments that use ingredients from nearby farms and producers. While the emphasis on locally-sourced food is becoming increasingly popular, one might question whether this approach will broadly appeal to the hotel's clientele, especially given the range of diverse culinary options found in a cosmopolitan city like Washington, DC.

The restaurant is tucked within the Kimpton Hotel Monaco's downtown location, and it's meant to present an innovative menu of small plates and expertly crafted drinks. They also have a visually dramatic outdoor patio area. It remains to be seen if the restaurant's overall appeal can attract enough clientele to ensure its long-term success. There are many factors that influence people's restaurant choices and creating a sustainable dining experience is a tricky challenge. The restaurant's commitment to using local produce could lead to a lower environmental impact in terms of food transportation and potentially create a better image for the hotel, but this may depend on whether the suppliers are practicing sustainable farming as well.

Beyond the restaurant, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco itself presents itself as a multi-faceted hotel with over 5,500 square feet of meeting spaces. It's designed to be flexible and adaptable for a variety of events. The hotel rooms are emphasized to be spacious with an emphasis on natural light. It is situated at 700 F Street NW and is recognized as a National Landmark, giving it a certain historical significance within the city. The hotel has received a positive reception with a 4 out of 5 star rating on TripAdvisor and is ranked 41st out of 152 hotels in the city. In line with industry trends, the hotel aims to offer environmentally friendly and personalized catering options for events held there. It is interesting to see whether this approach allows the hotel to attract clientele that are concerned about ecological practices. The hotel appears to be designed with a focus on contemporary design and a warm, hospitable ambiance, a combination that is quite common in many newer upscale hotels. It remains to be seen if this combination will continue to be a drawcard in an evolving travel landscape.

Insider's Guide 7 Hidden Gems Among Washington DC's Top-Rated Hotels - The LINE DC Partners with Local Distilleries for Craft Cocktail Experience

The LINE DC has partnered with local distilleries to create a distinctive craft cocktail experience, enhancing its bar program. The hotel's bar manager, Lukas B. Smith, is behind this initiative, introducing house-made liqueurs and spirits exclusively available at The LINE DC, demonstrating a focus on high-quality, inventive cocktails. Located in a repurposed 110-year-old church in Adams Morgan, The LINE DC leverages its unique setting to create a trendy, inviting environment within its lobby bar. The hotel's approach, blending local distilleries with its hospitality efforts, results in a fresh cocktail scene that can't be found anywhere else in Washington D.C. This collaboration highlights the city's diverse culinary landscape, but whether this innovative approach gains widespread acceptance in the city's competitive bar scene remains to be seen. While it certainly makes the hotel more appealing, it is unclear if this new direction will achieve long-term success.

The LINE DC, situated in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington, D.C., has embraced the local craft distilling scene by incorporating unique, locally-made spirits into its bar program. This boutique hotel, housed in a repurposed 110-year-old church, is already known for its stylish, trendy atmosphere and focus on attracting a younger, professional clientele. Their decision to team up with local distilleries adds an intriguing layer to the guest experience, showcasing a trend that's gaining traction in larger cities across the country.

Lukas B. Smith, The LINE DC's bar manager, seems to be taking a hands-on approach to the program, introducing house-made liqueurs and spirits that are exclusive to the hotel. This is an interesting strategy—it elevates the cocktail program beyond a standard bar menu, potentially attracting guests who are curious about exploring unusual flavor combinations. While many hotels utilize standard-issue spirits and mixers, this hotel has elected to differentiate itself by embracing a local approach to crafting cocktails.

One interesting example of a local distillery with a unique story is Republic Restoratives Distillery, situated in Northeast DC. Their business model, emphasizing a women-owned and crowdfunded approach, is rather unique within the spirits industry, and challenges traditional approaches to American spirits. In a city where innovation is increasingly part of the culture, this local distillery might resonate with a certain segment of visitors looking for something that goes beyond the expected. The distillery, located near the historic Gallaudet University, focuses on small batch craft distillation, hinting at a focus on quality and a deliberate attention to detail.

The LINE DC is clearly aiming to capture a specific segment of the hotel market—those looking for something with a local flair and a more authentic connection to the city's cultural scene. The hotel, in itself, demonstrates a thoughtful design, incorporating elements that recall the building's original religious use, while blending with the modern architecture of the neighborhood. The incorporation of local art in the spaces within the hotel, as well as the inclusion of pet-friendly rooms, points to a design that emphasizes flexibility and inclusivity. It will be interesting to watch if this approach translates into a competitive advantage over the long term, especially as new hotels pop up within the city's urban core.

The integration of craft cocktails into the hotel's design seems to reflect a trend we're seeing across the hospitality industry. Hotels are recognizing that culinary experiences, particularly with locally sourced ingredients, offer a point of differentiation in a crowded market. Will this create a sustainable competitive advantage or will it be another passing trend? It's a question that needs to be assessed as this type of trend cycles through the industry.

However, relying on a focus on craft cocktails might only appeal to a subset of guests, and a question remains as to how broadly this aspect of the experience resonates with travelers. One of the challenges for The LINE DC will be to assess whether this appeal will be sufficient to distinguish itself in a competitive environment that is known for its abundance of culinary offerings. Will it become another well-loved, local bar experience or can this unique approach help position it as a premier destination for travelers? It's a concept worth observing as it may help illuminate how hospitality businesses in major urban markets can adapt and diversify their guest experience.

Insider's Guide 7 Hidden Gems Among Washington DC's Top-Rated Hotels - Riggs Washington DC Transforms Former Bank Vaults into Unique Suites

The Riggs Washington DC hotel has cleverly repurposed the former Riggs National Bank building, creating a unique lodging experience. Located in the Penn Quarter area, this luxury property features 181 rooms, including four suites dedicated to First Ladies. The design is a fascinating blend of the original building's opulent Romanesque Revival style and modern, contemporary furnishings, giving it a distinctive look and feel. Guests can unwind at Silver Lyan, a globally inspired cocktail bar, or grab a bite at Café Riggs. And, for a different perspective of the city, the hotel offers a rooftop area with breathtaking views of Washington DC. Riggs DC is attempting to create a distinctive hotel experience in a highly competitive market. While it's successfully combined its historical roots with modern luxury amenities, its enduring success will hinge on its ability to appeal to a wide range of travelers and remain both a historical gem and a relevant, modern accommodation option.

Riggs Washington DC, nestled in the historic former Riggs National Bank building at the corner of 9th and F Street, presents a unique lodging experience. Built in 1856, the bank played a pivotal role in the development of American banking, and this heritage is woven into the hotel's fabric. The hotel cleverly repurposes the original bank vaults, transforming them into suites. These vaults, designed with advanced security engineering for their time, utilized steel mesh and reinforced concrete to ensure their impenetrability, providing a tangible glimpse into the engineering and security standards of the past.

The repurposing of the vaults is a fascinating case study in architectural adaptation. Each suite seamlessly blends the historical architecture with modern design touches, resulting in rooms with interesting, circular shapes that challenge the typical rectangular layouts found in many contemporary hotels. The thick vault walls, a remnant of their original function, provide remarkable soundproofing, effectively shielding guests from the cacophony of the city. This level of acoustic control is a surprisingly welcome feature for travelers, often overlooked in traditional hotel design.

The hotel also stands out for its efforts to offer a personalized experience, implementing a concierge service that focuses on custom-tailored guest requests. The combination of this personal touch with the unusual design of the suites creates a distinctly different narrative for a hotel stay. Furthermore, the hotel's on-site dining options engage in collaborations with local farmers and food artisans, showcasing local culinary practices and providing guests with unique food experiences. This engagement with the local community has implications for how hotels can be an active part of the regional food economy.

The engineering ingenuity of the original vault design is also evident in its underground architecture, which takes advantage of natural temperature regulation. This feature prompts reflection on passive cooling and heating strategies, aspects that are becoming more important as buildings seek to manage energy consumption more effectively. Some vaults retain a few original artifacts, offering a glimpse into the past while residing in a modern, luxury setting. This interplay between the old and new acts as both a design element and a conversation starter for history buffs.

Converting these bank vaults into guest rooms was not a simple endeavor. Modern structural innovations were needed to integrate new hotel services while preserving the vault's integrity. This process offers insights into the complexities of architectural preservation and adaptation. It's evident that Riggs Washington DC is not just a place to stay; it provides a platform for cultural and historical education. Tours and potential exhibits relating to the building's history could be appealing for guests who want to experience the connection between the city's past and its present-day life.

Riggs Washington DC presents an intriguing case study on architectural reuse, blending history, engineering ingenuity, and modern design in a way that enhances the guest experience. It's a testament to how repurposing structures can offer both a unique space for travelers and an opportunity for cultural and historical understanding in the midst of a busy city. While it might not appeal to everyone, for those interested in history, architecture, or unique accommodations, this hotel represents a compelling and different approach to hospitality within a city known for its historical significance.

Insider's Guide 7 Hidden Gems Among Washington DC's Top-Rated Hotels - Hotel Zena Showcases New Rotating Art Exhibitions by Female Artists

Hotel Zena in Washington D.C. distinguishes itself as more than just a place to stay. It functions as a platform for female artists, showcasing their work in a rotating collection of over 60 original pieces. The "Her" art collection includes some striking pieces that make a statement, such as a Ruth Bader Ginsburg mural created using 20,000 hand-painted tampons, and a sequined dress embellished with 8,000 protest buttons supporting women's rights. It's a bold way to highlight a commitment to female artists and issues that matter to them. Designed largely by women, the hotel itself is meant to embody inclusivity for all genders, races, and sexual orientations. The architecture uses curves and flowing lines to encourage exploration and create spaces for conversations on female empowerment. Located near Dupont Circle, it offers a vibrant atmosphere merging art, music, and a community-oriented design, creating a distinctly different travel experience in a city known for its museums and cultural offerings. While it is an interesting experiment in blending art with hospitality, it remains to be seen whether it can appeal to a wider audience in a city that features more traditional hotel options.

Hotel Zena, nestled near Dupont Circle, stands out among Washington D.C.'s hotels by embracing a different approach to the guest experience: it operates as a hybrid space, part hotel, part art gallery, specifically featuring works by female artists. With over 60 unique pieces by international artists, the "Her" collection aims to create a sense of place and to contribute to a broader dialogue about the role of women in art and culture. It's interesting how the hotel incorporates the notion of female empowerment into its design and programming.

The hotel's design itself promotes a sense of discovery, using curvilinear architecture to guide guests towards various art installations, and the goal is to stimulate discussion about these pieces. They seem to want to trigger a sense of wonder by creating a space where art and architecture can weave together. One wonders how many of the hotel guests engage with these aspects of the hotel experience.

The collection includes pieces that are intended to spark a discussion around women’s issues, including a large mural of Ruth Bader Ginsburg that's built from 20,000 tampons. This approach to art suggests that the creators see the hotel as a platform for public discourse on sensitive topics. The creators of Hotel Zena are aiming for the hotel to be an anchor for social and cultural conversation. It’s an interesting strategy, though it remains to be seen if it has the desired impact on a broader audience, or if it primarily resonates with a particular type of traveler.

Designed primarily by women and situated in a city that's considered a hub for both national and international politics, the hotel tries to make a statement about inclusivity and empowerment. It's an interesting concept that links art with political history and attempts to establish a connection between the two. The hotel sits near Dupont Circle, an area in the city that's well known for its dynamic cultural atmosphere. This positioning suggests that the developers chose a location they felt aligned well with the hotel's themes.

The hotel itself blends several functionalities: it’s a place to stay, but also has spaces for interaction – restaurants, lounges, and a focus on design that creates a space for conversation about contemporary social issues. The hotel's overall vibe is that of a fusion of art, music, and design, positioning it as an attractive option for those who want a more culturally immersive hotel experience. It will be interesting to see if this strategy attracts a broader audience of travelers to Washington D.C. and how it evolves over time.