Hotel Happenings

New this Fall:

• Salamander Washington, DC (Ongoing): Middleburg, Virginia-based Salamander Collection, founded by entrepreneur Sheila Johnson, is unveiling its phased enhancements to the former 373-key Mandarin Oriental. The project reveals a brighter and more residential design. The lobby and its stunning bar, pool and modernly refreshed guest suites designed by Washington’s Thomas Pheasant are on track to be completed by late summer and a luxury two-story spa will follow. Chef Kwame Onwuachi’s highly anticipated return to the nation’s capital, Dōgon, opens Sept. 9. The restaurant is inspired by DC surveyor Benjamin Banneker and his heritage to the West African Dogon tribe. Salamander Collection was recently voted best luxury hotel brand by readers of USA Today and is the largest Black-owned luxury hotel company in the United States.

 

• Le Méridien Madison, Washington, DC (September 2024): Steps from the White House and energy of Logan Circle, the boutique Madison Hotel will join the Marriott portfolio, rebranded as Le Méridien Madison, Washington, DC. The property has undergone an expansive $15 million renovation of the lobby, communal spaces and guestrooms to reflect the Golden Age of travel. Lady Madison, the hotel’s signature restaurant and cocktail lounge, will feature a revamped menu inspired by French cuisine and local flavor.

 

• Arlo (Fall 2024): Arlo Hotels is expected to debut its seventh hotel and first in Washington, DC this fall near Judiciary Square. The 12-story, 445-room hotel will incorporate and preserve the city’s oldest conventional apartment building, the Harrison, which has stood since 1882. Arlo Washington, DC will boast a pool and rooftop lounge with retractable floor-to-ceiling windows and a wraparound terrace, as well as Arrels, a restaurant and bar helmed by award-winning DC chef Pepe Moncayo.

 

• Grand Hyatt Washington (Fall 2024): The 902-key hotel will unveil its fully renovated guest rooms and suites. The rooms boast a light and airy feel with neutral tones and a stunning feature wall inspired by the Capitol building's dome and cherry blossom flowers. The property, adjacent to CityCenterDC, is a few blocks from Capital One Arena and the National Mall.

 

• The Quincy Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection (Fall 2024): The former Sonder the Quincy will be rebranded under Choice Hotels’ Ascend Hotel Collection, marking the first Ascend property in the DC market. The 99-key property, within walking distance of The White House, Dupont Circle, Foggy Bottom and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, is expected to reopen early this fall following renovations to the lobby, guest rooms and meeting space.

 

Newly Renovated:

• Washington Marriott at Metro Center (June 2024): The centrally located hotel completed a multimillion-dollar renovation with elevated amenities, including updated guest rooms, technology-enabled work surfaces, a state-of-the-art fitness center with Peloton equipment, refreshed indoor pool area and modernized 24/7 M Club.

 

• Westin Georgetown, Washington, DC (June 2024): Situated near historic Georgetown, the transformed hotel unveiled a multimillion-dollar renovation, offering a refined blend of well-being experiences and timeless design. The 269-room property captures the brand’s pillars of well-being, including curated culinary options, the signature Heavenly bed and WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio with Peloton bikes.

 

• Four Seasons Washington, DC (May 2024): The property just unveiled a multimillion-dollar renovation to its famed spa. New features include state-of-the-art treatment rooms, a dedicated couples' massage room with a deep soaking bathtub for two, a co-ed lounge and an updated indoor swimming pool. Guests will have the opportunity to experience Mind Sync Technology. The state-of-the-art equipment connects to the treatment tables and uses advanced technology to synchronize brainwaves, inducing a deep state of relaxation and mental clarity.

 

• St. Regis Washington, DC (April 2024): A staple of downtown DC since 1926, the historic hotel revealed an extensive redesign and renovation of its guest rooms, suites and select spaces. The 182 newly renovated guestrooms and suites offer spacious layouts and modern interiors. The guestrooms also received full updates to the bathrooms, complete with white and grey marbled vanities. The hotel’s suites have separate seating areas that integrate into the layout of the room designs. The Presidential Suite is the property’s largest, offering 2,510 square feet of space. Guests can utilize the hotel’s signature St. Regis Butler Service across all suite categories.

 

• Capital Hilton (March 2024): The hotel, opened in 1943, has completed a multi-million-dollar renovation to its 559-room property. The 13-month project aims to celebrate grandeur, glam, geometric form and repetitive patterns, bringing elements of the property’s interiors to the guestrooms and corridors. Layering art deco design with the hotel’s brutalist architecture, each new guest room weaves original design with the modern elements needed for today’s travelers. The property boasts an ideal location, just two blocks from The White House.

 

Newly Rebranded:

• Hotel AKA Washington Circle (May 2024): Located directly across from the Foggy Bottom Metro station, steps from The George Washington University campus, the former One Washington Circle Hotel reopened as a newly transformed boutique hotel. The 151-room contemporary property features newly designed guestrooms and suites perfect for both short and long-term stays, many with terraces and a full kitchen or kitchenette. Amenities include a welcoming lobby lounge, Technogym fitness center, private cinema and a new restaurant from James Beard Award winner Ellen Yin, a.kitchen+bar.

 

• Hotel Nell – Union Market (May 2024): A 106-room boutique hotel in the heart of the bustling Union Market has relaunched with new branding and new spaces. The name honors the former owner of the Bolgiano Seed Company, which provided lawn seeds for The White House and National Mall from this site in the mid-1900s. Today, the design-centric hotel showcases a foliage-rich industrial charm. The reception, expansive lobby and Treehouse Rooftop lounge provide warm and welcoming communal spaces that capture the essence and authenticity of the burgeoning neighborhood.Hotel Nell – Union Market (May 2024): A 106-room boutique hotel in the heart of the bustling Union Market has relaunched with new branding and new spaces. The name honors the former owner of the Bolgiano Seed Company, which provided lawn seeds for The White House and National Mall from this site in the mid-1900s. Today, the design-centric hotel showcases a foliage-rich industrial charm. The reception, expansive lobby and Treehouse Rooftop lounge provide warm and welcoming communal spaces that capture the essence and authenticity of the burgeoning neighborhood.

 

• The Westin Washington, DC Downtown (October 2023): The former Renaissance Washington, DC near Mount Vernon Square has undergone a nearly $80 million brand conversion, revealing a sophisticated, contemporary, warm and inviting property under the Westin flag. The 807-room hotel puts wellbeing at the forefront with all-encompassing health and wellness experiences, including the largest hotel fitness studio in the city, Peloton suites and the local RunWESTIN® program. The property also features modern meeting spaces and workstations, as well as Root and Vine, an open-kitchen concept with locally sourced menus, botanical-inspired cocktails and a biodynamic wine program.

 

Newly Opened:

• Placemakr (Summer 2024): A curated line of apartment-hotel properties, Placemakr has expanded its presence in the nation’s capital. Their signature, flexible, tech-forward experience caters to nightly, short- and long-term stays, as well as business, group and extended-stay travelers. New locations include Placemakr Navy Yard and Placemakr NoMa, adding to their existing portfolio in Dupont Circle, Capitol Riverfront and the West End.

 

• Royal Sonesta Washington, DC – Capitol Hill (September 2023): Located near Union Station, the city’s second Royal Sonesta became the first new hotel to open on the Hill since 1984. Part of a mixed-use complex that includes retail and office space, the 274-room upscale hotel embodies green, wellness and tech-forward design through LEED Gold certification and a WELL certified core. Features include a sweeping glass façade, 10-story atrium, vegetated green roof, state-of-the-art yoga studio and the city’s second Bistro Du Jour, an all-day Parisian bistro from locally acclaimed restaurant group Knead Hospitality + Design. The building offers rooftop and conference space with breathtaking views of iconic landmarks.

 

Opening in 2025 and Beyond:

• The Canal House of Georgetown (Early 2025): A five-story former office building will be combined with adjacent townhouses to create a 108-key property under Marriott’s Tribute portfolio. Located in the heart of charming Georgetown, between Washington Harbour and bustling M Street, the hotel will boast a lobby bar/lounge, courtyard and two two-bedroom rowhouses.

 

• Hyatt House Washington, DC – Convention Center (Summer 2025): The former Cambria in Shaw, adjacent to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, has been reflagged under the Hyatt portfolio. The 182-key hotel will begin a comprehensive property-wide renovation this fall, and upon its anticipated completion next summer, it will convert to the Hyatt House brand. Amenities include a fitness center, bar and lounge, meeting rooms and rooftop terrace with stunning views. 

 

• The James (2025): From Royal Sonesta comes a high-end lifestyle option in top urban and resort destination markets. The James DC, a brand conversion from the current Royal Sonesta Dupont Circle, will be one of three properties nationwide under this flag. The James brand caters to both visitors and local guests, offering a unique experience and destination-worthy beverage and food.

 

• CitizenM Georgetown (2025): Just east of picturesque Key Bridge, along the Georgetown waterfront, the Netherlands-based chain plans to open its third property in DC. A 100-year-old building will be expanded, renovated and converted into a stylish 228-room, seven-story hotel.

 

• Moxy Hotel Southwest (2025): Situated on one of the last development sites between Nationals Park and Audi Field, the 166-key hotel will be part of a mixed-use property with residential, rooftop views and a farmers' market.

 

• MOB Hotel (2027): A stylish Paris-based chain by design team lead Philippe Starck is expected to open its first North American hotel in DC’s Union Market area. The brand embraces neighborhood culture and programs, art talks and regular concerts in its lobbies. The hotel will feature 144 rooms, an organic restaurant and show kitchen, library, seminar rooms, live music and a rooftop with awe-inspiring views of the U.S. Capitol.

 

• Avid Downtown (2027): The first Avid Hotel in DC is expected to open in 2027. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Avid is a midscale modern-design brand focused on sound sleep, good value and complimentary breakfast.

 

New Hotels Bring Buzzworthy Restaurants to Match:

 

Updated rooms and high-end amenities aren’t the only characteristics of new, renovated and rebranded hotels in Washington, DC. In fact, a trend is emerging from the Southwest Waterfront to the East End: the city’s refreshed hotels are attracting an astounding list of big-name chefs and restauranteurs. These heavy-hitters – and the incredible stories behind their food – are further inflaming Washington, DC’s sizzling culinary scene.

 

The Sept. 9 opening of Kwame Onwuachi’s Dōgon at the Salamander is garnering significant attention. The James Beard Award-winning chef, acclaimed restauranteur, author and former “Top Chef” contestant returns to DC with a restaurant that pays homage to Benjamin Banneker, an often forgotten but important Black historical figure. He was a self-taught mathematician and inventor, innovatively using astronomy to help survey the soon-to-be city of Washington in 1791. Banneker's ancestry can be traced through his grandfather to the Dogon tribe from Mali, reputed for their advanced knowledge of astronomy, mathematics and engineering.

 

Arlo Washington, DC will boast another major opening: Arrels. Renowned chef Pepe Moncayo, best known for Spanish-Japanese fusion Cranes in Penn Quarter, will lean into his Barcelona upbringing across town. (Arrels means “roots” in Catalan). A state-of-the-art charcoal oven and grill will allow for traditional Spanish cooking methods. Moncayo is also the culinary director for the property, meaning his influence will be evident throughout the hotel, including its year-round rooftop, ART DC.

 

Foggy Bottom’s newly renovated and rebranded Hotel AKA Washington Circle will feature an outpost of James Beard award winner Ellen Yin’s a.kitchen+bar. Expect seasonal American cuisine paired with a critically acclaimed wine selection. Another newly renovated and rebranded property, Le Méridien Madison, Washington, DC, features Lady Madison’s revamped menu inspired by French cuisine fused with local flavor.

 

The city's political lore is woven throughout the identity of Spotted Zebra at the Washington Marriott at Metro Center, from whimsical political and historical quotes that grace bar coasters to names of signature dishes and drinks, such as the Founding Fathers Farm Chicken Sandwich, Swing State Salmon, and Honest Man cocktail.

 

Root and Vine in the Westin Washington, DC Downtown emphasizes wellness and creativity. In the Royal Sonesta-Capitol Hill, all-day Parisian fare from local favorite Bistro Du Jour is not to be missed.

 

Other recent openings include Michelin-starred chef Nicolas Stefanelli’s sleek French brasserie, Le Clou, at the Morrow Hotel. The modern open floor plan features a wraparound marble bar, striking chandeliers and gilded finishes. The Bazaar by José Andrés at the rebranded Waldorf Astoria is a thrilling gastronomical treat. Signature dishes in this glitzy setting boast an Americana flair, including the Beef Cheeks “Eisenhower Stew,” Crab Louie Cone and “Philly Cheesesteak” Airbread. Have your camera ready.

 

In a foodie destination like the nation’s capital, a trendy space also adds significant cache to a property. As the weather cools, take the elevator to one of DC’s nearly 30 new rooftop experiences in the last five years. Underscoring the notion “there’s only one DC,” the city’s height restrictions ensure each establishment boasts an iconic, monumental backdrop.

 

Put simply, the most buzzworthy rooftops in the city tend to sit atop its trendiest hotels. The newest addition, Sushi by Bou, recently opened at the citizenM Washington, DC Capitol Hill. Embodying the lively spirit of the underground disco era, the popular micro restaurant concept of the same name serves its signature high-quality omakase menu.

 

In the burgeoning NoMa neighborhood, the new Treehouse Rooftop tops the Hotel Nell-Union Market – an homage to the building’s history as a seed factory. A few blocks away, award-winning chef Nicholas Stefanelli invites guests to Upstairs at the Morrow. Also consider Yara on the top floor of the Washington Marriott Capitol Hill. Diners can enjoy head chef Yuki Nakandakari’s Peruvian street food with a Japanese twist at the marbled bar.

 

For unmistakably DC views and signature cocktails, head to Vue in the Hotel Washington, overlooking The White House and Washington Monument. The YOTEL’s Deck 11, Conrad’s Summit and AC Hotel Washington, DC Capitol Hill’s Smoke and Mirrors overlook the awe-inspiring Capitol dome.

 

For elegant waterfront views, the Pendry’s Moonraker is a stunner, complete with a Japanese-inspired menu. Nearby options include Whiskey Charlie atop the Canopy by Hilton Washington, DC-The Wharf and 12 Stories atop the InterContinental Washington, DC-The Wharf. The Potomac River is also in view from the gorgeous Graham Rooftop and Rosewood’s CUT Above in Georgetown, as well as Top of the Gate at the Watergate Hotel. 

 

Instagrammable rooftops include Ciel Social Club at the AC Hotel Washington, DC Convention Center, serving brunch, small plates and Italian-inspired specialty cocktails. Lucha Rosa in the Moxy Hotel is a spectacular all-season venue with downtown city views that include the Washington Monument. The agave collection consists of over 130 bottles of tequila, and menu offerings include Mexican favorites like guacamole, tacos, ceviche and churros.

 

photo credit - Salamander - Washington, DC