Hotel Happenings

New Openings:

• Arlo Washington, DC (November 2024): Arlo Hotels has just debuted its seventh hotel and first in Washington, DC near Judiciary Square. The 12-story, 445-room hotel incorporates and preserves the city’s oldest conventional apartment building, the Harrison, which has stood since 1882. Arlo Washington, DC boasts a pool and year-round rooftop lounge, ART DC, as well as Arrels, a Spanish farmhouse restaurant and bar helmed by award-winning DC chef Pepe Moncayo.

 

• 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 Coda on Half, Navy Yard and NoMa, adding to their existing portfolio across the city, including Dupont Circle.

 

• 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 conference space with breathtaking views of iconic landmarks.

 

Newly Branded:

• Le Méridien Washington, D.C., The Madison (September 2024): Steps from the White House and energy of Logan Circle, the boutique Madison Hotel joined the Marriott portfolio, rebranded as Le Méridien Washington, D.C., The Madison. 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, features a revamped menu inspired by French cuisine and local flavor.

 

• The Quincy Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection (September 2024): The former Sonder the Quincy 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, reopened following renovations to the lobby, guest rooms and meeting space.

 

• Hotel AKA Washington Circle (May 2024): Located 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 area 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.

 

• 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 Renovated: 

• Salamander Washington, DC (Ongoing) Middleburg, Virginia-based Salamander Collection, founded by entrepreneur Sheila Johnson, has unveiled buzzworthy 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 were completed by late summer and a luxury two-story spa will follow this winter. Celebrity chef Kwame Onwuachi’s highly anticipated return to the nation’s capital, Dōgon, opened Sept. 9 to national acclaim. The restaurant is inspired by DC surveyor Benjamin Banneker and his heritage to the West African Dogon tribe.

 

• Grand Hyatt Washington (Fall 2024): The 902-key hotel has unveiled 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. In conjunction with its renovation, Grand Hyatt Washington has proudly achieved LEED certification for the guest rooms. The property, adjacent to CityCenterDC, is a few blocks from Capital One Arena and the National Mall.

 

• Residence Inn Washington, DC Downtown (September 2024): Located in a historic building, the hotel has undergone a full renovation of its 202 suites and public spaces. Amenities include fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas, a complimentary daily breakfast buffet, 24-hour fitness center and meeting rooms.

 

• 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. The city's political lore is woven throughout the identity of Spotted Zebra, from whimsical political and historical quotes that grace bar coasters to names of signature dishes and drinks.

 

• 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 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.

 

Coming in 2025 and Beyond:

• The Canal House of Georgetown (February 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.

 

• Mint House Downtown Washington, DC (Spring 2025): A 68,000 square foot historic office building near McPherson Square will be converted into 85 high-end apartment-style flexible rental units, ranging from studios to two-bedrooms. Guests will have access to an on-site fitness facility, dedicated meeting space and a cafe. Each unit will be equipped with a kitchen, living and dining areas and ample workspace. A grocery pre-stocking service will allow guests to seamlessly pre-order groceries to their room ahead of arrival.

 

• 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 plans a comprehensive property-wide renovation in March 2025, and upon its anticipated completion in June 2025, it will convert to the Hyatt House brand. Amenities include a fitness center, bar and lounge, meeting rooms and rooftop terrace with stunning views.

 

• 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.

 

• 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 230-room, seven-story hotel.

 

• Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill (End of 2025) In anticipation of its 50th anniversary in 2026, the hotel – less than 1,300 steps from the U.S. Capitol – plans an extensive renovation. The comprehensive project will encompass a complete redesign of all guest rooms, a lavish modernization of the hotel’s expansive conference facilities and an extravagant reconfiguration of the lobby and dining establishments, Article One - American Grill and Bar.

 

• 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.

 

• The Bazaar House by José Andrés (2027) Chef José Andrés is making his first foray into branded hotels with a new project in his adopted home city. The 67-room luxury hotel, to be developed on the site of the former Latham Hotel on M Street in Georgetown, will feature a private membership club, multiple food and beverage concepts curated by the celebrity chef's restaurant group, events space, a wellness center and high-end retail offerings.

 

• 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.

 

Hotels in the Winter Spirit:

• 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.

 

Hotels in the Winter Spirit:

During the holiday season, many DC hotels transform into Instagram-worthy winter wonderlands. The courtyard at Kimpton Monaco’s Dirty Habit offers a vintage ski chalet themed pop-up, complete with magical snowfall. The hotel has also partnered with a local fragrance shop. Guests can create a custom blend evocative of the holiday season and receive expert tips from a live perfumer.

 

Visiting the historic Willard InterContinental Hotel is a beloved local tradition for its nightly carolers, massive lobby tree and dazzling décor. The Riggs Hotel collaborates with famed designers for its tree; Christopher John Rogers and Farrow & Ball are called upon this year. The Conrad Washington DC’s decorations include a mistletoe arch. The hotel also offers a one-of-a-kind view of CityCenterDC’s 75-foot holiday tree – the tallest in DC.

 

For outdoor firepits and iconic views, consider Top of the Gate at the Watergate Hotel, Art and Soul in the Yotel and Smoke and Mirrors at the AC Hotel Washington DC Capitol Hill Navy Yard. Gather on the Lounge Terrace at the Salamander DC each evening for Sips & S'mores or roast marshmallows at The Wharf’s spectacular Camp Wharf firepit, steps from the Pendry Washington DC-The Wharf, InterContinental Washington DC-The Wharf, Canopy by Hilton Washington, DC-The Wharf and Hilton Washington, DC National Mall The Wharf.

 

Order a warm cocktail and cozy up by sleek indoor fireplaces in the Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC’s Quadrant and Pendry’s Bar Pendry. For indulgent and elegant afternoon high tea experiences, head to the tastefully decorated St. Regis, Four Seasons, Waldorf Astoria and Peacock Alley in the Willard. The Fairmont Washington, DC Georgetown offers Nutcracker Afternoon Tea this year in its whimsically decorated Loggia.

 

photo credit - The Arlo

photo credit - Salamander - Washington, DC