In 2012, I traveled from Brussels to DC for business in that big building across the river in Arlington.  I was looking for a place that will get me to work on time every morning and gave me plenty to see and do on evenings and weekends.  I found that place in Hotel Topaz, a KimptonHotel.  When I decided to write a series on hotels, I could not think of a better place to write about for my first hotel Feature post.  As most frequent travelers, I travel for both business and pleasure but sometimes finding a hotel which satisfies both needs can be quite hard.  This place does both.

My favorite: the Robes at the Kimpton

A few weeks ago, I went for a tour of Hotel Topaz and I was happy to find out that everything was just as good as I left it two years ago.  The hotel is conveniently located near Dupont Circle and it also has great metro and bus connections.  One of the things I remember from my stay was the convenience to wake up early and go for a nice run to the National Mall and come back to a yoga mat in my room to do some exercises.  I was happy to find out now the Yoga Rooms at The Topaz not only have yoga mats, but Gaiam videos and plenty of space to get your stretch on.  Although the hotel doesn’t have a gym, it provides you with a pass to the YMCA nearby, which I loved because I felt it gave me a local experience despite staying at the hotel.  I took a Zumba class on a Saturday morning and conveniently put back on the calories at Shake Shack.

Take a Stroll of the Mall at Night...

I love the tastefully decorated rooms which make up for the fact the hotel does not have much of a view.  Some may see that as a negative, but I see it as a good motivator to go out in the neighborhood to discover the city.  The hotel deficiently makes you feel at home from free breakfast to complimentary wine happy hour in the late afternoon.  Sometimes it’s hard to find a property which has the perfect balance of work and leisure, but Topaz hits the mark.

Topaz Lobby, Photo by Kimpton Topaz Hotel

Neighborhood tips:  In the summer, go to the Dupont Farmers market on Sundays; Go to Boqueria for happy hour; Shake Shack has a running club on Tuesday evenings; Go next door to Tabard Inn for delicious cocktails; Go to Kramer Books for Brunch 

Casablanca at Dupont Circle

With the summer travels, I have not been able to do a DC post in a little while. Sometimes, we get caught up with travels that we forget how amazing our own city can be. In honor of the arrival of the Dutchman, I decided to do a little staycation less than two miles from my home: 24 hours in Dupont Circle. After my stay at the Okura Hotel in Amsterdam through the Jetsetter Mystery Hotel Sale, I was sold on the same offer in Washington DC. I was excited to find out it was the Dupont Circle Hotel. The room had an amazing panoramic view of Dupont circle, the bed was light and airy (which the Dutchman appreciated after a nine hour flight), and the location was perfect. In my quest for a good deal, I purchased a Living Social deal for Ping Pong Dim Sum at Dupont. We sat on the terrace on a breezy night and enjoyed a nice 5-course meal with a bottle of prosecco, a great deal for $75, especially in that neighborhood.

Soft Shell Crab at Ping Pong

Cozy Bed at the Dupont Circle Hotel

As we walked back to the hotel from dinner, we walked around the circle to be pleasantly surprised by the screening of Casablanca right on Dupont Circle. We were impressed by the magical display right in the middle of the city, an intimate setting shared by a diverse set of people. After a good night sleep, we headed to Kramer Books for brunch. The Dutchman is always impressed with the level of friendliness he receives in the United States, especially at restaurants. What I enjoyed about Kramer Books the most were the nice plates of mini-breads and fresh fruit we received upon being seated. Nice touch especially as we arrived starving. The crabcake eggs benedict was delicious as a washed it down with a pomegranate mimosa.

Dutchman Chowing Away at Kramer's

We walked off the brunch at the Dupont Circle Farmer's Market. Much bigger than my neighborhood market at Bloomingdale, it had a great variety, especially of fruits and vegetables that are rare finds at supermarkets. One of the things I appreciate the most about DC is how much neighborhoods can change within a few blocks. I am in love with my neighborhood of Bloomindale but I am also happy that a whole new world and experiences are available in a two mile radius.


At the Dupont Farmer's Market