When I see tourists coming to my current city of Washington, DC in the summer, I cringe. It is hot, humid, and crowded. One of the best ways to enjoy the city is by walking and checking out the monuments, museums, or simply watching the different characters you see on 14th Street during working hours. I've had the opportunity to tour, visit, ans stay at a variety of Washington, DC hotels and curated a list of properties I suggest based on personality and neighborhood.
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Lobby at Mandarin Oriental
Photo Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental DC |
If you love luxury: Head over the
Mandarin Oriental in Washington, DC. This hotel is in a secluded corner of the city but within walking distance to all the major attractions such as the Jefferson Memorial and National Mall. I also love that it has its own walkway which leads you straight to the monuments. You can have breakfast with a lovely view of the Potomac with lots of natural light.
Recommend the mini pain au chocolat while there. Have an evening drink in the patio with a lovely view of fall foliage. It also has one of the top spas in the city if you want to relax after a long day of meetings or sightseeing.
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| Cocktails at Loews Madison |
If you love food and drink: Head over to the
Loews Madison. Had the opportunity to sample their cocktails at the PostScript Bar,
highly recommend the Moscow Mule, which as a special kick thanks to peppercorn simple syrup. To add a foodie touch the the property,
Rural Society has just opened. Chef Jose Garces' restaurant has a modern Argentinian steakhouse menu with a celebrated wine list to compliment the perfectly grilled meat.
Recommendation: Order the steak, the restaurant has its own grill in its open kitchen. You can also walk off the extra calories with a short stroll to the National Mall, just a fifteen minute walk from the hotel and only four blocks away from The White House.
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| Guestroom at Hotel Helix |
If you like to party: Currently, the hottest street for social life is 14th Street NW. The mix of restaurants and bars are delicious yet unpretentious. The
Hotel Helix is located in the middle of it all close to the corner of Rhode Island Ave NW and 14th St NW. Had the opportunity to tour the boutique hotel, which has an intimate setting yet is walking distance to all the hot spots. Love the cozy feeling of the room with its signature
Kimpton charm.
Reccomendation: head to Barcelona Restaurant for tasty sangria and tapas and a late night at El Centrro for dancing and margaritas.
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Lobby at Marriott Marquis
Photo Courtesy of Marriott Marquis |
If you're a modern business traveler: If you love modern hotels (and you use the Marriott brand due to its rewards) head over the brand-new
Marriott Marquis. Recently had the opportunity to head to the hotel to be "
teleported" to Hawaii and London. Although my body stayed in DC, I couldn't help to fall in love with the modern lobby that teleported me to Scandinavia due to its modern design. This hotel appeals to business travelers due to the brand and the large location but it's walking distance to up and coming neighborhoods such as Shaw and Bloomingdale.
Recommendation: take a short walk to the local establishment of Busboys and Poets or indulge in modern Korean fare at Mandu DC. Like I have said before, if you don't have the time to discover a new location on business, get to explore it through its cuisine.
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| Lincoln Memorial at Night |
DC is one of the most underrated cities in the US. It has unique neighborhoods which surround the city and an exploding culinary culture. I love playing tourist in my current city due to all of its attractions and special events. I also enjoy that accommodations can be as diverse as the city itself. Traveling soon? Head to DC or anywhere else in the
Hotel Cheap website and get 10% off the rate using the code REPATRIATE10. Happy travels!
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