Loving this style!
Each time I visit Washington DC I try and stay in a different part of town, because usually I’m only there for one or two nights, so what to see and do in the immediate vicinity of my pillow is very important.
This time it was proximity to the White House that I fancied and as a fan of the often quirky, always boutique Kimpton Hotels, I chose the Topaz on Dupont Circle. The “always boutique” factor is evident as soon as you walk through the door into the stylish lobby just in time for the nightly free wine hour between 5pm and 6pm, which clinks in the lobbies of all their bars across the country.
The lobby of the Topaz is stylish with tiled floors and high-backed leather couches. Step up into the bar, happy hour wine in hand, and relax in the Zen Den while you pore over your map and decide where to head tomorrow.
Our plan was the White House, as I mentioned, but we didn’t take our map and ended up overshooting the President’s pad and walking down to the Monument. Which actually worked out well for great sunny late-November pics – and to watch the White House tree being decorated, along with 50 smaller ones around it for each state.
Segways would be a great way to get around DC!
The tree is going up
And here’s a close up of how they add the lights!
Food trucks and souvenir vans line the street so if you’re peckish or need to pick up a T-shirt, this is the place. Of course the Monument pierces the Mall which is edged in Smithsonian museums. Too many to visit in even a whole week! But within walking distance (I mean, everything’s walkable, but we’re talking about 10-15 minutes) of the hotel is the National Museum of Natural History and the National Gallery of Art, both of which you’d want to spend a couple of hours!
Back in our room, and the yoga mat stayed rolled up, but I’m just letting you know that one is provided in each room (!). They’re also pet friendly, so bring Fido and you’ll even get a pet treat amenity delivered to your room. I know this because the guy came to our room by mistake and I thought we were getting cookies. No, it was dog bikkies.
They also have a huge Energy room with an exer-cycle and a king bed, so book that if it’s available and you like to work out in the privacy of your own room, or take the Serenity Suite with a separate living room. You’ll love the decor, the triple-sheeted beds, the soft pillows and what I also love about Kimpton hotels is their “Forgot it? we’ve got it” for any essential items you left at home. I have needed to avail myself of a toothbrush in the past!
There are several different Kimpton hotels in Washington DC, so click here to see where else you might to stay in the capital of America.
Happy hour is served in the Topaz lobby 🙂