Generosity, indulgence and a sincerely heartfelt welcome envelope you as soon as you swing through the revolving doors of The Dupont Circle Hotel in Washington DC, the only stateside outpost of the much-loved Doyle Collection.
Some locals don’t even realise it’s a hotel – a testament to the enduring popularity and standalone brilliance of its bar and restaurant, designed by Swedish mastermind Martin Brudnizki and buzzing every night of the week.
The Vibe
Personalised service, five-star amenities and Irish hospitality come together with sleek style and contemporary comfort, following a multi-million-dollar design investment. The crowning glory is a penthouse suite by trailblazing Irish designer Clodagh, who’s known for glossy minimalism, alongside 12 additional new suites on the ninth floor.
Then there’s the setting – a mile from The White House and (as the name suggests) right at the heart of the historical and leafy Dupont neighbourhood. You couldn’t hope for a better base from which to explore the world’s most powerful city.
The Rooms
Thanks to muted colour palettes and sumptuously comfortable beds, rooms and suites feel like homely urban oases. But none more so than the newly refurbished penthouse level suites on the ninth floor, many of which have large outdoor terraces. These sprawling, apartment-sized spaces, with commanding city views and no-luxury-spared amenities give a sense of owning your own residence in the heart of DC.
Crucially, they’re also stylish, with thoughtfully curated artwork, floor-to-ceiling windows and endlessly replenished Malin & Goetz toiletries adding a touch of personality to the five-star opulence. And, oh, the beds: they’re huge, covered in down-filled duvets and wrapped in pristine 300-thread-count linens (the very kind housekeeping team is mercifully understanding if you opt for pancakes and crispy bacon in bed and end up with a little syrup spillage).
The Food + Drink
Doyle, the hotel’s cocktail bar designed by maximalist legend Martin Brudnizki, is a picture of mid-century glamour, with enough sultry dark wood and sky blue upholstery to have you thirsting for a smokey Old Fashioned or a coupe of champagne. If you fancy straying from the classics, there’s also a lovely Irish-inspired cocktail list, which naturally features Guinness-streaked concoctions.
Meanwhile, contemporary American dishes shine at The Pembroke, the hotel’s rightfully hyped restaurant. This sleek yet leafy space serves exactly the kind of thing you’ll be craving upon touching down stateside: hearty homemade pasta, prime ribeye, and a triumphant caesar salad – best ordered with truffle fries and an icy martini.
The Little Extras
The penthouse level suites offer unlimited non-alcoholic drinks in addition to the Nespresso coffee found throughout all rooms. When offers allow, complimentary bottles of bubbles can also be found waiting in your suite. Keep an eye out when booking.
The To-Do List
The White House is a 20-minute walk (or five-minute car journey) away, with other sights like The Capitol, the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial just a little further on. Georgetown is also a quick cab ride away, with pretty brunch spots and boutiques – like Glossier and Alice + Olivia – to make you feel like you’re strolling through a film set within a matter of minutes.
The beautiful Renaissance-inspired Library of Congress is also well worth a visit, with a frankly mind-bending array of books on its striking shelves. DC is also known for its free museums: don’t miss the Smithsonian, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, or the Spy Museum.
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