Where to Stay in the District of Columbia--Boutique Accommodations
Washington DC, home to one of the most powerful governments in the world, a city overflowing with monuments, museums, hotels and government buildings. Too much to focus on? Here are some unique suggestions to help you out.
Mt. Vernon Square Bed and Breakfast
This historic three-story brownstone is within three blocks of the metro subway and a 15 minute walk to the National Mall and Smithsonian Museums. With parking only $10 a night, forget about your car during your stay.
Inside the Mt. Vernon Square Bed and Breakfast enjoy beautiful wood and marble floors, 11 foot ceilings, antique furnishings, and elegant stained glass. Hosts Keith and Glenda serve a different breakfast each morning including such treats as delicious fresh fruit, fluffy scrambled eggs, perfectly grilled sausage and crispy sweet potato fries.
Taft Bridge Inn
A beautiful Georgian mansion in the Dupont Circle Historical District, Taft Bridge Inn is elegantly decorated with antiques. The inn, located in a peaceful neighborhood filled with greenery, is within easy walking distance to Dupont Circle bars and restaurants and Adams Morgan. Walk another 15 minutes across the Taft Bridge to Woodley Park Metro.
At the inn, you will find elegant rooms filled with both comfy modern amenities and a carefully preserved historic character. The mansion has the original wood floor and paneling with high ceilings. Expect personalized attention and Jenn's wonderful breakfasts.
Malolo Bed and Breakfast
Malolo means "To Rest" in the Samoan Language. The service and home are all about South Pacific Hospitality. Chef George Lopez is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleau with over 20 years experience. Expect made to order omelets and other traditional breakfast food with a little Polynesian flare.
Malolo is located in Marshall Heights--a five minute drive from the metro and only a few minutes from downtown DC. Amenities include king beds, Netflix, WiFi, fresh towels every day, comfortable bedding, supportive pillows and thick bathrobes. The hosts provide shuttle service to and from the metro station, airport, and Union Station. You will be provided with free passes to the metro and a mobile phone to contact your hosts when you are ready to be picked up.
Willard InterContinental Washington
The Willard Intercontinental, Michelle Kinsey Bruns, flickr commonsThis historic luxury hotel, located right down from the White House and National Mall, is a hotel of choice for heads of state from around the world. The Willard has accommodated nearly every U.S. president since 1853. President Lincoln spent his Inaugural days there with his family--and if that is not enough history for you, there is a Martin Luther King, Jr. Suite--where King wrote his "I Have a Dream" speech.
Located just off the lobby, the Round Robin & Scotch Bar has been a center of politics since the days of Abraham Lincoln. It has hosted such figures as Mark Twain and Walt Whitman. This is where Henry Clay introduced the Southern-style version of the Mint Julep, and Gerald Ford was known to drink Budweiser from a long-necked bottle.
Things to do in the District of Columbia:
DC Brew Bus
Tired of the monuments and the museums? How about taking a ride on the DC Brew Bus? On scheduled Saturdays and Sundays the bus takes guests to several DC breweries to sample the wares--so you do not need a designated driver. Stops include a mix of well-established and newer breweries. On one of the last scheduled tours, guests had the opportunity to check out the 20 in-house brews available at the old munition factory turned Bluejacket microbrewery abd enjoy the bitterness of a pale ale at the DC Brau Brewing Company. I hope if I get to go I'm still thirsty, 'cause the ended the tour with the 3 Star Brewing Company--ending in the tasting room--of course.
Eastern Market
Interior of the Eastern Market, flickr commons
This urban market has been in continuous operation since 1873, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The market has become the hub of not only the farmer's market but of an arts and crafts market, too. Stop by Calomiris Fruits & Vegetables (pictured above). Family-owned and operated for 62 years, they sell produce, nuts, juices, Greek honey and olive oil, and Mrs. Calomiris' Greek pastries. Or maybe you would prefer a BBQ sandwich slathered with coleslaw at Canales Delicatessen. These are just a couple of the treats that the Eastern Market has to offer.
Alexandria Waterfront
From the King Street metrorail station, ride the free shuttle bus 1 mile down King Street to the colonial Alexandria waterfront. Cruise down the Potomoc and see the monuments from the water. or visit the Waterfront Market for local brews on tap or a grab and go meal. Stop by the Torpedo Factory Art Center and see not only art, but artists at work. Tired of the city? Take a walk along a stretch of the Mt. Vernon Trail, or just soak up the sun and watch kingfishers and herons in one of the many waterfront parks
But don't forget all the monuments and museums and government buildings--they are an obvious choice to visit for a reason.
Charles McCool
Some nice smaller properties you list. That's great. I like the Kimpton boutique properties in DC.
Heather
Some great places to check out! Thanks for sharing. Georgetown is also great, the Graham hotel is a cute boutique hotel with a pretty rooftop bar/lounge that is worth checking out too.