Kimpton Carlyle Hotel

Housed in an Art Deco former apartment building on a shady, residential stretch of New Hampshire Avenue, the Kimpton Carlyle Hotel Dupont Circle reopened in April 2015 after a major renovation. The charming property offers a quiet respite from the vibrancy, traffic, and noise of Dupont Circle, which is a short walk from here but feels a world away. Its glamorous lobby, foyer, and hallways are stunning surprises worthy of 1930s Hollywood, with gleaming marble floors adorned in geometric patterns of black, brown, white, and beige shades, while walls are peppered with modern art work, including colorful presidential portraits and D.C. scenes. The hotel's stylish Riggsby restaurant pairs elegant traditional furniture and lovely wooden floors with lots of bright colors and an eclectic array of patterns: green and burgundy walls are paired with busy patterned wallpaper accents, while Persian-style rugs on the wooden floors neighbor black-and-white tiling near the bar.Overall, it's a solid choice from a reliable brand in the Dupont Circle neighborhood that attracts both leisure tourists and business travelers -- but those seeking to explore the major sights on foot might want to look elsewhere. 

Set on an attractive, leafy stretch of New Hampshire Avenue, three-and-a-half blocks from the eponymous Dupont Circle in the neighborhood's center, the hotel occupies a prime location. The diverse Dupont Circle neighborhood, named in honor of American naval officer Samuel Francis Dupont, is a longtime spirited gathering spot for progressive, socially minded types: coffeehouses, bars, restaurants, and upscale retail shops abound. It's the place to head for a vegan dessert, a gay bar, or to buy fresh produce on Sundays at the farmers' market. Centrally located with numerous options for nightlife (and frequent crowds), Dupont Circle is ideal for travelers who want to get out of "old downtown" and stay in a neighborhood where locals actually live. It's also the historic center of the gay community and home to Embassy Row.Though it's not within walking distance of most of the top sights like the White House, Smithsonian Museums, and the National Mall, these can be reached via public transportation in 15 to 25 minutes -- the nearest metro station at Dupont Circle is a seven-minute walk away. Union Station, D.C.'s main train station, can be reached in 22 minutes by public transportation. Ronald Reagan National Airport is a 15- to 30-minute drive, depending on traffic, or 35 to 40 minutes by public transportation, while Dulles International Airport is 35 to 50 minutes away by car, or an hour and 20 minutes by public transit.

Rooms are clean and pleasant, with a classic contemporary style that includes sleek black furniture paired with dark gray patterned carpeting and crisp white linens on Tempurpedic beds framed by large charcoal-colored headboards. Navy blue velvet armchairs add a pop of color, while square-shaped black-and-white art pieces adorn mostly bare walls. Rooms are a bit small, however, and some might feel cramped -- the smallest ones are 230 square feet (21 square meters) -- though Studios offer more space, measuring 400 square feet (37 square meters).Standard amenities include 37-inch flat-screen TVs with HD channels, work desks, mini-fridges, telephones, electronic safes, and free bottled water -- but no minibars or tea/coffee-making facilities. Wi-Fi is free for Kimpton Karma Rewards members, but otherwise incurs a fee. Studios have kitchenettes equipped with small fridges, microwaves, sinks, two-burner stoves, and coffeemakers, plus some have sitting areas with pullout sofas. Bathrooms are fairly plain and simple, equipped with walk-in showers and a good selection of toiletries.

The Riggsby is the hotel's stylish restaurant and bar that serves American fare with European influences for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as weekend brunch. The charming space is popular with locals and hotel guests alike. The hotel also hosts a free evening wine hour for its guests, as well as free coffee and tea in the mornings. Guests can also lounge in the hotel's stylish yet cozy living room, which offers a nice place to relax on a coach or do some work by the communal table. Free fruit-infused water and hot beverages like cocoa are a thoughtful touch.The on-site fitness room is open 24/7 and equipped with a handful of modern machines, free weights, and medicine balls, as well as a large flat-screen TV. There's also a large space for stretching, yoga, or floor workouts, plus yoga mats and exercise balls are on hand. Though there's no spa on-site, in-room spa services can be booked for an extra fee. Free loaner bikes are a nice added perk.Kids are catered to with a number of perks, beginning with welcome gifts, to kids' menus at The Riggsby, to kid-size animal print bathrobes in rooms. Babysitting services are available for a fee. Dogs and cats are welcome at no charge; the hotel assesses a fee only if there's significant damage to the room (which the front desk claims almost never happens). The hotel also provides an array of extras, like pet beds (available to loan), food, water bowls, and mats. Other amenities include valet parking, and there are electric car charging stations on-site. Wi-Fi is free for Kimpton Karma Rewards members, the hotel's loyalty program that's free to join.