"Why book? You're in D.C. for business, you need a stylish Zoom backdrop and you want to be able to walk to buzzy restaurants right after the work day is done.
Set the scene Peel off of Massachusetts Avenue, one of downtown's main thoroughfares, and enter Kimpton Banneker's gallery-like space. The walls are covered with art from makers whose pieces are found in Smithsonian museums and the Library of Congress. Artist D.C.-based Nigerian-American artist Victor Ekpuk's lobby mural is inspired by the hotel's namesake Benjamin Banneker, the Black astronomer, mathematician and scholar who helped with the original survey of the District. The lobby furniture itself is set up like a 2020s version of Don Draper's office. You might see a family sitting on the couch debating which museum to go to, or business travelers getting ready to catch an Uber.
The backstory The landscape of Kimpton properties in D.C. went through a shakeup recently, with Valor Hospitality Partners and Kemmons Wilson Hospitality Partners introducing the opening of 144-room Kimpton Banneker Hotel in 2021. Located in what was once the Kimpton Rouge, a $20 million renovation reinvigorated the property, with meeting space, a French bistro downstairs and an indoor/outdoor rooftop bar upstairs with a view of the Washington Monument.
The rooms Because this was once a residential building, rooms here feel more roomy than many other hotel options in the city. Minimalist, mid-century mod decor adds to that impression, with colorful art on the walls and furniture that feels like it could be in a West Elm ad. Inside a built-in wardrobe, you'll find handy items like a steamer, umbrella, and a yoga mat. Each room features a chunky, green marble-topped credenza that can serve as a handy workstation in case you need to WFH. Book a premium room to get a little sitting area too, and the rooms at the back of the building are a bit quieter away from the street noise.
Food and drink French bistro, Le Sel — complete with the quintessential black-and-white tile floors and leather banquettes — aims to draw in neighbors for dinner and brunch. Chef Walter Silva honed his skills at the city's long-running brasserie Central Michel Richard, so he's a perfect fit to oversee the bistro's menu of coq au vin, an award-winning cassoulet, and duck breast over lentils and braised fennel. French flair continues in the cocktail menu, as seen in a margarita mixed with Grand Marnier. On the hotel's top floor, Lady Bird Rooftop at Kimpton Banneker Hotel opens up for pop-up events and promoted activations. The rooftop named for First Lady "Lady Bird" Johnson is decorated inside with a bird theme, with decor inspired by the wings and patterns of the wood thrush, while the deck outside allows you to scope out the city view while lounging next to fire pits.
The neighborhood/area Located at the end of Embassy Row, the hotel is sandwiched between the Australian Embassy and the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia (an arrangement that reminds you that you're in the nation's capital). It's on the edge of the business district, but situated within an easy walk of more neighborhood-y locales like Dupont Circle and Logan Circle that are teeming with restaurants.
The service Red bikes by the check-in desk are available for the taking (pedal over to the protected bike lanes on 15th Street). Service here is low-key, and amenities range from Kimpton's famed wine hour to a "Plant Pal Program" where you can request a houseplant to brighten up your room.
For families Ask about coloring books and board games in case you need rainy day activities, and Kimpton's pick-me-up for kids involves cookies and milk.
Eco effort Aside from herbs grown for the kitchen in the outdoor patio's garden, sustainable efforts include LED bulbs, motion activated-HVAC units in the guest rooms, and refillable shower amenities, as well as a Nespresso capsule recycling program and a program that saves unused bar soap to create hygiene kits for impoverished communities.
Accessibility Accessible room types are available in both king bed and 2 queen bed configurations, and there is a service elevator to Lady Bird Rooftop Lounge.
Anything left to mention? The pet-friendly hotel waives any deposit or cleaning fees and weight limits for visiting pups, and is right near the S Street Dog Park." - Adele Chapin
