Swann House

Bed & breakfast · Dupont Circle

Swann House

Bed & breakfast · Dupont Circle

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1808 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009

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Highlights

Historic mansion B&B with unique rooms, pool, & gourmet breakfast  

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1808 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009 Get directions

swannhouse.com
@swannhouse

$$$

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1808 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009 Get directions

+1 202 265 4414
swannhouse.com
@swannhouse

$$$

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Last updated

Sep 16, 2025

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@afar

A Guide to Washington D.C. by Local Band Everyday Everybody - AFAR

"A historic mansion converted into a bed-and-breakfast in the U Street area, offering a cozy, centrally located base within walking distance of many food and music destinations." - AFAR

https://www.afar.com/magazine/a-guide-to-washington-d-c-by-local-band-everyday-everybody
View Postcard for Swann House

Mariah Contreras

Google
The Swann House was an absolute amazing experience for me and my now husband. My husband and I decided to elope in DC and this bed and breakfast was a perfect stay for it. The staff was amazing and actually helped us with our plans! The owner (Christine) scheduled us a private dinner at the bed in breakfast for after our ceremony because we had such a hard time finding one in the area. She also made us feel such at home with helping us with our luggage and the breakfast is wonderful! We had the most perfect elopement and Swann house made it 10x better. Besides that, the vibes of the whole place is beautiful! Such a gorgeous common space and our room was the cherry on top. We would 1000% recommend to stay here for fantastic service and a beautiful atmosphere. We will definitely be back! Huge Huge shoutout to all the staff! -The Wilson’s

B8982ZFchristinat

Google
One of the most relaxing and memorable stays I’ve had in years. Swann House is every bit as charming as I remembered from 20 years ago. The owners are so warm and welcoming, and Christine, the Inn Keeper, is not only a gracious host but also a great cook—breakfast each morning was a real treat. The house is located in a lovely neighborhood, and just a short walk to Dupont Circle station, which made it easy to get around without needing a ride service. I’m so grateful we returned after all these years. I wholeheartedly recommend Swann House and look forward to coming back again.

Chelsea Quenum

Google
Swann House is an absolute gem of a wedding venue. As a planner, I’m always looking for spaces that balance character, functionality, and beauty — and this historic mansion delivers on all fronts. The property is rich with architectural detail, layered with charm, and offers a sense of intimacy while still feeling grand. The flow of the property works beautifully for weddings, with spacious suites for getting ready, elegant rooms for dining, and a beautiful back patio that transitions seamlessly into cocktail hour and portraits. I was immediately enchanted by the experience of stepping into such a warm, intimate, and refined setting — it feels like discovering a secret piece of the city. Equally important, Christine, Meg and Emily provide attentive, professional support that makes planning at Swann House seamless. Their care and responsiveness ensure that couples and vendors alike feel at ease throughout the process. For couples who want a venue that feels timeless, romantic, and welcoming, Swann House is truly unforgettable!

P4791IVlaurao

Google
We couldn’t have had a more perfect getaway at Swann house! The pool felt like an Italian villa tucked away in DC, and we loved chill time hanging out in the beautiful solarium or gorgeous living room. The bedroom and bathroom felt incredibly luxurious. We also loved the delicious homemade breakfast every morning and the snacks throughout the day were a great touch. The hosts couldn’t have been nicer or more welcoming. We definitely hope to be back!

thenardsblue

Google
I was originally going to book with a larger hotel nearby, but was elated to find this gem in one of my favorite DC neighborhoods. After the owner Christine checked me in and showed me around the tastefully-decorated common areas, I was left alone to relax in my serene room overlooking the leafy namesake street below.||Each of the 10 guest rooms have unique interior design. I stayed in Room One, an incredibly spacious suite on the second floor with a marble wet room and private patio overlooking the pool. Even though the room was at the top of the flight of stairs, I barely heard a peep from other guests. The only time I ran into others was during breakfast on my first day. ||Indeed, Swann House is the kind of place that makes you want to stay IN; it feels like home. Christine and the one young staff with whom I interacted briefly were very kind. On the morning of my check-out, Christine offered to make my eggs in my preferred way (sunnyside up). I know "personal touches" are part and parcel of running a guesthouse, but i feel like Swann House just excels in this (even without my custom egg order, ha).||Overall, it was a brief but memorable stay at this exceptional B&B, and I can't wait to go back to DC just so I can stay again.||Potential guests should be advised that SH is currently NOT ADA-accessible. There is a set of steps to the entrance, as well as 1-2 flights of stairs to navigate, depending on where your room is located.

Morgan Kay Photo

Google
I had the absolute pleasure of hosting an editorial wedding shoot at this stunning boutique hotel in the heart of DC, and it was everything and more. From the moment we arrived, the owner and the entire team treated us with the highest level of care and professionalism. Their warmth, attentiveness, and commitment to excellence made the experience seamless and truly luxurious. The hotel itself is a gem—every corner is beautifully styled, creating the perfect backdrop for timeless images. Its location is unbeatable, close to everything, yet it feels like a private oasis in the middle of the city. And the pool? An absolute showstopper—elegant, serene, and such a unique feature in the city. This space is not only ideal for guests but also an incredible venue for events, editorials, or anything requiring a touch of luxury. A 10/10 experience in every way—I can’t recommend it highly enough!

jmrivera01

Google
I celebrated my birthday with girlfriends at Swann House this weekend and it was even more perfect than we expected! The decor and pool area were perfection, friendliest staff ever (Christine is incredible!), and the breakfast was delicious. We had room 6 which has the COOLEST shower / tub situation ever. Highly instagramable - we will definitely be back!

Maham Ahmed

Google
We’re DC residents but decided to treat ourselves to a hotel stay for a few days as we celebrated our wedding at Iron Gate. From the moment I walked into Swann House, all my wedding planning stress melted away, and I finally started to feel excited. The decor, ambiance, cleanliness, and thoughtful amenities—like the self-serve coffee and water stations for after-hours—made us feel incredibly welcomed. The rooms are spacious, and the common areas are beautifully decorated and comfortable. It’s clear that a lot of care and thought went into creating a space that prioritizes guest comfort. Breakfast each morning was delicious—we had two different main dishes during our stay: a cheesy sausage bread and a chicken and waffle plate, both of which were excellent. We’re so glad we chose to stay here. It helped me feel much more relaxed before the wedding, and the staff truly went above and beyond. Thank you!
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Meina H.

Yelp
AMAZING EXPERIENCE! originally reserved room 6 for one night but when i needed to stay in town an extra night, the staff arranged for me to move to room 10. both rooms are perfect. 10 isn't a room so much as a suite. in 6, there's gorgeous gothic windows, a peaked roof, and the bathroom is in a turret (the tub is gilded). room 10...i have no words. it's beautiful. it has a private entrance. the staff was beyond kind and helpful, the B&B is in a great location, and the other guests were even lovely. i will stay here over and over.

Dawn D.

Yelp
The Swan House has been beautifully renovated and has new ownership since our last visit. Kevin, the inn keeper, was kind, efficient, accommodating and very busy! Kevin met guests at check-in, prepared breakfast, presented breakfast, cleaned up breakfast, kept pool deck area clean and turned over rooms between guests. When you could catch him he was very polite, accommodating and efficient. It became very clear that he was doing his very best as a one man show. Other Inns of this size, that I have stayed in, have a larger staff. They usually have 1-2 folks cleaning throughout the day and turning over rooms, a dedicated breakfast person and an Inn keeper. I'm afraid 1 person is not adequate for the job. If things continue as they are the condition of the property will go downhill. There is a pool----it needs to be vacuumed and skimmed--no guests swam in it during our stay. The front porch needs to be hosed off weekly and swept daily. There is no daily housekeeping in the guest rooms. Our bathroom/wet room had tiny ants crawling on the floor. It could use some flowering plants on the front porch and back deck--the little touches make Inns special and memorable. This place is beautiful it just needs more than 1 person caring for it. It is a large Inn. Without proper care the beautiful place is and will continue to go downhill quickly.

Patricia M.

Yelp
Arrived October 2, left October 5, 2023. The House had recently been updated but not quite finished. My room was on the third floor - my choice. Once in the room I wanted to turn on the TV which did not work. Walked down to the lobby. Owner along with one of the people helping with finishing the remodel came to the room, pressed a few buttons and said that the tv was not connected to the internet yet. They were having trouble with the internet company to complete the work. Expectation was that the job would be finished in a couple of days. So they knew there was no service. Guest rooms on lower level had tv service. There were empty rooms on this floor during my stay. Was not offered one of these rooms. Wanted to take a shower. No wash clothes or hair drier. So went back to the lobby to request these items. On the last day of stay I asked what compensation would be offered. $25 per day. On the pro side - the physical remodel on the first floor has been done beautifully. She is a grand Lady. The location in DuPont Circle is perfect for transportation and access to downtown DC. Ate at three restaurants right around the corner and enjoyed great, comfortable dining.
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Amanda M.

Yelp
CHECK-IN: The check-in was easy, we got a quick tour of the mansion from Jennifer and our keys. That was it! THE MILANO ROOM: -We stayed in the Milano room which is in the basement of the mansion and a very pretty room. There was the Shanghai-daway room across the way that was not occupied so we had total privacy having an entire floor to ourselves. -The bathroom is probably the best part of the Milano with the two person air tub with jets, shower with rain shower showerhead, heated floors and amber hued onyx throughout the bathroom. -The featherbed was phenomenal and the pillows were super fluffy, I've never slept better. I was well rested when I woke up this morning. COMMON AREAS: There is an outdoor seating area in the front of the house. The interior feels quaint and elegant; I really loved the decor. They also had mini quiches and complimentary sherry and tea available anytime. We had a late dinner at Café Dupont and when we came back it felt like we were in someone's home and it felt lovely. I felt very comfortable throughout our stay. BREAKFAST: The continental breakfast had an array of breads with spreads, fresh fruit, ham, cheese, smoked salmon, granola, yogurt and oatmeal. There was also Harley & Sons tea, French press coffee, orange juice and cranberry juice. They also make a specialty item which today was mozzarella cheese, basil and tomatoes on a croissant which I thought was delicious. I was hoping for a little more decadence but my favorites were the strawberry bread and smoked salmon with cream cheese and capers on a sesame bagel. GOOD STUFF: Located right on the corner of Swann Street and New Hampshire Avenue, close to restaurants in Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan. The staff was very friendly and helpful; the hospitality was wonderful. We brought a bottle of champagne and Jennifer was kind enough to fill up an ice bucket and provide us with champagne flutes. I loved the sherry, it was so comforting when we arrived to have a glass right away. The room was very clean and comfortable, I easily could have stayed there a week without any complaints. I inquired about massages about a month ago when I booked this and the were able to coordinate a couples massage in our room and it was amazing! In fact, I plan on using the masseuses again. STUFF TO IMPROVE ON: Did not have hot water for longer than a few minutes so we could not really enjoy a bath or shower there. The #1 reason I booked the Milano was so we could take a bath together but there wasn't enough hot water to fill the tub so we ended up taking a warm bath that turned cold quickly. The walls are thin and we could hear quite a lot above us and the floors and stairs squeak but I guess that is to be expected in an old building. I was really hoping for fresh squeezed juices but these definitely tasted like bottled. Perhaps they could also put the juices on ice so they are kept colder. I would've loved some grapefruit juice but the only options were cranberry and orange which were both lukewarm.
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Niloofar A.

Yelp
I have been to the Swann House to join my friend's breakfast party, yey! The breakfast was a buffet -not a big buffet buffet but in my idea they had all the essentials. I really enjoyed everything, specially their homemade cookies, super fresh! This hotel in general is a place to fall in love with!! The architecture and design of building is very particular, and in a way it resembles an European style mansion. There are some cute, antique furnitures in the living room which catch my attention. I didn't get a chance to visit the rooms, but I assume that they should be very particular as well. The staff are very attentive and will make sure that you feel like you're in home.
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D T.

Yelp
One of the best B&Bs that I have ever stayed at. Not so much because the facilities were emaculate because it has its issues, but because of the staff. I couldn't believe how friendly and accommodating they were with everything. I was welcomed and put at ease when I arrived, I felt like I was home seeing family. When I mentioned I would miss breakfast due to early meetings, the office manager was not going to let her guests leave hungry for the day and she personally packed me a breakfast/lunch. Mini fridge on premises with free waters, sodas, iced tea. Also coffee and fruit available to snack on. Free liquor in the evening and a fresh baked dessert to munch on. The stairs are squeaky so it's a pain slipping in and out late at night without making a lot of noise, but c'est la vie. The rooms are average-small size but nicely decorated and the beds are very warm and comfortable. However, the walls/doors are not sexy time friendly. Other downsides are limited parking and no secure area for baggage check - though I was never concerned about the security of my bags since the office manager is very attentive to who's coming and going. Cabs are always passing by on the main thoroughfare or you can take a quick walk a few blocks to dupont's trendy area. I highly recommend staying here if you can. Great neighborhood, restaurants, and bars and not overly crowded or pretentious as a lot of the downtown areas are.
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Dyche M.

Yelp
I don't always stay in B&B inns but when I do, I try to stay in places like Swann House. I honestly cannot imagine a better place to stay in DC and here are a few reasons why: 1. Location: Swann House is walking distance from Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan, so there are loads of great restaurants and nightlife nearby. 2. Ambience: The house itself is a little time capsule that preserves the best elements of 19th century charm and grace. The rooms are beautiful but the common areas are truly wonderful, with lots of nooks and alcoves for solitary reading or intimate conversation. 3. Service: Cream puffs and sherry served every afternoon in the sitting room. I don't need to say anything else.

Benjamin M.

Yelp
We have had the great opportunity to be able to travel to DC yearly sometimes twice a year and have stayed at the Swann House for all our trips and words cannot express the love and admiration we have for these wonderful people. I truly feel I am home while I'm there and great pain on leaving. The Swann House and staff gets a 100 plus! The best of the Best!
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Danielle M.

Yelp
My boyfriend and I stayed here for a couple nights on a recent vacation to DC. The staff was noticeably nice and would inquire if we needed anything whenever we crossed paths. They also went above and beyond for us when we arrived. We got there three hours before check-in and asked if we could leave our bags so we could start exploring and come back later to check in. They checked that our room was already clean and offered to let us check-in early without any fees or extra hassle. I couldn't believe it; that was so nice of them. It let us have more time to enjoy the city which we loved. We stayed downstairs in the Shanghai room. It was cute and cozy. I loved the shower and the robes to use during our stay. The bed was also very comfortable with extra pillows in the closet. Breakfast was good. The first morning was spinach florentine. The second day was a lovely dish with asparagus, phyllo, and a mushroom sauce. This is in addition to a continental style breakfast. The sunroom has complimentary beverages available. I took advantage of the coffee, tea, and lemonade. They also have a water cooler. This was really handy because they provide a couple bottles of water in your room when you check in. It was so easy to refill the plastic bottles so we had water to take with us; that was perfect for the morning we went to the zoo. They also have sherry and snacks in the afternoon. All in all, this has been one of my favorite places that I've stayed when traveling. I've already recommended it to another woman I work with who is planning to travel to DC with her husband later this year. I'm looking forward to coming back in the future as well.

Jo H.

Yelp
Giving three stars as the staff was friendly and helpful. The Good: The Swann House is located in a historic neighborhood which was somewhat close to the Metro. The staff is very kind and helpful. The Not So Good: It's a historic home which needs a litle care in the basement. We were supposed to stay in The Shanghai'daway which is in the lower level/basement of the home. It is very small with little room to place/unload luggage without feeling as though you're in a closet, with a small bathroom no tub only a small shower. No TV, not that we needed it, only advising for anyone willing to read this review. I can't speak to the comfort of the bed because after returning from dinner discovered the bathroom was flooded as it was raining hard. Water was seeping through to the bedroom. After contacting the provided emergency number we were directed to stay in an available room on the top floor, the Lighthouse room. The Lighthouse room was again small with a window air conditioner located next to the bed, a bit noisy for a light sleeper such as myself. Breakfast was coffee, juice, breads, fresh fruit and a crepe available during our stay the next morning. After breakfast Isabella, the manager, approached us to discuss the room situation. We were advised the water appeared as a result of the connected next door house's storm drains, it hadn't happened before. With more rain coming and no resolution immediately available and wet carpets we were invited to stay but opted to find something else. She was kind enough to try and find us another place to stay, but nothing was available as there was an upcoming graduation and other events. I had been checking myself and was able to finally secure a Holiday Inn in Old Alexandria, VA. NOTHING was available in D.C. We were refunded our stay and our UBER was paid and upon discovering it was our honeymoon provided a bottle of prosecco and two champagne glasses for us to take along - sweet. The location is great, the neighborhood good, and the crepes as well. If we were to return I'd just make sure it wasn't the raining season and not the lower level.
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Lexy M.

Yelp
Get your ROMANCE ON at the Swann House! Perfect weekend getaway for our 1st Wedding Anniversary! My husband and I were married on April 1st, yes...April Fools Day. But we were no FOOLS when it came to choosing the perfect hotel/inn to celebrate our special day! - Perfect location on a street full of Brownstones in Dupont Circle (By PERFECT I mean it seriously gets no freakin' better than this) - Gorgeous and oober comfy rooms. (Make sure you get a room with a jacuzzi tub) - Wonderful charming breakfast - The price is totally worth it, much better than any HOTEL! If your planning something special and feel the need to escape for a weekend of romance, don't be a FOOL and miss out on The Swann House!
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Gayle G.

Yelp
Oh so very lovely! If you're a B&B type person, this is 5 stars. If you're a luxury, full service kinda person, book a room at the Marriott. This old mansion is just wonderful and the staff is super accomodating. All rooms have en suite baths and each room has a special decor. Some rooms have fireplaces, others decks, whirlpool tubs, etc. It's a great old house that you'll actually want to hang out in. My bed was super comfy in the Jennifer Green Room. I'll be in the Richardson Room next month. A perfect location just off Dupont Circle, you'll feel live you're living in DC instead of just visiting.
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Vonetta Y.

Yelp
First, a proposal at our alma mater, then dinner at Citronelle, then a stay at Swann House -- I could not have asked for a more perfect engagement day. Must say that R is some sort of champ, as Swann House was a great choice. This was my first stay at a B&B, so I don't really have anything to compare it to, but I was very satisfied. The house itself is gorgeous, with dramatic floral curtains and super-soft rugs. We stayed in the Jennifer Green room, which had a lovely balcony overlooking the neighborhood and the pool downstairs. I think my favorite bit was the linens -- so full and plush, I wanted to dive my face in them repeatedly. The bathroom is great too; I love that old-style 'washroom' is separated from the toilet shower. The staff as fantastic, getting me a vase for my flowers as soon as I walked in and ensuring that R's friends' gift of champagne arrived to the room in style. I thought breakfast would be more pomp and circumstance, but we did get down there a little late (around 9.15), so I think they'd stopped serving the veggie frittatas. :( The continental was very nice, though, with what appeared to be homemade granola, and a selection of oatmeals, cereals, and breads for toast. Overall, we had a wonderful stay, though I still don't really believe it all happened. :)
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Marissa G.

Yelp
The great thing about bed and breakfasts -- romance, intimacy, a nice breakfast to start your day, and on to top it all, you can support a small business. The bad things about bed and breakfasts-- cramped quarters and lumpy beds. Swann has all of the good and none of the bad. As a business traveller, I have started to stay away from B&Bs so that I could have my personal space and standardized comfort, but I'd change my habits for Swann. - The breakfast was both hearty and healthy, with a hot meal option (the first day it was a warm croissant, the second day I had a veggie and egg burrito). - They offer an evening snack. - The rooms are comfortable and more spacious than many B&Bs I have been too. - We used the dining room and living room for a retreat meeting space, which was comfortable and quiet for our group. - Free wifi throughout the house. - The location is walking distance to DC's many restaurants and bars on U street or Connecticut. A great place to stay in DC!
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M. M.

Yelp
We live in the area but occasionally will stay at a B&B for fun. We got turned on to this place by friends from out of state who stayed there while visiting DC. This is definitely one of the nicer B&B's I've seen in DC proper, and it is quite popular and often pretty busy around the dinner hour. I don't remember the name of the room we stayed in, but I do remember it had a bathroom featuring a gigantic tub AND two wall showers all in the same marble-tiled room. (Slight minus - it was a tad slippery in there when the showers made the floor wet.) I am not sure why you would need to have a tub (big enough for three) and two showers all in the same fancy bath area but I would encourage you to let your imagination run wild. Mine sure did. In the nice weather there is supposedly an operational pool here, which is what drew my friends to the place initially. We stayed during the colder season so the pool was not opened, and the little balcony off our room looking out on it had a lot of pigeons nesting and dropping there. I am sure it's nicer in the good weather though. I did enjoy sitting on a bench on the front widow's walk of the house. Sadly, some other parts of the house, such as up in the big tower, were locked or blocked off. I'd give it five stars if I could have peeped that high view. I'd like to stay here again and check out some of the other rooms. As someone else noted, this is a pretty safe part of DC though I would still use some caution wandering around at night if you're not from the area. This place is also not that close to the Metro. It's not super far away, but it's actually about a half mile away, and there are B&B's that are closer particularly if you're hauling heavy luggage in hot DC weather. Parking in the area is also a little funky. I recommend just taking a cab.
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Alanna A.

Yelp
My boyfriend and I stayed in the Shanghai Hideaway. It was uber romantic. The room was a perfect size. I didn't realize that the room is located in the basement, and does not get natural sunlight. For me, this was not a problem because we spent most of our day sightseeing and hopping around town. The staff was really helpful and very accommodating. They helped us navigate to near by restaurants, metro routes and different places within the city. The restaurants near the b&b are pretty good. My favorite was Kramers Afterwards and Grill. The location of the B&B is in a great area. It's close to the Metro, yet has a neighborhood view. The breakfast is okay. It did not blow my socks off like other B&Bs. I was a little disappointed with the lack of meat in the warm breakfast option. I do have to warn you that the plumbing is probably from the early 1920's. So flush with caution. Overall, I really enjoyed my time at the Swann House. I will recommend it to others because it is a great B&B in a great city.
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Tonie S.

Yelp
Amazing B&B that gives you easy access to various sites such as the National Zoo, the Smithsonian museums, and multiple restaurants. Very friendly staff who had no problem accommodating our extremely late check in. The complimentary breakfast is delicious, with something for all tastes. We stayed in the Parisienne suite which was lovely, roomy, and private. Definitely a place we will return to when in D.C.
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Hiromi N.

Yelp
It isn't cheap, but if you thrive on service with a personal touch and like the intimacy of bed and breakfasts, then, I would definitely recommend the Swann House. While visiting D.C. for 3 days, we made the Swann House our home away from home. We stayed in the Serengheti Suite, which I understand is soon to be remodeled. The house itself is in a great location, it is away from crowds and is in a very quiet and safe part of D.C. (Dupont Circle). It is very close to the metro and to shopping and local eateries. Plus, it is BEAUTIFUL (outside and inside) and the staff were very nice. There is a pool out back and what I loved about staying in the Serengheti suite was that we were SECLUDED from the rest of the house. It had it's own private garden entrance like an in-law suite. Plus, we had FREE INTERNET and all of the modern conveniences of home (television, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, kitchenette...), while enjoying the historic setting of the mansion. The weekday continental breakfasts consist of cut fresh fruit, granola, yoghurt, cereal, toast and fresh juice. The afternoon snacks ranged from cakes and cookies to nuts and biscuits...Not to mention the Sherry...YUM. In the shared "break" room, there are plenty of travel magazines, guide and reference books to assist a traveler staying at the Swann House. In addition, there are MENUS to many of the local restaurants. Oh...and I can't forget the free coffee (in the morning and in the afternoon), bottled water, tea and HOMEMADE lemonade. If you can afford the stay, it is definitely worth it. BTW, there is parking (albeit limited) for guests and in the residential area. When you make a reservation, there is an up front deposit required, so read the cancellation policy very closely. Although, I doubt that you will want to cancel once you look through the website!

Anne D.

Yelp
All Lip Service. No Air Conditioning. Unless your only option is sleeping in your car, opt to stay anywhere except the Swann House & that only if you have a compact car. Management pays a lot of lip service geared toward appearing to care about resolving guest needs, but only do so to expedite their exit from the conversation. The house appears to encompass a list of code violations including, but not limited to: (1) sanitary conditions (house & kitchen); (2) food not kept at the right temperature: (3) lack of ventilation; (4) HVAC deficiencies and cleanliness; and (5) insect infestations. In general, the previous reviews regarding the condition of the property and lack of air conditioning are 100% accurate. Due to health considerations & allergies, I had contacted the property in writing to ensure that our room would have air conditioning and for which I was assured that the room would be "set to our personal comfort level." The Jennifer Green room that we reserved had no air conditioning and no windows as they had all been painted shut. One door to a small balcony could be opened but it had no screen and served only to pull in more hot and humid air from the outside. Additionally, the house and kitchen were filthy. Specifically, what are you in for? Filth: All of the ceiling wall vents were filled with thick dust - one of which was directly adjacent to the bathroom in the Milano room which we had been moved to for 2 of the 3 nights of our stay since it had its own air conditioning control. This is a direct contributor to legionnaire's disease. Moving to the common kitchen area in the sun room where we were directed to store our food items in small fridge - the fridge was not cold. An orange we brought had mold on its skin by the second day. And the fridge had hair in it & was clearly never cleaned. More disturbing, orange juice & cream were kept in opened glass pitchers that were used for guests. MAIN KITCHEN FILTH & SMELL: The main kitchen was also filthy & had one fridge that was not operating but was used to store items and smelled like rotted garbage when the door was opened. We had been told to put ice packs in the freezer & were appauled at the state of the facilities. AIR CONDITIONING AND COMMON SENSE EQUALLY NON-EXISTENT: Our room was on the 2nd floor with a converted sun room as its bathroom. The sunroom bathroom was a hot house plus it has no curtains for any privacy even though it was at direct eye level from the surrounding attached homes on all sides. Every single window had been pained shut and there were no other windows in the bedroom, creating a stuffy, oppressive room with 85+ degree internal temps. The staff acted as if it were their first days on the job as we heard one excuse after another as we were told to turn on the A/C on the control in our room; when it didn't work, upon inspection by the inn keeper she had the epiphany that there was no control in the room. She then told us we could use the floor fan in our room because it was a heater and a fan. Another epiphany - she realized it was a heater *with* a fan, so that didn't work. . The general manager refused to pay for any repairman, most likely because the system is completely non-functionable. ANTS OR A/C -YOUR CHOICE: We were moved to the Milano room in the basement because it had its own A/C controls. This A/C worked, however, the basement room was infested with ants. The vents were stacked with gray dust and the plumbing by the tub was exposed in the floor - absolutely disgusting, but we were cool. JUST SAY NO TO CUSTOMER SERVICE: Due to the problems with the Jennifer Green Room, we were moved to another room for 2 nights & were assured that they "would never put us back in that room." Despite moving our luggage three times & expecting to do so once more for the finally night's stay, while out in D.C. we realized that we had not heard back & had no idea which room we were being moved to. The Innkeeper told us that all the rooms were booked & they had no place to put us. Since it was 7:00 pm, we were out of options on a place to stay and were dumbfounded how they had never planned to contact us about this. Then they offered to comp our stay, but charged my card over a month later, without any authorization! BYOB - BRING YOUR OWN BREAKFAST: We were told that breakfast is only served from 8-9 which was too late since we had an early schedule during our stay. Also, we noticed that if you wanted to use the Nespresso machine to make a cup of coffee, it would cost you a dollar. However, the sherry that we never drank was out every afternoon, free for the taking. As of this writing today, the metro D.C area issues an air quality alert for dangerous levels of pollution accompanying 95 degree temps, urging folks to stay cool indoors and out of the damaging outdoor air - making a stay in an air conditioned car versus the 'Swuana' House a healthier option after all.
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Jessica G.

Yelp
TERRIBLE experience at the Swann house today. I threw my best friend a bridal shower at Swann house today and it was a royal mess. It was supposed to be a high tea bridal shower and the caterer did not show up until 1:45 (the shower started at noon). We also had to ask 5 times for the staff to bring out hot water so people could actually have tea. The event coordinator was impossible to find and basically hid from us (I'm guessing because she was so embarrassed). They didn't charge me for the food, but I still had to pay the 800.00 room fee. I would not recommend the Swann house to anyone who is planning a shower!! I felt the event coordinator made matters worse by the poor manner in how she handled everything. Very disappointed.

cass g.

Yelp
Swann House made our visit to Washington totally wonderful. It was such a beautiful place to go back to and relax after being in the city all day. We were there in December, and the house was decorated for Christmas, and it was just so cute. We arrived late at night and it was very welcoming. We stayed in the smaller Lighthouse Room, and it was perfect for just the two of us. The bed was super comfortable. The homemade breakfasts were delicious both days, and the staff was very welcoming and friendly. There was always food and drink out for us too, no matter the time. I'm not big on some B&Bs because the staff can sometimes be too "personal", if you know what I mean, asking questions and being too talkative when I'm just not in the mood. But the staff was just friendly enough. Also, the location is great - there was lots to do in Dupont Circle (particularly in terms of resturant choices), and the metro was a quick walk for going everywhere else. Totally worth it.

Betty L.

Yelp
An elegant combination of history and comfort. The breakfast was a culinary treat. Only one problem: we did not have enough time to enjoy there!
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K D.

Yelp
How could you not ADORE Swann House? Living in the 'hood, I have stayed at Swann House with my family and I have to say, it's the perfect getaway for a weekend or more. The staff is kind, attentive and makes you feel part of the family, which is really the main part of the b&b experience. The breakfast is delicious and always a little different and they're super accommodating to any dietary needs (i'm gluten free). Of course, I'm biased, but the location is perfectly ideal for visiting washington and wanting to live a little more like a local than just doing the tourist thing. Love this place and it's gorgeous atmosphere!!!!

Maureen S.

Yelp
We love this B&B!!! It's an old mansion that has been beautifully refinished--right in the heart of the city. It has old world charm, but it is not stuffy. It's elegant and inviting. Although it has a pool, which makes it a great place to stay in the summer, it's also a wonderful place to stay during the holidays. There are lovely Christmas decorations in every room that look like they came out of a magazine. After a long day out in the city, you can kick back and relax by one of two roaring fires in the public rooms. Complimentary snacks and sherry are provided in the evening. All the rooms have exceptionally luxurious linens and the beds are very comfortable. The staff are wonderful, very friendly and accommodating but not invasive. I felt like we were in a nurturing haven and yet also felt like we had the place to ourselves. That's a hard combination to achieve and something many B&Bs are challenged by--many are either too aloof or too overly interested in long conversations. The staff at Swann House has found exactly the right balance. The Manager, Rick, is phenomenal, as are the owners. The breakfast was different each day and offered us a great variety of options. In addition to the coffee, extensive tea options, breads, fresh fruit and juice, each day there was a different selection of freshly baked treats and a warm dish entree. We have stayed in two different rooms. The Il Duomo is the pinnacle of luxury. It is a large, open room with a king sized bed, working fireplace and lovely cathedral windows that cast romantic shadows around the room at night. The bathroom has a large tub built for two, as well as a rain shower head. If you are looking for a romantic getaway, this is it! We also stayed in the Milano. This room was also spacious, with a comfy couch in the room, heated floors and elegant furnishings. The elegant marble bathroom has an air-jet tub built for two, and a glass shower stall with multiple shower heads. We will definitely be back to stay again and will have a hard time choosing a room because they are all great.
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David K.

Yelp
I stayed here when I was in DC for the weekend for a workshop. I was supposed to stay one night but I liked the people in charge so much I stayed Sunday as well. It was so peaceful despite being very close to both Dupont circle and 18th Street/Adams Morgan. It honestly felt like stepping back in time to when things were way more comfortable. Facilities were awesome as well. I will definitely be staying there again next time I'm in DC!

Megan G.

Yelp
I stayed here with my boyfriend as a treat for our anniversary. I chose Il Duomo because of the romantic description listed on the site and the free breakfast. First the hotel itself: We were greeted and shown around the house and taken to your room by a lovely young woman. The owner/manager (not sure if she's either or both) lives off site and can come quickly if you need anything which meant that in the evening you have the house to yourself! There's a beautiful pool in the backyard and while it's not large it is a luxury in DC. There are also a porch with rocking chairs and balcony on the front of the house and a roof top deck (which was under construction but I'm sure offers beautiful views). Lounging in the living room after dinner was wonderful with no one around. You're even allowed to play the piano, although I didn't. Breakfast was pretty good with a spread of fruits, pastries, and cereals. There is also a hot homemade option that changes every morning. We had a wonderful quiche. Our room was romantic but in a very opulent way, think 1990's era Mafia don. It was done in shades of crimson and gold with a fireplace set in a mirrored wall. There are two arched windows and a skylight so you have plenty of light in the day time. The bathroom is located in the tower of the house so the bathroom ceiling goes up to a point and is painted gold. There are some sort of terrifying but funny "cherubs" painted on the bathroom walls as well. The tub, the main reason I picked this room, is a very large two person claw foot. It also has a rain shower. I should note that there is no door to the bathroom, just two curtains you pull together. I would definitely stay here again. The staff is friendly and warm without being bothersome, breakfast is good, and if you stay in Il Duomo you'll have a very fun room!
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Trip S.

Yelp
Awesome! Great service, friendly and helpful staff, beautiful room, fantastic location - Swann House met and exceeded my expectations. If I return to DC, I'll be staying at Swann House :-)
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J S.

Yelp
I love this place. After three stays within the course of a year I would say it was worth repeating. The rooms are spacious. The staff are very likeable and professional. The breakfasts and evening beverages and snacks make it all the more pleasureable. I like the mood of walking into the Swann House and feeling like I'm at my other home especially when I want to be away for a little while. It's easy to get to. It's cozy enough to be away from all the sorrounding buzz. And more importantly you can savor a staycation here. They offer complimentary internet access, printing, and newspapers (print) too. If you want to fall in love with a little change of pace this is the place for you.

Annette D.

Yelp
We have stayed here 10 days. It felt like home! We loved our room with a terrace. After a warm day we cooled off in the little pool. Breakfast was super with a special warm treat every day. One of us had business to do in the mornings but they accomodated us with an early breakfast. They let you use the whole downstairs. We even had friends over for a small cocktail one aftrenoon. We would definitely stay here again.

Allison F.

Yelp
Lovely place and great staff. There was a bit of hiccup with check in but they upgraded us and we had no trouble. The house is beautiful and is in a great location. I would definitely stay again.

Nothanks F.

Yelp
Swann House, we sadly found out, has closed. It was sold and details are difficult to find on the internet about what's next for the property.

Becky T.

Yelp
We held an amazing baby shower here today. The staff was so wonderful to work with, very accommodating. The food was amazing and the tea service was beautiful. All the guests were blown away with the venue. The pool will be great when it opens.

Nancy D.

Yelp
I stayed here recently with my son in the Serengeti Suite. The hostess was so nice. We had sherry and pastries while we waited for our room. I wish I knew what the name of the sherry was so I could buy more. Our rooms were lovely and the robes were a great touch. The location was great for enjoying local nightlife. That meant that we ended up sleeping through breakfast, so I can't comment on it, but the dining room looked beautiful.

Lynda G.

Yelp
My stay here started out poorly. The owner Isabelle, however, not only made my stay much better but made me feel at home. Breakfast in the morning was delicious. I would stay here again and will recommend it to my friends.

Jennifer P.

Yelp
The Swann House is really beautiful and unique with Victorian charm. I spent three nights there in March. It was my first B & B experience, so initially I was surprised since pricing is comparable to a very nice hotel. I quickly realized that in terms of service and charm, Swann House is well worth the price. I also learned that this B & B is a great quiet, romantic alternative to the hustle and bustle, impersonal, card-key-lock experience of a big hotel. Each room is uniquely decorated. With a small number of rooms, there is always a very intimate gathering for the breakfasts, prepared each morning. There was a hot breakfast offering each day, along with a variety of other selections, including fresh fruit, cereals, and breads. This is a little different for those who are use to a buffet-style or hot country breakfast, but it was quaint, tasty, and filled my tummy each morning. Rick and the rest of the staff are all very nice and they are willing to go out of their way to help. The narrow Victorian stairway leads to a few rooms on about three different floors. There is no elevator, which may be helpful for some to know, but my family had no problem getting to and from rooms with luggage. There are lots of little shops and eateries nearby. We did plenty of walking, which seems to be typical for those who live in the community. We actually enjoyed walking around instead of taking cabs. I felt like I walked off all of the meals we ate that way. Although there are pictures of all of the Swann House rooms online, the photos do not give you a true feel of actual size and charm. After looking on line, I called and spoke to Rick. I let him know what type of accommodations I preferred, and my price range. He recommended different rooms than those I had picked out online. I am so glad I called. We really enjoyed our stay!