The flight from Charlotte Douglas to Reagan National will put you in the air for a mere 45 minutes; you’re gate to gate a little over an hour.
The drive is around 6 hours, if you’re the road-tripping sort. Either way, once you find yourself squarely in our nation’s capital, navigating to Dupont Circle is a breeze.
The popular Northwest D.C. residential neighborhood is home to historic residential and commercial building, plus lots of lively dining and nightlife. It takes no more than 15-20 minutes by car from Reagan Nation. Or, a bit more if you choose to hop on the Metro from the airport.
D.C. has a lot to offer Charlotteans. You might choose to visit the Smithsonian Museums or see the stunning Lincoln, Jefferson, and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorials. Maybe you’re looking for a tour of the Capitol, or to see culturally significant works of art at the National Gallery of Art. D.C. also boasts a world-famous zoo, plus some of the country’s best food, and lots of beautiful public parks.
Where to stay? That’s the easiest part.
The Dupont Circle Hotel is postitioned right in the center of the historic Dupont Circle. It’s an area perfectly situated to enjoy all that Washington has to offer.
The Dupont Circle, part of Irish luxury brand The Doyle Collection, underwent a top-to-bottom renovation in collaboration with world-renowned designers Martin Brudnizki and Clodagh. This hotel seamlessly ties together contemporary comfort, luxury and style. Finally, it all packs in a 1950s aesthetic, a nod to the building’s original mid-century beginnings.
The Details
Each room and suites has been completely updated. Over eight floors, the spacious guest rooms and suites are contemporary and chic. The Penthouse Level on the ninth floor is composed of 12 individually designed terrace suites. These spacious rooms offer a glamorous interior (think full bar and marble-laden bathrooms) alongside panoramic patio views stretching far as The Washington Monument.
One of our favorite parts was the large windows and sliding glass doors, allowing for tons of natural light (especially beautiful in the evenings) and sweeping city views.
The Grand Penthouse, designed by Irish-born and internationally regarded Clodagh, is one of the city’s largest suites. If you choose to book that suite, expect private heated terraces, a dining area and an elegant lounge. The Penthouse also has two large bedrooms.
The next thing to note is that the hotel provides full access to all of Dupont Circle. Outside, the seating with terraces line the entire length of the building down 19th Street. Right next door, you can walk to America’s first modern art museum (the Phillips Collection) and independent shops and cafes. These include Kramerbooks, Tiny Jewel Box and Eighteenth Street Lounge. It’s also an easy walk to exercise options (I took a Barry’s class on Friday, a quick few blocks away), coffee shops (although I loved the latte at Pembroke), and lunch options.
The Metro station is right across the street from the hotel as well, if you’d rather not explore by foot.
The Dining Concepts
When you’re ready to eat, the hotel provides two locally beloved options. Downstairs, on the main level of the hotel, you’ll find The Doyle (bar and lounge) and The Pembroke restaurant. Expect an abundance of greenery and a beautiful outdoor terrace. On a Friday night when I arrived, two musicians were set up on the patio and serenaded us while I sipped a craft cocktail. The patio was lively Friday evening, and again the next morning for brunch. I would recommend making a reservation for those prime time slots.
The Doyle Bar is a glamorous nod to the cocktail culture of the 1950s and 60s. You can also expect to find an impressive collection of Irish whiskeys – a nod to the hotel’s proud heritage.
All in all, The Dupont Circle Hotel is a perfect encapsulation of the best D.C. has to offer. We’ll be back!
