Arlo Washington DC

Arlo Washington DC

The independent lifestyle brand debuted its seventh property in November last year, set within a landmark building that formerly housed the Harrison Apartments; the city’s oldest surviving apartment building was built in 1888.

Virginia-based Architecture Incorporated has juxtaposed the original brownstone Romanesque- Revival style building with a striking modern 12-storey addition. The 445-room new hotel now spans a whole city block and features a café and lounge, restaurant and bar, interior courtyard, meeting rooms, a rooftop lounge and pool.

Inside, New York-based design boutique Meyer Davis has created an interiors scheme that seamlessly pairs historic features with contemporary design. In line with the brand’s commitment to contemporary art, the new DC hotel’s Living Room Gallery Series showcases a curated selection by Jasmine Arakel.

Rooms in the original building feature vaulted ceilings and exposed brick walls, while those in the new wing are minimalist in style. All have a bright, modern aesthetic that features walnut flooring and white oak furniture, with pops of green and red on the headboards and custom light fixtures. Black and white penny tiles in the bathrooms reference the building’s original flooring.

Signature restaurant Arrels is helmed by chef Pepe Moncayo, and channels a chic Spanish aesthetic, with open-fire cooking and a welcoming bar. Meanwhile, Bodega by Arrels offers grab-andgo coffees, juices and small bites. And crowning the hotel, ART DC Rooftop includes an outdoor and indoor bar and lounge, and a resort-style pool.
arlohotels.com/washingtondc

Salamander DC

Salamander DC

Located close to Washington’s iconic landmarks and District Wharf, Salamander Washington DC has recently undergone a spectacular programme of renovations. The refreshed 373-room waterfront property now includes a new lobby, lobby lounge and terrace, an exquisite spa and Dōgon, a dining destination led by chef Kwame Onwuachi.

Each of the 51 suites, including the Signature Suites and the three-bedroom Presidential Suite have been redesigned by the renowned Thomas Pheasant. The stylish new spaces incorporate a palette of brushed wood finishes, satin or dark bronze accents, neutral stone surfaces, and complementary fabrics interwoven with accent colours, and all are beautifully furnished with custom-designed pieces.

Suite guests benefit from the use of the new Monument Club; on the eighth floor of the hotel, it boasts breathtaking monument and city views, a dedicated concierge service and a curated culinary and beverage program. Indeed, food here is a highlight, pronounced ‘Doh-gon’, the hotel’s signature restaurant serves vibrant cuisine that draws on chef Onwuachi’s unique Nigerian, Jamaican, Trinidadian and Creole background.

The jewel in Salamander DC’s crown, though, is Salamander, the spa. Offering 14 treatment rooms, advanced skincare and beauty therapies, and exclusive, first-in-DC treatments, the spectacular dual-level space sets a new standard for relaxation and rejuvenation and is seriously special.
salamanderhotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/

The Canal House of Georgetown

The Canal House of Georgetown

Also new to the DC scene this year is Canal House, part of Marriot’s Tribute Portfolio. Perfectly situated in the heart of Georgetown, between Washington Harbour and bustling M Street, the hotel draws inspiration from the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which is just moments away.

Set within a redeveloped office block, the boutique property offers accommodation in a choice of 92 pet-friendly guest rooms, 10 suites, three king terrace rooms and two adjoining self-contained townhouses (the largest clocking in at 846 sq ft), all boasting views of the canal, Georgetown Waterfront, or DC skyline.

Interiors blend sleek, modern fixtures with warm, textured details – think sumptuous upholstery, curated art, and nods to the canal’s industrial heritage. Every room features pictures of the canal sourced from the Library of Congress archive, as well as a historic map of Georgetown, and roses – the city’s official flower – appear as a vibrant motif that weaves through the décor.

The restaurant, bar and lounge, C+O Lounge takes its cues from the colourful design and authentic tastes of the region, with a food and cocktail menu that is inspired by local flavours and ingredients.

With food this good, it’s easy to overindulge, but worry not, downstairs, in what was once the underground carpark, there’s a state-of-the-art fitness suite in which to work off those extra holiday calories.
 tribute-portfolio.marriott.com