Sometimes, the best parts of travel are the little things that add up to make the days feel just a little more special. And for some accommodating venues, such as The Dupont Circle Hotel in Washington D.C., the extra touches that come from a stay here make the experience in itself feel like a vacation without even stepping outside.
The Dupont is a part of The Doyle Collection of hotels. The family-run variety of spaces around the world spans 8 venues, each with its own personality that fits the neighborhood it calls home from London, to Dublin to D.C., and a few stops in between.
Dupont Circle as an area is quite metropolitan and eclectic with a collection of shops, bars and restaurants practically around every corner. It’s also a scenic walk from some of the more notable attractions of the city (like The White House) and is the home of a charming farmer’s market on most Sundays.
Equally as bustling is the Hotel, and its design matches the outside area’s energetic elegance. It’s the simple designs with extra touches that make the rooms stand out as well. For one, every bathroom has heated marble floors, and some even have heated towel racks depending on which space you’re in exactly.
For every somewhat basic (but expected) essential, like a Nespresso coffee machine, The Dupont Circle ups the ante with something unexpected—like Malin + Goetz bath amenities or expansive views of the city on outdoor balconies for certain rooms (with outdoor heaters, of course.)
And it depends on where you want to stay: There are rooms that run for the rate of around $250, or, there are spaces that are grand in what they offer with separate living rooms, a fully stocked bar, private terraces, jacuzzi tubs and even specifically placed artwork. While here, you can choose your own adventure.
The Dupont Circle Hotel also offers a few different packages that travelers can look into spanning the “Weekend in Washington” (25% off their best available rate, a $100 F&B credit, room upgrade and late checkout upon availability), “A Family Affair” (visitors can reserve a Junior Suite and receive the adjoining room for 50% off), “Suite Celebrations” (30% saving on suites, a complimentary bottle of bubbles and late checkout), and more.
The venue also houses a fitness center, allows for some pets (for a fee and with availability) and then, there are the on-site restaurants and bars as well.
The Doyle for one is The Dupont Circle’s bar and lounge, which embodies the term “mid-century glamour.” Walking through the doors to the inside dining room does transport you a bit back in time, and some of the offerings have also followed suit with a 1950s/1960s-inspired cocktail menu that takes some classics of the era and puts its own twist on them.
Bar-wise patrons will also find an array of whiskey, rum, gin, wine and vodka, or if you head out to the terrace (which has a completely different vibe of its own), there’s another selection of refreshing cocktails which span a lavender forward creation (with lavender foam of course), a matcha mix with blood orange gin, and even a mix with black tea, peppercorns and house-made grenadine.
The Terrace portion is also a scenic contrast to the indoor dining room, being lined with flowers and lights right on the side of the hotel.
Food-wise, The Doyle offers a variety of small plates that span pork belly steam buns, lollipop wings, Mediterranean dips, truffle fries, fish and chips, a prime-aged burger, tuna tostadas and more. After 5 p.m., if you sit in the dining room, there are also a few entrees available including beer short rib and veal Milanese.
The Pembroke on the other hand is the venue’s “sophisticated dining destination”, and in contrast to The Doyle’s atmospheric lighting next door, this space is bright, light, glossy and quite grand in its design (which was done by world-renowned interior designer Martin Brudnizki). Similar to its neighbor, The Pembroke also has a seasonal terrace.
The Pembroke is open for breakfast and brunch, and then reopens for dinner most days (except for Sundays.) If the space feels fancy, then so will the food, with every dish ultimately being plated as beautifully as it tastes.
Highlights for the morning span an array of benedicts (with one involving a tasty crab cake), brioche French toast, corned beef hash and more. Brunch is also a great way to try some of the space’s cocktails, which spans a delightfully done Bloody Mary, or there are some specialty coffee options for those who are looking to skip the spirited libations.
Lunch features its own variety of pickings, which includes lobster bisque, lamb bolognese, bazaar falafel and even a lobster roll. Dinner on the other hand expands the offerings to include homemade pastas (think bucatini, risotto and more) Dover sole, lamb shank tagine, pan-seared scallops, a pan-seared filet mignon and more.
Drinks-wise, the variety here spans a large number of choices for everyone highlighting seasonal and classic cocktails, mocktails, plus an extensive wine list. To then finish everything on a sweet note, diners can also indulge in a lemon tart, profiteroles, chocolate fondant, ice cream, seasonal sorbets and more.
Lastly, for something quick, there’s Doyle & Co. located off the lobby by The Pembroke. This specific stop offers daily house-made pastries and morning beverages crafted with Lavazza coffee and espresso.
With the rooms, the views, the restaurants and the choices The Dupont Circle Hotel offers, a stay here is not just a place to spend your down time. It’s ultimately a way to upgrade your trip to DC on your own terms.
To learn more about The Dupont Circle Hotel (1500 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC), visit doylecollection.com
