Hotel Zena Washington DC
Washington, DC
Vibe
Curved surfaces and a rosy palette surround art by and depicting women, with seven-story female warriors watching over the exterior.
“Feminist art manifesto”
A monumental Ruth Bader Ginsburg portrait assembles 20,000 hand-painted tampons into feminist art.
Hedy's Rooftop hosts Dive-In Movies; Figleaf brings a pink billiards table downstairs.
A Women's March photobooth wall brings Washington's protest culture into the stay.
On Thomas Circle, where downtown meets the restaurants and shops of the 14th Street corridor.
“the hotel’s design is by Dawson Design Associates, a female-owned agency, and the artworks don’t just depict women; the artists themselves are women as well.”
Rooms
Paintings of Artemis watch over the beds, carrying the feminist art collection into guestrooms, while a pillow menu adds a personal choice.
“Inside, the lobby and lower-level Figleaf restaurant is decorated with more art inspired by women's empowerment.”
Wellness
A seasonal rooftop pool anchors the outdoor deck, while the fitness center pairs a boxing bag with free weights and yoga mats.
“the walls and ceilings positively crackle with a collection of vibrant, provocative art created by and depicting women”
Backstory
The former Donovan hotel became a tribute to women's achievements in 2020, with a concept marking the centenary of American women's suffrage.
Eat & drink
Figleaf serves Mediterranean dishes with Latin influences beside a pink billiards table, while seasonal Hedy's Rooftop pairs cocktails with D.C. skyline views.
The neighborhood
Thomas Circle places you between downtown and the restaurants and shops of the 14th Street corridor, with Logan Circle nearby.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.