Feminist portrait gallery
Conceived as an ode to female empowerment, public spaces double as an art gallery honoring gender equality and historical trailblazers.
“Inside, the lobby and lower-level Figleaf restaurant is decorated with more art inspired by women's empowerment.”
Where it shines
Notable
Andrea Sheehan assembled 20,000 hand-painted tampons into a lobby portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Listed
Protest button walls and partnerships with N Street Village root stays in District activism.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
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.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Anchoring Thomas Circle, the hotel sits right where downtown office blocks give way to 14th Street boutiques, theaters, and Logan Circle restaurants.
The rooms
Translucent pod-like showers feature murals of Artemis, complemented by creamy interiors, soft pink ambient headboard lighting, and views of Thomas Circle.
The rooftop pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The 14th-floor seasonal pool sits under the open sky, surrounded by loungers looking out across the city.
The gym
The 24-hour gym is equipped with cardio machines, free weights, and a signature pink boxing bag.
Dogs stay too.
Bar
Hedy's Rooftop
Named after inventor Hedy Lamarr, the seasonal rooftop lounge serves cocktails around open fire pits with skyline views.
The female-focused Hotel Zena, was fashioned from the Adam’s rib of two previous hotels, a Holiday Inn and Donovan House.
At the table
Breakfast is served downstairs at Figleaf, where the evening menu turns to Mediterranean and Latin dishes.
How it began
Converted from the former Donovan in 2020, the building was reimagined around political activism and female empowerment with dozens of commissioned artworks.
Good to know
Stay here
Hotel Zena Washington DC
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Washington D.C.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.