Modernist art salon
Modernist minimalism shapes an art salon where rotating works by contemporary Black artists fill the lounge and social spaces.
“The lobby furniture itself is set up like a 2020s version of Don Draper’s office.”
Where it shines
Notable
Rotating works by Black Washington artists honor surveyor and astronomer Benjamin Banneker.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler, Wallpaper* and AFAR.
The prevailing mood is a modernist-inspired minimalism, and the artworks avoid historical subjects; the real culture of D.C. is African-American.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Set along Embassy Row near Scott Circle, the hotel is an easy stroll from the lively dining hubs of Dupont and Logan circles.
The rooms
White gallery-style walls frame colorful contemporary pieces, paired with blond wood accents, green marble credenzas, and crisp Italian linens.
The gym
Peloton bikes and free weights outfit the 24-hour fitness room, with loaner bicycles available for exploring the city.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
Le Sel
Patterned tile floors and leather banquettes line this French bistro, where folding glass walls open onto the sidewalk patio.
The lighting, too, changes from light to dark as guests make their way through the hotel, making an ambient foil for natural materials...
At the table
Upstairs at Lady Bird, cocktails are poured behind a teal-tiled bar looking out across the city skyline.
How it began
Originally an apartment building and later the Kimpton Rouge, the property underwent a $20 million reinvention to open as the Banneker in 2021.
“The hotel’s unmistakable energy is urban and sophisticated. Toronto-based Mason Studio uses a palette of black, brown, white, and dark blue”
Good to know
Stay here
Kimpton Banneker Hotel
See rooms and prices on Expedia or Booking.com.
Add dates to see the price for your stay.
We may earn a commission when you book through Expedia or Booking.com. It never decides which hotels we include or how we rate them.
Washington D.C.
More like this
The LINE DC
“Sanctuary showpiece”
Riggs Washington DC
“Bank vault theatre”
Eaton DC
“Progressive cultural haven”
Lyle Washington DC
“Understated Deco residence”
The Dupont Circle Hotel
“Mid-century circle salon”
Arlo Washington DC
“Romanesque revival sanctuary”
Hotel Washington
“Beaux-Arts rooftop rendezvous”
Sixty DC
“Mid-century cocktail salon”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
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.