Kimpton Banneker Hotel
Washington, DC
Dupont Circle
Vibe
A walnut reception desk and art-filled lobby living room set the scene, with work by Black Washington artists throughout the interiors.
“Black art salon”
Gallery-style rooms frame bold abstract art, while Victor Ekpuk's mural animates the lobby.
Le Sel's bistro bar and the art-filled lobby living room offer gathering spots.
Black Washington artists fill the interiors, with an abstract portrait honoring Benjamin Banneker.
Just above Scott Circle on 16th Street, within walking distance of Dupont and Logan.
“The prevailing mood is a modernist-inspired minimalism, and the artworks avoid historical subjects; the real culture of D.C. is African-American.”
Rooms
White walls and blond wood give the interiors a gallery feel, punctuated by artwork and accents of emerald green and midnight blue.
Wellness
The fitness center pairs cycling and cardio machines with kettlebells and Bosu balls, while complimentary bicycles take exercise onto Washington's streets.
“Because this was once a residential building, rooms here feel more roomy than many other hotel options in the city.”
Backstory
The building once housed residences before becoming the Kimpton Rouge, which underwent a $20 million transformation into today's hotel in 2021.
“The lighting, too, changes from light to dark as guests make their way through the hotel, making an ambient foil for natural materials.”
Eat & drink
Le Sel serves escargot and steak frites amid black-and-white tiles and leather banquettes, with a bar and garden patio extending the bistro.
“The hotel partners with the nonprofit Black Artists of DC to select a rotating exhibition of work by local artists of color, including a striking lobby mural”
The neighborhood
Just above Scott Circle on 16th Street, you're within walking distance of Dupont and Logan circles and their restaurants.
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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.