Bank vault theatre
A grand 19th-century financial institution turns presidential banking history into playful theatre, recasting teller counters and security vaults as spirited gathering spaces.
“The new entity manages to honor the grandeur of the Romanesque revival building without the chill…”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Custom safe-inspired minibars and floral headboards set against restored banking hall architecture.
Remarkable
An 1891 Romanesque Revival bank where twenty-three American presidents kept their accounts.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Rest of USA
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in AFAR.
It starts with the well-preserved bones of the stately old bank, but this is no mere restoration — they’ve taken liberties, using the city’s history as their inspiration.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Opposite the National Portrait Gallery, the hotel places Smithsonian museums, Capital One Arena and José Andrés’s Penn Quarter dining rooms within an easy walk.
The rooms
Painterly floral headboards and safe-styled steel minibars accent jewel-toned rooms with Carrara marble bathrooms. Four suites honor individual first ladies.
The gym
Peloton bikes and water rowers fill the basement gym, and guests can borrow Priority bicycles for the city.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
Café Riggs
The brasserie occupies the grand banking hall, where Corinthian columns and repurposed teller windows surround mustard velvet banquettes.
The lobby and café exude a buttoned-up cool while the artsy décor and statement furnishings wouldn’t be out of place...
At the table
Silver Lyan occupies the original basement vault, serving inventive cocktails surrounded by wood paneling and red velvet.
How it began
Lore Group and designer Jacu Strauss converted the landmark 1891 headquarters in 2020, preserving its Richardsonian bones alongside playful First Lady suites.
Good to know
Stay here
Riggs 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.