Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square
Washington, DC
Vibe
Contemporary artworks brighten the traditional wood-paneled lobby, where the French flag outside hints at the Continental atmosphere within.
“Art Deco French salon”
Prestige Suites reinterpret the White House’s Blue Room with chaises and French blue accents.
The former Shoreham office building carries its Art Deco identity into a restored hotel.
Multilingual staff bring a French accent to stays wrapped in European-style duvets.
Beside Lafayette Square, with the White House nearby and McPherson Square Metro three minutes away.
“Art Deco is a style that renovates well — these rooms feel classic but not old-fashioned, and are modern where it matters.”
Rooms
Prestige Suites nod to the White House’s Blue Room with chaises and French blue accents, bringing a little presidential theater indoors.
“A 2014 design overhaul took inspiration from the 1960s renovations of the White House—just steps away—complete with grand columns, coffered ceilings, and brass inlay marble floors.”
Wellness
Guided National Mall runs complement a fitness center with cardio and weight machines, while aromatherapy massage treatments come to your room.
Backstory
The former Shoreham office building spent roughly seven decades housing offices before a three-year rehabilitation transformed it into a hotel.
Eat & drink
Opaline Bar & Brasserie serves coastal French Riviera cuisine and cocktails, with a mirror-and-marble bar counter and an outdoor terrace.
The neighborhood
Lafayette Square anchors the neighborhood, with the White House one block away and McPherson Square Metro three minutes away on foot.
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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.