The Royal Sonesta Washington, DC Capitol Hill
Washington, DC
Vibe
A seven-story map of Washington stretches across perforated metal panels beneath the atrium skylight, bringing the city plan indoors.
“City map atrium”
A seven-story perforated metal map of Washington rises beneath the atrium skylight.
A separate yoga studio complements Peloton bikes, strength machines and free weights.
Rooms average 480 square feet, with Egyptian cotton sheets and pillowtop mattresses.
On Massachusetts Avenue near Union Station, with the Capitol and Judiciary Square within walking distance.
“A ten-story atrium, a glass facade and a collection of commissioned artworks give this newer Capitol Hill address a design confidence that most business-district hotels don't bother with.”
Rooms
At an average of 480 square feet, rooms pair neutral tones with Egyptian cotton sheets and pillowtop beds.
Wellness
A separate yoga studio gives stretching its own space, alongside a fitness center with cardio equipment, strength machines and free weights.
Backstory
The hotel occupies part of a mixed-use development carved from a 1970s federal building that once housed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Eat & drink
Independently operated Bistro du Jour sits just off the lobby, serving steak frites and coq au vin, with live jazz on Sundays.
The neighborhood
Union Station is a short walk from this Massachusetts Avenue address, with the Capitol and Judiciary Square also within walking distance.
More like this
Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC
“Georgetown dignitary den”
Central
Fairmont Washington D.C. Georgetown
“Saltwater laps courtyard cocktails”
Central
Conrad Washington, DC
“Moon pendant atrium”
Central
The Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C.
“Squash courts and chandeliers”
Central
The LINE DC
“Organ pipes reborn”
Lively
Eaton DC
“Activist living room”
Central
The St. Regis Washington, D.C.
“Gilded power quarters”
Central
The Hay-Adams
“Discreet power quarters”
Central
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.