Review Author

Austa Somvichian-Clausen

Contributing Writer and Destination Wedding Correspondent

Washington, DC might be best known for its monuments and political pulse, but locals know that Dupont Circle is the actual heart of the city. The neighborhood expands out from an actual traffic circle, the Dupont Circle—a grassy haven with a marble fountain in the middle, designed by sculptor Daniel Chester French (of Lincoln Memorial fame). On each side street expanding from the circle, find bookshops, embassies, the ‘gayborhood’ on 17th Street NW, and more. 

It’s also right on that same iconic circle that you can find its namesake hotel property, the five-star Dupont Circle Hotel, part of Preferred Hotels and Resorts and the family-owned Doyle Collection. First opened in 1947 as The Dupont Plaza Hotel, it recently underwent a multi-million-dollar transformation, and it shows. 

All 327 rooms make for a relaxing stay, with modern, airy design choices and sleek yet cozy furnishings in a palette of charcoal grey, blue, and tan. For longer visits, the hotel’s thirty-two luxe suites offer extra space and sweeping city views. The crown jewel, though, is without a doubt the ninth-floor penthouse level, which is accessible via private elevator and home to twelve residential-style suites, with each suite designed to feel like a posh pied a terre with fully furnished balconies that offer incredible views of the city. 

The Pembroke, the hotel’s signature restaurant, is a stunner. Picture rose-hued banquettes, brass details, and floor-to-ceiling windows that set the stage for elevated American fare with European flair (longevity minestrone, aged branzino, and homemade pastas). Downstairs, Doyle Bar offers an air of mid-century glamour with velvet seating, a vintage cocktail list, and terrace views perfect for people watching.

For business travelers, especially those showing up before the check-in time of 4 PM (which is on the late side in our opinion), the lobby at least offers lounge-style seating to post up and clack away at, including next to a modern-style fireplace at the far end of the space. 

Fast Facts

Location: Washington, DC

Rating: 5-Star

The vibe: A polished, design-forward hotel in the hub of our nation’s capital. 

Our favorite thing about the hotel: Probably the location. The Dupont Circle Hotel presents the perfect, upscale stay for those who want easy access to the rest of the city. 

Food + Drink: On-site restaurant, the Pembroke, offers every meal from breakfast to dinner, as well as brunch on weekends. Stop by the Doyle Bar for a cocktail or two, especially if you can grab a seat on the terrace when the weather is good. 

Amenities: Restaurant, Bar, 24-hour Fitness Center, Valet Parking, Business Services, In-room Dining, Heated Bathroom Floors, Private Event Spaces

What’s nearby? The Dupont Circle Fountain, The Phillips Collection, Embassy Row, and the Metro for quick access to the National Mall and Smithsonian museums.

Any personal neighborhood recommendations? Grab a coffee and a new book from longstanding independent bookshop, Kramers, and spend a morning reading and people watching on the grass near the fountain. 

Rooms: 327 rooms, including 32 luxe suites and 12 penthouse-level residential suites

Pricing: Rates start at $299 per night.

Closest Airport: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)