First up is my stay at The Kimpton Carlyle at Dupont Circle in the magical city of Washington D.C. This property really plays the traditional parts of D.C. glamour with an glam-pop twist. Located near Embassy row, The Carlyle at Dupont Circle effortlessly fits into the quaint and cozy neighborhood it lies in, not to mention it is nestled in an absolutely perfect location.

I ventured to D.C. for Annie & Stephens wedding and was so happy they chose this room as one of their suggested places to stay (I mean I'm not that surprised since Annie is the queen of all things cool).

I wanted to showcase the neighborhood that this property was in along with what I did whilst staying at the hotel. I believe staying in a boutique property when away really makes one feel at home, or in the home we always dreamed of having.

The Lobby

Walking into The Carlyle, I felt a sense of modern glam that does not seem to come by in a place filled with ‘American Classics’ – fresh, eclectic furniture and art, along with pop-culture paintings with Kennedy, Reagan & American flags remind travelers that we are in the Nation’s capitol. The staff was beyond helpful to show me those quaint coffee shops and areas I should explore along with making sure I was comfortable while working in the lobby.

The Room

I was graced with room 622, a south facing room overlooking the Washington Monument (in the distance), having beautiful morning light and enough space to do everything and anything. I was gifted a bottle of champagne and some small snacks upon arrival which was so appreciated. It is the small details that would certainly keep me coming back for more, not to mention who doesn’t love champagne.

There was a private vanity, kitchenette, blue velvet couch, a yoga mat to stretch it out in the privacy of one’s own room, outlets for charging everywhere, wifi, an iron, and all of the amenities with a quick call to the front desk.

One morning after waking up, I took 20 minutes to stretch in the room before meeting the girls in the lobby with a complimentary cup of joe before heading to an early morning Soul Cycle class in 14th street, a 10 minute walk from the hotel. Afterwards, we grabbed a bite at a nearby taqueria. Breakfast burritos, iced coffee & chia pudding. They had all of the things we love.

The Neighborhood

The Carlyle at Dupont Circle is located in one of the most quaint neighborhoods I have ever seen. Lush trees, dog parks, Victorian style homes, colorful rose bushes and dandelions. It is a short walk from 14th street, and a short bike ride away to Georgetown (my favorite neighborhood to explore). Did I mention the hotel provides complimentary bikes to ride around town in? If it is not too hot (or too cold) it is the perfect way to get around town and stretch your legs while on vacation.

It was very easy spending hours walking through flower lined streets, but could also access the National Mall which is very important when visiting D.C. It wouldn’t be a trip to the Nation's capitol without stopping by the monuments and of course The White House.

On my working days, I sat at an outdoor office Comcast had set up in the park with fast wifi, plugs and they were even kind enough to turn the sunshine on ;)

The property is attached to a very tasty restaurant, called The Riggsby where I indulged in a lettuce wrapped burger. They came out and drizzled bacon on Trey’s cobb salad and were beyond accommodating with everything.

Overall, this is the exact type of hotel I enjoy staying at while away. Something unique, classy, spacious, bright and of course with a friendly staff (and the complimentary coffee always keeps me happy).