This summer, I spent several nights in DC so that I could take care of some in-person office tasks, and also so I could meet up with my friend that was visiting from California. For two of my stays, I chose to book The Architect, a boutique hotel near the White House and Dupont Circle. This popular location buzzes with activity all day and also during the evening, so I was looking forward to spending some time in the area.
The Architect is a charming hotel, with comfortable, impeccably clean rooms, featuring hardwood floors, beautiful exposed brick accents, and a spacious layout even in the standard size room. My room did not have a tub for soaking, nor did it have a refrigerator (I missed those details while booking), but I liked the bed, the size of the bathroom, and the overall room layout. There are no ice machines on the guest room floors, so if you like a cold beverage, be ready to visit the basement (I actually enjoyed walking around and seeing things behind the scenes).
The best parts of this hotel (other than its charming layout) is the location! It was a short walk to Dupont Circle, where there was all sorts of socializing. During the warmer season, this is the perfect option for recharging after sightseeing. It’s close to several things that I enjoy (Chocolate Chocolate candy shop, The Mayflower Hotel [love their restaurant], Alhambra [the only place in DC where I’ve found pavlova], Sephora and Morton’s the Steakhouse), so this is an ideal place for me to stay.
I love boutique hotels, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that there are a few sacrifices you make to enjoy a one-of-a-kind stay. First, the elevators may not be particularly quick: The Architect had a couple of minor elevator delays, but this is important to note when staying somewhere new. Allow additional time when you’re planning on leaving the hotel. The last thing you want is to time your travel down to the minute . . . Then your entire schedule is thrown off because every other guest is leaving out at the same time, too.
Also, this is not a hotel you reserve for the room views: a standard room may well have a window facing a brick wall. That was fine for me, but if you really want awe-inspiring views of DC from the comfort of your bed, this is probably not the hotel for you. The best sights will require you to leave the hotel and explore on your own.
That being said, this is a fantastic option if you want to stay somewhere cute, unique and comfortable. A little tip: if you need to call the front desk, dial “111”. It wasn’t listed on the room phone in either of the rooms I reserved, so I asked the concierge for that info. Another little tip: entering the front door is a little tricky, so push firmly and you’ll be fine.
If you find yourself heading to DC, consider whether the Architect figures into your travel plans. I recommend it if you want a lovely room that’s near the action!
