Hotel Happenings

Hotels in the Winter Spirit:

During the holiday season, DC hotels are legendary for transforming into winter wonderlands. Visiting the historic Willard InterContinental is a beloved local tradition for its nightly carolers, massive lobby tree and dazzling décor. The Riggs Hotel collaborates with famed designers for its tree. The Conrad Washington, DC offers stunning seasonal decorations and a perfect view of CityCenterDC’s towering holiday tree. The JW Marriott Washington, DC boasts a gingerbread house display, letters to the North Pole and a Holiday Helper Hotline for young guests. Kimpton Monaco’s Dirty Habit offers a vintage ski chalet themed pop-up, complete with magical snowfall, and Rosewood Washington, DC’s The Lodge at CUT Above also offers an immersive winter atmosphere.

For outdoor firepits and iconic views, consider Top of the Gate at the Watergate Hotel, Art and Soul atop the Yotel and Smoke and Mirrors at the AC Hotel Washington DC Capitol Hill Navy Yard. Gather on the Lounge Terrace at the Salamander DC each evening for Sips & S'mores or roast marshmallows at The Wharf’s inviting Camp Wharf firepit, steps from the Pendry Washington DC-The Wharf, InterContinental Washington DC-The Wharf, Canopy by Hilton Washington, DC-The Wharf and Hilton Washington, DC National Mall The Wharf.

Order a warm cocktail and cozy up by sleek indoor fireplaces in the Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC’s Quadrant. For indulgent and elegant afternoon high tea experiences, head to the tastefully decorated St. Regis, Four Seasons, Waldorf Astoria and Peacock Alley in the Willard. The Fairmont Washington, DC Georgetown offers Nutcracker Afternoon Tea in its whimsically decorated Loggia.For outdoor firepits and iconic views, consider Top of the Gate at the Watergate Hotel, Art and Soul atop the Yotel and Smoke and Mirrors at the AC Hotel Washington DC Capitol Hill Navy Yard. Gather on the Lounge Terrace at the Salamander DC each evening for Sips & S'mores or roast marshmallows at The Wharf’s inviting Camp Wharf firepit, steps from the Pendry Washington DC-The Wharf, InterContinental Washington DC-The Wharf, Canopy by Hilton Washington, DC-The Wharf and Hilton Washington, DC National Mall The Wharf.

Notable Anniversaries:

In 2026, as Washington, DC prepares to serve as center stage for America’s 250th anniversary, several of the city’s iconic hotels are celebrating milestones of their own. The St. Regis will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Opened in October 1926 as the Carlton Hotel and a staple of the city’s social scene ever since, the property became the second St. Regis property outside the famed New York flagship in 1999. In April 2024, the historic hotel revealed an extensive redesign and renovation of its guest rooms, suites and select spaces.

In anticipation of its 50th anniversary, the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill unveiled a full-property transformation, including a total redesign of all guest rooms, updated public spaces, expanded and upgraded meeting spaces and more. In 2025, The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection marked its 100th anniversary and the Washington Hilton celebrated its 60th.

In 2025, The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection marked its 100th anniversary and the Washington Hilton celebrated its 60th.

New Renovations:

• Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill (Fall 2025) 

In preparation for its 50th anniversary in spring 2026, the property unveiled a complete renovation of all guest rooms, refreshed and reconfigured public spaces that set the stage for a more elevated arrival experience, a fully renovated fitness center and indoor pool, lavish modernization of the hotel’s expansive conference facilities and an extravagant redesign of the hotel’s dining establishments, including Article One – American Grill.

• Willard InterContinental (July 2025) 

The iconic property unveiled a restoration to its 335 accommodations, drawing inspiration from the hotel’s rich legacy as a backdrop to several pivotal moments in American history. Guest rooms and suites have been thoughtfully reimagined, offering crystal chandeliers, intricate crown moldings, elegant draperies, hardwood flooring, commissioned paintings, custom furnishings, updated technology and custom wool rugs that preserve the hotel's historic character. Signature suites pay tribute to historic figures and pioneers, many of whom were guests, including Eleanor Roosevelt, Helen Hayes, Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr.

• Salamander Washington, DC (December 2024)

Middleburg, Virginia-based Salamander Collection, founded by entrepreneur Sheila Johnson, unveiled buzzworthy enhancements to the former 373-key Mandarin Oriental. The project reveals a brighter and more residential design. The lobby and its stunning bar, pool and modernly refreshed guest suites designed by Washington’s Thomas Pheasant were completed by late summer 2024 and a luxury two-story spa followed in December 2024. Celebrity chef Kwame Onwuachi’s highly anticipated return to the nation’s capital, Dōgon, opened Sept. 9, 2024, to national acclaim. The restaurant is inspired by DC surveyor Benjamin Banneker and his heritage to the West African Dogon tribe.

• Grand Hyatt Washington (Fall 2024)

The 902-key hotel unveiled fully renovated guest rooms and suites. The rooms boast a light and airy feel with neutral tones and a stunning feature wall inspired by the U.S. Capitol building's dome and cherry blossom flowers. In conjunction with its renovation, Grand Hyatt Washington proudly achieved LEED certification for the guest rooms. The property, adjacent to CityCenterDC, is a few blocks from Capital One Arena, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and the National Mall.

New Openings:

• ROOST White House (September 2025) 

Located approximately 1,000 feet from Lafayette Square, ROOST debuts its first location in DC, marking entry into its sixth city. Combining the best of a hotel and apartment-style living, the stylish apartments come with big kitchens, ample workspace and lavish amenities.

• Sixty DC (June 2025)

The boutique hotel brand, with locations in Beverly Hills, California and New York’s Lower East Side, made its DC debut on Connecticut Avenue near Dupont Circle. The posh 73-room hotel boasts trendy food and beverage concepts: Casamara, serving coastal Mediterranean; Reynold’s, a retro-cool cocktail bar whose name is a nod to Alexander Hamilton’s affair; and the coastal-chic, 3,000-square-foot Rooftop at Casamara.

• Mint House Downtown Washington, DC (May 2025)

An 11-story former office building near McPherson Square was converted into a hotel offering 85 high-end apartment-style suites, ranging from studios to two-bedrooms, complete with full kitchens and spacious living areas. Guests have access to an on-site fitness center, dedicated meeting space, a coworking lounge and grab and go station.

• Canal House of Georgetown, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel (March 2025) 

Taking inspiration from the iconic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, a five-story former office building was combined with adjacent townhouses to create a 108-key property under Marriott’s Tribute portfolio. Located in the heart of charming Georgetown, amenities include the lobby’s C+O Lounge, a private courtyard, library lounge, fitness center and two two-bedroom rowhouses.

• Arlo Washington, DC (November 2024)

Arlo Hotels debuted its seventh hotel and first in Washington, DC near Judiciary Square. The 12-story, 445-room hotel incorporates and preserves the city’s oldest conventional apartment building, the Harrison, which has stood since 1882. Arlo Washington, DC boasts a rooftop pool and year-round rooftop lounge, ART DC, with stunning views of the U.S. Capitol. Arrels, a Spanish farmhouse restaurant and bar helmed by award-winning DC chef Pepe Moncayo, is located adjacent to the lobby.

New Rebrands:

• Eurostars St. Gregory (October 2025)

The Barcelona-based Eurostars Hotel Company acquired the 156-key St. Gregory Hotel, situated between Dupont Circle and Georgetown. The mid-century modern property features a range of versatile and well-equipped event spaces and a signature dining venue. This marks the chain’s sixth property in the U.S. and first in the nation’s capital.

• Hyatt House Washington, DC Downtown Convention Center (August 2025)

An elevated extended-stay experience in the heart of Shaw, steps from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, debuted following a property-wide renovation of the former Cambria then – for a brief period – Hyatt. Suites are equipped with full kitchens and closets, separate living areas and spacious bathrooms. Additional amenities include a 24/7 fitness center, complimentary breakfast bar and inviting communal spaces. This fall, the 184-room hotel debuted a chic rooftop bar and lounge, offering sweeping views and a new destination in Shaw’s thriving culinary and nightlife scene.

• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Washington, DC / NoMa (January 2025)

Following a full renovation, the former Quality Inn & Suites features a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, 24-hour hot beverage bar, fitness center, business center and free wireless internet access.

• Reside Navy Yard and Reside NoMa, a Wyndham Residence (Fall 2024)

Wyndham planted its extended-stay Residence brand at a pair of sites formerly under the Placemakr flag. Guests can unwind in fully furnished studios, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom apartments, each boasting a washer/dryer, full kitchen, flat-screen TV with streaming capability, sitting area and plush bedding.Reside Navy Yard and Reside NoMa, a Wyndham Residence (Fall 2024) Wyndham planted its extended-stay Residence brand at a pair of sites formerly under the Placemakr flag. Guests can unwind in fully furnished studios, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom apartments, each boasting a washer/dryer, full kitchen, flat-screen TV with streaming capability, sitting area and plush bedding.

• Le Méridien Washington, D.C., The Madison (September 2024)

Steps from the White House and energy of Logan Circle, the boutique Madison Hotel joined the Marriott portfolio, rebranded as Le Méridien Washington, D.C., The Madison. The property underwent an expansive $15 million renovation of the lobby, communal spaces and guestrooms to reflect the Golden Age of travel. Lady Madison, the hotel’s signature restaurant and cocktail lounge, features a revamped menu inspired by French cuisine and local flavor.

• The Quincy Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection (September 2024)

The former Sonder the Quincy rebranded under Choice Hotels’ Ascend Hotel Collection, marking the first Ascend property in the DC market. The 99-key property, within walking distance of the White House, Dupont Circle, Foggy Bottom and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, reopened following renovations to the lobby, guest rooms and meeting space.

Coming in 2026 and Beyond:

• CitizenM Washington Georgetown (Early 2026)

Just east of picturesque Key Bridge, along the Georgetown waterfront, CitizenM, newly acquired by Marriott, plans to open its third property in DC. The facade will be preserved as a 100-year-old building is expanded, renovated and converted into a stylish 230-room, seven-story hotel.

• City Express by Marriott Washington, DC Northeast (March 2026) 

The former Hotel Arboretum on New York Avenue NE will be converted to a new, midscale Marriott brand called City Express. (Bethesda, Md.-based Marriott acquired the brand in fall 2024). The flag change includes a renovation, and guests of the 126-key property enjoy complimentary hot breakfast and access to a fitness center.

• Hoya Hotel (Spring 2026) 

In collaboration with Crestline Hotels and Resorts, Georgetown University’s hotel in the Leavey Center will reopen as the Hoya Hotel. The renovation will include designs that point to Georgetown’s history and mission. The hotel will feature 146 modern guest rooms over five stories, 13,000 square feet of meeting and event space and an open-concept lobby with natural lighting from floor-to-ceiling windows.

• Tempo by Hilton Washington, DC Downtown (Late 2026) 

A 12-story former office building with the favorable address of 1776 K Street NW in downtown DC will be converted into a 278-key Tempo by Hilton. Amenities include a café and restaurant, outdoor rooftop and flexible meeting space.

• MOB Hotel (Mid-2027)

A stylish Paris-based chain by design team lead Philippe Starck is expected to open its first North American hotel in DC’s Union Market area. The brand embraces neighborhood culture and programs, art talks and regular concerts in its lobbies. The hotel will feature 144 rooms, an organic restaurant and show kitchen, library, seminar rooms, live music and a rooftop with awe-inspiring views of the U.S. Capitol.

• The Bazaar House by José Andrés (Mid-2027)

Chef José Andrés is making his first foray into branded hotels with a new project in his adopted home city. The 67-room luxury hotel, to be developed on the site of the former Latham Hotel on M Street in Georgetown, will feature a private membership club, multiple food and beverage concepts curated by the celebrity chef's restaurant group, events space, a wellness center and high-end retail offerings.

• Aloft Hotel (Mid-2027)

Construction began in September 2025 on an 11-story, 152-room Aloft hotel near Mt. Vernon Triangle that incorporates the historic facade of the former Union Provision and Distribution Company, built in 1946. The hotel aims to include a restored deli on the ground level to honor that history, as well as a rooftop deck.

• Marriott Tribute Portfolio Chinatown (Late 2028)

Located in the heart of historic Chinatown, one block from Capital One Arena and the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station, a 90-key boutique hotel is in the final planning stage. Renderings show the preservation of seven existing row homes with construction of a nine-story rear addition.