Washington's DuPont Circle is close to many historic sites in the nation's capital, which makes the few dozen hotels in the area attractive places to stay. DuPont Circle, which was designed and built in 1871, was a lively and affluent neighborhood by 1880. Though it started as the Pacific Circle, it later was named for Rear Adm. Samuel Francis DuPont, whose bronze statue was erected in 1884. A fountain replaced it in 1921.
The Churchill Hotel on Connecticut Avenue in the DuPont Circle area was built in 1906 while the bronze statue of DuPont still stood, and the hotel recently was restored. The hotel has earned membership in Historic Hotels of America by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The rooms have all the modern conveniences of modern hotels and stylishness of a historic landmark. The hotel has premier king, junior hotel and deluxe king suites. The premier king rooms feature a classic design, with cozy sitting rooms and a writing desk. The junior suites were designed for business travelers, with a private study area. Some hotel guests, however, were troubled by the valet parking expense and the distance to the Metro (10 minutes).
The hotel's Chartwell Grill and Lounge serves what the hotel calls "Continental-inspired cuisine" in an elegant dining room, where private dining also is available. Room service is a call away around the clock. The bar at the hotel and its staff receive favorable reviews from guests for the ambiance of the lounge and the courtesy of the staff.
The Churchill Hotel
1914 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-797-2000
thechurchillhotel.com
The Embassy Suites Washington D.C. in the DuPont Circle area boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center that is open 24 hours a day. The fitness center has cardio equipment and strength and flexibility equipment. It also has a business center.
Choices in accommodations include presidential suites, boardroom suites and corner suites, as well as two-room suites with one and two beds with a choice of smoking and non-smoking rooms. Rooms are fully equipped with modern conveniences.
Most guests were pleased with the hotel's location, close to the Metro and central to many popular tourist attractions.
Embassy Suites Washington D.C.
1250 22nd St. NW
Washington, DC 20037
202-857-3388
embassysuites.hilton.com
Marriott Hotel Washington D.C.'s premier feature is its restaurant, The Atrium, which serves American fare in what the hotel calls an "eclectic and contemporary" environment. The nine-story hotel has 462 rooms and eight suites, all smoke-free, and 18 meeting rooms.
A full-service business center with a notary public and overnight pickup and delivery make this hotel ideal for business trips. Daily housekeeping, on-site laundry and valet dry-cleaning add to the conveniences.
About 90 percent of guests enjoyed their stay at this hotel, with many being pleased about the proximity to shopping and restaurants.
Marriott Hotel Washington
1221 22nd St. NW
Washington, DC 20037
202-872-1500
marriott.com
