Morrison-Clark Historic Inn & Restaurant

Harmony comes to mind upon entering this sparkling historic boutique inn surrounded by blooming trees and shrubs in the heart of DC. Originally occupying two townhouses dating from 1864, it emerged from a $14 million expansion in 2013 (which incorporated a Chinese church) as an eclectic combo that beautifully interweaves Victorian traditional with Asian modernism. That is, gleaming Italian marble floors and wrought-iron ceiling medallions coexist with a Chinese Chippendale porch and Shanghai roof. Interesting. And beautiful.

room

You have your choice of contemporary or Victorian style. Either way, each room features warm, rich colors, armoires, and desks, Frette linens, and some have marble fireplaces and private balconies.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The courtyard rooms tend to be noisier than the interior rooms.

bathroom

The bathroom sizes are a little hit-or-miss, due to the hotel’s historic layout. You'll feel pampered with the bathrobes and Bath and Body Works amenities.

lobby

The two-story lobby occupies the sanctuary of a former Chinese church, one of the buildings incorporated into the hotel’s design. It gleams with warm woods and lustrous furniture, and red-tasseled chandeliers add punches of color. Ceramic kimonos by a local artist hang from behind the reception desk.

spa

In-room spa treatments include massage, manicures, and pedicures.

gym

The small fitness center suffices in a pinch.

dining

The Morrison-Clark Inn Restaurant has won awards for its contemporary American cuisine with regional accents in an elegant setting: Italian marble fireplaces, gilded mirrors and floor-to-ceiling windows.

The courtyard and veranda porch are the places you want to be when the weather is fine.

drinking

The cozy Lobby Bar & Lounge offers craft cocktails, exceptional wines, and creative small bites.