The Dupont Circle

1500 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20036, USA
Fodor's Choice
Ashton Bingham | Unsplash

Why We Like It

Location, location, location is the No. 1 perk of the Dupont Circle hotel, in the heart of the buzzing Dupont Circle neighborhood. Especially for those of us who enjoy DC’s nightlife, which is alive and well in the surrounding streets. It's also a great perch from which to explore nearby indie shops, cafés (including the nearby local favorite, Kramer Books & Afterwords Café), and galleries. And there’s nothing better than lounging on the Bar Dupont’s terrace and sipping a cocktail while watching Dupont Circle goings-on.

Fodor's Expert Review

The Dupont Circle neighborhood is beloved for its mix of bohemian and trendy restaurants and bars about a mile north of the National Mall, and the Dupont Hotel sits right in the middle of it all. In fact, it’s the only hotel actually on the fountain-graced circle. The hotel’s exterior is mid-century, the interior shining and contemporary from a relatively recent multimillion-dollar makeover that added a ninth floor with 15 lavish suites (including a bi-level Presidential Suite). What more would you expect with the elite Doyle Collection at the helm?

Tip Level Nine is really a hotel within a hotel. This is the hotel's exclusive floor offering individually decorated suites, hand picked artwork, floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors, a private elevator, a personal guest relations coordinator, and a shared lounge with food available throughout the day prepared by a sous-chef.

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Room

Stylish with a dash of retro, the updated rooms feature earthy tones with an occasional pop of color, large leather-wrapped headboards, wooden shutters (which some guests complain let in too much light, hence the complimentary eyeshades), and gray-striped carpeting. Since this is a historic structure, rooms are on the small- to average size, though you’ll be comfy enough in the pillowtop beds, and amenities are decidedly 21st century. Some suites have glass balconies overlooking the city.

You Should Know Street noise from traffic and late-night revelers can be an issue; the higher floors are better for this reason.

Bathroom

The bathrooms are beautifully updated but small, and privacy and lack of counter space are issues for some (WCs are separated from the bedroom by a partially frosted glass door). The heated marble floors are a huge plus, as are the luxe amenities.

Lobby

The sleek, minimalist lobby aims to be trendy, with moody lighting, lots of stone and dark wood, and strategically placed flowers for accent color. A comfortable seating area off to the side has modish chairs and benches clustered around small tables, accented with a colorfully striped area rug. Though, honestly, in this historic structure, in this residential neighborhood, it all feels slightly off-target, a bit too showy for its bones.

Pool

There is no pool.

Spa

There is no spa.

Gym

The small, 24-hour fitness center is in the basement, offering cardio and cable-weight machines.

Dining

The brasserie-style Café Dupont serves up Franco-American cuisine prepared from fresh local ingredients, with a southern twist. Weekend brunch is popular.

Drinking

The swank Bar Dupont fills up with the after-work crowd sipping handcrafted cocktails and settling into the chic leather chairs; the outdoor terrace is the place to be on a warm day or night.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

The Hotel Dupont is conveniently located in the popular Dupont Circle neighborhood. The nearest Metro stop is Dupont Circle, an easy 3-minute walk away.

Restaurants

Check the blackboard of Hank’s Oyster Bar (6-minute walk) to choose from at least five different kinds of fresh oysters, all of which can be fried, raw or broiled with butter and hot sauce; New England seafood, including lobster rolls, along with southern-style specialties are also available at this lively fish restaurant. Chef/owner Michael Schlow runs the intimate Riggsby (6-minute walk), known for American retro fare with a touch of the Old World: deviled eggs, ribeye au poivre, Ned’s most favorite pork chop.

Bars

For walls and walls of whiskey and bourbon (and five different tasting rooms), Jack Rose Dining Saloon (11-minute walk) is making waves on the national scene with a stunning array of whiskeys. Dirty Martini (5-minute walk) is chic and low-key with signature cocktails—and, of course, martinis, prepared in eight different styles.

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 202-483–6000;800-423–6953