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Though a first-class boutique hotel would fit in well just about anywhere, it’s a pleasant surprise to see one like Donovan House opening in the District of Columbia. This is a town with a slightly staid reputation — but openings like this one show it’s an image that’s much in need of some revision.
And while the Donovan House’s look is as cosmopolitan as they come, it’s not simply a matter of importing some international boutique style to the District of Columbia — it’s steeped in local color as well. The hotel’s got an air of Sputnik-era cold-war cool about it, starting with the hanging chairs and modernist wingbacks in the lobby lounge.
The shiny and swanky public spaces are mid-century chic, and the rooms are half hideaway, half party pad. They come complete with Dean & DeLuca snacks in the minibar and Bigelow bath products in the nautilus-shell spiral shower. Most unexpected of all is perhaps the rooftop pool with accompanying bar, a far more enjoyable place to do a deal than the traditional DC back-room — and Zentan brings Susur Lee's particular brand of Asian fusion (and a bit of sushi) to the nation's capital.
- 193 Rooms
- Style: Cutting-Edge
- Atmosphere: Happening
- 292 Guest Reviews
- Donovan House
- 1155 14th Street N.W.
- Washington, DC, USA
Other Washington D.C. hotels
292 Guest Reviews
All reviews are from Tablet guests with verified stays.
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- Ebonee
- Stayed July 2011
- Rating: Good
What I liked:
Staff was pleasant , atmosphere great and Rooftop Lounge very fun and beautiful. Nice hotel to have a romantic getaway
What the hotel could do better:
My room was not ready at the promised time. The hotel staff were very pleasant and waiting in the lobby was very relaxing (loved the atmosphere).
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- Sadia
- Stayed July 2011
- Rating: Poor
What I liked:
The location. There is free wi-fi in the lobby.
What the hotel could do better:
Expecting a Thompson hotel, I was thoroughly disappointed. If you are staying here in the summer, expect to work up a sweat while you wait to get checked in. Additionally, don't be surprised if an elevator is down. This was exactly the case when I attempted to check in yesterday afternoon. After waiting in a check in line and a long elevator line, I finally made it up to my room. Turns out my room key wasn't properly activated. I waited for about 15 minutes to catch the elevator down to the lobby. The front desk attendant did not apologize for the mistake. Again, I waited for about 10 min to catch the elevator back up to my room. Keep in mind they have a club/lounge on the roof top and normally its patrons use a separate elevator, but last night it was a free for all. I got back up to my room and the key worked. I walked in to see that there was already luggage in my room. Turns out someone else was staying there. Again, I waited for the elevator and came down to the front desk. The front desk attendant seemed confused when I told him what had happened. There was another lady working at the front desk who helped me. Turns out, I was sent to the wrong room. TWICE. The woman who helped us this time did in fact, apologize. My husband, I and our luggage finally made it up to our room a good hour after walking in to the donovan. Once we got to the room, the disappointment continued. I read a review that said if you like IKEA furniture, you will like the Donovan. Thats exactly how I felt in my room. Also, the bathroom was rusting in certain corners. The lighting is terrible.
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- Anand
- Stayed July 2011
- Rating: Good
What I liked:
Exceptional in all regards
What the hotel could do better:
Nothing, had a wonderful stay!
