lifestyles | hotel watch
Art Deco Destination
P h oto s co u rt e sy o f T h e C a r ly l e . F r o m l e f t: O r i g i n a l a rt by M i c h e l l e O k a D o n e r h a n g s i n t h e lo bby a nd ev e ry g ue st r o o m , E n t ra n c e to T h e Ri g g s by by C h e f M i c h a e l Sc h low , “ Fu l l T i m e P l e a s u re ” by R o be rt M ars
The newly renovated Carlyle Hotel offers style, convenience and outstanding food just off Dupont Circle. BY Erica Moody
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efore Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants came up with its brand of luxurious, livable hotels in 1981, nobody had heard of a “boutique” hotel. But now this innovative hospitality company has more than 60 properties in over 30 cities, and eight in Washington alone, with plans for a ninth (the much anticipated Glover Park Hotel) to open in June. With each hotel uniquely customized, the Carlyle Hotel in Dupont Circle has become known for its Art Deco style and recently, for its new restaurant,The Riggsby, where you can spot business deals taking place over power breakfasts and both guests and locals stopping by to try chef Michael Schlow’s delectable burgers with bacon onion jam, deviled eggs served with Calibrian chiles and a selection of organic and sustainable wines. Both the hotel and restaurant
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| m ay
2016
| washingtonlife.com
have become popular spots for diplomats to enjoy the charm of the Embassy Row neighborhood, and for young leisure travelers who no doubt enjoy the daily “wine o’clock” hour from 5 to 6 p.m., complimentary bicycles to explore the city and the partnership with Fresh Farm Markets to get guests out shopping for local produce on Sunday mornings. After affiliating with Kimpton last year, Foxhall Partners’ Brian Friedman quickly brought his art world expertise and connections to the renovation efforts; the avid collector’s aunt happens to be acclaimed artist Michele Oka Doner, whose public art lines the walls of New York’s Herald Square Subway Station and Miami International Airport.“Doner has focused her work on the natural beauty blended around the Art Deco history of the building,” Friedman
says, adding that “the current pieces, on display through the summer, combine elements of Pop Art, iconic American figures from history and bold colors and shapes.” The Carlyle also partnered with DTR Gallery in Georgetown to source much of its art from local artists. Even when it’s not “wine o’clock,” visitors are encouraged to gather in the lobby and adjacent living room to view the curated rotating gallery (including four permanent works by Doner), settle down on the comfortable sofas and mingle with guests enjoying the atmosphere under warm, urban lighting - the classic Kimpton experience. Rooms start at $229 per night. Visit carlylehoteldc. com or call (202) 234-2000 for details.
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