Hotel Reviews

Hotel Review: Moxy Hotel D.C.

Courtesy of The Moxy

Courtesy of The Moxy

Nestled in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C. is the Moxy Hotel, with its hot pink neon sign front and center. Upon entering you’re met with fun and modern décor, like amazing art murals dedicated to our nation’s capital, games galore, novelty signs, Monopoly money on the wall and Trigger, the white carousel horse. The check-in desk is attached to the bar where you’ll receive a welcome cocktail, which is perfect for us here at WDFT.

My stay at the Moxy included some fun activities that will most likely be available at different points in the year. A cocktail class with local woman-owned distillery, Republic Restoratives, set our evening off with Civic vodka and Rodham rye as our bases. I felt like a real bartender, ready to serve the masses the ‘Diamondback’ and the ‘Layover’ that I learned to make like the pros. I appreciated that the Moxy is collaborating with local businesses. Not only does it introduce newcomers to their goods, but it also reminds residents to visit and enjoy what’s nearby.

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Later in the night, we were given the chance to get read. You read that right. The Moxy invited a lipstick reader, who appeared on Dr. Oz, and a tarot card reader to give guests a rundown on who they are and what’s going on in their lives. It’s one of the more unique offerings I’ve ever seen in a hotel lobby, and left a guest or two shaken, but it was super fun and insightful. In true Moxy fashion, we played games the rest of the night, and I took my turn on Trigger the Horse, who I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of on social media, as more folks become hip to the hotel’s location. Apparently, a certain reality show celeb (*cough* HazelE *cough*) took advantage of the horse in more ways than one.

The next morning, I woke up to a mimosa at my door...at 8 a.m. I’m not sure I’ve ever had a drink that early in the morning, but it’s apparent that the folks at the Moxy want you to live your best life. The rooms also inspire you to never want to leave, with a modern vintage vibe and expansive view of downtown D.C. My favorite part was the bathroom mirror that reminded me ‘I woke up like this,’ which was fabulous of course.

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After our morning cocktail, we were also treated to a yoga class on the rooftop, overlooking D.C., the sun shining on our hungover faces. The retractable rooftop is going to make an amazing space for happy hours, work events, weddings, bar mitzvahs, you name it. There are only a handful of rooftops like this in D.C. so this summer at the Moxy is sure to be a busy one.

Breakfast at the Moxy is also an event. The menu features an assortment of bagels, a yummy breakfast naan, artisan coffees, and breakfast cocktails like the ‘Cold Brew Old Fashioned.’ You’re also welcome to enjoy the “Grab & Go” food center 24/7 whenever you get peckish, which can eliminate being forced to order room service. The staff will also suggest eateries nearby, if you’re looking for a heartier meal. Our group dined at Sfoglina, a Fabio Trabocchi restaurant, specializing in pasta and Italian cuisine.

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All in all, if you’re looking for a comfortable, unique, and fun-filled stay, the Moxy is the place for you. The staff do a great job of making sure you’re enjoying every moment of your stay, even though the décor, games, and Trigger will be sure to remind you in case you forget. Even if you’re not looking to sleepover, you can still enjoy the games, and the bar, which features a daily happy hour from 4-7 pm and includes snacks like truffle fries, a 12” hot dog, and naan flatbreads. My favorite cocktail is the ‘Shiso Pretty,’ made up of Bulleit rye and yuzu syrup. So good!

Moxy hotel is located at 1011 K St, NW, DC 20001. For more information on the hotel, click here! Check out more pics from my stay below.

-Nyasha Chikowore

Hotel Review: Kimpton Hotel Palomar Washington D.C.

Conveniently located in Dupont Circle, Kimpton Hotel Palomar Washington D.C. (2121 P St NW, 20037) is a gem in the heart of Washington, D.C. I stayed at Hotel Palomar for 'Galentine's Day' weekend festivities with my friend Sydnee, and we loved every moment of our visit. Of course there are pros and cons to everything (mostly pros in this case), so let me break it down for you.

PROS

Location

Dupont Circle is one of D.C.'s liveliest neighborhoods. Not only is it where Embassy Row is located, but if you're a history buff you can tour former president Woodrow Wilson's home, or people watch at the Dupont Circle fountain, shop along Connecticut Avenue or enjoy one of the many trendy restaurants in the area. It's the perfect home base to enjoy much of what D.C. has to offer.

Source: washington.org

Source: washington.org

Room Design and Size

I fell in love as soon as we walked in. Our room was huge! It was also bright, airy and stylishly decorated with a preppy yet modern feel. And because we were coming for 'Galentine's Day' weekend, Hotel Palomar made it special and laid out a few welcome gifts for us. (This is what I love about Kimpton properties but more on that later.)

Source: hotelpalomar-dc.com

Source: hotelpalomar-dc.com

Onsite Restaurant

Adjacent to the lobby, Urbana is a chic Italian restaurant located directly in the hotel. I ate there for dinner and brunch the next day and neither meal disappointed. We tried two kinds of pizza for dinner as well as the agnolotti pasta, flatbreads, and salmon salad for brunch. Everything was delicious and perfectly prepared.

But the real star of the show? Urbana's bottomless Bellini and Bloody Mary Bar. Unlimited champagne with your choice of peach, grapefruit, orange or blood orange juices. Does brunch get any better than that?! Urbana also hosts a daily happy hour where they serve $1 oysters. Needless to say, Urbana is one of my new favorite Dupont Circle gems.

Pro-Tip: Order the agnolotti or carbonara bucatini if you want to taste heaven in your mouth. They make their pasta in-house. Ah! Also try the bellini with peach juice. Trust me.

Source: hotelpalomar-dc.com

Source: hotelpalomar-dc.com

Pool

Not many hotels in D.C. have pools so when one does, it truly feels like an oasis in the city.

Source: hotelpalomar-dc.com

Source: hotelpalomar-dc.com

All the Little Extras

I love Kimpton properties because it feels like they've thought of everything. At Hotel Palomar, there is tea and coffee in the lobby for breakfast, hot chocolate and apple cider in the afternoon and wine hour from 5 - 6 pm. They also have bicycles available for free rental so guests can explore the city.

But the icing on the Kimpton cake is 24-hour room service! Nothing says love like coming in from a late night of partying and having food available at your disposal. I truly feel like Kimpton does their best to make guests feel at home as much as possible.

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CONS

I hate to have a con on this otherwise glowing review. But my only qualm with the hotel is that parking is $49 for an overnight stay. This is around the average rate for all hotels in downtown D.C. so unfortunately, it's a necessary evil. But the valet was super accommodating and carried all of our bags without hesitation. Top notch service indeed.

Overall Rating: 5.5 out of 5 Cocktails

I'm giving Kimpton Hotel Palomar Washington D.C. an extra .5 because I just love Kimpton properties and Hotel Palomar is no different. I always feel at home, the customer service is always on point and I always know what I'm going to get...comfortable luxury. See more pictures from my awesome stay below!

You know we keep it real. While this post was sponsored by the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Washington D.C, all opinions are absolutely my own.