When tourists visit D.C., they typically opt for a chain hotel near the White House, the National Mall, and the museums—and there's nothing wrong with that. But as for you, you're not typical. You want to stay somewhere with some history, a dose of panache and a cool neighborhood. That's where The Line Hotel D.C. comes in.
Located in D.C.'s hip Adams Morgan neighborhood, this century-old church-turned-hotel features 60-foot vaulted ceilings, ornate millwork, and brass detailing. The guest rooms offer a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. For me, it was the perfect place to feel like I was living like a local. I could easily visit my friends in Cleveland Park but also enjoyed an easy walk to the monuments. Plus, I got to experience all the exciting nightlife in Adams Morgan.
Upon arrival, walking into the hotel's moody, darkened lobby felt like a relief after a hot day in the city. After a friendly welcome from the staff, I headed up to the room, a refreshingly vast space. A long entryway hall with room for purses, jackets, and shoes offered a perfect place to slough off outside layers before heading into the rest of the room. There was a seating area with a coffee table, a large desk, and a cozy king bed, all bathed in light thanks to the room's massive windows. But don't worry about the light disturbing your night's sleep; dark curtains will keep the sunshine at bay until you're ready to wake up.
The room's decor fused a contemporary, clean look with vintage flair. Think: Contemporary artwork alongside sepia-toned photos. Crisp white linens next to a herringbone-patterened wood floor. A giant flatscreen TV and an equally imposing writing desk with views of the neighborhood.
With its slate gray tile shower, large circular mirror and brass fixtures, the bathroom leaned more contemporary than vintage, which I appreciated. The only tweak I'd make would be to swap out the wood-topped vanity with a more modern and durable stone material. The wood has gotten warped with use, and though I tried to keep the vanity perfectly dry, it was impossible. I appreciated that the bathroom came stocked with luxe Cowshed products; their aromatic scents were a treat at the sink and the shower and helped me feel ready to take on the day.
One more thing: Sometimes hotel restaurants are an afterthought. But not at The LINE. The all-day cafe No Goodbyes draws upon the local farmers, fishers, and small-time ranchers in The Chesapeake Bay and Mid Atlantic Region to create an eclectic menu for morning, noon, and night.
No matter what you order, you must start with the house-made challah milk bread served with honey butter and chives. I tried and loved the sweet potato entree served with a beet puree, baby carrots, and preserved lemon—a delightful twist on the typical vegetarian main course. Plus, there's an excellent cocktail program from veteran D.C. bartender Lukas B. Smith to pair with your meal. The staff was incredibly accommodating when dealing with my party's food allergies, the mark of a truly caring and well-trained staff.
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Neighborhood
Adams Morgan is known as an vibrant neighborhood packed with a wide variety of different cuisines, plus cool shops, live music, beautiful street art, and cute cafes. While you could spend your entire visit in the neighborhood, its location makes it easy to get into the rest of city, too.
The hotel is located just under two miles from the White House, so you can walk into the heart of D.C. in about 40 minutes. It's situated between the Dupont Circle metro and Columbia Heights metro stations; several bus stops can be found within about a block from the hotel's front door.
Nearby
1. Smithsonian National Zoological Park: This iconic zoo is just a 10-minute bus ride from the hotel. It's free to visit, and you'll see more than 2,200 animals representing almost 400 different species.
2. Madam's Organ: With its popular catchphrase, "Where the beautiful people go to get ugly," this longtime spot offers live music seven nights a week.
3. Jack Rose Dining Saloon: Fancy a drink? Jack Rose delivers with the self-proclaimed "largest whisk(e)y collection in the Western hemisphere," featuring more than 2,700 differnet expressions.
Time Out tip
The hotel's calendar is packed with events, including happy hours, run clubs, and yoga sessions.