The Vibe: Contemporary grandeur.

The Area: In Washington DC’s diverse Penn Quarter.

The DNA: Located in what was once home to Riggs National Bank, the stately building’s grandeur and august spirit have been preserved and original features restored, including Riggs’s imposing barrel-vaulted lobby; historic Corinthian columns; expansive, lushly ornate ceilings; and classically inspired stonework. Inspired by the great brasseries of Europe, Café Riggs serves modern fare in a bright dining room filled with custom furniture pieces, artworks, and mirrors. Down on the lower level, Ryan Chetiyawardana (a.k.a. Mr Lyan) and his team offer their disruptive cocktail concept at Silver Lyan, debuting a groundbreaking blend of classical and kitsch cocktails on American shores; a destination spot for locals as much as travellers, and a welcome addition to DC‘s increasingly impressive hospitality scene.

Suite-Me-Up: Drawing on the bank narrative, in-room amenities at Riggs Washington DC include a minibar and safe hidden within a design aesthetic that mirrors a traditional steel safe, whilst the suites—including the two-bedroom Riggs Suite within the original bank boardroom—the eccentricities of former First Ladies are honoured in a nod to the luxury hotel’s location; that includes the extensive porcelain collection of Benjamin Harrison’s wife, Caroline Harrison, and the passion that Louisa Adams—the wife of sixth POTUS, John Quincy Adams—had for music.

Seen: Architonic, Sleeper Magazine, WeHeart

Accolades: Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2020, Historic Hotels of America

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 181 rooms & suites (23-67m2) (248-721 sq ft) • hotel opened: 2020 (originally Courtyard by Marriott, 1999) • architecture: Perkins Eastman • interior design: Jacu Strauss • bathroom amenities: D.S. & Durga • public parking possible nearby (charged) • pets allowed • 24-hour front desk • wheelchair accessible