It's no secret that DC is not known for boutique hotels bursting with quirky character, so the Hotel Tabard Inn stands out as quite an exception. As one of the city's oldest and most eclectically-styled hotels, it's become a preferred landing spot for out-of-towners looking for a relaxing, unpretentious, and slightly eccentric stay in Washington. It's also famed for its to-die-for lazy Sunday brunch and Sunday evening jazz which attract a steady stream of local regulars. However, the unexpected interiors of three joined Victorian townhouses comprising the hotel are a treat in and of themselves...
The charm of the Tabard Inn lies in its historic nature and eclectic mix. Designer, Irene Mayer, ensured that no two rooms looked the same by pairing traditional antiques with bold color choices and flea market finds for a look that's both homey and slightly bizarre. It's a perfect place to glean style tips for how to incorporate old estate sale pieces into an upbeat, unfussy setting.
In keeping with the historic charm, there are no TVs in the rooms, no elevators, and many rooms have B&B style shared baths. However the relatively low prices ($113-193), excellent location (between Dupont Circle and Farragut North), and comfortable rooms make it an enduring DC favorite. It's the perfect place to cozy up with a novel.
Also of note is it's green roof, constructed in 2007, and used for growing most of the herbs seasoning the restaurant's daily dishes.
For reservations and more information about the Tabard Inn, visit their website.
(Images: The Tabard Inn, Southern Living)
Also, their restaurant is wonderful!
view YoJess's profile
Brunch at the Tabard is an old standby for me. The food, service, and atmosphere are all fantastic and the prices are relatively on par with other places in the area.
Also worth checking out as far as eclectic, boutique-y hotels in the area is the O Street Mansion: http://www.omansion.com/. If you can't afford the (rather steep) room rates, there are frequent opportunities to explore the nooks and crannies. My personal favorite is the annual "yard sale", which sprawls through the guest rooms for the second half of August. There are some great finds in there, especially if you have a bit of patience and imagination.
view ramblingirl's profile
i used to live in dc and i loved the restaurant. this post made me nostalgic.
view jerseyfresh's profile
Not so crazy about the interiors, but that outdoor grotto/cafe space is amazing! It looks like a secret garden. I would live there if they'd let me.
view kellylc's profile
I'll be sure to try their brunch sometime very soon. But for the rooms, one word, three syllables: hideous.
view orchidday's profile
I've stayed at the Tabard many times--including the penthouse, which was a very affordable way for our small group to host a meeting and put three of us up--it's pretty large. I will take the Tabard's brand of hideous--and their reasonable prices-over chain hotels any day. Another big plus for me--the windows actually open. And the included breakfast is quite nice.
view kea's profile
Try a stay at the Akwaaba Mansion in DC as well.
http://www.akwaaba.com
view GetTogetha's profile
Don't sell DC short on the botique hotels, sure it's not New York, but we are getting our own W next to the white house (open tomorrow) and there's Hotel Madera (with firefly restaurant / lounge) and Hotel George...
view here2help's profile
here2help - agree
view Pixie's profile
Even tho I live nearby, I haven't been, but I think some of you who are praising the restaurant are trying to keep a secret! Like the inn's own freshly fried donuts? (A co-worker raves about them...)
The rooms are quite interesting--it's probably very nice to come back to your home-away-from-home when it's not cookie-cutter.
view pammyfay's profile
here2help and Pixie-- thanks for your comments and enthusiasm for DC.
To clarify, I did not intend to say that DC had no other boutique or unique hotels. Thankfully we have quite a few beautiful, elegant, and inspiring places to stay.
When it comes to quirky hotels though, there are only a few, the Tabard being one of them. I would argue that places like the Hotel George, while extremely well done, are hardly quirky, eclectic, etc. Nearly all of the rooms are furnished identically, from the beds down to the artwork.
In the Tabard, on the other hand, every room, bathroom, hallway has its own unique character, which is what I meant to convey through this post.
Thanks!
Leah Moss
view LeahDC's profile