It isn’t often that I’d get excited about the idea of staying the night around the corner from a former place of work, but that was the situation I found myself in with the Jefferson Hotel. Besides its iconic location just four blocks north of the White House, it's also located across the street from the headquarters of National Geographic, where I worked post-college.
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BOOK WITH US FOR PERKS
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily Full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant and via in-room dining
- $100 USD Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Bookings in our Executive or higher Suite categories will also receive complimentary roundtrip private airport transfers
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
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The location hints at just what kind of hotel The Jefferson is—steeped in DC history, and the kind of place where one can expect to rub elbows with politicians, journalists, and diplomats. This line of thinking becomes ever more evident approaching the Beaux-Arts building the hotel is housed within, dating back to 1932, surrounded by immaculately manicured petite flower beds and a cobblestoned entry drive.
Walk through the doors and you’re instantly met by the soaring atrium of the Greenhouse, the hotel’s luxe on-property restaurant, which is separated from the entrance by a walkway of checkered black and white marble. The Greenhouse is also where breakfast is served, a la carte, unless you feel like enjoying it in your room (we wouldn’t blame you—who doesn’t love a room service breakfast?)
With just 99 rooms and suites, the vibe at the Jefferson is discreet and refined, with Federalist style design nods to our third president, from toile elements to archival documents, oil paintings, and replica artifacts peppered throughout the property, as well as a resident’s library. The palette definitely leans crisp and traditional, with tons of dark wood tones, creamy neutrals, and demure pops of olive green, blue, and rust.
Don’t miss a martini at Quill, the hotel’s surprisingly bumping bar (I remember when NG used to host happy hours here), where wood paneling and live piano set the scene for power players and literary types alike. Well-crafted cocktails and a curated menu of refined contemporary American cuisine make Quill a choice spot for anything from happy hour to a full dinner, especially if you aren’t feeling fancy enough that evening for a meal at the Greenhouse.
Service at the Jefferson is equal parts polished and warm—a tough balance to strike. The team accommodated both an early check-in and late check-out for me with a smile, and were able to provide my partner with a private space to take a video meeting before we could get into our room. In fact, that space was one of their unique cabinet rooms, petite, stylish spaces with seating and a large flat screen television, which guests can reserve at no charge. Fun fact: you can experience full food and beverage service from Quill in any cabinet room—a perfect option for watching the game with friends in style.
Top Takeaways
Location: Washington, DC
Rating: 5-Star
The vibe: Intimate luxury with historic flair, blocks from the White House.
Our favorite thing about the hotel: Spending time at the Jefferson feels almost like being at a bed and breakfast, thanks to its historic details and communal spaces, but the level of service is distinctly five-star.
Food + Drink: The hotel’s fine dining restaurant, The Greenhouse, is one of the city’s most romantic, with an award-winning wine list and seasonal tasting menus. For something more relaxed, Quill serves craft cocktails and contemporary American fare.
Amenities: On-Site Dining, 24-hour Fitness Center, 24-hour Room Service, Valet Parking, Library, Pet-Friendly Rooms, Cabinet Room Rental.
What’s nearby? The White House, National Geographic Museum (closed for renovations right now), and Logan Circle’s vibrant dining scene.
Any personal neighborhood recommendations? Stroll past the White House (casual), on your way over to the National Mall, where you can find the iconic Smithsonian collection of museums as well as the Washington and Jefferson monuments.
Rooms: 99 guest rooms, including 20 suites.
Pricing: Rates fluctuate depending on season and availability, around $700 per night.
Closest Airport: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
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