What it is

Tucked in an 1891 Romanesque revival bank, with 181 glamorous rooms and a truly cinematic brasserie and subterranean cocktail bar in the former vault.

What it isn't

Boring. Staffers at Riggs have put together topnotch events for guests, whether you want to indulge in Martini Mondays (psst: you do) or a brunch with roaming champagne carts.

What we think

Proof that Riggs has style: their suites were inspired by former First Ladies, with elegance to match. Our favorite? The Caroline Harrison, named for the porcelain-obsessed wife of 23rd U.S. President Benjamin Harrison, which is now adorned with locally sourced vintage Wedgewood, a sculptural soaking tub in the carrara marble-lined bathroom, and a mini bar hidden within what looks like a safety deposit box. Looking for something a bit more “standard issue”? You won’t find it. All guest rooms here are stylish; even the Classic Rooms are fitted with custom wallpapers, channel tufted floral headboards, and warm oak wood flooring within their 250 square foot floor plans.

You're here because

You love a hotel with history and peerless service; here, amenities include doting concierges, loaner bikes, valet parking, and in-room dining perfect for late nights in mulling your next political campaign.

The Moment

From your chartreuse velvet perch at Café Riggs, the hotel’s thronged brasserie, you could swear you were in Paris itself…or maybe that’s the note-perfect croissants and bottomless champagne cart talking.

Restaurants & Bars

Café Riggs - Serving an all-day menu from the bar, dining room and café, patrons are welcomed into the airy setting to enjoy a casual drink or celebratory meal against the backdrop of the space’s ornate ceiling and original Corinthian columns

Silver Lyan - Step into the inviting underground world created by bar visionary Ryan Chetiyawardana (“Mr Lyan”) in Riggs Washington DC’s historic bank vault, where each drink pays homage to the spices, flavors and traditions that make up America’s diverse cultural heritage

Location

Flanking Washington, D.C.’s Penn Quarter, just a block from the National Portrait Gallery and next door to the 1863 Ford’s Theatre—yes, that Ford’s Theatre.