Happy new year!! The holidays seemed to fly by especially fast this year because we were constantly on the go — traveling to Maine for Christmas, returning to ring in the new year with a sweet night at home, and then skipping off to Washington D.C. on New Years Day for a friend's wedding on Saturday night. Dan and I rode Amtrak down to D.C. (my first Amtrak train ride ever.) It was so much easier and more enjoyable than flying. I'm definitely thinking of using the train more for short trips. I wanted to share the place where we stayed, because it was adorable! I'm so happy that I stumbled on the Tabard Inn through a Google search, as it was the perfect, comfortable inn for our stay in Washington D.C.
The Tabard Inn is in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of D.C., right in the hub of the city, yet the inn sits on a quiet street. I liked that we could walk to restaurants and shops in the little bit of time we had to explore. There are 40 rooms in the inn, and the building is a Classic-Revival rowhouse. I knew the inn was a fit when I read the description: unassuming, eclectic style. This inn oozes charm. These are some photos from our purple room (with a pea green painted ceiling!).
I loved staying in a room with vintage furniture rather than the cookie-cutter furniture found in hotels. There's a mix of modern amenities (WiFi in all the rooms) paired with classic details that feel special. Our room key was not the magnetized kind, but a real key attached to a wood key fob carved with our room number. I also appreciated that there was no television — what a nice break from being plugged in all the time. Quirky framed art fills the walls everywhere in the inn, which only adds to the cozy, intimate vibe.
Just look at this Moroccan-style tray table! I wanted to take it home with me. My favorite part of our room was actually the bathroom: the claw foot tub, the big space, the pretty fixtures, and even the little black stool won my heart.
We ate breakfast both days at the Tabard Inn's restaurant, which also exceeded expectations (the continental breakfast includes homemade granola and yogurt which was so good.) I actually noticed on the wall that Alice Waters has made an appearance at the restaurant, which focuses on fresh, seasonal food. We were hoping to have dinner there on Friday, but it was closed for the holiday. I was disappointed because I saw their restaurant serves oysters (they're actually connected to an oyster farm.) Dan was so sweet to find a perfect alternative place to eat: Hank's Oyster Bar. I have a mild obsession with oysters, so that was a real treat. And if you're in the area and looking for a gourmet brunch, our friends Ali and Mike took us to this nearby restaurant that was fantastic! I highly recommend the baked eggs. (Thanks for an incredible brunch, Ali!)
The Tabard Inn is part of the urban green roof movement, which is another feel-good feature. We could peek at the herb garden green roofs from our window. I hope these green roofs become the norm in cities, because they make so much sense. Thanks to the Tabard Inn for a most lovely stay!
{last image via hotel tabard inn}
