With my refreshingly chill pomegranate mojito in hand, I make my way back to my high top table at the far end of this rooftop lounge. This panoramic view is a sight to behold. I see the Key Bride directly in front of me, running straightly across the Potomac River, whose waters now reflect the soft, orange-and-pink-toned hues of the impending overhead sunset. To the left of the river lies Rosslyn, an urbanized metropolis of skyscrapers and directly in contrast to the historic buildings and quaint row houses in Washington, D.C. on my right.
It’s the end of a long summer’s workweek, and in the American capital, there’s no better place to celebrate the start of the weekend than on a rooftop serving libations and snacks. When the weather gets chillier, I retreat indoors to feast on Michelin-starred meals while turning my focus to handcrafted cocktails from subterranean speakeasies, intimate, mid-century-themed bars or from my very own in-room mixologist.
In the burgeoning district, where history seamlessly melts in with contemporary design and development, you don’t have to go too far to experience something memorable. Even if your trip to the seat of American history focuses on the National Mall and its monuments, planning your stay at one of these eight coolest hotels in Washington, D.C. will leave you with memories you soon won’t forget.