Kimpton Donovan Hotel: Central Washington DC Luxury

Good room amenities

With 193 rooms and suites to welcome you, there are plenty of excellent options to consider before choosing your room. Full views of Thomas Circle can be had from most of the rooms and suites. Be warned that with street views comes a bit of road noise. For quieter rooms choose a location in the rear of the building and forfeit the view for peace and quiet. The friendly and efficient staff are happy to help suggest the perfect room for you. Most of the rooms and suites are pet-friendly, but the hotel does reserve several rooms for guests who are allergic or prefer pet-free accomodations.

All rooms come with robes, minibar, safe, yoga mats, sitting area, and upscale Frette linens. Bathrooms either have a shower, bathtub, or both depending on your room choice. Some showers feature a cocoon design to wrap you in a water world of your own, while others have a rain shower head in the ceiling. Toiletries in the showers are in large-sized bottles, a nod to protecting the environment. Kimpton’s signature Atelier Bloem Mandarin Citrus body wash will engulf you in a citrus aura that lingers with a pleasing scent.

So dog friendly

Kimpton hotels are my favorite for bringing my dog along. Kimpton welcomes any pet that can fit through the door. Unlike the Westin Hotel just a half block away that charges 50 USD and limits dogs 40 pounds or less, the Kimpton doesn’t charge for pets or limit size. Maggie at the front desk showed me a photo of two mastiffs that have been past canine guests. At well over 100 pounds each, these two dogs must have turned heads while staying with their humans. Kimpton also lends traveling dogs a bed, bowls, and gifts them treats too!

The front desk has a list of pet-friendly restaurants in the area and a dog park. With Thomas Circle just out front of the Donovan Hotel, walks with Fido couldn’t be easier. And if you don’t want to walk your dog, try Wag! for dog-walkers when you need a break. I had never heard of Wag!, but the front desk told me several of their guests have used Wag! and were happy with the service. After trying this dog-walking service my dog and I agree Wag! is a good choice.

From the moment we entered the Kimpton Donovan Hotel, until our departure we felt like valued guests. I saw several of the staff go out of their way to make sure each guest had everything they needed for a perfect stay. I believe you’ll find the same polished service and comfort when you choose this Thomas Circle gem.

On top of DC

In the warm months, guests love the rooftop pool and bar. Enjoy a dip in their top-of-the-world pool then order up your favorite summer drink and take it easy. The pool deck has excellent views of Thomas Circle. Consider renting a poolside cabana and close the curtains for your own private party. The pool closes in the evenings, and opens as a rooftop bar until late at night for both hotel guests and locals.

For a workout, try the fitness room on the second floor where the meeting spaces are located. Jog along on a treadmill, pedal a recumbent bike, work up a sweat on the elliptical trainers, or heft free weights in this small, but efficient fitness room.

Where to eat

During my stay, the restaurant was only open for breakfast or room service. A new dining option will replace the former restaurant Zentan sometime in 2019. Not to worry in this day and age of restaurant delivery services. Choose from many types of cuisine and have Uber Eats or similar companies deliver your meal to the Donovan. Several of my favorite restaurants within walking distance of the Donovan Hotel are worth looking into. The Tabard Inn has been around for over 40 years and serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. The Tabard Inn has a lovely outdoor courtyard for a memorable dinner under the stars.

My favorite bakery in DC is Paul, a French bakery and café. Try breakfast or lunch at Paul and be sure and try their croissants, pastries, or quiche for breakfast. At lunchtime, grab a sandwich from Paul and enjoy eating outdoors at Franklin Square Park just across the street.

For one of the best fine dining restaurants in all of Washington DC try Plume. Located in the Jefferson Hotel just a ten-minute walk from the Donovan Hotel, find a one-star Michelin-rated restaurant at your service. With a world-class wine list, including rare Madeira wines, you’re sure to be spoiled. When your meal is over, take a refreshing walk back to the Donovan Hotel where you probably saved enough on your lodging to afford this special meal at Plume. Rates at the Donovan are quite reasonable during the December holidays and again in August. During our recent stay, I noticed a room for just 155 USD plus tax. Rates this low are unusual and you should book this deal if it fits your travel dates. If you’re driving to DC, parking will cost 49 USD plus tax to park at the Donovan. This is a typical rate for downtown Washington DC.