Morrison-Clark Hotel: Washington D.C. Historic Charmer

Plenty of rooms to choose from

With 114 guest rooms and suites, the Morrison-Clark Inn adds a charming touch to D.C. hotel possibilities. While not listed as a luxury hotel, there are several luxurious touches guests will notice. Uniformed staff will greet you as you pull up to the front entrance on L Street with a warm welcome. Your luggage will be attended to as you won’t want to climb the steps with a burden. The lobby, like the rest of the hotel, is tastefully decorated, albeit it somewhat minimalistic-style, and spotlessly clean. On your left is a bar serving lattes, cappuccino, and coffee in the morning or adult beverages in the afternoon and evening. Note the spacious courtyard directly in front of you and make sure to indulge in a libation and snack later if the weather is cooperative.

At check-in, the polished staff will make sure everything is perfect with your reservation before having a bellman escort you to your room. One of the aspects of the Morrison-Clark Historic Inn and Restaurant is the exceptional level of cleanliness and maintenance of the entire hotel. During my stay, I couldn’t find one frayed carpet, any scratched paint, or broken furnishings in the hotel. You will find your room in perfect condition with everything working correctly, or they will make it right quickly.

Each room and suite comes with Frette linens, plush robes, slippers, and super-soft towels. For snack time, find a mini-bar and fridge stocked with refreshments. The refrigerator is located in an armoire which helps keep the noise of its compressor muffled. Who wants to be awakened in the middle of the night by a noisy fridge?

Quieter than most D.C. hotels

For a street view, try a Victorian room overlooking either L Street or 11th Street and the vibrant city life of America’s capital city. For peace and quiet, choose a room that looks out on the courtyard delivering one of the quietest hotel options in D.C. There aren’t many hotels that can offer such a pleasant room as well as peace and quiet in a bustling city like Washington D.C. The Carriage House is the oldest building in D.C. Located in the main-floor level, just inside the courtyard, this is the inn’s biggest suite. Featuring 660 sq ft/ 61.3 sq m this two-story suite is a favorite for brides-to-be as they prepare for their big day.

Hotel-wide amenities include a business center, fitness center, library without books, parking garage, for a fee of 40 USD plus tax, and the lovely courtyard with its bubbling fountain. Complimentary coffee is served in the lobby daily from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. at the bar. One of the best aspects of staying at the Morrison-Clark is its location. Not only is the inn reasonably quiet, it’s also convenient to most of D.C.’s attractions and restaurants. The Walter E. Washington Convention Center is just two blocks away for those attending a meeting or function. A short Uber ride takes you to the Smithsonian Museums and the National Mall. Georgetown is less than a 15-minute drive away, or longer during rush hour, where you can stroll the shops, explore the Washington Harbor, or find live music at Blues Alley, a D.C. classic.

Delicious dining choices abound

If you prefer to dine at the hotel, find delicious options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a gorgeous second-floor dining room. Chef Russell Braitsch has created a menu that clearly shows his understanding of food and wine. Try the five or seven-course chef’s dinner tasting menu for an example of D.C. luxury and pair with Chef Braitsch’s wine selections. Chef Braitsch is also a holder of Captain/Sommelier certification, and the wine list is evidence of his wine knowledge. The wines-by-the-glass list features 24 delightful choices like a tannat from Uruguay, a gruner veltliner from Austria, and Freakshow cabernet sauvignon from Lodi. The bottle choices include a fantastic Luigi Bosca malbec from Argentina, Peter Yealands sauvignon blanc from New Zealand, and a barbera from Italy.

Due to the excellent location of the Morrison-Clark Historic Inn and Restaurant, you will find several world-class restaurants nearby. For a Michelin star-awarded restaurant find Kinship just three blocks away. Open for dinner only, this is a hot spot, and you’ll need to secure reservations to avoid disappointment. Take a six-minute walk over to K Street and find Paul, a French bakery that serves breakfast, lunch, and tasty pastries.