Washington DC Guide: Where to Eat, Stay, & Play

The city of Washington DC has charms that extend far beyond the marble exteriors of its government buildings.

In the shadow of one of the city’s greatest marble icons sits an establishment that is iconic in its own right: the YOTEL Washington DC hotel (formerly the Liaison).

On a quaint street just far enough away from the hustle and bustle, YOTEL Washington provides access to popular city attractions as well as epic city views from a gorgeous seasonal rooftop.

During a recent trip to Washington DC in November 2020, I collaborated with YOTEL and share my experience about this up-and-coming property below!

1. The Property

Situated between Washington DC’s iconic Union Station and the nation’s leading government building, YOTEL Washington DC provides ultra modern, 4-star accommodation for travelers from across the globe.

The property, which is Yotel’s first in the DC area, features nearly 400 rooms, a seasonal rooftop, an on-site restaurant serving Southern grub (Art & Soul), and a full-size work out room with TechnoGym equipment.

The Cabins

Inside each cozy “cabin” (room), vibrant white and pops of purple and turquoise hues dance along the walls and furniture fixtures. With minimalist design in mind, the YOTEL’s Asian-inspired decor boasts clean lines and crisp round accents. Each room also features an ambience LED panel so guests can match the lighting to their mood.

Given the properties massive upgrade, many common areas remain under construction until at least Spring 2021. Art & Soul restaurant as well as the rooftop pool remain or closed to the public during the pandemic, but are also in the process of an upgrade.

Exploring the nation’s capitol is easy if you’re a guest at YOTEL. Union Station (red line) is a quick 5 minute walk, and the Capitol South Metro Station (orange, blue, and silver lines) stop is 10 minutes.

The lobby of the new YOTEL Washington DC (photo by Hotels.com)

YOTEL also has city and airport hotel locations in Times Square, Boston, Singapore, San Francisco, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Glasgow, London, Porto, and many others. Check out a full list of their locations here.

2. The Amenities

In addition to an on-site restaurant, rooftop pool with food and beverage service, and a full 24/7 gym, the YOTEL Washington DC has more up its sleeve. Throughout the hotel in the common areas on each floor, YOTEL offers guests complimentary luxury tea and fresh coffee from local DC beanery, COMPASS Coffee.

Complimentary coffee stations on each floor of the YOTEL Washington DC (photo by East Coast Contessa)

In the main lobby, high-tech vending machines feature snacks and beverages from local small businesses throughout the DMV. Among these snacks are chocolate covered Oreo cookies from Capitol Candy Jar, vegan cookies from Whisked!, and Route 11 Potato Chips from nearby Mt. Jackson, Virginia.

In-cabin amenities include adjustable smart beds (these are amazing!), refreshing rainforest showers with Urban Skincare products, a laptop size safe for valuables, a smart flatscreen TV to connect to your devices, and super fast WiFi.

The “smart beds” inside of the YOTEL Washington DC are adjustable via remote control. (photo by East Coast Contessa)

If you’re looking for all the things you need and nothing that you don’t, YOTEL Washington is the perfect spot to book your DC accommodation.

3. Nearby Attractions

Just moments from the hustle and bustle of the city, YOTEL makes it easy for guests to explore the nation’s capitol safely. Below is a list of attractions that are within walking distance or a short ride on the subway or bus:

– National Postal Museum (0.2 miles)
– Union Station (0.2 miles)
– Senate House and Office Buildings (0.3 miles)
– Downtown Washington, DC (0.4 miles)
– Gallery Place Chinatown (0.6 miles) or 3 stops on the metro
– Smithsonian Museums (1.7 miles)

DC’s bustling Chinatown neighborhood (photo by Washington.org)

* It is important to note that some modes of public transportation may not be available at certain times. Due to the pandemic, train and bus routes have been decreased or ended entirely. Check the www.wmata.com website for updated schedules. Uber is still available (sometimes at discounted rates), and masks are required in all indoor and outdoor public places throughout DC.*

4. Dining

Since Art & Soul restaurant is temporarily closed, there are a number of restaurants within walking or driving distance that provide an array of unique cuisines. Through my collaboration, I had the opportunity to experience a ramen dinner at JINYA Ramen Bar on 14th Street NW.

JINYA Ramen Bar in Washington, DC. (photo by jinyarramenbar.com)

Located a block from Logan Circle, JINYA is most famous for it’s Japanese style long-simmered noodle soup. However, they also serve delicious pork belly buns and sake inspired cocktails that can’t be missed.

Firstly, we ordered the JINYA buns! These came filled with slow braised pork chashu, cucumber, baby mixed greens, house made bun sauce, and kewpie mayo.

The Main Attraction: Ramen (duh)

Secondly, for our main entrees, we ordered one bowl of the “Jinya Tonkotsu Black” ramen, and one bowl of the “Sprouting up Ramen”.

This dish is a quick favorite and it’s easy to see why. A deep bowl of pork and chicken broth is filled with meat and fresh veggies:

– fried brussel sprouts;
– pork chashu;
– spicy bean sprouts;
– a half seasoned egg; and
– kikurage

Ramen at JINYA Ramen Bar in Washington, DC. (photo by East Coast Contessa)

The Tonkotsu Black is packed full of flavour and plenty of fresh veggies! In addition, you can order add-ons such as corn, soft-boiled egg, sprouts, crispy seaweed, fried onions (get all of them). These come at an additional price.

Lastly, green tea and chocolate Mochi ice cream headlined for dessert. Mochi is a round, thin layer of sweet dough filled with flavored ice cream or whipped cream. It’s best served with matcha or chamomile tea (and so yummy!)

Green Tea Mochi Ice Cream at JINYA Ramen Bar in Washington, DC. (photo by East Coast Contessa)

Other notable restaurants nearby to YOTEL Washington DC:

– The Dubliner Restaurant, 3 minute drive/5 minute walk (Irish/American pub food, beer, cocktails, Union Station.)
– Bistro Cacao, 4 minute drive (French bistro cuisine, Capitol Hill.)
– Oyamel Cocina Mexicana, 5 minute drive (Mexican cuisine by Chef José Andrés, Chinatown.)
– Carmines Italian Restaurant, 5 minute drive (family style Italian, Chinatown)
– Zaytinya, 6 minute drive (Greek restaurant by Chef José Andrés, Penn Quarter/Chinatown)
– Good Stuff Eatery, 7 minute drive (American burger and fries, Capitol Hill)

*The dining regulations in DC are ever changing as is the pandemic. Currently, indoor dining is available, however, check local DC government and restaurant websites to stay up-to-date on dining rules and regulations before visiting*

5. Book Your Stay

All YOTEL properties — including DC — places the utmost importance on guest health and safety.  YOTEL is upholding the highest standard of cleanliness through their recently implemented #SmartStay program. This program aims to do the following:

– increase frequency of cleaning shared spaces;
– provide hand sanitizer in common areas;
– reduce interaction between staff and guests when not necessary (i.e., cleaning rooms when requested and at check out).

Pricing & Availability

Check out current room prices and availability at www.yotel.com, on TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Expedia, Kayak, Trivago and more.

Moreover, February 1 – March 1, 2021, YOTEL Washington DC is offering a 46 percent discount to all essential workers! This includes service men and women and local authorities. Book directly here with the code “THANKYODC”, or visit the YOTEL Washington DC Instagram page for more information.

**This blog post was published in collaboration with YOTEL Washington DC and its partners.**