Hotel RL Washington DC

Built in 1961 as an apartment complex, Hotel RL has had a handful of names over the years (it was The Quincy hotel from 2006 to 2015). From the outside, the 10-story property blends right in with the office buildings in the neighborhood. Inside, guests are welcomed into an attractive lobby, fully renovated in 2016. Stylish decor elements like brown coffered ceilings, light wood benches, and cafe-style tables and chairs now give the space a youthful, hostel-like feel. Guests can grab coffee by Victrola Coffee Roasters from the small shop.

The RLis about a 12-minute walk to White House, and a three-minute walk to the nearest subway station at Farragut North. Although the immediate surroundings consist of a few unexciting restaurants and office buildings (including ABC Studios), the hotel is a five- to 10-minute walk to the great restaurants and bars in Dupont Circle and on the 14th Street corridor. 

• Three-minute walk to Farragut North metro station (Red Line)
• Four-minute walk to Farragut West Metro Station (Blue, Orange, Silver)
• Nine-minute walk to the heart of Dupont Circle
• 12-minute walk to The White House
• 10-minute drive from the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol Building
• Five- to 10-minute drive from the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, WW II memorial, and other sights on the National Mall
• 10-minute cab ride to Reagan National Airport, which is also served by the Yellow and Blue Metro lines

Starting at 400 square feet, the 99 rooms at the Hotel RL are spacious and well-equipped. All units come with a Keurig coffeemakers, microwaves, mini-fridgse, flat-screen TVs, daily bottled water, and welcome gifts of Orangina and gummy orange slices. Select rooms also include full kitchens with ovens and cookware. Style-wise, rooms have gray carpets and walls, white bedspreads, and bright-orange accents (including throw pillows, bed runners, and closet interiors). The kitchens and bathrooms, which have shower/tub combos and toiletries, look a bit dated, with tile-work and fixtures reminiscent of the hotel’s past as a 1960s apartment complex. 

Besides a guest laundry room, free Wi-Fi, and a small business center, Hotel RL offers free guest passes to a nearby Gold's gym and LA Fitness, free alcoholic drinks on Wednesdays, free shoe shines, and free massages in the lobby twice a month through a partnership with a local spa, and room service from a restaurant next door. Pets also stay free and receive treats, dog beds, and bowls. Self and valet parking are available in a lot next door for a daily fee. A small coffee shop provides coffee by Victrola Coffee Roasters in the lobby.