Morrison-Clark Historic Inn & Restaurant

This historic brick mansion dominates from its front on L Street. Dating as far back as 1864, it was originally the home of one of D.C.'s richest merchants, David Morrison. Over the decades and centuries, it has changed hands and purpose, each leaving their mark on the building through additions or style so that today it's a bit of a mishmash of history and stories. At one point it merged with the adjacent Clark building, and it has functioned as a private home to many, an affordable lodging for visiting army soldiers, and as a Chinese community church, to name a few. In 2013, a six-story addition with 57 rooms cemented its new fate as a bed and breakfast. A charming old-fashioned brick entrance opens to strikingly contemporary interiors with marble floors and dark-wood paneling. An underlying Asian-inspired design includes red light fixtures, tall patterned-fabric chairs, and Kimono wall hangings behind the front desk. Guests are primarily couples and business travelers wanting to be near the convention center just a couple of blocks away.

The Morrison-Clark Historic Inn & Restaurant has a convenient and walkable location in downtown Washington D.C, under a five-minute walk from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. It's just a five-minute walk to the Mt. Vernon Square - 7th Street - Convention Center metro stop, and a 10-minute walk to the center of downtown. This area is ideal for walkers, though be warned that public parking can be tricky (the hotel has valet service). Several bars, restaurants, shops, and museums surround the immediate area, with more falling within a 15-minute walk. The Wharf riverfront is just 10 minutes away. Washington Dulles International Airport is about 40 minutes by car, while Ronald Regan Washington National Airport is less than 10 minutes by car, depending on traffic. 

The 114 rooms and suites have an elegant, albeit simple, design with neutral-tone decor consisting of dark-wood furniture, gray carpeting, satin floral-motif curtains, and headboards carved in a shape that mimics the valances. Pops of green in lamps and some artwork add color. Comfy beds with Frette linens, bathrobes and slippers, flat-screen TVs, and minibars are all provided, but there are no kettles or coffeemakers. Well-polished bathrooms are attractive and  come with showers or shower/tub combos, Bath & Body Works toiletries, and hairdryers. Upgrade options include fireplaces, terraces, and sitting areas with couches, plus larger work desks in some. The Parlor Suite has a separate living space, though the bedroom is much smaller than those in lower-category rooms. The shining star here is the Carriage Suite, a two-story suite with an upstairs bedroom and homey living room area on the bottom floor. 

Some past guests have complained of street noise being an issue, so light-sleepers should request a quieter room.

The Morrison-Clark Restaurant serves up creative American cuisine in an elegant space with two Italian marble fireplaces, crystal chandelier lights, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The restaurant offers well-regarded fare for all meals, including weekend brunch. A full menu, smaller plates, and full bar and cocktail selection provide a more casual option at the Lobby Bar and Lounge or, in warmer months, out in the exterior courtyard. Room service and to-go options are also available. 

As for relaxing, there's no spa here, but guests have seasonal access to an outdoor pool a few blocks away at their sister property, the Washington Plaza Hotel. The Morrison-Clark's small, on-site gym is nothing to write home about, but with a few machines and free weights it gets the job done for basic workouts. 

The Morrison-Clark Restaurant's dining room and the outdoor courtyard both double up as meeting room and event space. There's also a 24-hour business center with one desktop computer and free printing, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Other freebies include overnight shoeshine and newspapers. Valet parking is available and efficient, but slightly pricey.