Pros

  • Convenient central Washington location near historic DuPont Circle
  • Charming, circa 1883 house with lovely grounds
  • Upscale rooms and suites that are individually decorated
  • Some rooms have private decks and fireplaces
  • Free breakfast buffet served in a beautiful dining room
  • Free afternoon baked goods and evening cordials
  • Outdoor pool in a peaceful and private courtyard
  • On-site parking is available for a modest fee
  • Free Wi-Fi and daily newspapers
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Cons

  • No fitness room on-site
  • There is no elevator service to floors above street level
  • No children under eight are allowed (a pro for some)
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Bottom Line

The four-pearl Swann House is a charming bed-and-breakfast in a quiet residential neighborhood near DuPont Circle. The circa 1883 home is classy and traditionally decorated, but not stuffy, and many of its 12 individually decorated rooms have distinctive themes. Standard amenities include robes, Nespresso coffee machines, mini-fridges, and nightly turndown, and some rooms feature decks, fireplaces, and attractive marble bathrooms. The free breakfast has delicious hot dishes, and there’s an outdoor pool in a cozy courtyard. On-site parking is available for a modest fee, but there’s no elevator service to upper-floor rooms. Rates aren’t cheap, but they're in line for the location and amenities offered. For another historic hotel at DuPont Circle, The Fairfax at Embassy Row is a good choice. 

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Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Internet
  • Pool

Oyster Hotel Review

Swann House

Scene

A historic and upscale bed-and-breakfast with a relaxed and cozy atmosphere 

Expect to see discerning travelers from all over the globe at this circa 1883 bed-and-breakfast, located in the heart of one of Washington’s most distinguished and historic neighborhoods. Many couples come here for romantic getaways and special events such as wedding anniversaries and birthday celebrations. The salmon-colored brick home with soaring turrets is upscale without being stuffy, and there's a casual atmosphere. Decor is classic and traditional, from crystal chandeliers and marble fireplaces to fine antiques. There's also an impressive art collection that includes pieces created by the staff for sale. The long, communal dining table encourages mingling, and conversations can get quite lively. Smaller tables are available for guests who prefer to dine alone.

See More Scene

Location

In a quiet and historic neighborhood near Dupont Circle

The Swann House has a prime location on a quiet, residential street lined with trees north of downtown, a relatively short and enjoyable walk to DuPont Circle. It’s surrounded by other historic homes, and several restaurants and shops are within a brief walk. Public transportation is also convenient. 

  • Nine-minute walk to the DuPont Circle Metro station (Red Line)
  • 16 minutes to the White House by metro
  • 18 minutes to the Washington Convention Center by metro
  • 20 minutes to Georgetown by metro
  • 21 minutes to Union Station (Amtrak) by metro
  • 27 minutes to the National Mall by metro
  • 21-minute drive to Reagan National Airport (32 minutes by metro)
  • 40-minute drive to Dulles International Airport (75 minutes by metro) 
See More Location

Rooms

Charming and individually decorated, with Nespresso coffee machines and mini-fridges

The 12 rooms and suites are clean, quiet, and individually decorated, and several have distinctive themes, such as the nautical Lighthouse situated in a second-floor turret, and the African safari-inspired, two-bedroom Serengeti Suite. Some display original features of the historic home, such as plaster crown molding and wood floors, while others have modern touches including heated floors and skylights. Generally, guests should expect classy and upscale decor that emphasizes traditional touches like carpet, rugs, bedspreads in damask patterns, and fine antiques or quality reproductions. The spaces in the old home come in various sizes and layouts as well -- some are smallish and offer cozy comfort, while others are quite large and feature seating areas and breakfast nooks. Bathrooms are equally distinctive in style, with details such as old claw-foot tubs and decadent marble walk-in showers with dual rainfall showerheads. Select rooms have working fireplaces, wet bars, and private decks with seating, lovely landscaping, and romantic views of the historic neighborhood. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, Nespresso coffee machines, mini-fridges, and robes. Free Wi-Fi and nightly turndown service also are standard. All rooms include air-conditioning and most (but not all) have individual thermostats. 

See More Rooms

Features

Free breakfast and afternoon treats, outdoor pool, on-site parking, and free Wi-Fi

This quaint and charming bed-and-breakfast serves an extensive breakfast buffet that features homemade granola and a different hot dish each day, such as quiche or French toast. Free daily newspapers are available for guests to read during breakfast. Fresh-baked treats and coffee and tea are served in the afternoon, and free cordials are offered every evening. There's no fitness room on-site, but there's a small outdoor pool surrounded by a peaceful and private courtyard with landscaping and covered tables. Guest parking is available on-site for a modest fee, and the hotel has a guest computer and printer. Wi-Fi is free and accessible throughout the property. Children under eight are not allowed to stay overnight, and travelers with limited mobility should be aware that there's no elevator to access rooms on the upper two floors. 

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Swann House

Scene

A historic and upscale bed-and-breakfast with a relaxed and cozy atmosphere 

Expect to see discerning travelers from all over the globe at this circa 1883 bed-and-breakfast, located in the heart of one of Washington’s most distinguished and historic neighborhoods. Many couples come here for romantic getaways and special events such as wedding anniversaries and birthday celebrations. The salmon-colored brick home with soaring turrets is upscale without being stuffy, and there's a casual atmosphere. Decor is classic and traditional, from crystal chandeliers and marble fireplaces to fine antiques. There's also an impressive art collection that includes pieces created by the staff for sale. The long, communal dining table encourages mingling, and conversations can get quite lively. Smaller tables are available for guests who prefer to dine alone.

See More Scene

Location

In a quiet and historic neighborhood near Dupont Circle

The Swann House has a prime location on a quiet, residential street lined with trees north of downtown, a relatively short and enjoyable walk to DuPont Circle. It’s surrounded by other historic homes, and several restaurants and shops are within a brief walk. Public transportation is also convenient. 

  • Nine-minute walk to the DuPont Circle Metro station (Red Line)
  • 16 minutes to the White House by metro
  • 18 minutes to the Washington Convention Center by metro
  • 20 minutes to Georgetown by metro
  • 21 minutes to Union Station (Amtrak) by metro
  • 27 minutes to the National Mall by metro
  • 21-minute drive to Reagan National Airport (32 minutes by metro)
  • 40-minute drive to Dulles International Airport (75 minutes by metro) 
See More Location

Rooms

Charming and individually decorated, with Nespresso coffee machines and mini-fridges

The 12 rooms and suites are clean, quiet, and individually decorated, and several have distinctive themes, such as the nautical Lighthouse situated in a second-floor turret, and the African safari-inspired, two-bedroom Serengeti Suite. Some display original features of the historic home, such as plaster crown molding and wood floors, while others have modern touches including heated floors and skylights. Generally, guests should expect classy and upscale decor that emphasizes traditional touches like carpet, rugs, bedspreads in damask patterns, and fine antiques or quality reproductions. The spaces in the old home come in various sizes and layouts as well -- some are smallish and offer cozy comfort, while others are quite large and feature seating areas and breakfast nooks. Bathrooms are equally distinctive in style, with details such as old claw-foot tubs and decadent marble walk-in showers with dual rainfall showerheads. Select rooms have working fireplaces, wet bars, and private decks with seating, lovely landscaping, and romantic views of the historic neighborhood. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, Nespresso coffee machines, mini-fridges, and robes. Free Wi-Fi and nightly turndown service also are standard. All rooms include air-conditioning and most (but not all) have individual thermostats. 

See More Rooms

Features

Free breakfast and afternoon treats, outdoor pool, on-site parking, and free Wi-Fi

This quaint and charming bed-and-breakfast serves an extensive breakfast buffet that features homemade granola and a different hot dish each day, such as quiche or French toast. Free daily newspapers are available for guests to read during breakfast. Fresh-baked treats and coffee and tea are served in the afternoon, and free cordials are offered every evening. There's no fitness room on-site, but there's a small outdoor pool surrounded by a peaceful and private courtyard with landscaping and covered tables. Guest parking is available on-site for a modest fee, and the hotel has a guest computer and printer. Wi-Fi is free and accessible throughout the property. Children under eight are not allowed to stay overnight, and travelers with limited mobility should be aware that there's no elevator to access rooms on the upper two floors. 

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Basic Television

  • Business Center

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Free Breakfast

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Swim-Up Bar

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.