LINE DC

Washington D.C.’s new social hub delivers thoughtful design and culinary delights in an eclectic atmosphere.

byKarine Monie

Washington D.C.’s new social hub delivers thoughtful design and culinary delights in an eclectic atmosphere.

The hotel owes the stately look of its facade to the building’s former past as a Neoclassical church.

Grandiose and charming are two adjectives that well describe Washington D.C. With landmarks and museums all over the city, it is a must-visit destination, especially for those interested in American history and culture.

Located in the Adams Morgan neighbourhood, the Line DC draws inspiration from the surrounding community, home to cafes, bookshops, flower shops, vintage boutiques, live music acts and restaurants offering a diversity of cuisine – including Ethiopian, Salvadoran, Vietnamese, West African, Middle Eastern, Japanese, Peruvian and more. The hotel occupies a 110-year-old Neoclassical church that was recently remodelled. Owned by Sydell Group – the hospitality company behind the Freehand and Nomad hotels, among others – the historic building features interior spaces with strong personality, in the form of 18m-high vaulted ceilings, brass detailing, large copper entry doors and church organ pipes that have been transformed into chandeliers.

The design of the interiors is vibrant and lively, with pops of colour and patterns.

In addition to the old structure, the hotel also has a contemporary addition, linked to the legacy section through the lobby.

The majestic architecture transports anyone who steps foot inside to another world. The rich palette of colours and materials adds touches of warmth, and the contemporary pieces of furniture create balance. In every area of the Line DC, the creativity of the local community pervades in a timeless atmosphere.

There are plenty of interesting art installations gracing the spaces within the property.

Chef and restaurateur Spike Gjerde and bar director Corey Polyoka put their talent at the service of A Rake’s Progress restaurant, A Rake’s bar, and The Cup We All Race 4 coffee shop; while Spoken English, an exclusive 12-guest bar, expresses chef Erik Bruner-Yang’s interpretation of a Japanese tachinomiya.

The 220 guest rooms are adorned with wood, brass, linen, leather and granite detailing. Living plants, textiles, micro-libraries stocked by local store Idle Times Books, custom bookends by furniture maker and musician Jonah Takagi, and artworks and photographs (3,000 in total) created by artists from the area are some of the many surprises to discover and enjoy inside the guest rooms and around the common areas.