Dupont Circle
Stephen Johnson
Add these hotels to your must-visit list if you’re seeking sumptuous spaces, chef-driven dining concepts, chic bars, and luxurious amenities—all under one glorious roof.
While each hotel has its own distinct personality and style, they all place a strong focus on something that has become a bit of a lost art: service. Here, you’ll be pampered and provided with abundant opportunities to rest and rejuvenate for the busy season ahead.
The DuPont Circle Hotel, D.C.
Vibe: Eclectic Glamour
Conveniently located near the distinguished American monuments and museums, and a mere 10-minute drive from The White House, this charming 327-room hotel exudes metropolitan style and sophistication imbued with warm hospitality at every turn. Rooms are a study in understated elegance, meticulously combining neutral tones with pops of color and texture—it’s a contemporary interpretation of the building’s mid-century roots. Luxury linens, marble baths, and panoramic city views lend themselves to a decidedly chic sleep.
Eat and Drink: Start your morning at Doyle & Co. Coffee Bar with house-made pastries and other sweet and savory fare alongside Lavazza coffee and espresso drinks. (They have special treats for your four-legged friends, too.) For lunch, brunch, or dinner, tuck into one of the plush velvet coral-toned banquettes wrapped around warm marble tables at The Pembroke, where you’ll enjoy globally influenced American fare surrounded by playful artwork and plenty of sunshine and views from the floor-to-ceiling windows. If small plates and strong drinks are more your style, the ultra-clubby Doyle has you covered throughout the day with its menu of classic beverages and bites inspired by the cocktail culture of the 1950s and 1960s.
Do: Tuesday nights, immerse yourself in Doyle Bar’s live jazz experience with smooth tunes from local musicians, elevated bar bites, and seasonal cocktails—like the DuPont Storm, made with apple whiskey, lime, maple syrup, ginger beer, and Guinness. (Reservations required.) (1500 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 202-483-6000; doylecollection.com)
1 Hotel Nashville
Vibe: Sustainable Luxury
Reclaimed wood, native greenery, and organic textures capture the spirit of Tennessee’s landscape at this nature-inspired hotel. Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, this tranquil sanctuary is within walking distance of Music City’s most popular tourist attractions, but the hotel’s creative use of neutral and sustainable materials transports you away from the hustle and bustle of city life and into an earthy oasis the minute you step through the doors. Rooms are designed with rough-hewn wood poster beds, oak beams juxtaposed against concrete ceilings, workbench-like vanities, and wood-paneled walls that further reflect this urban retreat’s commitment to simple, sustainable luxury. Indulge yourself knowing you’re leaving a smaller footprint behind.
Eat and Drink: Culinary Director and Top Chef alum Chris Crary oversees the property’s three distinct dining concepts. 1 Kitchen Nashville, located on the ground floor, is celebrated for its innovative farm-to-table offerings built around fresh, local, sustainably sourced ingredients. Guests can savor clean, flavorful dishes that celebrate Nashville’s heritage. For a quick and healthy food fix, pop in Neighbors. This casual café serves light grab-and-go items, cold-pressed juices, fair-trade coffee, and other tasty bites throughout the day. In the evening, head up to the 19th floor to Harriet’s Rooftop for bespoke libations and eclectic light bites surrounded by stunning skyline views.
Do: Forget pedal taverns, 1 Hotel has partnered with luxury vehicle maker Audi to offer guests a sustainable way to immerse themselves in the magic of Music City—from the iconic Country Music Hall of Fame to the fields of Bloomsbury Farms—with curated getaways in a fully electric Audi e-tron house car. (710 Demonbreun St., 615-510-0400; 1hotels.com)
Maison de la Luz, New Orleans
Vibe: Effortless Sophistication
This distinctive 67-room guest house in the Warehouse District of New Orleans reflects the whimsical and charming spirit of the city where it resides. Décor is relaxed yet elevated, with rooms swathed in rich jewel tones, boasting magnificently high ceilings, handsomely tiled bathrooms, and ultra-high-end minibars. Art Deco flourishes in the shared spaces, where you’ll feel like you’re a guest in someone’s (incredibly fabulous) home; every element from the rugs to the art to the handles on the doors seem to be hand-selected to amplify the visual experience. Everyone at the front desk is a concierge, so it’s like having your own knowledgeable, passionate team dedicated to making reservations, arranging transportation, and suggesting cultural experiences throughout your stay.
Eat and Drink: Cozy up at Bar Marilou in a luxe velvet banquette and sip elegant cocktails from Paris-based Quixotic Projects and Atelier Ace, the group behind Maison de la Luz. The cocktail menu reflects influence from the French West Indies, Paris, and New Orleans, with an emphasis on vermouths, sherries, and amaros. Low-proof drinks, large-format libations designed for sharing, natural wines, and craft beer round out the offerings. Complete the enchanting evening experience with indulgent bites like caviar, the signature Pommes Marilou, and fried frogs’ legs. In the morning, there’s a selection of a la carte sweet and savory entrees, fresh, cold-pressed juices, and hot elixirs available in the hotel’s serene Breakfast Room.
Do: Relax and enjoy nightly wine and cheese service in the private, guest- only Living Room. The stately lounge radiates comfort and encourages maximum relaxation. Visit the Honor Bar and request an expertly crafted cocktail to be taken on the go and enjoyed at your leisure. (546 Carondelet St., New Orleans, LA, 504-814-7720; maisondelaluz.com)
The St. Regis Atlanta
Vibe: Southern Opulence
This luxurious Buckhead property exudes decadence at every turn with grand staircases, crystal chandeliers, and ornate furnishings reminiscent of a stately mansion. Generously oversized rooms, deep soaking tubs, and plush bathrobes make it the perfect place to relax after a day in the city. The treasured St. Regis Butler Service is a call away to make sure all aspects of your stay from unpacking to movie-time popcorn delivery are effortless.
Eat and Drink: Atlas, adorned with an extraordinary collection of modern 20th-century art, including original works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Chagall, and Matisse, is the place for seasonal tasting menus (vegetarian and vegan options available) built around partnerships with local farms. Inventive dishes range from poached halibut with beets and citrus to carrot velouté with pumpkin oil and mandarin. A lavish yet casual experience awaits in the enchanting Garden Room, where chef-driven small plates and creative cocktails are served amidst lush greenery and fragrant floral surrounds. For a signature St. Regis experience, reserve a table at Astor Court. Brunch, intimate lunches, and the beloved afternoon tea ritual showcase contemporary Southern selections in a refined English setting.
Do: Prep your body and mind for winter with a Sensual Elevation experience at the St. Regis Spa. A warmed enzymatic exfoliating syrup is worked over the body using a handmade terracotta stone, releasing tension along the way, followed by a heated amber oil massage that re-energizes the body. (88 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta, GA, 404-563-7900; marriott.com)