Yours Truly Hotel in Washington, DC looks like your average non-descript business hotel. Perhaps that’s why they’re running a great promotion on Travelzoo for stays in this large scale boutique hotel.
So how did a local-ish girl from Maryland come to stay in a boutique hotel in Washington, DC (a totally commutable location)? Here’s how.
Last year was my 20th wedding anniversary and we were going to celebrate BIG. But as you may remember, 2020 was not the year for big celebrations and we ended up eating in the parking lot of a local restaurant instead.
While 21 years together isn’t as monumental, it’s still worth celebrating so I decided to surprise my husband with a local overnight stay. Since I had an automotive event in DC early one morning close to my anniversary date, I decided to book a mid-week stay for the two of us making it easier to attend the event the next morning.
I’m also a frugal traveler so I like to look for the best deals. Not the cheapest hotels (not by a long shot) but the best value. I want luxury at an approachable price. I considered the Mayflower, Ritz Carlton, Willard, Watergate – all DC fixtures. But I wanted something a little more memorable for my husband who usually ends up staying at corporate hotels.
The Yours Truly Hotel in Dupont Circle, formerly the Wink Hotel, is a newly renovated hotel property that seeks to attract young up and comers as well as couples with a bohemian style vibe. And it delivered!
From the open spaces in the lobby to the happening lounge with amazing cocktails, it was the perfect spot for a little overnight getaway. We weren’t looking for quiet, romantic extravagance. We were looking for a fun spot to hang out and pretend like we were simply out on a date.
Location – Yours Truly Hotel
If you’re traveling to DC for fun, there are a few general areas to consider: Northwest DC, Georgetown, and Dupont Circle are some of my favorite areas.
The location was perfect for walking to an amazing restaurant across the street (I highly recommend the tasting menu at Rasika West End!). And after we had finished our meal and taken a break in the hotel room (which is what you do after 21 years of marriage), we were in a prime location to walk to see a few of the DC sites at night, like the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Safety – Yours Truly Hotel
This is a city hotel in a city location. With that being said, it’s very close to the George Washington University campus so you’ll generally find it to be a well traversed area, whether it’s students, business people, or the typical DC movers and shakers. You’ll also find your fair share of tourists.
Within the hotel, I felt completely safe. The security was what you’d expect and there didn’t seem to be loud crowds or unsavory characters hanging around, even with the large bar just off the lobby.
Character – Yours Truly Hotel
The character is what brought me to this hotel. If you’re looking for old and historic, high end glamour, or ultra modern, this is not the place. The Yours Truly Hotel is a rather unattractive rectangular brick building that could be any corporate hotel.
But the inside has been reimagined with boho chic character in each room and a large welcoming lounge with a South American flair that greets you as you enter.
Vanity – Yours Truly Hotel
Mirrors abound in this 260 square foot room. They’re not only artistic in nature but they’re functional with a sliding barn door being used for the bathroom and to provide a full length mirror.
A clothing rack is used in place of a closet and holds a robe and your larger toiletry items, like a hair dryer. I actually liked the openness that this type of storage provides.
Toiletries – Yours Truly Hotel
When I’m staying at nicer hotels, I don’t like to bring as many toiletries as I use it as a way to try new products. And I did! I just have no idea what those products were.
Yours Truly Hotel has joined the throng of eco-friendly hotels that forgo the individual toiletries for large bottles to be reused by each guest. Although I don’t love the idea of sharing toiletries and don’t have any guarantee of the products, brands, or quality, I do think it’s a good trend for eliminating waste. And my hair had no issues!
Comfort – Yours Truly Hotel
If you’re looking for a good night’s sleep, you’ll get it. The bed was comfortable as was the climate control in the room. And the blinds kept out lights and sound, even though this seems to be a quieter part of the city.
My only complaint about the room (and it’s small) is the flooring in the room. The bathroom and entryway is tile and the rest of the room is concrete, covered with a rug. I normally like that type of flooring but this felt very unfinished and a little sloppy. A polished concrete floor would have been a little better and given the room a finished look.
Extras – Yours Truly Hotel
In the room, I always appreciate work-friendly touches even if you’re there on a holiday. The room offers a small desk space and there’s an alcove beside each bedside offering outlet and USB connectivity.
The main level of the hotel is also worth exploring. Just down from the front desk is El Donut Shoppe which does NOT have donuts. It’s a record shop that allows you to step back and enjoy vintage vinyl.
You’ll also want to head to Mercy Me which offers cafe food and amazing cocktails with a South American flair. We took advantage of happy hour and enjoyed an Old Fashioned and a Mercy Mule – with just the right amount of sweet and spice.
I recommend Yours Truly Hotel for a couples weekend or girlfriend getaway in Washington, DC. Rates are reasonable but watch out for the $30 per night resort fee. As for parking, save your money and park in a nearby garage. It’s a short walk and much cheaper!