If you want a break from the Fairmont’s grandeur and political buzz, this newly revamped 191-room hotel, just steps from the White House and Australian Embassy, might be the peaceful retreat you need.

Introduction

If you think you need to spend a fortune to enjoy Washington D.C.—coughs in Fairmont dollars—either to visit or to get ahead of election schedules or the inauguration, think again. I recently stayed at the Fairmont Washington, where two nights almost totaled $1,000 USD (€850). Compare that with Hotel Zena, a boutique hotel where you can cut that number in half and still enjoy an exceptional experience.

Maybe you’re considering extending your stay after a work event but don’t want to break the bank. While others are ensconced in sunless rooms at the Fairmont, you could be upgraded to a Zena Circle View King room that overlooks Thomas Circle, offering a blend of proximity to the action and the privacy of your own enclave. With sunlight streaming in until at least five o’clock—if not longer—it’s perfect for remote workers looking to maintain their productivity.

If you’re like me, seeking to balance budget with experience and are sticker-shocked by the extravagant cost of D.C. hotels, then Hotel Zena could be your new go-to destination.

All You Need to Know About This Stunning Washington D.C. Hotel

Background

Hotel Zena is a vibrant boutique hotel located in the heart of Washington D.C., just steps away from the White House and the Australian Embassy. Part of the Viceroy Hotels & Resorts collection, Hotel Zena is not just a place to stay but a cultural hub that celebrates the contributions and courage of women. The hotel prides itself on being “part hotel and part art gallery,” showcasing a remarkable collection of artwork dedicated to female empowerment.

Design

Be prepared to be immersed in a world of art—from murals to furniture to plushies adorned with Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s likeness. If you placed the iconic Jazz Solo paper cup down on any table, it wouldn’t be out of place. The hotel’s design is a chic blend of modern aesthetics with vibrant 1980s elements, featuring bold colors and distinctive styles that bridge the past and present. This is a stark contrast to the Fairmont, where I previously stayed and coordinated meetings—a place characterized by starkness and an erudite feeling.

Hotel Zena is listed as a four-star hotel, but it doesn’t quite fit the bill. Staff can be nice, but if you pay attention, it won’t meet the same standards, in my humble opinion, of a Loews Hotel in Chicago, for instance. While sometimes I like exploring Amex boutique hotel options, other times it’s a miss.

Maybe it was just the concierge there on check-in and the subdued manner of the staff that hummed and drummed around. The setup staff was quite friendly and very attentive—definitely more so than I remember myself being in that role. Compare that to Hotel Zena, where the casual, cool, laid-back atmosphere is also reflected in the personality of the staff. While they are nice, it can be a bit alarming if you’re showing up from the Fairmont in a suit and dress shoes—which is exactly what I did.

One of the most striking features is the mural of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, composed of nearly 20,000 organic, hand-painted tampons—a powerful symbol underpinning her fight for gender equality. The theme of inclusivity and empowerment is echoed throughout the hotel, not just through visual artwork but also through embroidered pillows and other thoughtful touches that invite guests to partake in the hotel’s message.

It’s no wonder Hotel Zena has been listed in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for four consecutive years.

Location

Situated on Thomas Circle, Hotel Zena offers a prime location that combines convenience with a sense of seclusion. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that I only realized on my last night that this hotel is just blocks from the White House. Its proximity to numerous walkable restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, and venues makes it an ideal spot for travelers who prefer exploring the city on foot. The hotel’s central location allows guests to ditch ride-sharing apps and immerse themselves in the vibrant D.C. scene.

Originally, I was going to book the Thompson Washington DC since it was more central to some of the breweries I wanted to visit. However, once I read reports of the neighborhood, I wasn’t willing to deal with anything extra. But being at Hotel Zena made me rethink my choices. Its proximity to a lot of spots actually made it easy to walk to things while being in a pretty lively area.

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Suites and Rooms

The accommodations at Hotel Zena are both stylish and comfortable. I initially booked a Zena King room, anticipating an upgrade through the American Express Hotel Collection benefits. True to form, I was upgraded to a Zena Circle View King room, offering roughly 50 more square feet and a breathtaking view of Thomas Circle.

The upgraded room itself was nice and offered views of the central area in D.C. The ample sunlight streaming through the windows not only brightened the room but also boosted my productivity—a must for remote workers.

As someone who currently calls Seattle home, this was a much-needed surprise. In fact, I felt more creative than anything. Even though, as I mentioned, I came from the Fairmont, the sun-facing here was definitely hard to beat.

Insider Tip: Make sure to get a window-facing room that faces the circle and Wawa. You will be greeted by sunshine all throughout the day.

The rooms are designed with comfort and functionality in mind, featuring plush bedding, modern furnishings, and artistic accents that continue the hotel’s overarching theme of empowerment.

Dining Options

Hotel Zena offers several dining options that cater to a variety of tastes:

• Figleaf Bar & Lounge: Located on the lobby level, Figleaf provides a creative atmosphere perfect for weekend brunch. The half-moon-shaped bar offers a visible presence of Thomas Circle, making it an excellent spot to unwind. However, at the time of my stay, the bar didn’t seem well-trafficked enough to justify not exploring the other restaurants and bars outside the hotel. That said, the few patrons who were there seemed to be enjoying themselves.
  • Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 11 am to 3 pm
• Hedy’s Rooftop Lounge: Situated on the 14th floor, Hedy’s Rooftop Lounge offers panoramic views of the Capitol’s skyline. It’s an ideal place to enjoy food and cocktails while soaking in the D.C. view.
  • Hours:
  • Wednesday & Thursday: 5 pm to 10 pm
  • Friday & Saturday: 5 pm to 12 am

In all honesty, I didn’t utilize the $100 property credit that came with my booking. I wanted to use it for something relaxing like a spa, but there wasn’t much that could be used in terms of that. Having just finished a work conference, I wasn’t feeling like being trapped in another hotel. Instead, I preferred exploring the nearby local dining scene, leveraging the hotel’s proximity to the many walkable restaurants and venues that dotted the nearby landscape.

Amenities and Services

Spa and Wellness

While I didn’t have the chance to explore it, the Well + Away Spa offers something that I didn’t bother to explore due to time constraints. With Amex, you get a $100 credit, and I wanted to use it for something relaxing like a spa since it was just me. However, there wasn’t much that could be used in terms of that.

Fitness Center

The fitness gym, however, I found more useful and comfortable. Located on the 2nd floor, it had several Life Fitness treadmills and equipment. It also came equipped with free weights, a boxing bag (good news—the boxing bag is pink!), kettlebells, dumbbells, yoga mats, and yoga balls in a seemingly compact area.

I just wish the gym area had a mirror. It also didn’t matter what time I arrived; there always seemed to be no one inside—which made it all the better. You will be pleased to know they have plenty of water available for on-site consumption or taking back to your room, with plenty of towels available to wick away any sweat you drenched all over the equipment.

However, I do wish there were some windows that would give some concept of time rather than an enclosed Kafka-esque cellar.

American Express Hotel Collection Benefits

Booking through the American Express Hotel Collection provided several perks:

• Room Upgrade: Consistently provided without asking
• $100 Property Credit: Usable for valet parking or dining
• 12 pm Check-in: Earlier check-in often accommodated
• Late Checkout: Sometimes as late as 3 or 4 pm
• Additional Discounts: An extra 15% off the nightly room rate through an Amex offer

These benefits significantly enhanced the value of my stay, making Hotel Zena not only a unique but also an economical choice. What really swayed me was the great deal that Amex offered, thus stealing my dollars from the Thompson Washington D.C.

Book Your Stay at Hotel Zena

Website: Hotel Zena Official Website
Available on: Booking.com, Expedia, American Express Hotel Collection
Special Offers: Check the hotel’s website or your booking platform for current promotions and packages.

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Conclusion

All in all, my stay at Hotel Zena was pleasant and memorable. Would I recommend it for a family of four? Probably not. It might not be the ideal choice. The bold themes and bright colors could be a bit overwhelming for some. And having arrived in my suit, I definitely felt out of place—more like I was getting ready for a night out in Vegas at a three-star hotel.

I definitely felt more comfortable in the rooms compared to the lobby. The rooms with the views that faced Thomas Circle were particularly spacious, whereas the lobby felt a little cramped, with the only way forward being the elevators. It was quite a stark difference from having a more grandiose lobby at the Fairmont.

However, for the value and the unbeatable location, Hotel Zena is hard to beat. Its proximity to a plethora of microbreweries, coffee shops, and dining spots made everything so convenient that I happily walked everywhere, leaving ride-sharing apps unused.

The major perk? Proximity.

If you’re in D.C., I definitely recommend you give this hotel a chance.

Note: The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.