In brief
First impression Holistic, in many ways.
Staff Always at the ready.
Food and drinks Destination worthy hotspots.
Bed and bath Like staying with a friend.
The crowd Progressives, and progressives in the making.
In a nutshell Social change in sleek surroundings.
Set the scene
Billed as an activist ‘anti-Trump’ hotel when it opened in 2018, it combines the Eaton Workshop – a hub for innovators, artists and grassroots social projects – with a new-age approach to wellness and destination restaurants. Sliding doors separate the black brick exterior from the naturally-lit lobby, reportedly modelled on Swiss bus terminals from the 1960s. The influence shows in the earthy tones, swirling floor patterns and low-slung leather and velour furniture. There’s a working radio station on one side which broadcasts discussions on relevant social issues, and the check-in desk is decorated with crystals.
What's the story?
The brainchild of Katherine Lo, the daughter of Lo Ka Shui, a billionaire businessman behind Langham Hotels. A sister property in the Kowloon district of Hong Kong shares the same social-change focus, and there are more projects in the pipeline.
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What can we expect in our room?
Plenty of homely touches from colourful patterned rugs and cosy blankets to the record player with a curated selection of vinyl, family photos and a hand-picked, mini library of books. There’s also dark wood Scandi-inspired furniture; tastefully mismatched tiles and Grown Alchemist products in the bathroom. And everything in the mini bar is organic and healthy (no Kit Kats here): trail mix, apple chips, coconut clusters, kombucha and yerba mate shots. The Study varieties are marginally smaller than The Cabin but identical in terms of design.
How about the food and drink?
American Son, the flagship restaurant from Tim Ma (also the chef-owner of Washington staple Kyirisan), serves American classics riffed on through the lens of an immigrant, such as a meat-free Big Mac. On the rooftop, botanical-heavy Wild Days has strong cocktails and small plates of pan-Asian tacos. Start the day with Red Rooster coffee and vegan pastries at Kintsugi, all floor-to-ceiling glass windows, hanging plants and worn rugs; end it at dimly-lit Allegory, the ‘secret’ bar, accessed through the lobby.
Anything to say about the service?
Smooth, from start to finish. The doormen are especially helpful, whisking away bags on arrival and flagging down taxis day and night.
Who comes here?
Creatives, social entrepreneurs, wannabe movers and shakers from all walks of life. Plus European visitors attracted by the affiliation with Langham Hotels.
What’s the neighbourhood scene like?
Located downtown, it’s a five-minute stroll from the National Museum of Women in the Arts and Franklin Square Park. And only 15-minutes from one of DC's main attractions: The White House.
Anything else we should know?
The wellness centre offers a raft of alternative treatments inspired by new-age practices and classes (reiki, yoga, meditation). A cinema screens documentaries relating to social change, plus there’s a library (with books on subjects such as gender, race and women’s rights), co-working space and Hometown, an original take on the lobby gift shop which sells magazines, books and clothes.
Is there anything you'd change?
It’s a small detail but the bathroom doors are quite heavy and can’t be propped open, so they always have to be closed.
Is it worth it – why?
At its price point, Eaton is only marginally more expensive than a staid chain hotel and it offers so much more. More than somewhere to sleep, this is a window to a mini world of social justice and change, with opportunities for feel-good, self-improvement at every turn.
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Address: Eaton Hotel, 1201 K Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20005, USA
Telephone: +1 202-289-7600
Wi-Fi: Free
Price: From about £150
This hotel is one of our favourite new hotels in the world, and included in our Hot List 2019. Discover more of the best new hotels in the world 2019 now.