Hotel Rouge

Sassy.  Sexy.  Red.  All very appropriate words to use for the Hotel Rouge which sits on 16th Street on the north side of Scott Circle, across from the Australian Embassy.  But don’t let the scantily clad Venus statues our front fool you.  And don’t be misled by the glitzy red tile upon entry in the lobby.  This hotel is a fantastic business hotel featuring some of the largest standard rooms in all of DC.  Indeed my old offices used to be on the first floor of this boutique property.  It was one of my favorites then and it remains one of my favorites now.Indeed I had challenges when booking this hotel because of some of the aforementioned accessories.  But that’s a short sighted mistake on the part of a meeting planner who fears the property’s sultry design and attitude is anything more than decoration.  Since a renovation last year, the Rouge offers even more tremendous value.  Furnishings are luxurious and space is outstanding.  As a former apartment building, these studio and one bedroom apartments make incredible living spaces for hotel rooms.  And red isn’t everywhere, it’s merely an accent in the guest rooms.

The hotel’s lobby is intimate but inviting, as is the staff.  Meeting rooms and public restroom are on the first floor along with a very swanky lounge.  The lounge is a great choice for guests looking for the feel of an ultra lounge without the long lines, the cover charges, and the attitude.  In fact Bar Rouge is not all that well known.  It doesn’t have a very good street presence and since it’s slightly off the beaten path from the mainstays of Dupont Circle and Logan Circle, there’s hardly ever a crowd.  It doesn’t mean they lack anything in creative drinks or fine service.

The hotel is indeed convenient – just a short walk up Massachusetts Embassy Row to Dupont Circle, or a short walk down 16th or 15th Street to the White House or McPherson Square.  The Rouge has become a favorite of travelers to the city as they know they’ll receive the hands-on personalized service that comes with a 137 room hotel, and maybe they can take a picture or two with Venus while they’re there!

My photos –

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150945407247674.496898.137517647673&type=1#!/media/set/?set=a.10150945407247674.496898.137517647673&type=1

On the web –

http://www.rougehotel.com

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