Journal
The capital of the USA through my eyes
13 July 2018
A few years ago I’ve stayed at The LINE in Los Angeles and fell in love. So when they decided to open a second hotel in Washington DC, I just had to go. I’ve decided to combine it with my trip to New York (only a three-hour train ride away) and saw the White House, beautiful Georgetown and some fascinating museums along the way.
When the taxi driver brought me to The LINE, he already shared some historical details with me. The LINE used to be a church in a vivid area called Adams Morgan described as the neighborhood of hipsters, tacos, and chic decor. The building is indeed imposing; 110 years old, with massive pillars and the logo of The LINE on top of it. The idea of The LINE Hotels is always to do something back for the community. Same goes for The LINE in LA in the heart of Koreatown where you could try the cuisine of local chef Roy Choi, but the staff also invited you to explore the area with bikes instead of going where everyone else goes. What they do here is bringing in local talents. Chef Spike Gjerde of Baltimore’s Woodberry Kitchen and Erik Brunner-Yang of DC’s Maketto run the various restaurants throughout the hotel. You can go for a guided run through the neighborhood, but they also have their in-house radio station where they cover lots of local talents in their programs.
Restaurant-wise there’s lots to choose from. Both the chefs won a James Beard Award, a prestigious food prize in the States, and they’ve created five different food concepts. A Rake’s Progress is Spike Gjerde’s restaurant on the first floor. Here you’re sitting inside the former church looking out over an artwork created by a local artist using old material used at the site. Expect ingredients Gjerde finds on the farms he works with and results in dishes such as Baltimore canyon lobster toast and a lor rabbit. From what I’ve heard Barack Obama was already one of their guests. Next to the restaurant, you’ll find the Rake’s Bar with fruit- and herb-based cocktails and craft beer from Maryland.
Brothers and Sisters is the restaurant on the ground floor led by Erik Brunner-Yang. A true hotel lobby restaurant where you are welcome throughout the day (from breakfast till a late night cocktail). And at the entrance of the hotel, you’ll find a coffee bar and takeaway food bar.
Service is excellent. Check-in goes very smooth and although I arrive slightly early the room is ready (when I ask for a late check-out it’s also not a problem at all). They are all very enthusiastic about the hotel and their city, so they love to tell you about everything and share some tips.
The room – a Monument Corner King – was very spacious and had splendid views over the city and the Monument. For the design of the rooms, they also worked together with local partners. Photographers or artists make the artwork in the rooms. And the music you hear comes from their in-house radio station. After a week in New York, it feels like I’m on a silent retreat as you don’t hear anything. I’ve slept like a baby – also because of the soft pillows and duvets.
As I told you before The LINE is in Adams Morgan where you will find some other great spots to go to such as Lapis. However, you’re not on walking distance to Georgetown and the National Mall. It takes approximately 10 minutes by car (10 dollars with Uber).
Check out: www.thelinehotel.com
2468 Champlain St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA
