Inside The Darcy, Washington, D.C.’s Most Fun And Affordable Hotel

While value, or at least the perception of it, has long been a consideration for many travelers—it feels more important now than ever. Inflation has reached an all-time high, and the boom of budget lifestyle hotels in recent years has increasingly blurred the lines between what’s truly value-driven and what’s, well, cheap.

This is when The Darcy enters the picture. Opened in 2017, the 226 key property situated in the heart of Dupont Circle, one of Washington, D.C.’s most iconic neighborhoods, boasts a prime address. It’s within easy walking distance to attractions like The White House, some of the city’s best restaurants and bars—I recommend All Souls, Bresca, and The Dabney—and the Dupont Circle Metro Station. But a convenient location is just one reason why The Darcy is a must for visitors looking to stretch their hard-earned dollars.

The first and most obvious thing that makes the property value-driven is its rates. During this time of year, which is considered low season in the nation’s capital, average nightly rates hover around $159. While the price alone is appealing, when you factor in all the other perks it’s tough not to make a case for a stay at The Darcy.

The accommodations are spacious by city standards, and were designed to feel residential, not staid like other corporate properties in town. Save for a few pieces of modern art and pops of color in the carpeting and decorative pillows, the vibe is understated, yet completely comfortable so you’ll feel like you’re at a home away from home. And to help your furry companion feel welcome as well, The Darcy permits pets under 75 pounds for no additional fee and will outfit your room with bowls, waste bag dispensers, and adorable branded tags.

Though the fitness center has Peloton bikes—which I consider a must for higher-end hotels—why not take advantage of the Darcy Gear Shop? It’s stocked with complimentary bikes, scooters, and even baby strollers for outdoor exploration. Another cool amenity is the hotel’s well-curated collection of women’s accessories ranging from Clare V.’s foldover clutches to Privé Revaux sunglasses you can borrow or purchase. Feel like a drink after a long day, but don’t want to leave your room? Request the Cocktail Butler, who’ll come right up to prepare your favorite libation. Up for socializing? Then head down to the main lobby for the hotel’s complimentary daily cocktail tasting at 5pm.

Under the helm of chef Bader Ali, the all-day eatery Gerrard Street Kitchen eschews the safe, generalist route (like brasseries and steakhouses) favored by other hotels and embraces global cuisine. Anchoring the handsome dining room is a sleek new sushi bar, where chefs turn out imaginative rolls—the spicy salmon-filled Darcy Roll topped with pickled daikon and fried shallots for crunch is a must—and generous slabs of sashimi alongside chicken tagine, Korean fried chicken, and short rib Paratha tacos. But really, the biggest selling point here is the daily happy hour, where you can nosh on wallet-friendly sushi rolls, truffle fries, and Spanish garlic shrimp, and wash it all down with flutes of Veuve Clicquot for only $15.