On the face of it AKA Washington Circle does not look like a five-star property. Well it is a boutique hotel and it rather looks like a staid modern apartment building with balconies.

Foggy Bottom Metro station is close to the hotel. Photo: Sujoy Dhar

Located on Washington Circle and directly across from the Foggy Bottom Metro station, this property is very convenient for commuting anywhere. Their rooms are luxurious and quite large which includes contemporary guestrooms and spacious one-bedroom suites, many with terraces and full kitchens or kitchenettes. Hotel amenities include a welcoming lobby lounge, Technogym Fitness Center, Executive Conference Room with AV capabilities, and on-site cinema.

The Kennedy Center, Georgetown, and the exciting Dupont Circle neighborhood are all walking distance.

A terrace with a room with a view. Photo: AKA Washington Circle

AKA Washington Circle is a boutique hotel. Photo: AKA Washington Circle

Accommodation

Hotel AKA Washington Circle features elegant accommodations of different categories to choose from. Their Standard Queen, Double Queen, King, and Premium King Guest Rooms are expansive in design, ranging up to 515 square feet to allow visitors the luxury of space and light. "From enjoying your morning coffee to streaming your favorite entertainment in the evening, inviting furnishings, premium bedding and thoughtful amenities create an ambiance of refined calm and comfort," the hotel advertises and this is not an overstatement.

The rooms are sprawling. Photo: AKA Washington Circle

Their spacious bedroom suites have all about refined modern decor where you can unwind in the expansive living space and enjoy the convenience of a full kitchen or kitchenette for preparing meals with fresh local ingredients. With accommodations ranging up to 883 square feet, each Junior One Bedroom Suite, One Bedroom Suite and Premium One Bedroom Suite embody sophistication with luxury linens, natural light, sparkling baths, and thoughtful amenities.

I stayed in a "Junior One Bedroom Suite with Balcony" and it was more than I could bargain for.

The hotel also has luxury penthouse suits with panoramic views. "Sweeping views and luxurious residential-style amenities await in our 880+ square-foot Penthouse One Bedroom Suites, where guests can settle into Foggy Bottom with a panorama of the sophisticated surroundings. Check emails with ease in the sleek workspace, then step out onto your private balcony for fresh air and sky-high views" the hotel boasts. 

Dining

Order a scrumptious breakfast. Photo: Sujoy Dhar

a.kitchen+bar at Hotel AKA Washington Circle offers an elevated menu of seasonal American small plates showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients from the Chesapeake region, offering exquisite dishes designed for sharing. The wine and cocktail program, designed by the Hotel AKA Rittenhouse Square team, has garnered acclaim from Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and most recently, a 2024 JBFA nomination, the hotel said. In the morning, guests can savor indulgent breakfast offerings such as cornmeal pancakes with lemon curd or perfectly prepared eggs, complemented by Lost Sock’s artisanal, locally roasted coffee. I, however, regret not having a buffet, perhaps one of the downsides of a boutique hotel. Guests can visit the restaurant from the Lower Lobby level of the hotel or through the entrance on New Hampshire Avenue.

While I love a buffet option too, the a la carte spread for my healthy breakfast was delicious. Photo: Sujoy Dhar   

Location benefits

You can explore the Foggy Bottom neighbourhood. Drawing its name from the mists floating off the Potomac River, Foggy Bottom is a historic Washington DC neighborhood that has become one of the capital’s most sophisticated locales. Home to numerous landmarks and cultural points of interest, including the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and George Washington University, Foggy Bottom has earned its spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

AKA Washington DC Circle is conveniently located. Photo: Sujoy Dhar

The vibrant shopping and dining district of Georgetown is in close proximity. Photo: Sujoy Dhar

Walk 15 minutes to a Georgetown pizza joint like Pizzeria Paradiso to grab a bite and soak in its spirit. Photo: Sujoy Dhar

While it is steps away from the George Washington University Campus, the George Washington University Hospital, The World Bank, and IMF, my favourite DC hangout Georgetown is only 15 minutes walk. The National Mall, Kennedy Center, European Union US Headquarters, and several embassies and law firms are also located within walking distance of the hotel.

The Clincher

If you ask me why I can come back here, well it is (besides location) the residential touch that evokes the comfort of home which the hotel rightly boasts. One drawback for me is the absence of a breakfast buffet which often saves a lot of time in scanning menus and ordering food if you are in a rush and want to grab something quick.