If there’s one thing we’ve learned to appreciate from the absolute shitshow that was 2020, it’s that even cityfolk desire a little bit of extra space to stretch out in.
Any chance to escape the limited square footage and mundane nature of working from home was heartily welcomed, though the realities of COVID-19 obviously made traveling a tough proposition. The hotel industry as a whole was rocked, but properties did their best to pivot and survive despite months of empty rooms.
Luckily for DC residents, a diamond in the rough finally emerged at the end of the year in the form of renovated historic townhouses in the heart of Georgetown — an ambitious undertaking by the Rosewood Washington, D.C. that now serves as a prime destination for visiting out-of-towners and staycationers alike.
Rental Who?
After more than a year and a launch that was pushed back due to the pandemic, the Rosewood has finally swung open the (private) doors to six renovated townhouses on its block of 31st St. NW, and we couldn’t be more pleased to see it. Each townhouse measures in at about 1,000 square feet and features a sleek and modern design thanks to the vision of interior designer Thomas Pheasant.
Upon booking, guests are given the keys to their own multi-level townhouse, a process that at first can feel akin to checking into a luxury rental property. That’s where the differences begin to kick in, though, as the close proximity between the townhomes and the hotel proper allows guests all the same amenities they’d get in a room at the Rosewood.
Not only do guests have the option to have their fridges stocked by CUT chef Andrew Skala, they can also order fully prepared meals by way of room service. For those checking into the townhouses for an extended stay, perhaps one of the best perks is CUT playing the part of your built-in grocery store as well, supplying anything from prime cuts of meat to spices you might have forgotten to pick up at the store.
Guests are also able to hop over to the hotel to get in a workout at the gym, have a dip in the pool during warmer months or call upon butler service from the privacy of their townhouse.
Privacy is key
Don’t get us wrong: the right amount of privacy is always key to a great hotel stay, but the very real threat of the coronavirus has pushed that concern into the top spot for most travelers. The sheer comfort of guests being able to enter the property through their own entrances is a perk in itself, but a private living room, back courtyard, full kitchen and master bathroom are what make the deal even sweeter.
And for those who began to dig into the indulgence of self-care last year, the full-floor bathroom serves as the pièce de résistance. A sleek metal tub commands immediate attention, and marble flooring and ample sunlight create the perfect backdrop for a long afternoon or evening spent soaking and ignoring the news. In the toilet room, guests will find a state-of-the-art toilet that includes some very fancy bidet features, and if you’re confused about why we’re including this detail in our review, it must mean you have to try it out for yourself.
Director of Sales Timothy Edgecomb tells InsideHook that guests have already been checking in for weeks-long stays, and that the possibilities for the future of the townhouses are endless, as Rosewood seeks to acquire more properties on the block and create connections between some of the houses for larger groups to enjoy together.
For now, simply enjoying a cup of Nespresso at the breakfast nook or grilling in the back courtyard are pleasures we’re more than just contented with. There’s no doubting that the new Rosewood townhouses are the pinnacle of “home away from home” experiences in DC, and a warning sign to Airbnb and its ilk that the world’s most beloved hotel brands are ready to beat them at their own game.
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