Most city hotels are just places where you can rest your head after a long day of work or sightseeing. However, Eaton DC, a recent addition to DC’s hotel roster, is an experience. I’ve attended several events at the hotel and most recently had the opportunity to have a staycation at this eclectic property conceived by hotelier Katherine Lo who also owns an Eaton Hotel in Hong Kong. Here’s my review of Eaton DC:
Location
Eaton DC is located in Downtown Washington, DC on the corner of K and 12th St. It’s a short walk from Metro Center metro stop, Chinatown, White House, and City Center. I also like that it is accessible to more residential neighborhoods via public transportation or ride sharing.
The Scene
With its dark woods, dimmed lights, and stylish staff members, you’re transported to a different world from the everyday corporate looks of its neighboring structures in the city. Everything at Eaton DC is intentional: the front desk clerk handed me a small black velvet bag with crystals to affirm calm and fortune. With all the craziness of DC, especially in this current climate, this property is all about the Zen.
The Rooms
The rooms, although on the smaller side are decorated with attention to detail. Our room had a vinyl record player and records to accompany it. The shelves are lined with books, and the decor was warm and cozy. It does not feel like a hotel, instead of the guest room of a very stylish friend.
The Amenities
The amenities at Eaton DC takes wellness to a new level: it has a meditation room, yoga room, sauna, spa treatment rooms, and a gym. The fitness program is beyond the standard offerings at a hotel. Yoga classes are taught by staff members, and they also have alternative wellness events such as sound bath sessions. Special wellness events are also open to non-hotel guests, so it’s a great way to connect with locals.
The property also has a sound booth to record podcasts, a small theater, and a coworking space. One of the main themes of the hotel is how to bring together activism and the hospitality industry. Eaton DC features events such as talks and panel discussions to further the conversation.
Food and Beverage
Where do we start? The restaurant is American Son by local chef Tim Ma. I’ve been following Chef Tim Ma for several years now since my first interview with him. He continues to up his game in the kitchen drawing from his Chinese heritage, his southern upbringing, and his travels. These influences are all translated into the creative menu at American Son. The theme is diversity. You can have an impossible burger hash for brunch followed by a steak and frites for dinner.
For drinks, you can have cocktails at their rooftop bar, Wild Days. During the day is a chill environment where you can catch up with friends or indulge in a little me time. In the evenings it transforms into a high energy space with live DJs. The vibe is fun but not too “clubby,” perfect for people like me who want to dance and have a few drinks but have “retired” from the crazy club life.
For more chill cocktails, head to Allegory, their speakeasy bar tucked away in the back of the lobby. If you blink, you may miss it! It’s a more intimate environment than Wild Days with introspective art, large booths where you can cram in with friends or cuddle with your sweetheart and listen to the sounds of a live DJ.
Eaton DC: The Verdict
If you’re looking for a unique property at a reasonable price point for Washington, DC (Average room price during winter is $200-$250), consider Eaton DC. If you’re a local or staying somewhere else, consider just going for a coffee at Kitsugi, its coffee shop or drinks at their bars or checking out their yoga classes.
Eaton Workshop, 1201 K St NW, Washington, DC, Website
