Stamping its presence squarely in the heart of our nation’s capital is the stunning Riggs Washington DC, an emblem of luxury and design in the city. A favorite amongst both locals and visitors, the beautiful hotel, which is conveniently located in Penn Quarter, has continued its enduring legacy as a status symbol.
Initially constructed in the late 19th century as the headquarters of the Riggs National Bank, the hotel is a study in Richardson Romanesque architecture that defined much of the East Coast’s most well-known buildings in the 1800s and 1900s. With elements of French, Spanish, and Italian 11th and 12th-century design, the Riggs is a stately, impressive building that lays bare its history as the so-called “Bank of Presidents.” Indeed, the Riggs National Bank oversaw the funds for 23 U.S. presidents, and today, the Riggs takes its responsibility of overseeing the comfort of its guests just as seriously.
Check-in begins in a stately lobby whose pillars, brass details, and ornate ceiling are all part of the building’s original design. Friendly staff has replaced the bank tellers of yore and is ready to distribute keys and answer questions about the historical space.
Rooms in the hotel are meant to surprise and delight and are intended to mimic private safety deposit boxes (with much more space, of course). Jewel tones and geometric designs keep the eye guessing, and we’re always especially charmed by the colorful, scallop-shaped headboards adorned with custom designs from Voutsa. These bright pops of color contrast perfectly with the grey tones of the wallpaper, which serve as the ideal foil for the vibrant furniture and finishes.
If you have the opportunity, be sure to opt for one of the hotel’s 15 suites. We’re partial to the four signature First Lady Suites, each inspired by the idiosyncracies of one of four First Ladies: Ida McKinley (who loved flowers), Angelica Van Buren (who loved opulence), Louisa Adams (who loved music), and Caroline Harrison (who loved porcelain). With their stunning color palettes and spacious layouts, a stay in any one of the Riggs’ suites is a vacation in and of itself.
And speaking of taking yourself on vacation, one of the utmost amenities of the hotel undoubtedly lies in its subterranean bar—Silver Lyan. Located in what was once the bank’s vault, Silver Lyan marks the first U.S. venture from the Mr Lyan team, helmed by Ryan Chetiyawardana (aka Mr Lyan)’s first U.S. venture. The beautiful speakeasy-esque space is effortlessly sexy, with moody lighting, opulent furnishings, and a killer menu of some of the best cocktails that you’ll find in the city.
If you’re looking for a more substantive or solid meal, look no further than Cafe Riggs, the hotel’s airy, welcoming main dining room. The grandeur of the space – with its marbled Corinthian columns and velveteen booths – is as lovely for breakfast as it is impressive for dinner. And with an all-day menu that draws inspiration from French brasseries, the cafe is ready to serve at any moment.
For easy exploration of the capital, the Riggs offers guests bikes to all guests (as well as EV charging stations for folks who have driven to the hotel). Of course, if you’d rather get your exercise in the hotel itself, a 24-hour gym stands at the ready with state-of-the-art equipment.
So whether you’re in D.C. for a business trip or a staycation, you’ll want to experience a new standard of luxury in a historic setting at the Riggs Hotel.
Top Takeaways
Location: Washington, D.C.
Rating: Five-Star
The Vibe: Old-school expense accounts meet new-school creative design.
Food + Drink: Grab a beautifully made French omelet at Cafe Riggs in the morning (or at night), and then head downstairs to Silver Lyan for your nightcap
Amenities: fitness center; restaurant; bar; concierge; ballroom; meeting spaces; bikes; EV charging
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: It’s hard to overstate how beautiful Silver Lyan is – both as a space and as a concept. The drinks are absolutely top-notch
5 Nearby Attractions: White House, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Ford’s Theater, National Archives Museum
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs?: The National Archives Museum is one of the most underrated museums in the city and is just a short walk from the hotel. Be sure to head there after breakfast and beat any crowds
Rooms: 181 rooms and suites
Pricing: Rooms start at $230/night
Closest Airport: Reagan National Airport
