The latest addition to the Hilton’s Curio collection fancies itself an homage to light, and absolutely lives up to its promise. Having recently thrown open its doors in the heart of the NoMa neighborhood in Washington, D.C., the Morrow Hotel provides not only spacious, well-equipped rooms for travelers, but also a series of meeting rooms, event spaces, and no fewer than four restaurants and lounges all helmed by Michelin-starred chef Nicholas Stefanelli that makes this hotel a destination for locals and out-of-town guests alike.
Located just a mile north of Union Station, a major hub for Amtrak and regional rail travelers alike, the Morrow’s 12 stories rise above the tree- and cafe-lined streets of this rapidly developing neighborhood. While the space was once the last site of Central Armature Works, a 100-year-old electrical manufacturing and repair business, the hotel has taken a distinctly modern point of view to its design.
The light-filled lobby is a study in an open floorplan – while plenty of couches are available for visitors and their guests, the aesthetic is decidedly minimalist while intimate, with neutral tones, wood panels, and glass allowing natural sunlight to remain the star. To the right of the check-in desk is the first of the property’s dining concepts – the highly anticipated Le Clou – something of a love letter to French cuisine from acclaimed DC chef Stefanelli. While the hotel currently allows guests to take beverages from the bar back into the lobby lounge to enjoy, in short order, the team will be launching a lobby-specific happy hour menu for further ease of enjoyment. For the time being, however, guests can take advantage of a champagne trolley, or a Moet Chandon vending machine dispensing $25 mini-bottles of champagne.
Up the slight spiral of a staircase, guests can find a well-equipped fitness center, complete with a yoga studio, as well as a series of meeting rooms ideal for taking a Zoom call, especially when looking to escape a hotel room. Climb yet another flight of stairs (or hop in the elevator), and guests will find a larger meeting room, as well as the property’s 2,400 square foot ballroom for special events. The second floor also plays host to a nearly 5,000 square foot outdoor terrace, which come warmer weather, will have not only its own menu, but will also be utilized as an all-purpose space for movie nights, fitness classes, and more.
The Morrow boasts guests rooms in total, 203 spacious guest rooms. Calming blue tones are combined with crisp, white Italian linens for a calming experience, and spacious bathrooms outfitted with Le Labo bath and body products provide welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Automatic lighting underneath nightstands and bathroom vanities also help to illuminate the way in the evening, which is particularly helpful in a new environment.
Take a journey further upstairs in the Morrow to find additional food and beverage offerings from Chef Stefanneli. Vesper, opening February 2023, serves as a sophisticated cocktail lounge with craft cocktails and live music. With grand hor d’oeuvres and caviar service, Vesper feels like the speakeasy you always wished you could indulge in, while remaining approachable during the day with its afternoon tea service. Then, there’s Upstairs at The Morrow, slated to open in March 2023. This rooftop bar will not only serve cocktails, wine, and light fare, but will also play host to nightly DJ sets and a walkaround outdoor terrace, all highlighting some of the best views of the nation’s capital in the neighborhood.
While the Morrow does not have a spa, the team has sought to create an rejuvenation-centric experience throughout the hotel, offering enhancements like Palermo body scrubs and lotions, a pillow menu, and soon, bookable barre and yoga classes from neighborhood fitness pop-ups. So if you’re looking for an elevated yet accessible stay in one of the most creative areas of our nation’s capital, the Morrow is not to be missed.
Top Takeaways
Location: Washington, D.C.
Rating: Four-Star
The Vibe: Modern, minimalistic convenience that highlights the creative spirit of D.C.
Food + Drink: There are four dining options at the Morrow Hotel – the Lobby lounge, Le Clou, Vesper, and Upstairs at the Morrow. Check out the Lobby lounge for a kombucha or juice in the morning, Le Clou for a classic French dinner, Vesper for a cocktail and caviar, and Upstairs at the Morrow for a buzzy date night.
Amenities: fitness center; restaurant; bar; concierge; ballroom; meeting spaces; house bikes
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The sheer number of food and beverage options coupled with the all-star chef at their helm makes this a dining destination for travelers and locals alike
5 Nearby Attractions: H Street Corridor, National Mall, Union Market, Eastern Market, White House
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs?: Be sure to check out Eastern Market for a great combination of phenomenal food and shopping, especially during the warmer months. The entirety of the NoMa neighborhood is distinctly walkable, so be sure to take a stroll no matter when you visit.
Rooms: 203 rooms and suites
Pricing: Rooms start at $369/night
Closest Airport: Reagan National Airport
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