Arrival/Check-In: The hotel is conveniently located within easy walking distance of Union Station and the Capitol. The White House is about a mile and a half away, so many guests prefer a taxi, but it’s also a pleasant stroll for those who enjoy walking. After spending the afternoon visiting nearby museums, the White House and the Capitol, we were ready to check in and rest before dinner. Check-in was quick and efficient; after grabbing a self-serve welcome drink in the lobby, we were in our room within minutes.
Guest Quarters: The recently redone guest rooms are contemporary and well appointed. Beds feature leather headboards and adjustable stainless steel reading lights positioned so one person can read without disturbing a partner. The color palette is a tasteful mix of gray and tan with accents of red and indigo in artwork and furnishings, including a striking red glass-top dresser/desk that houses the television. A wall-mounted TV would provide more desk space, but for a short stay without paid WiFi, the available workspace was sufficient.
Guests can choose from a six-option pillow menu—buckwheat, down, hypoallergenic, magnetic therapy, sound and Swedish memory pillows. We tried the magnetic therapy option; whether or not the magnets did anything, the pillows were comfortable and supported a good night’s sleep.
The bathrooms have also been updated and include Gilchrist & Soames Sprout Out Collection products in full-sized, environmentally friendly dispensers mounted in the shower. This thoughtful approach eliminates many single-use plastic bottles and supports sustainability efforts.
Services/Amenities: The hotel features a rooftop pool and bar—one of the few open-air rooftop spots on Capitol Hill—which must be delightful in warm weather. With the cooler temperatures during our visit, the rooftop was not in use, but on warmer days it offers a relaxing city view and a rooftop yoga class when weather permits.
On-site dining is anchored by Art and Soul, which reopened in February after an interior refresh and a menu update. Chef Art Smith and Executive Chef Wes Morton have introduced a menu that emphasizes family-style dining and Southern-inspired dishes. Menu highlights include items like seafood gumbo with duck, a rice and bean stew, and classic favorites such as fried free-range chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits.
The Experience: The Liaison’s location is one of its strongest assets—close to the National Mall and the city’s major museums, making it convenient for sightseeing. The hotel also offers substantial meeting space, a modern fitness center, and a restaurant that merits trying during your stay.
GT Checklist
- Doorman/Valet
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Separate tub and shower
- Large vanity
- High-quality towels
- Powerful, unattached hair dryer
- High-quality bed linens
- Large, flat-screen television
- Large desk with convenient outlets
- Complimentary in-room WiFi
- Complimentary bottled water
- Stocked minibar
- Ample lighting
- In-room coffeemaker
- Iron and ironing board
- On-site restaurant and bar
- 24-hour room service
- Large, complimentary laptop safe
- State-of-the-art fitness center
The Liaison Capitol Hill, An Affinia Hotel
415 New Jersey Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001
tel 202 638 1616
affinia.com