The Mansion on O Street
Washington, D.C.: Top 5 Hotels
This singular property in a residential area near Dupont Circle is like no other bed and breakfast you've ever seen, even though guests are housed in three interconnected homes and all rates include a morning meal. The Mansion on O Street began as a group of townhouses designed and built in the 1890s by architect Alan Clark. Originally the property was shared by Clark himself and his two brothers, one of whom, Champ Clark, was Speaker of the House during Theodore Roosevelt's presidency. A century later, after serving in the 1930s as a rooming house for J. Edgar Hoover's G-men, current owner H.H. Leonards Spero restored the buildings to their original character and converted the property into an eccentric museum, conference center, boutique hotel and membership-based social club.
The 22 rooms and suites come in a range of styles, sizes and configurations, all with hi-tech entertainment and communications gear, some with water beds, teak soaking tubs or other exotic fixtures (one unit features a shower crafted from an English telephone booth). Several quiet, secluded "Insomniac Suites" are available (some with hidden entrances), as well as a two-story Log Cabin Suite and an Art Deco-inspired Penthouse Suite with a kitchen, balcony and private elevator. All guests have use of the club's swimming pool, 1,000-volume library and antique pool table. The décor throughout encompasses a whimsical jumble of antiques, artworks and curios from around the world, and everything you see is for sale.
Like the interior design, rates at the Mansion on O Street are all over the map, with price tags ranging from $350 to $3,000 a night, and discounts available for extended stays and for government and nonprofit groups. Reservations are taken only by e-mail or by fax.
The Mansion on O Street
2020 "O" St. NW
Washington, D.C.
202-496-2000
www.omansion.com
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