MODERN BOHO HOTEL IN WASHINGTON DC + THINGS TO DO
Washington D.C. has been my favorite weekend getaway since I was 18. My favorite film, Really Love, also takes place there adding to my long term romance with the city. There’s a certain unique vibe I can’t fully explain but between the U Street, the palpable Black history, a Waka Flocka concert in 2013 and the magical sunsets at the Wharf— a good time is always had in the nation’s capital.
Where to Stay
The star of my recent girls' getaway was Yours Truly Hotel, part of the Vignette Collection. I chose this stay because 1) it's absolutely stunning and 2) it’s centrally located near Dupont Circle, within walking distance to the monuments.
The hotel’s aesthetic offers the perfect blend of luxury and boutique charm, with a subtle vinyl record theme woven throughout. The rooms are exactly as pictured on their website—modern with boho accents, comfortable, and impeccably clean, featuring a sleek black-tiled standing shower. The guest age range is between early twenties and mid-forties, and the hotel also serves as a co-working space. During the day, you’ll find Millennials working away on their laptops in the spacious lobby, and at night, the lobby transforms into the popular restaurant-bar, Mercy Me, where a DJ spins vinyl records on Friday and Saturday evenings.
My favorite part of staying at Yours Truly? The price—and the fact that guests can borrow record players and vinyl records for their room, free of charge. How cool is that? Picture this: you and your partner enjoying a nightcap at the hotel’s chic lobby bar, then heading upstairs to vibe to some old-school jams while the melatonin kicks in. Uhm… hello? SOLD!
Yours Truly Hotel is the perfect accomodation for a quick girls' trip, a solo getaway if you’re looking to meet new people, a baecation, or even a change of scenery while working remotely.
WHAT TO DO:
The list of things to do in Washington, DC is endless. Every time I visit, I find something new to experience or a new restaurant to try. This weekend, my itinerary looked like this:
FRIDAY: THE WHARF & U STREET
After checking in, we got ready for dinner at Nara-Ya, a stylish Japanese restaurant offering the most iconic view from The Wharf—a beautiful waterfront neighborhood packed with restaurants and shops. The food at Nara-Ya was a solid 10/10, as was the service and ambiance. After dinner, we made our way to Moonraker rooftop bar at the Pendry Hotel, then headed over to U Street.
U Street is DC's historic nightlife and cultural hub, once known as “Black Broadway” and the heart of African-American culture and social change. Today, it’s filled with lively bars, eateries, “Little Ethiopia,” and the famous Ben’s Chili Bowl (a must-try!). It’s the perfect place for a stroll, whether by day or night.
SATURDAY: LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Alright, y’all, I have a confession. In all the years I’ve spent visiting DC, I’ve somehow never made it to any of the monuments. I know, I know—how could I?!
But this time, I made it happen. From Yours Truly Hotel, my sister and I took a 20-minute walk to the Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Lincoln memorials. The monuments are free to visit, and I’d recommend planning to spend 2-3 hours there. On warmer days, it’s also a great area for a run.
After exploring the monuments, we met up with a friend to check out the Library of Congress, the world’s largest library, known for its absolutely stunning architecture. It’s free to visit with a timed entry ticket.
My favorite part of the library was the exhibit Not an Ostrich: And Other Images from America’s Library. This display featured breathtaking portraits of America across time, but it was Camilo José Vergara’s “65 East 125th St.” collection that truly stole my heart. His photography captures the transformation of the former Purple Manor Jazz Club storefront in Harlem from 1977 to 2017. As a New Yorker, especially a Harlem resident, the images hit me hard. Seeing the changes over time gave me a sense of nostalgia while deepening my pride and connection to my city. What is art without emotion?
Beyond the exhibits, the Library itself is an architectural dream. It felt like I had stepped into Europe! Honestly, it had me thinking it would be the perfect spot for an engagement photoshoot. Plan to spend about 1.5 hours there—it’s totally worth it.
After the Library of Congress, we made our way to La Cosecha food market, where I refueled with some delicious Mexican food. In the evening, the girls came over to my hotel for a drink, and then we headed to Swingers Mini-Golf to wrap up the night.
On Sunday, my sister and I headed back to NYC, but overall, we had such an amazing time.
Other Things I’ve Done or want To Do in DC:
Smithsonian's National Postal Museum — I stumbled upon this museum on my way to the bus stop, and now it's on my list to visit.
Get dressed up, grab your heels, and catch a show at The Kennedy Center — I saw The Color Purple there in 2009, and the theater is absolutely beautiful. Depending on the season, you can also enjoy an Alvin Ailey Dance performance.
Enjoy delicious Ethiopian food in Little Ethiopia — A must-visit for some of the best flavors.
Visit Busboys & Poets — A restaurant, bar, bookstore, and cultural hub for writers, activists, and thinkers. Definitely a must-do! Fun fact: poet Langston Hughes worked as a busboy before gaining fame, which is where the name comes from.
Indulge in s'mores by the firepit at the Wharf while the sun sets — Can't wait for that fall weather vibe!
Have dinner at a waterfront restaurant at the Wharf right before sunset, then take a stroll by the water.
Visit Old Town, Virginia — A charming cobblestone district with cute spots for eating and shopping. I love it here!
Watch Really Love and fall in love with my crush, Kofi Siriboe, and DC all over again.
Ready to embark on your next trip or solo adventure? I’m thrilled to help you make it amazing!
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