Hotel Check: Lyle Washington DC

WHERE IS IT? In Dupont Circle, guests are close to eclectic dining, embassies, great shopping and city monuments. The hotel wants to be a friendly neighbor and rolls out a cart for complimentary refreshments on the street or in nearby parks. It’s an easy walk to a metro station for those that want to explore every corner of the city.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Once apartments, the bones of this building show it. A quaint lobby with small reception desk welcome guests into a charming space that is awash in natural light and bespoke artwork. Most notable is the friendly staff who are happy to point the way to neighborhood attractions. The art deco design is softened with pieces of modern art and furnishings creating a clever mixture of old-meets-new. Ideal for leisure travelers, but with all the amenities that a business traveler needs, Lyle is the best of both worlds.

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS: In the quiet, upscale Dupont Circle neighborhood, this boutique hotel offers world-class dining and the comfiest beds in town

HOW MANY ROOMS? 196 rooms and suites

ROOM FACILITIES: Minimalist white hallways with interesting woven tapestries on the walls take guests to the warm and inviting accommodations. Guest rooms have a soft and bright look of soft white carpeting, colorful artwork created for the hotel by its own creative director and elegant furnishings. Flat-screen TVs are mounted to the wall, and power and USB outlets are everywhere including on either side of the bed. The stars of the show are king or queen beds with Sealy Copper II plush top and a Northern Feather sleep pad that feels like sleeping on a cloud. Plump pillows and a dreamy duvet add to the experience. Arched headboards infuse more of that art décor appeal of public areas. Corner rooms are notable for their larger windows and superior views. All rooms have lovely bathrooms with windowed doors (a privacy shade is in place); each has a pedestal sink, makeup vanity and glass shower stall with D.S. & Durga toiletries from eco-friendly pump bottles.

The entire property is focused on Earth-friendly endeavors with trash bins for recycling and glass bottles of water delivered on request among its many efforts. Guests with longer stays may prefer a room with kitchenette featuring espresso machine, wet bar and refrigerator. A microwave or French press coffee maker is available on request. The largest Lyle Suite offers the most living space in the heart of the city’s diplomatic quarter.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS: Lyle’s wants to be known as the neighborhood restaurant, and that it is with a mix of guests and locals noshing on impressive dishes for breakfast, weekend brunch and dinner created by Chef Nicholas Sharpe. Like the hotel, service here is a hallmark, and both the bar and dining room offer a blend of modern and art décor. Don’t miss the king salmon in soy-ginger glaze with sticky rice at dinner and the baked eggs with eggplant at breakfast. Everything is presented with imaginative flair and impressive presentation. The service matches the exceptional menu, and the dining room features an atrium with stunning white light fixtures, all-white sofa and banquette seating and a cozy bar with excellent cocktail and wine list.

LEISURE FACILITIES: A 24-hour fitness center on the bottom level features a workout studio for yoga and meditation classes among others plus modern equipment including a Peloton bike.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES: Free wireless Internet is extra speedy throughout the hotel. This includes in the basement conservatory with greenery as well as adjustable gathering space that can be used for dining, conferences, social functions or individual work space. Especially for those that are still working remotely, Lyle equips its guests with everything they need to stay productive.

VERDICT: This pet-friendly boutique option in the city’s cosmopolitan diplomatic quarter is a great option for road warriors and tourists alike thanks to flexible and chic accommodations and public spaces. Its restaurant is second to none in the neighborhood.

CONTACT: 1731 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20009; Phone: 202-964-6750, www.lyledc.com