You’re walking up Connecticut Avenue. It’s hilly. If you’ve spent any time in D.C., you know that stretch between Dupont Circle and Kalorama has a specific "old world" gravity to it. Then you see it—the stone facade, the rounded bays, the sort of architectural dignity that feels like it belongs to a different century. That’s 1919 Connecticut Ave Washington, or as most people know it, The Churchill Hotel near Embassy Row.
It’s an interesting spot. Honestly, it’s one of those buildings that people walk past every single day without realizing it started its life as a luxury apartment complex back in the early 1900s. It wasn't always a hotel. It was the "Highlands Apartments" first. You can still feel that residential DNA when you walk through the doors. The rooms are massive because they were literally designed for people to live in permanently, not just to crash in for a two-night business trip.
Why 1919 Connecticut Ave Washington is a Strategic Masterstroke for Travelers
Location is everything. If you stay downtown near the White House, you’re surrounded by lobbyists and concrete. It’s loud. It’s corporate. But 1919 Connecticut Ave Washington sits in this sweet spot. You’re high enough up the hill to get away from the frantic energy of the city center, but you’re still within a ten-minute walk of the Dupont Circle Metro.
The neighborhood is Kalorama. This is where the heavy hitters live. We’re talking former presidents and ambassadors. Walking around here feels like you’ve accidentally wandered onto a movie set for a political thriller. There are no neon signs. There are no chain restaurants on every corner. Instead, you get quiet, tree-lined streets and some of the best people-watching in the District.
The Historic Architecture Hook
The building dates back to 1906. Think about that for a second. When this place was built, Teddy Roosevelt was in the White House. It was designed by Arthur B. Heaton, a guy who basically helped shape the look of Washington’s elite residential corridors. He didn't do "minimalist." He did "grand."
💡 You might also like: Lava Beds National Monument: What Most People Get Wrong About California's Volcanic Underworld
The Beaux-Arts style is obvious the moment you look up. The limestone. The intricate carvings. It has that "Historic Hotels of America" designation for a reason. Inside, they’ve tried to keep that vibe alive with wood paneling and plaid accents that feel very British—hence the name change to The Churchill back in the day. It’s not "modern chic" like a Kimpton. It’s "grandpa’s library" in the best way possible.
What Most People Get Wrong About Staying Here
A lot of travelers expect every high-end D.C. hotel to be a tech-heavy glass box. If you go into 1919 Connecticut Ave Washington expecting a smart-mirror that tells you the weather, you’re going to be disappointed. That’s not what this building is about.
The real flex here is the square footage. Because these were apartments, even the standard rooms are huge. You’ll find separate sitting areas and walk-in closets that are bigger than some entire hotel rooms in New York City.
- The elevators are old. They’re safe, obviously, but they have that slow, deliberate pace of a machine that’s seen a lot of history. Don't be in a rush.
- The views from the upper floors facing Connecticut Avenue are spectacular, especially at night when the city lights stretch out toward the Washington Monument.
- The "hill" factor is real. If you’re walking up from Dupont Circle with luggage, your calves are going to feel it.
The Embassy Row Connection
You are literally steps away from the French Embassy and the various diplomatic missions that line the street. This changes the vibe of the sidewalk. You’ll hear five different languages before you even hit the corner of Florida Avenue. It makes the area feel cosmopolitan in a way that the tourist-heavy National Mall just doesn't.
📖 Related: Road Conditions I40 Tennessee: What You Need to Know Before Hitting the Asphalt
The Reality of the "Churchill" Experience
Let's talk about the food and the immediate surroundings. The on-site restaurant, Chartwell Grill, is fine. It’s reliable. But you’re in D.C. You shouldn't be eating every meal in your hotel.
Just a few blocks south at 1919 Connecticut Ave Washington, you hit the culinary chaos of Dupont Circle. You’ve got Kramerbooks & Afterwords Café for that classic "intellectual D.C." breakfast. You’ve got Little Serow and Komi (if you can get a seat) for some of the best Thai and Mediterranean food in the country.
People always ask: "Is it noisy?"
It's Connecticut Avenue. It’s a major artery. However, because the building is built like a fortress with thick, historic walls, the street noise is surprisingly muffled. If you’re a light sleeper, just ask for a room at the back of the building. You’ll trade the view for total silence.
Navigating the Logistics
Parking in D.C. is a nightmare. It’s an expensive, soul-crushing nightmare. 1919 Connecticut Avenue has valet, but it’ll cost you. Honestly? Don't bring a car. Use the Metro. Use Uber. Walk. The city wasn't designed for your SUV, and Kalorama definitely wasn't.
👉 See also: Finding Alta West Virginia: Why This Greenbrier County Spot Keeps People Coming Back
Actionable Tips for Visiting or Staying at 1919 Connecticut Ave
If you’re planning to visit this specific landmark or stay at the hotel, there are a few things you need to do to actually get your money's worth.
- Request a "Premier" level room. The price jump is usually minimal, but the extra space and the higher ceilings make a massive difference in the "historic" feel.
- Walk North, not just South. Everyone heads down toward the White House. Instead, walk north toward Adams Morgan. You’ll hit the 18th Street strip in about 15 minutes, where the nightlife is actually vibrant and less "stuffy."
- Check the history plaques. There are several historical markers around the building and the neighboring blocks. It’s worth the 5-minute read to understand why this specific hill was the "it" spot for the 1920s elite.
- Use the fitness center. Most hotel gyms are depressing basements. This one is decent, but more importantly, you’re right near Rock Creek Park. Go for a run there instead. It’s one of the best urban parks in the world.
The bottom line is that 1919 Connecticut Ave Washington represents a specific version of the capital. It’s the version that values privacy, heavy curtains, and architectural permanence over the latest trends. It’s not for everyone. If you want a rooftop pool and a DJ in the lobby, go to the Wharf. But if you want to feel like you’re actually in the District—the real, historic District—this is where you park yourself.
Before you book or visit, verify the current renovation status. Like any building that’s over 100 years old, there’s always a pipe being fixed or a facade being cleaned. It’s part of the charm, or part of the hassle, depending on how much you like old buildings. Plan your transit around the Red Line at Dupont Circle, and give yourself enough time to just wander the side streets of Kalorama. That’s where the real magic of this zip code hides.