So you're looking for the Kimpton Dupont Circle. Honestly, you're not the only one searching for a ghost. If you pull up Google Maps and type that in exactly, you might notice something weird: it doesn't quite exist under that specific name anymore.
Well, it does and it doesn't.
Washington D.C. hotels love a good identity crisis. For years, Kimpton had a stranglehold on the Dupont Circle boutique scene. You had the Topaz, the Rouge, the Madera—all Kimpton, all within a few blocks of the iconic fountain. But the "Kimpton Dupont Circle" as a single entity is basically the Kimpton Banneker Hotel now. Or, if you’re looking at the actual building physically sitting on the circle with the famous bar, you’re looking at The Dupont Circle Hotel, which (plot twist) isn't a Kimpton at all. It's part of the Doyle Collection.
Confused? Let’s untangle it.
The Banneker: The Real Successor
If you want that Kimpton vibe—the hosted wine hour, the "Forgot It, We've Got It" amenities, and the pet-friendly policy that doesn't care if your "pet" is a 90-pound golden retriever—the Kimpton Banneker Hotel is where you're heading. It’s located at 16th Street and Rhode Island Ave.
Technically, it's a few blocks off the circle itself. But in D.C. geography, it’s the flagship of the neighborhood.
This place used to be the Kimpton Rouge. If you stayed there back in the day, you remember the "red" theme that was, frankly, a bit much. They did a massive $20 million renovation a couple of years back and renamed it after Benjamin Banneker, the Black astronomer who helped survey the District in the 1790s.
It's way more sophisticated now. Think abstract art, minimalist lines, and a view of the White House that’ll make you feel like a political fixer.
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Why people actually book this place
People don't just stay here for the brand name. They stay for Lady Bird.
That’s the rooftop bar. It’s named after Lady Bird Johnson, and it’s arguably one of the best "hidden" spots in the city. You get a 270-degree view. You can see the Washington Monument (or the "pencil" as locals call it) off in the distance while sipping a lychee martini.
- The Vibe: Mid-century modern meets cozy library.
- The Perk: The $25 daily guest amenity fee. Usually, I hate fees, but this one gives you a $10–$20 "Raid the Bar" credit and a signature cocktail at Le Sel.
- The Food: Le Sel is their ground-floor French bistro. It's surprisingly good for a hotel restaurant. Get the steak frites.
The "Other" Kimpton: Hotel Madera
Then there’s the Hotel Madera. For a long time, this was the other Kimpton Dupont Circle option. It’s tucked away on New Hampshire Avenue.
Actually, here's a bit of insider tea: Hotel Madera isn't officially under the Kimpton flag anymore, though it kept the soul of one. It’s still a boutique powerhouse. If you want a room with a balcony—which is incredibly rare in D.C.—this is your spot.
The rooms here are massive. Like, "I can actually do yoga without hitting the bed" massive. It feels less like a hotel and more like a very expensive apartment owned by a friend who has really good taste in rugs.
Firefly and the Neighborhood Feel
The restaurant at the Madera, Firefly, has been a Dupont staple for two decades. It has this giant "wishing tree" in the middle of the dining room. It’s the kind of place where you see lobbyists having "discreet" lunches and families eating brunch simultaneously.
The Dupont Circle Hotel (The Imposter)
If you are standing in the middle of the park, looking at the fountain, and you see a big, beautiful hotel right there with a terrace... that is The Dupont Circle Hotel.
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It’s easy to see why people get it mixed up. This hotel is home to Doyle, which is the bar everyone talks about.
Doyle is where you go if you want to be seen. It’s got floor-to-ceiling windows that look directly onto the circle. If you’re a people-watcher, it’s Nirvana. They do these Irish-inspired cocktails (the owners are Irish) and have a terrace with green velvet couches that is basically the hottest ticket in town once the temperature hits 65 degrees.
What most people get wrong about staying in Dupont
Look, D.C. is a city of "sectors." If you stay at the Kimpton Banneker or the Madera, you aren't just staying in a hotel; you're choosing a lifestyle for the weekend.
The Metro Trap:
People think they need to be right on top of the Metro. The Dupont Circle station (Red Line) is close to all these spots, but honestly? Walk.
From the Banneker, you can walk down 16th Street and be at the White House in 15 minutes. From the Madera, you’re two minutes away from the Phillips Collection, which is the coolest private art museum in the country. They have Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party. It’s a vibe.
The "Embassy Row" Walk:
Walk up Massachusetts Avenue. You’ll see the embassies. Some are grand mansions; others look like 1970s office buildings (sorry, UK embassy). It’s the best free tour in the city.
Is the Kimpton Banneker actually worth it in 2026?
Let's be real. D.C. is expensive. Like, "why is this sandwich $22" expensive.
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The Banneker usually clocks in between $300 and $550 a night depending on if there’s a massive protest or a Boring Government Conference in town.
The Pros:
- Frette Linens: They don't skimp on the bedding. It’s the kind of bed you don't want to leave.
- The Record Players: Some suites have Turntable Lab record players with a curated vinyl selection. It’s a nice touch that doesn’t feel forced.
- The Bathroom: Big walk-in showers. No weird plastic curtains here.
The Cons:
- Elevator Wait: Sometimes the elevators are a bit sluggish when the rooftop bar is hopping.
- The "Circle" Distance: It’s a 10-minute walk to the actual heart of Dupont. If it’s raining, that sucks.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you decide to book the "Kimpton Dupont Circle" (aka the Banneker), do these three things to get your money's worth:
- Join IHG One Rewards first. Even the free tier gets you 2:00 p.m. late checkout (subject to availability) and better Wi-Fi. It’s a no-brainer.
- Request a high floor, South-facing room. You want that 16th Street view. Looking at the White House from your bed is the whole point of staying at this specific address.
- Don't skip the Wine Hour. It’s from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the lobby. It’s the best way to meet other travelers and get a "free" pre-game before heading to a pricey dinner at Kramer’s or Iron Gate.
The reality is that while the name "Kimpton Dupont Circle" might be a bit of a moving target, the hospitality in this corner of the District hasn't changed. Whether you end up at the Banneker for the views or the Madera for the space, you're in the best neighborhood in D.C.
Pack comfortable shoes. The sidewalks are uneven, the history is dense, and the martinis at Lady Bird are stronger than they look.