After a long, stressful drive on the D.C. Beltway, I was elated to pull up in front of The Morrow hotel to find a friendly valet driver who whisked my car away and ushered me into the calming respite of what turned out to be a fabulously memorable hotel.
The hotel, tucked in the city's NoMa neighborhood, exudes an effortless cool with amenities to make it worth your while.
Why stay at The Morrow?
Sure, there can be some perks to staying in the heart of the city, but I'd recommend traveling a bit afield to this property where you'll find a more spacious, quieter experience at a more reasonable pricepoint. Plus, you'll get the added benefit of staying in a cool neighborhood where you can live like a local.
Located on the site of the former Central Armature Works, a century-old electrical manufacturing site, the space is rooted in local history with modern design touches. The Morrow is a part of Curio Collection by Hilton.
What are the rooms like at The Morrow?
Guest rooms start at a 324-square-foot option offering a king-sized bed or two queens. Larger deluxe rooms add a sleeper sofa to the mix, and corner rooms add in space for dining or working. No matter which room size you choose, though, each one promises sophisticated design with hardwood floors, a calming color palette, high-speed internet, large TVs, premium Italian linens and Le Labo bath products. With off-season rates starting at $173, the hotel offers luxury on a budget.
If you want to upgrade the experience, check out the options for suites. I stayed in the sprawling 907-square-foot balcony suite, which offered a parlor, wet bar, dining area, a powder room and a massive bathroom in addition to a comfortable bedroom I didn't want to leave. I spent a warm evening sitting on my private balcony gazing at the view of the Capitol building's dome and watching as lightning crackled across the sky. It was magical.
Where should I eat at The Morrow?
Renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson has created two dining concepts at the hotel. First, there's the lobby-level brasserie Marcus DC, where you can expect regional seafood and Afro-Caribbean spice. The Swediopian cured salmon with teff crisp is a signature item, as is the blue cornbread with yassa butter and berbere honey—and be sure to save room for the dessert trolley.
For a more casual option for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, head to the Sly Rooftop where you'll find a relaxed menu (think avocado toast, waffles, mac-and-cheese and burgers) with stunning views.
What is the service like at The Morrow?
From the valet stand to the front desk to the rooftop restaurant, staff were friendly and eager to help. This was especially evident at the restaurant where our servers helped accommodate my group's food allergies and restrictions, making sure we were safe to order.
What are the facilities like at The Morrow?
The hotel's 24-hour gym is well appointed with a bevy of machines, including treadmills and Peloton bikes, along with a solid selection of weights. There's even a plant-filled, purple-lit yoga studio, along with cold towels.
As for a few extra special perks, the hotel offers a pillow menu (choose from feather or buckwheat), along with satin pillowcases upon request. There's a full tea elixirs menu with options including ginger zing tisane and Moroccan mint. If you're traveling with kids, check out the Morrow Explorers program, which includes a backpack stuffed with kid-sized robes, slippers, a coloring book, crayons and a copy of the book Goodnight Moon.
What’s the area like around the property?
NoMa, that's short for north of Massachusetts Avenue, is a residential neighborhood with an industrial history. Keep an eye out for cool warehouses and historic storefronts alongside new apartment towers. It's near the major transit hub Union Station and the campus of Gallaudet University, the nation's first college for deaf students.
The biggest attraction in NoMa is Union Market, a gigantic food hall packed with cuisine to please every palate. Find it just a seven-minute walk from the hotel. Even closer for a quick bite, make your way across the street to Red Bear Brewing, where you'll find pub grub (nachos, wings and all kinds of fried delicacies), as well as an excellent draft list, including the DC Dirt porter and the Dissent hazy IPA.
When you want to get into the city center, hop on the nearby Metro at the NoMa-Galludet University station. You'll be on Capitol Hill in just 20 minutes.
Why you should you book a stay at The Morrow
I've stayed at a lot of D.C. hotels, and when I return to the capital city next time, I'll stay at The Morrow again thanks to the elevated home-away-from-home experience. From the moment I walked into the lobby, the property felt like a breath of fresh air. The impeccably clean room, kind staff and little touches (a champagne vending machine in the lobby, for example), made the stay extra enjoyable. If you can, book a balcony room, as the city views are truly worth it.
Details
- Address: 222 M St NE, Washington, DC 20002
- Price per Night: Prices start at $173/night
- Closest Transport Link: Union Station, D.C.'s main train station for Amtrak passengers, is located less than a mile away from the hotel. It's a 20-minute walk or a five-minute drive.
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