DUPONT: Kimpton Carlyle Hotel Dupont Circle Debuts Redesigned Event Space and Luxe New Oka Doner Suite

Kimpton Carlyle Hotel Dupont Circle has introduced two striking updates: the new Oka Doner Suite, an oversized hotel suite designed exclusively by and dedicated to internationally-renowned artist Michele Oka Doner, and the redesigned Ellington room, a signature event space featuring an extension of the décor from the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant by James Beard award-winning chef Michael Schlow, The Riggsby. The recent transformations only add to the 198-room Art Deco landmark’s artful elegance and residential charm, which was recently awarded as one of U.S. News & World Report’s 2017 Best Hotels in Washington, D.C.
The Oka Doner Suite

Guests gain access to the three-room Oka Doner Suite through a private hallway. The 900 square foot suite features streamlined geometry, a soothing, neutral color palette, corner Art Deco windows with Washington Monument and D.C. skyline views, three bathrooms, and subtle high design elements, from a grey carpet that echoes patterns of Oka Doner’s signature works to sleek and spacious workspaces. Encompassing a peaceful and tranquil tone, Oka Doner incorporated polished fixtures with organic shapes throughout the suite. Both the living area and two bedrooms feature custom designed furnishings, including a reading chair, oversized round coffee table and grey sectional chaise lounge in the main space, and a king sized bed and royal blue sofa in each of the guest rooms. Guests can also indulge in room service from James Beard award-winning chef Michael Schlow’s in-house restaurant, The Riggsby. Designed for both business and leisure travelers, the Oka Doner Suite sleeps up to six guests and is ideal for travelers seeking extra space or for groups looking for a luxurious hotel experience with a cultural edge.


Signature artwork by Oka Doner is found throughout the suite including a piece titled Cosmic I & II. Cosmic I & II presents celestial forms exploding with energy and shimmering in gold. The work’s rich texture and palette plays against the cool sophistication of the interior yet echoes many of the room’s elements from the custom grey patterned carpet to the chic bronze curtains.

Oka Doner was the design force behind the recent renovation and reimagining of Kimpton Carlyle Hotel Dupont Circle, her first hotel project, drawing upon her own Art Deco design experience in Miami Beach to restore the building to its original grandeur.
Redesigned Ellington Room

In close collaboration with the hotel’s owners, Foxhall Partners, and Schlow Restaurant Group, Kimpton has also completely redesigned the Kimpton Carlyle Hotel’s popular Ellington room, named for local jazz icon Duke Ellington, located just off the hotel’s living room area on the first floor. Fitting for an intimate dinner or elegant reception of up to 70 guests, the 800 square foot Ellington room’s new décor is a continuation of the distinct design found in The Riggsby, inspired by the supper club atmosphere and exotic touches found in many American restaurants of the mid-20th century. There are classic touches throughout including a largescale chevron patterned walnut floor with dark inlays and walls in glossy jewel tones of deep emerald and plum. Original Art Deco corner windows allow for plenty of natural light, while brass and gold-toned light fixtures lend a warm glow to the space. Ellington also features collages of custom artwork including select pieces by mixed-media artist Adrienne Schlow, chef Michael Schlow's wife.


Not only can attendees admire Adrienne Schlow’s artwork, but they can also indulge in James Beard award-winning chef Michael Schlow’s cuisine from The Riggsby whose team, led by chef de cuisine Jeremy Waybright, exclusively caters every event held at Kimpton Carlyle Hotel Dupont Circle, offering a customizable and approachable American menu with a nostalgic, continental slant. Schlow and his team have created a menu of throwback favorites inspired by the convivial cocktail party culture of his parents’ generation, whereby neighbors would contribute their own signature dishes to the festivities. Retro-inspired hors d’oeuvres like Homemade Potato Chips with Green Chile-Green Onion Dip; Chorizo Stuffed Mushrooms, and Deviled Eggs with Calabrian Chiles and Crispy Chicken Skin compliment main selections such as Grilled Hanger Steak with Maitake Mushrooms and Bordelaise Sauce, Oven Roasted Salmon with Lemon Confit and Green Beans, and Crunchy Eggplant “Parm” with Basil Marinated Tomato and Frico Chips. The Riggsby’s signature beverage program, comprised of classic cocktails and riffs on period drinks, spills over to events at Kimpton Carlyle as well, featuring mid-century modern cocktails such as the Harvey Wallbanger and Old Fashioned in addition to the restaurant’s own unique creations.

In addition to Ellington, Kimpton Carlyle has two other meeting and event spaces including Taylor, a nod to famous local jazz pianist and composer Billy Taylor, with over 1,400 square feet including three large drop-down projection screens and an exposed brick wall best for events of up to 200 guests, and Horn, a 400 square foot executive boardroom named for renowned jazz singer, pianist and Washington native Shirley Horn which seats up to 12 guests.

From executive retreats and corporate meetings to weddings and social receptions, Kimpton Carlyle Hotel Dupont Circle is a superb choice for business meetings, galas, and special events full of culture and charm. It’s beautiful surroundings, experienced support staff, and creative food and beverage by The Riggsby make any occasion unforgettable.

For more information about Kimpton Carlyle Hotel Dupont Circle or to book the Oka Doner Suite or Ellington, Taylor or Horn rooms, visit www.carlylehoteldc.com or call 202-234-3200
Kimpton Carlyle Hotel Dupont Circle is located at 
1731 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.

Comments