This is the hotel the pandemic built—in the best way possible.
WhenYours Truly , a Bohemian - chic self-governing dress shop hotel in the heart ofWashington DC ’s Dupont Circle region , debuted in May 2020 , the reply was mute . And that ’s put it nicely . Between ground international change of location , the transition to a work - from - household thriftiness , and the Brobdingnagian uncertainty the speedily developingCOVID-19 pandemicprovoked , opening a brand new hotel in a metropolis that depends on tourism and business concern slip was a monumentally speculative speculation .
“ It was problematic , ” admits general manager Tauseen Malik . “ It was really tough . But what we ascertain was — once some of the confinement were relax — the local biotic community really coming in and using the quad , embracing us and our married person . ”
That bosom , as it turned out , was mutual . Large base - to - ceiling windowpane swinging open onto New Hampshire Avenue , easing the anxiousness assort with indoor dining and inviting passersby to send away in and string up out for a while , hang around on the small - slung couch strewn throughout the blank space . Work - from - homebecame work - from - hotel , as Yours Truly invited area residents to localize up workshop with their laptop computer inside the talkative , laid - back foyer — or “ living way , ” according to Malik . Cult - favorite “ Jewish - ish ” deliCall Your Motherbegan peddle bagels and coffee out of the far recession , only contribute to the homey atmosphere .
Photo courtesy of Yours Truly DC Hotel
Others happen their way to that lobby , too : most notably Darius “ Sunny D ” Davie , a professional barber who obtain himself in search of a blank space to conduct his growing business after the pandemic shuttered so many DC beauty salon . Davie , also live asGroom Guy , also found respite at Yours really , moving his operation into a born-again pantry near the check-out procedure - in desk and transform the 275 - foot way into a unquestionable self - tending sanctuary .
“ We heard of this awing barber who needed a professorship , and we just thought it was the perfect chance , ” say Malik . “ the great unwashed love it — it ’s worked out superbly for everybody . ”
Stocked with gamey - oddment , principally Black - owned product and decorated with eye - catching art from prominent Black artists , the shop tally mighty in with the hotel ’s sleek , lively aesthetic . And much like its surroundings , Groom Guy welcome all , whether you ’re discontinue by for a quick slice or gearing up for your wedding party .
Across the hall from Groom Guy sitsEl Donut Shoppe , which , contrary to its name , has nothing to do with deep-fried pastry dough . TheOrlando - bear conceptoffers yet another unique amenity by way of a tightly curated array of vinyl record , available both for purchase or on loan to spin upstairs on your very own lazy Susan . The eclectic admixture of malarky , funk , soul , hip record hop , and more supply the idealistic soundtrack to your stay — peculiarly when paired with a slight something fromMercy Me , the hotel ’s buzzy in - theatre restaurant and bar .
draw as “ sorta South American”—Malik resist position the culinary art in too blotto of a box , instead choose to let the team do its thing without constrictions — Mercy Me ’s forward - think menu traipses through Latin America and the Caribbean , melding flavors as fluidly as its lobby home transitions from daytime hangout to eventide hotspot . Menu standouts include bright , citrus - spiked salads , roasted chicken dressed in a rich house - made mole , and a cause of death vegetarian Tostada loaded with roasted eggplant , smoked mushrooms , jicama , and green mango slaw . “ I ’m not even vegetarian , ” jokes executive chef Samuel Diaz . “ But I ca n’t get enough of it . ”
Beverage program conductor Micah Wilder consider a similar approach to his side of thing , pitting classics like Espresso Martinis , Gin and Tonics , and draft Negronis with foul options like a Mule dose withCaribbean Scotch Bonnet peppersand an unstoppable stock-still Miami Vice .
Photo courtesy of Yours Truly DC Hotel
Groom Guy
@yourstrulyhotel
Yours Truly DC
Photo by Mariah Miranda, courtesy of Mercy Me
Photo by Mariah Miranda, courtesy of Mercy Me
