Thompson Washington D.C.

The Thompson hotels have been Tablet favorites since the beginning, and though they’ve grown far beyond their indie beginnings, they’ve lost none of their knack for crafting inspiring, memorable spaces. Even in a town where style is rarely a primary concern, the Thompson Washington D.C. is dazzling; the capital-based Studios Architecture and the New York firm Parts and Labor Design have created a brand-new luxury boutique hotel with the mid-century resonances that are the Thompson hallmark.

All the same, it never feels retro or nostalgic — this is as modern as they come. It’s set in the Navy Yard neighborhood, near the riverfront, and there’s a subtle maritime vibe throughout. The rooms are efficiently laid out, but not particularly short on space, and they’ve got all the must-have contemporary comforts. Light is plentiful, through industrial-style mullioned windows, and some rooms come with balconies overlooking the neighborhood.

The public spaces are flexible, hosting everything from daytime co-working to dinner and late-night drinks; the Thompson Bar Room offers coffee, cocktails, and light bites, while Anchovy Social is the vast rooftop bar with a 360-degree view, and Maialino Mare, the flagship restaurant, is a Roman-style trattoria with an emphasis on fresh-caught seafood.