My time in Washington DC on my #Tweet2Toronto journey for my other site was entirely too short, but I did have a little less than 48 hours in our nation’s capitol. I had heard through a hostelmate back in Miami about Lofty Hostel. When I contacted the owner, Roma, about staying there, she put me up for the night in her other location, Capital View Hostel, a short walk from the National Mall.
After a long bus ride from Charlotte, I walked 15 minutes from Union Station to what looked like a townhouse in a safe enough area. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I was asked to take my shoes off inside, but it is like being in someone’s house.
I didn’t mind once they handed me my own pair of slippers (see below)! I made myself at home in my 6-bed female dorm, threw my belongings in my locker, and gave myself a few minutes to rest. Rooms include free WiFi, towels, linens, use of common area computers, and safe keycard access.
Later that night, owner Roma showed me around the property, which is a 150+ year old family mansion turned law firm turned hostel. She has been running the hostels for 5 years, so no two rooms are the same, from dorms to private and semi-private rooms. My personal favorite, pictured above, is the former library.
When they’re not throwing barbecues or nightly events, the rooftop deck is the best place to watch the sunset over the United States Capitol, especially in a hammock. Roma has big plans for this space like a waterfall fountain, solar panels and vegetable garden.
The staff do their best to make you feel welcome and were trained by the staff of the Four Seasons Hotel. A few of them live on-site, so they’re always around if you have any questions.
There are plenty of bathrooms for the 40 beds and did I mention the heated floors? It’s a nice perk I haven’t found at any other hostel. The kitchen is also open for guests to make their own meals throughout the day. They’re always renovating, so my photos may even be out of date by the time of your visit. Just give my best to the staff!
For More Information
Capital View is located at 301 I Street, Washington DC 20001. From Washington Union Station, walk to your right from the front entrance by the bus tours. Turn right on Massachusetts Avenue and follow it for 3 blocks. Turn right on 2nd Street at Cobbs Park followed by a left on H Street. Take the next right onto 3rd Street and left onto I Street, where the hostel will be on your left.
You can book on their website, by calling 202-450-3450 or through booking sites like Hostelworld.
Many apologies for the low-quality iPhone pictures! My stay at Capital View Hostel was hosted, but all opinions are my own.
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