We arrived here in DC just in time to get pounded by the nor'easter. At least we're safely ensconced at The Tabard Inn. This is the ultimate quirky boutique hotel, cobbled together from three adjacent 19th century Romanesque Revival brick townhouses. The interior is a labyrinth of cozy nooks and crannies, narrow hallways, heavy walnut paneling, and staircases of all shapes and sizes, with a fireplace and overstuffed couch around every corner. The decor is flea market chic meets Beaux-Arts meets early Middle-earth, and the feel is comfy and informal, especially with the rain pelting the floor to ceiling windows of our room.
They're famous for their great food and hip cocktail scene, too, so famous we could barely get reservations to eat here ourselves. By the end of the evening the eating and drinking spills out into the paneled lounges surrounding the dining rooms. The rain cheated us out of the courtyard patio.
It's the kind of place you could imagine running into Oscar Wilde, or Virginia Woolf. Or Bilbo Baggins, for that matter. Especially after you've downed a few of the bar's signature cocktails.
But the big surprise is that the rates are really reasonable. If you need a place to stay in DC this place is a lot of fun.
I want to visit a hotel that is part Middle Earth.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear the Tabard is maintaining it's quirky status! It was that way 25 years ago. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
That is so completely my kind of hotel! I hope you enjoyed your stay and that the road trip hasn't been too rough. Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteIt looks so comfy, I love inns like this. We're having foul weather here in London too.
ReplyDeleteHave a good stay in Washington.
Sorry about the rain but we really need it! You're about 56 miles north of me - wish we could get together but since I work, no trips north for me :) Happy travels - great photos of that interesting hotel! Enjoy your stay.
ReplyDeleteWe've walked thru the Tabard Inn before and had dinner across the street at a restaurant I can't remember the name of. Always wanted to stay there and I love your description. Sounds like a Funky Hobbit Hole.
ReplyDeleteThis may sound completely spacey, but when I saw that first photo I wasn't thinking and somehow automatically assumed it was your new house in LA (yes, because you drove across the whole country, unpacked and prettied up your house already)! All I could think was, woah! I'm glad it's a hotel, I think I would have been a little too jealous if it were your home! Looks like a great spot to stay. Thanks for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteOh this looks simply gorgeous - hope the weather clears up and you have a great time!
ReplyDeleteMary x
and i could stay there forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting place. Safe travels Sue.
ReplyDeleteThat is a pretty little place, very quaint. Glad you had a lovely time in DC :) We live a few minutes away.
ReplyDeleteI think the Tabard Inn sounds like the perfect place on a very rainy night. I think we will check this out on a college trip to DC this summer. Safe travels!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun and delightful looking place to stay - I know you are enjoying it immensely - it's so nice to get away from everyday life!
ReplyDeleteNice photos...makes me want to spend a few nights there. That was some storm that came through - wow.
ReplyDeleteIt looks exactly like the kind of place that we would love. I would actually love being there even with the rain. So glad you are having a wonderful time. Enjoy!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a very cool place-no pun intended with the cool weather that rolled into DC.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your stay.
Velva
so interesting and charming! I would love to stay here
ReplyDeleteHad many a great lunch there in the 80s... Glad to know its going strong. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteenjoy your stay!
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