Hotel Zena Washington Dc
1155 14th Street NW, Washington DC, DC 20005-4111
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Avg. $285 /night, 3/18 - 3/19
$467
per night
$314
per night
$160
per night
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About
#30 of 152 hotels in Washington DC
Location
4.8
Rooms
4.5
Value
4.4
Cleanliness
4.7
Service
4.6
Sleep Quality
4.6
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Hotel Zena Washington DC, is a moment maker. Its central location certainly defines it as such. Find it within walking distance to the Metro, Dupont and Logan circles, U Street, the Convention Center and the White House. Outside the door, on storied 14th Street, discover shops, galleries, bars, restaurants and concert venues. And just five blocks in the other direction, you can access CityCenterDC’s brand-new hub of high-end shops.
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Property amenities
Electric vehicle charging station
Wifi
Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
Pool
Bar / lounge
Bicycle rental
Bicycles available
Children's television networks
Valet parking
Paid private parking on-site
Paid wifi
Pool / beach towels
Rooftop pool
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Restaurant
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Poolside bar
Rooftop bar
Billiards
Highchairs available
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Taxi service
Conference facilities
Meeting rooms
Rooftop terrace
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Doorperson
First aid kit
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Private check-in / check-out
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
Room features
Allergy-free room
Blackout curtains
Air conditioning
Additional bathroom
Coffee / tea maker
Cable / satellite TV
Sofa bed
Walk-in shower
Air purifier
Bathrobes
Desk
Housekeeping
Interconnected rooms available
Safe
Seating area
Separate dining area
Separate living room
Sofa
Telephone
Wardrobe / closet
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Iron
Laptop safe
Private bathrooms
Tile / marble floor
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Refrigerator
Electric kettle
On-demand movies
Radio
iPod docking station
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
City view
Landmark view
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
City View
Great View
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish
Location
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 100 out of 100
100
Ronald Reagan National Airport
3.8 mi•
See all flights
Dulles Intl Airport
23.1 mi•
See all flights
McPherson Square
6 min•Washington DC Metro
Rental Cars
107 Restaurants
within 0.3 miles
Reviews
4.5
982 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Nestled in a prime location near the White House, Hotel Zena Washington DC garners praise for its modern and artistic ambiance, with its feminist-themed art and unique decor creating an inspiring atmosphere that guests love. While the rooftop pool is a highlight, some travelers have noted the rooms can feel cramped and occasionally lack amenities.
The hotel's cleanliness and the staff's attentive service consistently impress, although there have been rare mentions of slower service. However, guests warn of unexpected charges, questioning the overall value for money.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Artistic
Rooms
Modern
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Meticulous
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Satisfactory
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Detailed Reviews
You may notice that I don’t dish out stars willy nilly, so to nearly go the whole hog says a lot about this place.
First of all the location is ideal. Quiet’ish area but easily walkable to a lot of attractions including the White House.
We were upgraded to a better room that had a great view and a King bed. Not a bad start. The room was large and the bed comfortable with lots of nice pillows. TV was massive! Coffee facilities and a fridge too. Our room safe was broken on arrival and despite it being 10pm, a maintenance man came within 20 minutes. He couldn’t fix it, but next morning we had a new one installed. Excellent service methinks.
The elevators weee smooth and swift, and there was water available for bottle refills in the corridors.
We ate breakfast once and although the menu was limited (first downward mark), it was tasty. We had other breakfasts at a nearby hotel with similar pricing and bigger choice plus free coffee refills.
The hotel is a bit of a boutique one so has a few unusual decor features. Our bathroom was well stocked with loads of fluffy towels a NCBd a great shower, but the Perspex wall illuminated the room when the bathroom light was on. Didn’t bother us but might some.
Reception staff were helpful, but a couple of times it was left unattended for a while. No great shakes though.
And so to the acid test. Would we stay there again? Answer - a resounding “yes”! Don’t worry about the slightly missing star, keep things the same & the price same.
First of all the location is ideal. Quiet’ish area but easily walkable to a lot of attractions including the White House.
We were upgraded to a better room that had a great view and a King bed. Not a bad start. The room was large and the bed comfortable with lots of nice pillows. TV was massive! Coffee facilities and a fridge too. Our room safe was broken on arrival and despite it being 10pm, a maintenance man came within 20 minutes. He couldn’t fix it, but next morning we had a new one installed. Excellent service methinks.
The elevators weee smooth and swift, and there was water available for bottle refills in the corridors.
We ate breakfast once and although the menu was limited (first downward mark), it was tasty. We had other breakfasts at a nearby hotel with similar pricing and bigger choice plus free coffee refills.
The hotel is a bit of a boutique one so has a few unusual decor features. Our bathroom was well stocked with loads of fluffy towels a NCBd a great shower, but the Perspex wall illuminated the room when the bathroom light was on. Didn’t bother us but might some.
Reception staff were helpful, but a couple of times it was left unattended for a while. No great shakes though.
And so to the acid test. Would we stay there again? Answer - a resounding “yes”! Don’t worry about the slightly missing star, keep things the same & the price same.
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Try and get an upper flow with a view.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager, General Manager at Hotel Zena Washington Dc
Responded Sep 24, 2024
Thank you for sharing your detailed experience at Hotel Zena with us! It’s great our location worked well for exploring DC, and the upgrade to a room with a view and a comfy King bed made a great first impression. We appreciate the shout-out for our quick response with the room safe and the unique boutique-style decor that adds character to your stay. While the breakfast menu may not have been as extensive as you'd hoped, we’re glad it hit the mark in terms of taste. Your feedback is valuable, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable stay—hopefully with that fifth star next time! Sincerely, Sherry Abedi General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hotel's Favorite
Ughh I don’t even know where to start with this beautiful hotel. I literally have no real complaints or concerns In regard to The Zena Hotel.
Location: is literally perfect! It’s across from a Wawa and a CVS so you can pick up any last minute items. It’s also near everything like U Street, 14th street, Navy Yard nothing is too far and literally 8-10mins from Union Station.
Parking: There is parking with valet as well that’s additional. I didn’t drive but I’m sure most travelers who drive or rent a car would appreciate this.
The rooms and bathroom: is very, very clean. Everything is stocked. My only minor two issues is that the rug in my room needs anti slips I kept tripping on them and the bed sheets was ticked to tight to bed lol I struggled pulling the sheets to cover me while I sleep.
Beds: the beds are super soft along with the pillows I do like more of a slightly firmer mattress but I slept pretty good the 4 nights I stayed.
Staff: Front desk staff was amazing. They were courteous, attentive and accommodating. My favorite stand out was the young lady with the braids I didn’t catch her name but she checked me in and was very personable and professional. Another who front desk that stood out was Vishan at the front desk he was soooooo nice, professional and gave great conversation. Dinesh at the bar served and also made amazing drinks and gave a great wine suggestions I would like. Very attentive and there was another gentlemen in the evening blonde hair with a beard who was absolutely AMAZING dry very attentive and sweet. Constantly kept making sure not only myself was good but other guest who were eating dinner.
Amenities: the Breakfast, Brunch and Dinner options are soooooo goood my goodness, I’ve had a few things like the avocado toast with arugula, crab omelet, sausage for brunch, dinner the Cornish hen and braised short rib is so delicious. I truly enjoyed the drinks and food so good.
Hotel: The pictures don’t do any justice for how beautiful this hotel is inside and out. The art work the pictures, the decor everything was just great.
Security: I traveled solo so I’m always apprehensive about the safety of any hotel I visit. But I really love how after a certain time, you can only come back into the hotel using your room key and the elevators only go up with a room key as well. So any unauthorized people aren’t going to be inside the hotel. I like safety features like that where not just anyone is coming in and out or roaming the hotels.
Overall I had an amazing time at The Zena Hotel I was incredibly sad when I had to leave. I’m very particular when it comes to Hotels but this one exceeded my needs and expectations. I can’t wait to come back!
Location: is literally perfect! It’s across from a Wawa and a CVS so you can pick up any last minute items. It’s also near everything like U Street, 14th street, Navy Yard nothing is too far and literally 8-10mins from Union Station.
Parking: There is parking with valet as well that’s additional. I didn’t drive but I’m sure most travelers who drive or rent a car would appreciate this.
The rooms and bathroom: is very, very clean. Everything is stocked. My only minor two issues is that the rug in my room needs anti slips I kept tripping on them and the bed sheets was ticked to tight to bed lol I struggled pulling the sheets to cover me while I sleep.
Beds: the beds are super soft along with the pillows I do like more of a slightly firmer mattress but I slept pretty good the 4 nights I stayed.
Staff: Front desk staff was amazing. They were courteous, attentive and accommodating. My favorite stand out was the young lady with the braids I didn’t catch her name but she checked me in and was very personable and professional. Another who front desk that stood out was Vishan at the front desk he was soooooo nice, professional and gave great conversation. Dinesh at the bar served and also made amazing drinks and gave a great wine suggestions I would like. Very attentive and there was another gentlemen in the evening blonde hair with a beard who was absolutely AMAZING dry very attentive and sweet. Constantly kept making sure not only myself was good but other guest who were eating dinner.
Amenities: the Breakfast, Brunch and Dinner options are soooooo goood my goodness, I’ve had a few things like the avocado toast with arugula, crab omelet, sausage for brunch, dinner the Cornish hen and braised short rib is so delicious. I truly enjoyed the drinks and food so good.
Hotel: The pictures don’t do any justice for how beautiful this hotel is inside and out. The art work the pictures, the decor everything was just great.
Security: I traveled solo so I’m always apprehensive about the safety of any hotel I visit. But I really love how after a certain time, you can only come back into the hotel using your room key and the elevators only go up with a room key as well. So any unauthorized people aren’t going to be inside the hotel. I like safety features like that where not just anyone is coming in and out or roaming the hotels.
Overall I had an amazing time at The Zena Hotel I was incredibly sad when I had to leave. I’m very particular when it comes to Hotels but this one exceeded my needs and expectations. I can’t wait to come back!
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager, General Manager at Hotel Zena Washington Dc
Responded Dec 15, 2023
Hi Carane, We're delighted you enjoyed your stay at Hotel Zena! It's great to hear that our location was convenient for your trip and that you appreciated our clean, well-appointed rooms and beautiful decor. The artwork around the property features international and local artists and is curated to create an original, provocative, and thought-provoking display. Thank you for sharing how much you enjoyed the delicious food and exceptional service. Please come see us again soon. Sincerely, Sherry Abedi General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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A very nice hotel I a good location, with welcoming staff. The room was clean and lovely but there was a distinct lack of towel rails or hangers for towels & wet swimwear. The rooftop pool area was lovely but it was hard to get a lounger. There were a lot of loungers with personal stuff on them but little evidence of the occupants. Signs could be put up asking people to vacate their beds & not hog them!. The bar served a good range of refreshments but was expensive (as America is presently). We made use of the hotel bikes which were good quality & very comfortable. They could do with an Allen key being available to change seat height & tighten handlebars which were dangerously loose on my husband's bike. There were locks on the bikes but no codes could be found for them so we could't use them. You sign a hefty disclaimer for loss of bikes so this was not helpful! There is also a time limit of 2 hours but that suited us fine.
There is a good fitness room with cross-trainers, running machines & a Peloton bike. There was a good range of free-weights, some yoga mats, fitness and medicine balls. Signs should also be put up asking guests to wipe down machines after use. I seemed to be the only one doing this. On the whole we had a lovely 3 day stay.
There is a good fitness room with cross-trainers, running machines & a Peloton bike. There was a good range of free-weights, some yoga mats, fitness and medicine balls. Signs should also be put up asking guests to wipe down machines after use. I seemed to be the only one doing this. On the whole we had a lovely 3 day stay.
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager, General Manager at Hotel Zena Washington Dc
Responded Sep 11, 2024
Thank you for your detailed feedback! We're glad you enjoyed our central location, welcoming team, and lovely rooftop pool. We also appreciate your suggestions about areas such as lounger availability and bike maintenance, which we'll review to improve our guest experience. It's great to hear you had a lovely three-day stay at Hotel Zena, and we look forward to welcoming you back! Sincerely, Sherry Abedi General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I stayed in room 1105 and overall, the staff were exceptionally accommodating. The check-in/-out process was seamless. I asked for slippers and someone brought them to my room within 20 minutes of request.
There were 2 beds in my room (I slept in different beds on each night of my 2-night stay).
For reasons unbeknownst to me, I woke up with bug bites all over both my legs on the morning of my second night's stay. Upon check-out, I called the Front Desk to provide this feedback in hopes that they would investigate the situation but I was placed on 10min+ holds twice.
All in all, I cannot in good faith recommend this hotel to anyone, which is very unfortunate, as I enjoyed the kind service of the front desk staff upon arrival and the close proximity to the D.C. metro area.
There were 2 beds in my room (I slept in different beds on each night of my 2-night stay).
For reasons unbeknownst to me, I woke up with bug bites all over both my legs on the morning of my second night's stay. Upon check-out, I called the Front Desk to provide this feedback in hopes that they would investigate the situation but I was placed on 10min+ holds twice.
All in all, I cannot in good faith recommend this hotel to anyone, which is very unfortunate, as I enjoyed the kind service of the front desk staff upon arrival and the close proximity to the D.C. metro area.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Traveled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager, General Manager at Hotel Zena Washington Dc
Responded Sep 18, 2024
Thank you for your detailed feedback and for recognizing the hospitality of our team. We're concerned to hear about the issue during your stay, as this does not reflect the standards we strive to maintain. If you have the time, please reach out to me directly so I can look further into this issue. We do not take this lightly and want to look into it immediately. We value your input and hope for the opportunity to provide a more comfortable experience should you choose to stay with us again. Sincerely, Sherry Abedi General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I was privileged for yet again to spend 6 nights at Hotel Zena. From my arrival and check-in, I was treated to exquisite hospitality. The front desk manned by Ezekiel took concern to my room location, giving me one of the best room treatments I have had since I started staying at the hotel. The room was stunningly comfortable, clean and welcoming with the hotel feminist theme and celebration of the place of women in our lives being an enduring delight.
Being someone who values good sleep, the full blackout curtains and comfortable bed and fluffy pillows made my extended stay just exceptional. I also had my supplies meticulously replenished and the warmth of acknowledgement every time I stepped out and back. My shopping delivered straight to my room, without me having to follow up. The valet Geta and others were at hand all through managing my exit and luggage storage. My checkout was seamlessly managed by David.
You can be sure I will always be at Hotel Zena every time I am in Washington, DC.
Being someone who values good sleep, the full blackout curtains and comfortable bed and fluffy pillows made my extended stay just exceptional. I also had my supplies meticulously replenished and the warmth of acknowledgement every time I stepped out and back. My shopping delivered straight to my room, without me having to follow up. The valet Geta and others were at hand all through managing my exit and luggage storage. My checkout was seamlessly managed by David.
You can be sure I will always be at Hotel Zena every time I am in Washington, DC.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2024Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager, General Manager at Hotel Zena Washington Dc
Responded Dec 14, 2024
Hi Gkogolla, Thank you for joining us at Hotel Zena! We strive to go above and beyond for our guests, and we're delighted that our incredible team members and comfortable accommodations ensured your stay was one to remember. It was a pleasure having you here, and we hope you'll consider returning for another outstanding experience in the future. Sincerely, Sherry Abedi General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This place is gorgeous from the outside and the lobby/bar area is super cool. All the feminist-themed art is really impressive and there's even a pool table and giant-size "lite brite." Unfortunately, the charm stops there. The room was teeny tiny, and the weirdest part is that the shower is lit from inside, with glass walls, and it's smack in the center of the room. You can't see into it, but when you turn on the light in the bathroom, it shines through the shower and lights up the whole room. This is not ideal if one person needs to use the bathroom in the middle of the night or just wakes up earlier than the other person in the morning. Also, the hotel claims to have all of these "green" features but I saw no evidence of that. There wasn't even a recycling bin in the room for bottles and cans.
If you're in town, visit this place just to check it out. Maybe they have bigger (more expensive) rooms with a better layout, but don't stay in one of the standard rooms.
If you're in town, visit this place just to check it out. Maybe they have bigger (more expensive) rooms with a better layout, but don't stay in one of the standard rooms.
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Date of stay: April 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager, General Manager at Hotel Zena Washington Dc
Responded Feb 8, 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us, and we're glad to hear you enjoyed our bar's unique ambiance. However, we're sorry that some aspects of your visit did not meet your expectations. Providing a comfortable and seamless experience is our priority, and your comments help us improve. Please know that our focus on sustainability is a priority, and while we do not have bins in the room, we do have a back-of-house process in place for recycling. We appreciate your input and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back for a more comfortable stay in the future. Sincerely, Sherry Abedi General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We booked a birthday weekend trip for my mother in law and from the moment we entered were treated so well! We arrived early and were able to eat a delicious fresh lunch up by the incredible roof top pool. Servers delivered drinks and attendants switched out fresh towels regularly. It was beautiful!
Our room was ready a little before check in time. We received a nice room but it was near the elevator, which bothered my mother in law, so we asked to switch. I felt bad asking to switch but explained it was Mommom’s birthday trip. We were treated so well by Ezekiel at the front desk! We were given a gorgeous room and treated so courteously. Upon arriving to the room, our bags had been delivered and a bottle of champagne and birthday message was left for her! It totally made her night! She couldn’t stop raving about it.
In addition the property is so unique! The views are stunning, bedding was comfortable, fun furniture, and feminist artwork themes throughout made it a unique place. (Lots of Prochoice artwork… but also lots of general women empowerment themes). We were offered multiple waters, coffee in room, a very cool bathroom with cocoon rain shower. We also used the valet service and would recommend it. The gentlemen working the valet were friendly and prompt.
Overall we loved our experience and thought the customer service was just above and beyond! What a fun spot and great location for walking around, within 5 blocks of the Whitehouse.
Our room was ready a little before check in time. We received a nice room but it was near the elevator, which bothered my mother in law, so we asked to switch. I felt bad asking to switch but explained it was Mommom’s birthday trip. We were treated so well by Ezekiel at the front desk! We were given a gorgeous room and treated so courteously. Upon arriving to the room, our bags had been delivered and a bottle of champagne and birthday message was left for her! It totally made her night! She couldn’t stop raving about it.
In addition the property is so unique! The views are stunning, bedding was comfortable, fun furniture, and feminist artwork themes throughout made it a unique place. (Lots of Prochoice artwork… but also lots of general women empowerment themes). We were offered multiple waters, coffee in room, a very cool bathroom with cocoon rain shower. We also used the valet service and would recommend it. The gentlemen working the valet were friendly and prompt.
Overall we loved our experience and thought the customer service was just above and beyond! What a fun spot and great location for walking around, within 5 blocks of the Whitehouse.
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager, General Manager at Hotel Zena Washington Dc
Responded May 28, 2024
Hello Celeste, Thank you for your detailed and thoughtful review. At Hotel Zena, we strive to deliver one-of-a-kind experiences to each of our guests, and we are delighted your mother-in-law's birthday weekend was no exception. We are pleased you enjoyed our delicious cuisine, the artful touches of our accommodations, our hotel's ideal location, and the outstanding hospitality you received. Ezekiel and the rest of our team will be honored when we share your comments with them. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know about your fantastic experience, and we cannot wait to see you and your family again soon! Sincerely, Sherry Abedi General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I’ve stayed here twice now and the first time I stayed I was blown away with how amazing this hotel is! I stayed for a concert both times so I was here for the weekend. I couldn’t recommend this hotel enough! The staff was incredibly friendly and as a solo woman traveler I felt very safe and cared for. The atmosphere is my favorite and the rooms are surprisingly quiet and comfy (I got the circle view both times).
My second stay I was put in a room that wasn’t a “circle view” plus the hallway was very smelly of weed. I went back to the front desk and was placed in a different room which was exactly what I was looking for, almost identical to where I stayed the first time. Definitely try to get a circle view room, it’s GORGEOUS and worth the extra $. I’ve never been happier. The rooms were also so ambient and clean.
The only downside I’ll say is don’t go to the restaurant during restaurant week. They extended restaurant week without putting it on their website, wouldn’t let you order from the usual menu, and it was a $40 “meal ticket”. I had the cheeseburger for my first visit and it was SO GOOD that I planned my evening stay around being able to eat at the restaurant before going to a concert. I was so hype for that burger lol. But they wouldn’t let me order it and their restaurant week menu was terrible!!! The food smelled so bad and tasted awful, I was so upset to waste money. They should’ve kept their regular menu available.
Other than that, the bar atmosphere is amazing. I sat at the bar to work on my laptop and it was awesome. The rooftop is gorgeous in the summer, the pool is kind of small but it’s more of a pool to cool off in rather than swim.
The valet is your best bet for parking and the valet man is so sweet and kind.
The hotel is also located across from a CVS and Wawa which is really convenient and is easy to drive in and out of. I stayed here to go to concerts which were both uber drives, so it’s a little away from walking distance to concert venues (but honestly I prefer that). I think it’s located fairly close to touristy attractions but I didn’t have personal experience with that so I can’t speak on it for sure. It’s really worth staying here for the atmosphere and vibes alone honestly. And worth the ubers around town.
Overall I’m very happy with both of my stays (despite the restaurant week experience and the first room I was put in). I recommend this hotel to all of my friends and I can’t wait for my next reason to go back!!
My second stay I was put in a room that wasn’t a “circle view” plus the hallway was very smelly of weed. I went back to the front desk and was placed in a different room which was exactly what I was looking for, almost identical to where I stayed the first time. Definitely try to get a circle view room, it’s GORGEOUS and worth the extra $. I’ve never been happier. The rooms were also so ambient and clean.
The only downside I’ll say is don’t go to the restaurant during restaurant week. They extended restaurant week without putting it on their website, wouldn’t let you order from the usual menu, and it was a $40 “meal ticket”. I had the cheeseburger for my first visit and it was SO GOOD that I planned my evening stay around being able to eat at the restaurant before going to a concert. I was so hype for that burger lol. But they wouldn’t let me order it and their restaurant week menu was terrible!!! The food smelled so bad and tasted awful, I was so upset to waste money. They should’ve kept their regular menu available.
Other than that, the bar atmosphere is amazing. I sat at the bar to work on my laptop and it was awesome. The rooftop is gorgeous in the summer, the pool is kind of small but it’s more of a pool to cool off in rather than swim.
The valet is your best bet for parking and the valet man is so sweet and kind.
The hotel is also located across from a CVS and Wawa which is really convenient and is easy to drive in and out of. I stayed here to go to concerts which were both uber drives, so it’s a little away from walking distance to concert venues (but honestly I prefer that). I think it’s located fairly close to touristy attractions but I didn’t have personal experience with that so I can’t speak on it for sure. It’s really worth staying here for the atmosphere and vibes alone honestly. And worth the ubers around town.
Overall I’m very happy with both of my stays (despite the restaurant week experience and the first room I was put in). I recommend this hotel to all of my friends and I can’t wait for my next reason to go back!!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager, General Manager at Hotel Zena Washington Dc
Responded Sep 21, 2023
Hello Chloe, What a wonderful review to read! We hope that you find another reason to return again, too! Thank you for highlighting the amenities, location, service, and overall vibes we provide our guests here at Hotel Zena. We look forward to hosting you for future concerts, and you can count on us to exceed all your expectations. Come back soon! Sincerely, Sherry Abedi General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My husband and I stayed at Hotel Zena back in August while he was in DC for a conference. We were so impressed from the moment we arrived and Amillion and the rest of the valet staff jumped in immediately to help us get all of our luggage organized and up to the room as quickly as possible and offered to carry most of it up right from the parking garage as we had our dog with us and were struggling to make it in one trip. Upon entering the hotel, we were greeted warmly by Ezekiel, who made us feel instantly welcome and took the time to go through all the amenities and answer any questions we had. The entire staff was so sweet to our dog, stopping to per her and making sure we had everything we needed for her in the room. The room itself was modern without feeling stuffy, clean and comfortable with a very cool snail shell shower. The pool and rooftop area was beautiful and incredibly relaxing with beautiful views of the city. The entire staff from the valet, front desk, pool staff and breakfast servers, were all so incredibly friendly and accommodating and the daily breakfast was absolutely delicious. We will absolutely come back to Hotel Zena on our next trip to DC!
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â Beautiful, budget-friendly dog friendly hotel in a perfect location in DC - walking distance to...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager, General Manager at Hotel Zena Washington Dc
Responded Oct 4, 2023
Hi Karamgia, We're always thrilled to hear that our guests have had a wonderful stay at Hotel Zena. It's especially great to know that you and your husband enjoyed our helpful staff, lovely views, and clean, comfortable accommodations. We consider it a wonderful compliment that you wish to return! Thank you so much for sharing your kind words, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon. Sincerely, Sherry Abedi General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We were so excited about this hotel and were left disappointed. Pros: The staff handled a heating/cooling issue appropriately with a complimentary upgrade. The decor is indeed "Instagram-worthy" and the artwork is inclusive and feminist. The elevators were swift. The location was easy for Ubers to drop off/pick-up and was centrally located, but not actually "next to" anything. Cons: The walls are in need of a paint job and some of the grout needs cleaning/replacing. Some of small details were missed like a place to hang a hand detail near the sink. The pillows were very uncomfortable. Some of the staff were less than friendly. I would not recommend people stay here.
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager, General Manager at Hotel Zena Washington Dc
Responded Dec 31, 2023
Hello Mkrivo, Thank you for sharing your recent experience at our hotel. We're pleased to hear that you found the complimentary upgrade a positive during your stay, and we apologize for any inconveniences caused by your initial room. Your comments regarding the cleanliness and appearance of our hotel are genuinely appreciated and act as great feedback as we continuously strive to enhance our guests' experiences. We hope for the opportunity to provide you with an enhanced and improved experience that exceeds your expectations. Sincerely, Sherry Abedi General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I’d say about an hour and fifteen minutes give or take for walk and ride. The silver line is a train/rail. You may be able to use your phone for funds to get on the train if you have an iPhone. You can find more information about the silver line on the Website wmata
When I was there it wasnt that busy, I didnt see an option to book it
"Always when making special requests; follow up with the property and few days before."Read full review
"Avoid if you need wifi and need to get work done. If you are a tourist and will mostly be spending time outside of the hotel, then it's ok"Read full review
"Ask how to control room temps because thermostats are not intuitive. They're eco-friendly and not as straightforward as one would expect."Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
$234 - $402 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
donovan hotel a thompson, donovan house washington dc
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Donovan Hotel
LOCATION
United StatesDistrict of ColumbiaWashington DCCleveland Park / Downtown
NUMBER OF ROOMS
191
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Claim Your ListingHOTEL ZENA WASHINGTON DC - Updated 2025
Frequently Asked Questions about Hotel Zena Washington Dc
Which popular attractions are close to Hotel Zena Washington Dc?
Nearby attractions include Planet Word (0.2 miles), The Good Liar Brian Curry (0.3 miles), and Victims Of Communism Museum (0.3 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Hotel Zena Washington Dc?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a rooftop bar, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Hotel Zena Washington Dc?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a refrigerator, and an additional bathroom.
What food & drink options are available at Hotel Zena Washington Dc?
Guests can enjoy a rooftop bar, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Hotel Zena Washington Dc?
Yes, a parking garage, paid private parking on-site, and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Hotel Zena Washington Dc?
Conveniently located restaurants include Gerrard Street Kitchen, Tortino Restaurant, and Siroc Restaurant.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Hotel Zena Washington Dc?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and a fitness center during their stay.
Are any cleaning services offered at Hotel Zena Washington Dc?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Are pets allowed at Hotel Zena Washington Dc?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Does Hotel Zena Washington Dc offer any business services?
Yes, guests have access to meeting rooms and conference facilities during their stay.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Hotel Zena Washington Dc?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French.