Tabard Inn

The Tabard Inn opened in 1922 in Dupont Circle and describes itself as the longest continuously operating inn and restaurant in Washington. It is a world away from the large modern hotels of downtown: a small, characterful inn with more than two dozen guest rooms, each one different.

Because every room is individual, the experience varies more than at a chain hotel, and that is part of the charm. Guests who enjoy old buildings and a sense of history will feel at home. Those who want identical, modern rooms and lots of facilities may be better off elsewhere. When booking, ask about room size and layout so you know what to expect.

The restaurant is one of the reasons people choose the Tabard, and it is open to non-residents. Breakfast is served every day from 7:30am to 11am. Lunch runs from 11am to 3pm on weekdays and brunch from 10am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday. Dinner is served from 5pm to 10pm from Sunday to Thursday and until 10:30pm on Friday and Saturday. There is a happy hour on weekdays from 4pm to 6pm, which is a pleasant way to end a day of sightseeing.

The inn suits couples, solo travellers and anyone who prefers a personal, small-scale stay. It is a good choice for a weekend break. Families with young children may find the rooms and the quiet atmosphere less suitable.

Weekend brunch is busy, so if you are not staying at the inn, book a table in advance. The inn sells gift certificates, which are often promoted around the holidays. Contact the hotel by phone or email for questions about rooms. The inn's restaurant also runs a weekday lunch from 11am to 3pm, which is a relaxed option for a meal between sights, and its dining room is a pleasant place for a drink at happy hour.

Dupont Circle is a largely residential neighbourhood with plenty of cafés and restaurants. The circle itself is a short walk away. The Jefferson hotel is a few blocks east, Le Diplomate and the restaurants of 14th Street are within walking distance, and Teaism has a branch on R Street NW nearby. The National Mall is a longer walk or a short taxi ride to the south.