Exploring D.C.’s Hidden Gems: A Stay at The Generator Hotel

Exploring D.C.'s Hidden Gems: A Stay at The Generator Hotel-Washington D.C. is a city full of history, culture, and exciting things to do. When planning a trip to the nation's capital, a fantastic option is staying at the Generator Hotel, a fun upscale boutique property in the heart of Dupont Circle neighborhood. With modern design, a rooftop pool, a gym, a co-working space with free wifi, it's the perfect base for exploring the city. The hotel is close to many of the city's top attractions, including visiting The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, The Wharf, one of the most innovative and vibrant waterfront neighborhoods in the country. 

Founded in 1995, Generator is now Europe's fastest growing boutique accommodation brand in the most central locations across Europe and the USA. The brand has locations all over the world, including in major cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Barcelona. Each location is unique and reflects the local culture and style of the city. The Generator Hotel brand also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Many of their locations have implemented eco-friendly practices, such as using energy-efficient lighting and reducing water usage. They also work to reduce waste and promote recycling.

Generator Hotel D.C., known for its trendy modern design and vibrant social atmosphere, offers both private rooms and dorm-style shared accommodations for groups, with 80% of the rooms being private, you can have a comfortable and private stay. The hotel is also pet-friendly, so you don't have to leave your furry friends behind. One of the standout features of the Generator Hotel is its decor created by New York-based Studio 11 Design "brought to life Generator's distinctive ethos with an artful twist". One unique feature of the Generator Hotel D.C., housed in a completely renovated historic building, features modern amenities, a variety of common areas, and the bar and restaurant Hoja Taqueria.

Exploring D.C.'s Hidden Gems, Hoja Taqueria's name represents 'Comunidad' & 'Cultivar Maiz,' and the menu showcases traditional flavors of Oaxaca and specializes in heirloom corn that is cultivated and harvested in the Indigenous farms within the hotel's region. Hoja, along with the hotel's family of farmers, creates a supportive, sustainable farm-to-table cycle and will even use herbs grown on the hotel's rooftop on their dishes. The restaurant has a menu designed by Executive Chef Jimmy LeBrón, the Miami native who also oversees the Generator's south Florida location and menus for Bar Lab's highly acclaimed Miami restaurants and venues. 

Beyond the hotel there is a lot to see. Exploring D.C.'s Hidden Gems,a fantastic guide for navigating the city and finding special events. One place of note is The Smithsonian's Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden which recently launched a docuseries titled "The Exhibit: Finding the Next Great Artist". Their show is about art making produced in partnership with MTV Entertainment Studios and PB&J TV + Docs. The Exhibit: Finding the Next Great Artist premiered on March 3, at 9 p.m. ET on MTV following RuPaul's Drag Race and will also run on the Smithsonian Channel. The non-fiction program introduces seven rising American artists selected in consultation with Hirshhorn curators following a national search. This national museum of contemporary art is a leading voice for 21st-century art and culture. It is part of the Smithsonian and is one of the most important collections of postwar programs on the art of our time, and the museum is complimentary.

A highlight of visiting D.C. is going during Cherry Blossom season, when these colorful trees are located all over the city. Nothing signifies the arrival of spring in the nation's capital quite like the blooming of the cherry blossom trees and the National Cherry Blossom Festival to celebrate the occasion. Visitors descend upon Washington, DC each year to admire the 3,000-plus trees. American and Japanese cultures have developed a close bond and forged a strong connection between the two countries that began with Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki's gift of the trees back in 1912. Cherry Blossom is currently underway.

The Wharf, which covers over 3.5 million square feet, offers stunning architecture, prime residential and retail space, and exceptional culinary and entertainment options. It also features three live music venues and over 85 dining and shopping concepts including: Philippe Chow (with their only location outside NYC), acclaimed Greek restaurant Limani, modern and traditional Lebanese Ilili, and Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen. These upscale restaurants have become staples of New York's most discerning diners and they are all located in one place along a stunning D.C. waterfront. Here you will find a myriad of rooftops, piers, promenades, and green spaces that offer stunning views of the water and the city. 

The Wharf has become known as the region's top destination for public events, with over 100 signature activations each year, including The District's Holiday Boat Parade, Bloomaroo at the Home of the Cherry Blossoms, Mardi Gras Parade at The Wharf, Oktoberfest, and Running of the Chihuahuas. "The Wharf is for everybody. It's a place where people connect with each other – to live, to work, to dine, and to celebrate. The waterfront, food, and music may be the catalysts, but it's the millions of visitors who create their own authentic experience. And today, we celebrate the opening of The Wharf's final phase and making DC a true waterfront city," said Monty Hoffman, Founder and Chairman of Hoffman & Associates.

When you aren't enjoying the fine dining at the Wharf, another great restaurant to check out is Michele's. The restaurant, named after Michelin-Starred Chef Baker's late mother, is inspired by his mother's love for classic bistro and brasserie fare. This shows through his approach to cooking, cuisine, and hospitality. Chef Baker uses his classical French training to bring new inspiration to beloved dishes. Michele's offers an upscale New American dining experience with a traditional French accent. This may very well be the next D.C. restaurant to be recognized by Michelin inspectors.

When you're ready to relax after a day of sightseeing, head back to the Generator Hotel. You can borrow bikes to explore the city, take a dip in the rooftop pool, or enjoy a meal at the new restaurant, Hoja Taqueria. Whether you're in town for work or play, the Generator Hotel is the perfect home base.

By Mosaka Williamson