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I love that I’m able to be a Baltimore blogger as well as a DC blogger – while I live in Baltimore city now, I grew up closer to the nation’s capital and it’s not unusual that I find myself down there a few times a month. While Baltimore is only about an hour away from DC (without traffic) sometimes it’s worth spending the night in the city to be truly immersed in the DC vibe and maximize my time.
A few weeks ago, my travel buddy and fellow blogger Anna, of Lifestyle by Anna Elizabeth, met up in DC for a reunion (she recently moved to Williamsburg, VA) and to start planning for New York Fashion Week! What better launching pad for our DC get-together than the POD DC – a hotel that prides itself on amping up the fun factor.
The Location
The best thing about the POD DC and a major reason why we picked it, is the location. The POD DC is nestled in the heart of the city, in the Chinatown neighborhood, right behind the famous Chinatown arch. It’s just around the corner from the Verizon Center, the Convention Center, The National Portrait Gallery, and the National Building Museum. It’s also a short walk (okay a mile – but to me that’s a short walk!) away from the National Mall and its cornucopia of Smithsonian museums.
See the POD DC? It’s right behind me!
Anna and I knew we wanted to be able to explore a little and take photos around some classic DC destinations, so the POD DC’s central location was perfect.
Having fun at the Lincoln Memorial. (We color coordinated unintentionally). I’m wearing a custom Ron Ramos New York gown that’s since been named after me!
The Stay
The POD DC differentiates itself from other hotels with Crimson, it’s confluence of three unique drinking and dining spaces that are open early until late and are designed for socialization. On the main floor when you walk into the hotel, the Crimson Cafe offers two long communal tables, and a bar area for meeting friends or getting work done.
Getting a cappuccino at the Crimson Cafe.
At the back is Crimson’s Southern Diner, with cute booth-style seating and classic American cuisine that hits the spot. Anna and I ate here for dinner and breakfast, and we wouldn’t help but clean out plates! The salmon filet we both had for dinner was so fresh, and accompanied by perfectly grilled asparagus and real mashed potatoes. The next day we came back for brunch – Anna savored a juicy burger while I enjoyed the brioche french toast which wasn’t too sweet and was accompanied by tart preserved peaches and real whipped cream – yum!
In addition to the cafe and diner, you can take the elevator to Crimson’s roof for fabulous city views at the bar that’s open year-round, or step downstairs to the expansive Whiskey Bar, with its warm tobacco-leather decor. This is where Anna and I lingered for a couple cocktails from our friendly bartender Erin, catching up with each other and enjoying the stylish space.
Enjoying a cocktail at Crimson’s Whiskey Bar.
The Room
If you’re not familiar with the POD concept, it’s all about getting people out of their rooms and into the common areas. As part of that philosophy, rooms at the POD DC eliminate the lounge seating that you may be accustomed to seeing in mainstream hotels.
Our snug room had modern decor in light grey and white with punchy cobalt and neon yellow accents. With a queen bed, desk and chair, TV, and bathroom – all the essentials – in a cozy space that gave us everything we needed for the night and nothing more. I loved how bright and airy the room was, even with a more condensed floor plan – especially the spacious window looking out over Chinatown with a view of the arch. While I may have missed an in-room coffee maker just a tad, once I went downstairs to the Crimson Cafe for a fresh latte, I couldn’t argue with the arrangement.
In our bright and airy room, wearing a White + Warren poncho from Wrabyn.
Once it hit 9:30pm, Anna and I were tucked up in bed like little grandmas, watching Sex and the City on the (delightfully large) wall-mounted flatscreen TV. The bed, sheets, and pillows were super comfortable, and soon it was lights out to prepare for the next day out and about.
Why I’ll be back
The whole energy inside the POD DC was fantastic – not too busy or frenetic, just friendly and plain old fun. I saw the staff smiling and laughing with guests throughout our stay (not just with us!) and generally providing attentive but not overbearing service. I loved being able to ask one of the POD DC team members about the art wall behind the front desk, and get an enthusiastic and knowledgeable response. I’m already planning another stay with Reed here in the spring – the location is so darn good and the POD DC does a fabulous job of putting everything you need at your fingertips.
On the rooftop at the POD DC.
Planning your own stay at the POD DC? Let me know if you have questions, and use my referral link for $10 off your booking!
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Follow me on Instagram @theprimpysheep for more travel and staycation inspiration. If you enjoyed this post, you might also like:
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Aw sounds like the perfect little getaway! We did a DC staycation years ago and would love to do another one soon
I definitely have the POD earmarked for a weekend away with Reed in the future – the location is too good!
I’ve actually been to the POD before! Love their rooftop bar.
Yes! It has a wonderful view.
I remember seeing this trip on your stories and it looked so fun! We are always looking for good ideas to take nice quick getaways. Thank you for sharing!
You’re so welcome! I definitely want to go back with Reed when it warms up and do more of the Smithsonian museums (there are so many in walking distance).