2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Washington, DC, with the Presidential Inauguration, WorldPride, the arrival of giant pandas, and exciting new developments across the city’s hospitality scene. Here’s just a sample of why there’s #Only1DC:
REST
Highly anticipated openings, jaw-dropping renovations and recent rebrands ensure DC has something for every style and budget:
Arlo Washington, DC (November 2024): Arlo Hotels’ first DC property, located near Judiciary Square blends modern amenities with the preservation of the historic Harrison building, offering a rooftop lounge, pool, bodega and two restaurants including a Spanish farmhouse-inspired eatery led by Chef Pepe Moncayo.
Placemakr Abodes (Summer 2024): Placemakr expands its tech-forward apartment-hotel concept to new locations in Coda on Half, Navy Yard, and NoMa, for flexible short and long-term stays.
Royal Sonesta Washington, DC – Capitol Hill (September 2023): The new Royal Sonesta near Union Station features a green roof, a yoga studio, and an all-day Parisian bistro from Knead Hospitality + Design.
Le Méridien Washington, DC, The Madison (September 2024): The Madison Hotel, just steps from the White House, has rebranded under the Le Méridien flag following a USD$15 million renovation, with French-inspired dining at Lady Madison restaurant.
The Quincy Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection (September 2024): The former Sonder the Quincy is now part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, offering updated rooms and meeting spaces in a prime downtown location.
Hotel AKA Washington Circle (May 2024): The newly transformed Hotel AKA features 151 contemporary rooms, private cinema, Technogym fitness center, and a restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Ellen Yin.
Hotel Nell – Union Market (May 2024): The rebranded boutique hotel in the heart of Union Market celebrates its roots with an industrial-chic design and community-focused spaces like the Treehouse Rooftop.
Westin Washington, DC Downtown (October 2023): The former Renaissance Washington has rebranded to Westin, offering wellness-focused amenities, including a large fitness studio, Peloton suites, and botanical-inspired dining.
Salamander Washington, DC (ongoing): The former Mandarin Oriental has undergone significant updates, with new guest suites, a luxury spa, and the opening of celebrity chef Kwame Onwuachi’s Dōgon restaurant.
Grand Hyatt Washington (Fall 2024): The Grand Hyatt unveils renovated guest rooms and a refreshed aesthetic, with LEED certification and design elements inspired by the Capitol building’s dome.
Residence Inn Washington, DC Downtown (September 2024): This historic building has been fully renovated to offer spacious suites with kitchens, a fitness center, and meeting rooms.
Washington Marriott at Metro Center (June 2024): After a multimillion-dollar renovation, the hotel features updated rooms, Peloton-equipped fitness center, and Spotted Zebra restaurant with a political twist.
Westin Georgetown, Washington, DC (June 2024): This Georgetown hotel offers a refined blend of wellness and design following a multimillion-dollar renovation with curated culinary options and signature Heavenly bed.
Four Seasons Washington, DC (May 2024): The Four Seasons spa has received a multimillion-dollar renovation, adding advanced technology and new treatment rooms, including a couples’ suite with deep-soaking tub.
St. Regis Washington, DC (April 2024): The historic St. Regis has unveiled extensive updates to its guest rooms and suites, offering modern interiors with luxurious touches like a Presidential Suite spanning 2,510 square feet.
Capital Hilton (March 2024): The Capital Hilton’s USD$30 million renovation celebrates its art deco and brutalist design elements, with newly updated rooms and modern amenities in a prime location near the White House.
The Canal House of Georgetown (February 2025): A historic office building will be transformed into a 108-room hotel, complete with a lobby bar and courtyard, located near Washington Harbour and M Street.
Mint House Downtown Washington, DC (Spring 2025): This 68,000-square-foot building near McPherson Square will offer 85 high-end apartment-style rentals with kitchens, workspaces, and a café.
Hyatt House Washington, DC – Convention Center (Summer 2025): The former Cambria Hotel will undergo a comprehensive renovation and reflagging under the Hyatt House brand, featuring a rooftop terrace and fitness center.
Moxy Hotel Southwest (2025): A new 166-room hotel near Nationals Park and Audi Field will include residential spaces and a farmers’ market.
The James (2025): Royal Sonesta’s upscale lifestyle brand will debut in D.C. at the site of the current Royal Sonesta Dupont Circle, offering a destination-worthy experience with unique food and beverage concepts.
CitizenM Georgetown (2025): A 230-room hotel located on the Georgetown waterfront will feature stylish rooms in a renovated 100-year-old building.
MOB Hotel, The Bazaar House by José Andrés and Avid Downtown are slated to open in 2027
EXPLORE
Washington, DC is experiencing a development boom with USD$10.2 billion in investments aimed at revitalising neighbourhoods and enhancing infrastructure.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo: The city will welcome back its beloved giant pandas, making DC the only place in the U.S. where you can see these endangered animals for free.
Downtown: The city’s new USD$400 million Downtown Action Plan aims to revitalise the downtown area by attracting more residents and businesses over the next five years.
Pennsylvania Avenue: A reimagining of Pennsylvania Avenue is underway to transform this historic stretch into a livelier urban corridor, with renovations expected to be completed by 2027.
Yards West: The Capitol Riverfront’s Yards West is expanding with 1.8 million square feet of office space, 500,000 square feet of retail, 3,400 residential units, and 7.5 acres of public green space, with new tenants including Maman and Playa Bowls.
Buzzard Point: Buzzard Point is undergoing a major transformation from an industrial zone to a mixed-use waterfront community, with key developments like The Stacks set for completion in 2025.
The Wharf – Phase 2: The Wharf continues to grow with new dining and retail, including the Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão and Urban Roast café, adding to the neighbourhood’s dynamic offerings.
Union Market, NoMa: Union Market’s expansion includes new tenants such as Pastis and Minetta Tavern from New York, along with upcoming restaurants like Chai Pani by chef Meherwan Irani in 2025.
Go-Go Museum and Cafe (February 2025): This 3,000-square-foot museum in Anacostia will celebrate go-go music’s cultural impact with interactive exhibits and a café offering themed dishes.
The People’s House (September 2024): An interactive replica of the White House in the Mills Building provides an immersive experience about the executive mansion.
National Mall: The National Mall will undergo USD$500 million in improvements in time for the 250th anniversary celebration in 2026, including renovations to key monuments and the introduction of new museums.
National World War I Memorial (September 2024): A new bronze sculpture commemorating WWI servicemen was unveiled in Pershing Park as part of a new memorial.
Folger Shakespeare Theater (Opened June 2024): The Folger’s USD$80.5 million renovation includes new public spaces, improved accessibility, and a permanent exhibition of its First Folio collection.
MOVE
Reagan National and Dulles International airports will undergo significant retail and dining updates by 2026.
DCA: New retail and dining options will include Atlas Brew Works and a Lego Store, along with a new modular parking garage to be completed in 2025.
IAD: Dulles Airport’s renovations will include a new 400,000-square-foot concourse with expanded amenities, set for completion in 2026.
Dulles Metrorail Project – Silver Line: The Silver Line extension, completed in November 2022, connects Dulles Airport with downtown DC and includes six new stations
TASTE
As winter settles in, DC’s restaurants are embracing the season with cozy cocktails and seasonal menus.
Osteria Mozza: James Beard-winning Chef Nancy Silverton brings Italian favorites like mozzarella bar and duck al mattone to Georgetown.
Bar Americano: A vibrant kiosk near the National Air and Space Museum offering hand-crafted pizzas, natural wines, and local beer.
Olio e Più: A new Italian trattoria near the White House, featuring handmade pastas and pizzas in a rustic setting.
SHIA: A nonprofit restaurant blending Korean ingredients and sustainable practices, focusing on modern and cultural fusion.
F1 Arcade: A massive 17,500 sq ft entertainment space in Union Market, featuring F1 simulators, cocktails, and mocktails.
Giggle Water: A new bar in Logan Circle offering small-batch wines, local brews, handcrafted cocktails, and non-alcoholic options.
Rosedale: Ashok Bajaj’s new farm-to-table spot with seasonal dishes like Grilled Rhode Island Squid and 45-day-aged Rib Steak.
Raw Omakase: An exclusive, reservation-only Japanese restaurant offering the freshest fish flown in from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market.
a.kitchen + bar: Ellen Yin’s restaurant at Hotel AKA serves sustainable American dishes with bold flavors in a stylish setting.
Arrels: A new Spanish restaurant by Michelin-star Chef Pepe Moncayo, featuring open-fire cooking and traditional dishes.
Press Club: A vinyl-themed bar in Dupont Circle with rotating two-sided drink menus, created by top NYC mixologists.
JINYA Ramen Bar: A new Union Market location of the popular ramen chain, offering slow-cooked broths and customizable toppings.
Karizma: A casual yet upscale restaurant serving modern and traditional Indian flavors, including classics like Butter Chicken.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream: The NYC-based ice cream shop opens its seventh DMV location in Capitol Hill, offering dairy and vegan options.
Bar Bestie: Opening in Union Market this winter, the lively bar offers cocktails, beer, wine, and Puerto Rican-inspired snacks.
Gaia: A new tavern with a garden, full bar, and live entertainment opening in early 2025.
Bread Bite Bakery: Moving to Logan Circle, this bakery will offer fresh breads, pastries, breakfast, lunch, and custom cakes.
Minetta Tavern: A famous NYC restaurant opens its first DC location in Union Market with a secret rooftop bar and Black Label Burger.
Barbouzard: A French-Mediterranean restaurant opening in late 2024 in Farragut Square with an elegant atmosphere and contemporary menu.
Atlas Brew Works: Opening its third location in the Bridge District in early 2025, with a taproom and pizza from Andy’s Pizza.
Slice & Pie: A new location at the Parks at Walter Reed offering signature pizzas, paninis, and smash burgers.
Tapori: A communal Indian street food restaurant opening in late 2024 on H Street, featuring bold flavors and shared plates.
bar10: The team behind Enigma opens this European-flair bar later this year on 14th Street.
The Lobby: A new wine and cocktail bar in Georgetown opening Nov. 29, offering curated drinks and small bites in a cozy setting.
Bar Angie: An upscale brasserie coming to DC’s West End, offering refined dining with a sophisticated atmosphere.
Urban Roast: Expanding to the Wharf in 2025, this café will feature cozy vibes, creative cocktails, and shared plates.
Alara: Hakan Ilhan’s Mediterranean restaurant in Georgetown will offer Turkish, Greek, Lebanese, and Israeli-inspired seasonal menus.
Cordelia Fishbar: A new restaurant at Union Market serving dishes made over a charcoal flame grill with a private event space.
Life Alive: A new organic café in the West End offering plant-based, wellness-focused meals using locally sourced ingredients.
Manifest: An upscale speakeasy set to open in Union Market in 2025, offering a luxurious experience with a focus on sophistication
PLAY
Presidential Inauguration | Citywide | 20 January
Witness the U.S. Presidential Inauguration with a swearing-in ceremony, parades, and celebratory balls.
National Zoo Giant Pandas Public Debut | National Zoo | 4 January
The giant pandas officially debut at the National Zoo, with special events and programs running through 9 February.
Schmigadoon! | Broadway Center Stage | 31 January to 9 February
Catch the world premiere of the musical comedy Schmigadoon!, based on the hit Apple TV series.
Black History Month | Citywide | 1 February to 1 March
Celebrate African American history and culture throughout the city with museum exhibits, historical
Mardi Gras at the Wharf | The Wharf | Date TBA
Enjoy a festive parade, live music, and a vibrant party celebrating Mardi Gras at The Wharf.
President’s Day | Citywide | 17 February
Explore presidential history with tours, exhibits, and landmarks honoring past and present U.S. Presidents.
District Beer Fest | Union Market | 22 February
Sample seasonal brews from local vendors at Dock 5 inside Union Market while enjoying live music
Women’s History Month | Citywide | 1 March to 1 April
Celebrate the achievements of women through exhibits, events, and visits to women-owned businesses and museums.
Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist | The National Gallery of Art | 9 March to 6 July
The National Gallery of Art presents over 150 works from the influential African American artist Elizabeth Catlett.
Pink Tie Party | Citywide | 14 March
The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s Pink Tie Party kicks off the season with live performances, seasonal cocktails, and a silent auction.
National Cherry Blossom Festival | Citywide | 20 March to 13 April
Celebrate the arrival of spring with the iconic cherry blossoms in bloom and a variety of cultural events throughout the city.
Washington National’s Home Opener | Nationals Park | 27 March
The Washington Nationals kick off the 2025 MLB season with a home game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
DC Cocktail Fest | Union Market | 29 March
Union Market hosts a cocktail tasting event featuring the city’s best mixologists, live music, and paired bites.
Blossom Kite Festival | National Mall | 29 March
Watch hundreds of kites soar on the National Mall during the annual Blossom Kite Festival, featuring live music and competitions
