Although technically a hotel, many elements of the Henley are similar to a Bed and Breakfast. Its historic quality and sitting rooms give it an intimate feel. Guests can also get B&B packages with an American breakfast in the hotel restaurant, Coeur de Lion.
Constructed as Tudor-style apartments during World War I, the building housed many congressmen and senators throughout the years. Henley Park, now a member of the Historic Hotels of America, opened in 1982 on the idea of Old World service. From the smiling marble gargoyles at the entrance to the restored stained glass and antique furnishings, there is a sense of grandeur about the place, but in a small setting. In a corner off the lobby is a drawing room with a fireplace where afternoon tea is served (by reservation, for a fee).
The hotel is a good choice for a romantic weekend getaway, or even for locals who want an evening out downtown. The hotel’s Blue Bar hosts a piano player on weekend evenings, and the brick-walled Coeur de Lion has an atrium dining room in the center of the hotel.
Guest rooms are sophisticated and bright, and with only 14 rooms per floor, there’s a sense of privacy. Standard rooms don’t have an extensive amount of space, but the feel is rich, patterned, and textured. Some rooms look out towards the street while others that face the central atrium are a bit quieter. The corner rooms are suites,with four large windows.
Room amenities: Bathrobes, iron and ironing board, cable TV, complimentary weekday Washington Post delivery
Hotel amenities: 24-hour room service, in-room dining, 24-hour fitness center, event space, concierge service, laundry and dry cleaning, event planning and catering services, complimentary overnight shoeshine
Things nearby: Washington Convention Center, Verizon Center, Historical Society of Washington, Chinatown, National Museum of Women in the Arts, Penn Quarter restaurants and nightlife
