Jacu Strauss for Lore Group completed Riggs Hotel Washington DC to offer guests something personal and unexpected with rooms designed to evoke the thrill of opening a safety-deposit box—a playful nod to the building’s history as an iconic bank.

In the heart of downtown Washington DC, at the corner of 9th and F St, stands the former Riggs National Bank. Built in 1891, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a sterling example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. Riggs Washington DC is the first U.S. property within the Lore Collection, which includes the iconic, independent hotels: Pulitzer Amsterdam and Sea Containers London.

All 181 guest rooms and suites feature views of the vibrant Penn Quarter and are outfitted with bath amenities from fragrance house D.S. & Durga in its signature Debaser scent, bespoke wallpaper and headboards in collaboration with design studio Voutsa, and Italian Carrara marble.

Designed in homage to four eclectic first ladies, each of the First Lady Suites stand over 500- sq-ft with unique personalities of their own. The suites offer guests features like a baby grand piano, opulent details, and intricate designs. Freestanding soaking tubs and separate living rooms provide plenty of space to relax.

Housed in the historic boardroom of Riggs National Bank, the Riggs Suite is a sprawling 760 sq-ft retreat that features a dining room, living room, two adjoining guest rooms (a Deluxe King and a Deluxe Double) and a bar—with many of the original features preserved, including ornate ceiling details and a large fireplace.

Riggs Washington DC offers over 4,000 total square feet of versatile special event space. From the extensive Rooftop and terrace with view of the Capitol, to the finely appointed Riggs Suite to two private dining rooms, we offer a variety of options to conduct your next corporate meeting, intimate dinner or wedding celebration. Riggs’ events team offers multi-layered personalization with seasonal, custom catering menus to accommodate your tastes.

Inspired by the grand brasseries of Europe, Café Riggs offers historic grace married with contemporary cuisine. Serving an all-day menu from the bar, dining room and café, patrons are welcomed into the airy setting to enjoy a casual drink or celebratory meal against the backdrop of the space’s ornate ceiling and original Corinthian columns.

Rooftop at Riggs is a sophisticated rooftop terrace bar where panoramic views of Penn Quarter are complemented by a bright and breezy menu of Mediterranean inspired aperitifs.

Located in the subterranean level, which once housed the bank vault, sits Silver Lyan, an original cocktail bar concept that plays on the history of the cultural exchange in America.

The Riggs Washington DC Hotel carries on the legacy of the former “Bank of Presidents” as it recognizes the rich history of its past and exudes a quiet confidence as it moves forward into modern day as a approachable yet luxurious destination.

Design: Jacu Strauss for Lore Group Photography: Jennifer Hughes

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