Adam Hurly smiling at the camera after getting his haircut

Feature by Renowned Travel Journalist Adam Hurly

As a grooming and travel writer, there are two things constantly on my mind when I go to another city: Where is the coolest hotel, and where is the best barbershop? In DC, the answer seemed to be the same for both questions....

As a grooming and travel writer, there are two things constantly on my mind when I go to another city: Where is the coolest hotel, and where is the best barbershop? In DC, the answer seemed to be the same for both questions.

For one, I knew I wanted to visit Darius Davie, aka Groom Guy as we know him in the grooming editorial space. I work with him all the time on articles; he's an expert source for anything hair related, and great for my clients like GQ, Men's Journal, Gear Patrol, Byrdie and others. Finally, I would get a chance to get a haircut from him. Lo and behold, he told me about the pop-up he had just launched inside YoursTruly, which was precisely in the area I wanted to stay in DC, equidistant to the significant attractions to one side, and to all of my local friends on the other. (And right across the street from two eateries I had on my list—the bustling Tatte Bakery and the much-adored Indian restaurant, Rasika West End.) Now I had my answer: I'd not only get my inaugural haircut by THE Darius Davie, but also stay onsite. The photos on YoursTruly's site were an easy sell too—modern, newly renovated touches, a dynamic work/social cafe-lounge by day that converts into a cocktail bar with live vinyl spinning in the evening, along with 'Almost South American' fare at Mercy Me.

My stay cleared those high expectations too: I got some work done in the lobby, hit the gym to counter the cocktails that I enjoyed with friends after work, and got my early morning caffeine rush before pouring out into charming Dupont Circle. (The proximity to Trader Joe's was not lost on me either, as an expat American visiting the US.) And, for this grooming editor, the fresh fade from Darius was the icing on the cake. I looked as crispy as YoursTruly itself. - Adam Hurly

blonde girl wearing mask and posing outside of yours truly hotel

West End Staycation At Yours Truly DC

Spoonful of Trish
Hi Friends,
Happy December! This month marks our official 1.5 years living in District of Columbia. Since we still haven’t taken advantage of exploring all of DC wonderful neighborhoods, this past weekend we booked a mini staycation at Yours Truly Hotel in the West End. This neighborhood is home to a number upscale condos, hotels and trendy restaurants (most recently the insta popular Tatte Bakery)....

Spoonful of Trish
Hi Friends,
Happy December! This month marks our official 1.5 years living in District of Columbia. Since we still haven’t taken advantage of exploring all of DC wonderful neighborhoods, this past weekend we booked a mini staycation at Yours Truly Hotel in the West End. This neighborhood is home to a number upscale condos, hotels and trendy restaurants (most recently the insta popular Tatte Bakery).

Rooms
Located at 1143 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Yours Truly DC is only 0.6 miles from the Dupont Circle metro station.

Yours Truly is colorfully styled with a mix of industrial and bohemian decor and yields over 300 eclectic rooms and suites. We checked into the City View King room and had plenty of space and the perfect view of the neighborhood from our 9th floor window.

Yours Truly is also pet friendly with no additional fees or size requirements, so you can cuddle with your furry friends during your entire stay.

Health & Safety Measures
I’m sure you are wondering what it’s like inside hotels these days during the pandemic. Yours Truly is ensuring compliance with all social distancing protocols for guests and visitors by following directions put forth by our local and national government in order to best identify and prevent any potential risk.

Masks are available at the front desk and required in all public areas of the hotel. Hand sanitation stations are located throughout and all employees require temperature checks and a screening before entering the property.

Lobby
Yours Truly’s Lobby include’s an open-concept “living room” instead of a traditional lobby, and you will want to take ALL the instagram photos. This space is absolutely stunning and filled with modern arm chairs, couches and nooks for lounging. Plus, where else are you going to find a local record shop right into your hotel? The El Donut Shoppe brings high-quality vinyl to the district where you can shop for records, record players, headphones, and other gear. Yours Truly also has a ton of other unique swag for purchase in memory of your fabulous stay.

Dining
We shared an incredible dinner at Mercy Me, the all-day, South American-inspired restaurant and bar from the local Timber Pizza and Call Your Mother teams. Visit in the morning for pastries and breakfast tacos and you can come back in the evening for house-aged steaks and South American accented cocktails. We couldn’t resist had to order The Bruno pesto pizza along with the Butcher’s Steak. Our meal and service was over the top and I can’t wait to return for brunch. Mercy Me has both indoor and dining options where all tables are socially distanced, and open daily from 8am to 4pm.

Book Your Next Stay
I would definitely add Yours Truly to your list if you are looking for unconventional yet memorable stay in the district. The hotel definitely feels like a home away from home and I’ll definitely be back to visit often. You can book through my exclusive reservation link here for a discount on your next stay.

Thanks for having me Yours Truly DC!
xoxo,

Trish

Visitors Guide To Washington DC Universities

If you’re considering attending one of Washington DC’s impressive universities, then you’ve come to the right place. At Yours Truly, not only is our hotel situated conveniently near to all of these impressive establishments, but we can offer you an insider’s guide to not only the universities themselves, but all of the fun and exciting things to do and see while you’re in town!...

If you’re considering attending one of Washington DC’s impressive universities, then you’ve come to the right place. At Yours Truly, not only is our hotel situated conveniently near to all of these impressive establishments, but we can offer you an insider’s guide to not only the universities themselves, but all of the fun and exciting things to do and see while you’re in town!

A bit more about the area’s top three educational institutions.

1. George Washington University
At the impressive capitol campus located in the heart of the famed Foggy Bottom neighborhood, George Washington University places you mere blocks from many of DC’s most popular attractions, including the White House, the National Mall, and the many incredible free Smithsonian museums. Instead of dining halls, students here get a meal card that they can use to eat at dozens of local restaurants or buy groceries, making their meals incredibly unique and enjoyable. This means you get to explore the local food scene while attending college – and you can get a taste during your visit at one of their over 105 area dining partners. Choose one to try for yourself, with options including sushi, freshly-made brick oven pizza, and the ever-popular Foggy Bottom Pub. And don’t forget that GW also offers the 26-acre Mount Vernon Campus, which you can explore via bus ride from the visitor center. Learn more about Life at GW.

2. Georgetown University
You’re likely to be impressed immediately by the “Georgetown Bubble” – the impressive, historic neighborhood surrounding the university which offers everything a student needs, all within walking distance. Before or after your campus tour, consider stopping for lunch at The Tombs, on the edge of campus to enjoy not only amazing food, but a glimpse of the archetypal Georgetown experience, particularly when students gather at night to unwind while watching a Hoya game. For dessert, consider stopping by the mouthwatering Georgetown Cupcakes – where the line is definitely worth the wait! While you might be blown away by the locale and worried about the cost, keep in mind the university’s impressive commitment to meet the entire financial need of each undergraduate they admit.Learn more about what it means to be a Hoya.

3. Howard University
Did you know that Howard University produces more African-American Ph.D.’s than any other university in the world? And its proud history of breaking barriers stretches all the way back to its founding in 1867 – including incorporating five white female students into its classes during its first year.You may want to start with a virtual tour to get a feel for Howard Life and what the student experience is like, but nothing beats being able to actually visit in person. Many alumni consider the best part of living on Howard’s campus to be the social life, which you can get a glimpse of during a campus tour – or simply ask current students about it while you are there. And as long as you’re in town, nearby attractions off-campus include the Smithsonian Butterfly Habitat Garden, the renowned 9:30 Club intimate concert venue, and the African American Civil War Memorial & Museum.

Contact us at Yours Truly to learn more about our convenient hotel located near Howard University (2.1 miles away), Georgetown University, (1.6 miles away) and George Washington University (.6 miles away) – and start planning your college visit to DC today!

Summer Events: Jazz Fest, Jazz In The Garden And DC Pride

Jazz in the Garden
This is a one-of-a-kind event that can only be found here in DC. The National Gallery of Art's free Jazz in the Garden concert series runs every Friday evening from May 17th through August 23rd, 2019. Held amid the famed Sculpture Garden's iconic works of art, you can enjoy musical performances ranging from African fusion to energetic go-go, and classic New Orleans Dixieland to salsa. This beloved DC summer festival features fan favorites like Black Masala, Son del Caribe, and the Funky Digs Brass Band, along with new (to the festival) artists including Rob Curto's Forró for All, Adwela & the Uprising, The Bailsmen, and Shannon Gunn. Running from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the event is accompanied by a fabulous outdoor grill menu and the ever-popular Pavilion Café's indoor menu....

Jazz in the Garden
This is a one-of-a-kind event that can only be found here in DC. The National Gallery of Art's free Jazz in the Garden concert series runs every Friday evening from May 17th through August 23rd, 2019. Held amid the famed Sculpture Garden's iconic works of art, you can enjoy musical performances ranging from African fusion to energetic go-go, and classic New Orleans Dixieland to salsa. This beloved DC summer festival features fan favorites like Black Masala, Son del Caribe, and the Funky Digs Brass Band, along with new (to the festival) artists including Rob Curto's Forró for All, Adwela & the Uprising, The Bailsmen, and Shannon Gunn. Running from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the event is accompanied by a fabulous outdoor grill menu and the ever-popular Pavilion Café's indoor menu.

Capital Pride Celebration
Let your personality shine through as you surround yourself with celebration! Join the LGBTQ+ community on historic Pennsylvania Avenue for the Capital Pride Festival. This annual DC concert and jubilee includes a fun-filled day jam-packed with an array of music, entertainment, food, drink, education, celebration – and, of course, incredible PRIDE. Enjoy three full stages of national, international, and local artists, along with four distinct beverage gardens and over 300 unique organizations and businesses offering booths with information, services, job openings, volunteer opportunities, and much, much more. The Capital Pride Celebration ends with the Capitol Sunset Dance Party, where you can show your moves on America’s Main Street with the US Capitol itself as your backdrop. This is a free, family-friendly event open to the public.

JazzFest
No place does Jazz quite like DC. Enjoy an impressive lineup of celebrated masters and new artists with various performances located in neighborhoods across the city starting on June 6th, and the main event, DC JazzFest at The Wharf, held June 14th -16th on four fabulous stages. A variety of free events will be presented on the District and Transit Piers, including a marketplace and Education Village, where the acclaimed Meet the Artist series will be held. There are a variety of ticket packages available for events at The Anthem and The Wharf, with VIP options including buffet and drink tickets accompanied by incredible views and even celebrity meet and greets to complement your musical entertainment experience.

The Perfect Pet-Friendly Accommodations In DC

Wondering where to stay with your pet when you visit Washington, DC? Yours Truly is wild about dogs, and we welcome all to join their owners in one of our pet-friendly rooms – at no added charge. We even welcome your pet with treats from the popular, local dog bakery, and special brews direct from Bowser Dog Beer also available. Best of all, our convenient location near Dupont Circle near Foggy Bottom makes it easy for you and your pet to enjoy your time with us in the Nation’s Capital. Here are a few places nearby that you’ll both enjoy!...

Wondering where to stay with your pet when you visit Washington, DC? Yours Truly is wild about dogs, and we welcome all to join their owners in one of our pet-friendly rooms – at no added charge. We even welcome your pet with treats from the popular, local dog bakery, and special brews direct from Bowser Dog Beer also available. Best of all, our convenient location near Dupont Circle near Foggy Bottom makes it easy for you and your pet to enjoy your time with us in the Nation’s Capital. Here are a few places nearby that you’ll both enjoy!

Doggy Style Barkery
More than just a delicious specialty doggy bakery, this fabulous place offers a full range of pet services and products. They also feature a full-service dog pet spa using only gentle, soap-free shampoos, a large dog and cat boutique, and even offer cat boarding for those traveling with their other best friend. Your dog will also get to sample their wares when they arrive at Yours Truly and receive their welcome to Yours Truly dog bone treats.

Washington Circle
Nearby Washington Circle offers dog-friendly space to walk your pet, and lovely flowers to greet you each Spring. Less than half a mile away from the hotel, the circle’s centerpiece is a beautiful bronze sculpture depicting George Washington riding his horse in the Battle of Princeton. The five-minute walk there and back makes this a great place to introduce your pet to the noise and joys of DC.

Francis Dog Park
Situated just half a mile from Yours Truly, this beautiful, brand new 6,000 square foot public dog park features off-leash fun with ornamental fencing, a concrete pad area designed for easy leashing and unleashing, a doggy watering station, on-hand waste bag dispensers, and accessible litter bins. You and your four-legged friend will also enjoy the beautiful ten-minute walk through the Chevy Chase area of DC on your way here and back.

Glen’s Garden Market
This fabulous local café and market offers a lovely patio that is dog-friendly and welcomes canine companions. They proudly feature lots of locally grown produce, freshly prepared foods, and a wide variety of craft beers. In the summer, they also have cookouts every Thursday night, and they always have a variety of sandwiches and pizzas on hand to enjoy.

The National Mall
If your plans include a visit to The National Mall, you’ll be pleased to know that dogs are all welcome in the nation’s most-visited park. Filled with breathtaking monuments and memorials, The Mall also offers long stretches of open space to enjoy with your pet. You may even want to bring a picnic for the two of you!

We invite you to bring your dog with you to our pet-friendly accommodations with unique boutique amenities at Yours Truly. You and your pet will be so glad you did!

Globetrot Down Embassy Row

Embassies are typically the realm of international politicians and heads of state. Those in D.C. are no exception — but once a year, that dynamic changes.

Since its debut in 2007, the Around the World Embassy Tour has opened the doors of dozens of embassies to the general public, shining a light on the cultures and customs of nations who share diplomatic ties with the United States.

The initiative has drawn thousands of visitors to DuPont Circle, and for good reason: With Embassy Row’s concentration of diplomatic buildings — many housed in historic structures — the neighborhood is the perfect place to globetrot, even if only for a day.

And we’re in the best place to catch all of it. The famous Walsh-McLean and Clarence Moore Houses — home to the Indonesian and Uzbek embassies — are minutes from our hotel by foot, as are the residences of a handful of other participating nations.

This is one trip you don’t need your passport for.