Riggs Washington DC is a luxury boutique hotel at 900 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004, in Penn Quarter. Opened in 2020 inside the 1891 headquarters of Riggs National Bank, it combines monumental banking architecture with richly colored rooms, brasserie dining, and a cocktail bar in the former vault. Travelers choose it for its distinctive interiors and exceptionally convenient location opposite the National Portrait Gallery.
What to Expect at Riggs Washington DC
The Romanesque Revival exterior gives way to a former banking hall with soaring ceilings, substantial columns, and restored architectural ornament. Designer Jacu Strauss translated the building’s financial history into playful details rather than a conventional corporate-hotel scheme. The 181 rooms and suites evoke the anticipation of opening a safe-deposit box, with jewel-toned fabrics, patterned surfaces, and cabinetry inspired by banking furniture. Standard luxury rooms suit short city breaks; larger suites provide more living space for longer stays and entertaining.
The individually designed First Lady Suites take inspiration from Ida McKinley, Caroline Harrison, Louisa Adams, and Angelica Van Buren. Family rooms and connecting configurations offer a more practical alternative for parents. Downstairs, Café Riggs brings European grand-café dining to the former tellers’ hall, while its adjoining bar works well for an aperitif. In the basement, Silver Lyan, created by acclaimed bartender Ryan Chetiyawardana, pairs experimental cocktails with the enclosed atmosphere of the old bank vault. Reserve dining separately from your room.
- Historic banking hall: The lofty public interior preserves the scale and ceremony of the former Riggs National Bank headquarters.
- First Lady Suites: Four individually conceived suites turn presidential-family interests into distinctive interior design.
- Café Riggs: A grand-café setting makes breakfast, a leisurely meal, or drinks part of the hotel experience.
- Silver Lyan: The subterranean cocktail bar occupies the former vault and rewards advance planning for evening visits.
- Wellness and events: A fitness center supports everyday workouts; rooftop event space is for booked functions, not a public rooftop pool.
Riggs Washington DC at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 900 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States |
| Neighborhood / Area | Penn Quarter, at 9th and F Streets NW |
| Operating Hours | Hotel reception operates daily, 24 hours; restaurant and bar schedules vary. Check-in from 4 p.m.; checkout by noon. |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$$; paid overnight accommodation with date-dependent rates. Dining and cocktails charged separately. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2 to 3 nights; 1.5 to 2 hours for dining or cocktails |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Gallery Place–Chinatown: Red, Green, and Yellow lines. Metro Center: Red, Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. Paid hotel valet parking. |
| Official Website & Phone | Riggs Washington DC; +1 202-638-1800 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Compare room categories before booking: couples may value a First Lady Suite’s character, while families should prioritize confirmed connecting arrangements. Business travelers benefit from the central location and reservable meeting spaces. Book Silver Lyan ahead for Friday and Saturday evenings, and request Café Riggs reservations separately. Smart-casual clothing works for dining and cocktails. Confirm valet charges and vehicle arrangements before arrival; a car is unnecessary for most central sightseeing. Gallery Place–Chinatown and Metro Center are each roughly a five-minute walk away.
The hotel has accessible accommodation and elevators connecting guest floors; specify your required bathroom configuration when reserving rather than assuming every room is equivalent. Ask reception to direct you to the step-free arrival route and confirm access arrangements for basement dining. The National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum share the building across the street, with the Kogod Courtyard offering an appealing indoor pause. Ford’s Theatre is about five minutes away, and the National Mall is roughly 10–15 minutes south. These routes use urban sidewalks and signal-controlled crossings.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Riggs Washington DC open, and when should I arrive?
The hotel operates around the clock, with check-in from 4 p.m. and checkout by noon. Arrive before dinner to settle in; restaurant and bar opening times follow separate schedules.
How much does a stay cost, and are reservations required?
Riggs falls in the $$$$ luxury tier, with rates changing by date, room category, and demand. Book through the official rooms page and check taxes, fees, and cancellation conditions before paying.
How long should I stay?
Two to three nights allows time for Penn Quarter’s museums, the National Mall, and an evening at Silver Lyan. Nonresidents can experience the public interiors over a reserved meal or drinks lasting around 90 minutes to two hours.
Is Riggs suitable for families and guests with mobility needs?
Family room options and connecting configurations make the hotel practical for multigenerational stays. Accessible rooms and elevators are available; discuss transfer space, shower requirements, and step-free routes directly with reservations.
When planning your Washington D.C. travel guide or browsing verified hotels in Washington D.C., pair this stop with standout local spots including Tudor Place, National Mall, National Museum of the American Indian, and minibar by José Andrés (0.1 km away).
