US: The 144-room hotel will open in replace of the former Hotel Rouge, located in Washington DC, following a $20 million renovation to become a 10-storey boutique hotel.
Designed by Mason Studios, The Banneker will feature curated artwork, 3,800 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space, a French bistro, and a year-round rooftop bar.
The hotel is named after the historical figure Benjamin Banneker who, aside from contributions to astrology, mathematics and civil rights, played an integral role in surveying the land that became Washington DC. He identified the Meridien line for DC which is today 16th street, and where the hotel is located.
On the rooftop, Lady Bird is also coined after a prior First Lady of the United States – Claudia Alta.
Guest rooms include a three-bedroom Presidential Suite, and all rooms feature Frette embroidered linens, Atelier Bloom bathroom accessories, in-room speakers and a fully stocked mini bar.
Le Sel, the hotel’s French bistro, will provide patio seating and will serve dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
Additionally, heritage tours will be offered from Cultural Tourism DC to guests, and The Banneker’s art collection will feature emerging and established artists. A fitness centre with Peloton bikes is also available.
“The life of Benjamin Banneker is the epitome of what it means to be an American,” said Raeshawna Scott, general manager of The Banneker. “The Bannseker is grounded in our neighbourhood, a place for locals and travellers to feel at home. We cannot wait to show guests how we are weaving together a unique sense of time, space and place inspired by the breadth of Banneker’s contribution to our region.”
“As our first foray into the DC market, we are thrilled to unveil The Banneker in early 2021,” said McLean T. Wilson, CIO of Kemmons Wilson Hospitality Partners and global partner of Valor Hospitality Partners. “With inspiration drawn from Benjamin Banneker, set in our nation’s capital, and a well-crafted design from Mason Studio, we predict The Banneker will attract both locals and travellers who appreciate luxury and experiences with substance.”
As a Kimpton and Valor Hospitality hotel, The Banneker looks to partner with additional local brands within the community for activations and safe events upon opening.
Kimpton operates more than 60 hotels and 75 restaurants, bars and lounges throughout the US, Canada, Europe, Caribbean and Greater China.
Valor Hospitality Partners is a global hotel management, acquisition, development and asset management company. It has 60 hotel projects in its portfolio worldwide.
Kemmons Wilson Hospitality Partners is the hospitality division of Kemmons Wilson Companies (KWC). KWC has owned, operated or partnered in over 400 ventures to date, and continues to focus on private investing in resorts, hotels, aviation, clean tech, craft brewing, retail fashion design, software, insurance and restaurants.
