Trump wouldn’t stay in this unconventional hotel in a pink fit

I can’t help wondering what President Donald Trump would make of Hotel Zena. We’ll probably never know because it’s safe to say he wouldn’t stay here in a pink fit. The feminist focus of the Washington hotel is loud, proud and visible from the minute you enter the lobby on Thomas Circle, just over a kilometre from the White House.

Hotel Zena wears its heart on its sleeve.Credit:

In fact, the homage to women’s strength, intelligence and beauty can be seen before you even go inside. A seven-storey mural of warrior women by DC artist Miss Chelove adorns the building’s exterior.

Viceroy Hotels & Resorts opened the hotel in 2020 after a complete redesign of the building (it was previously a Kimpton hotel), dedicating much of its communal space to celebrate women. An art gallery within the property features more than 60 artworks that champion women’s rights.

The Ruth Bader Ginsburg artwork.Credit:

A bold move in these fractured times, some might say, and one that is paying off. In 2022, Hotel Zena was ranked the second-most popular place to stay in DC in the Conde Nast Traveler readers’ choice awards.

The first thing I notice is the unconventional reception desk. Hotel employees welcome guests while standing behind a large glass case that displays dozens of high-heeled shoes in bright colours.

A related poem on the wall seems, at first, to be full of problematic messages: “Life is short, your heels shouldn’t be”; “Chocolate is good, but shoes are carb-free”.

Comfortable and modern, though not particularly luxurious.Credit:

Further investigation reveals the trite and flippant words about the painfully complex relationship many women have with stilettos, uncomfortable fashion and impossible beauty standards are there to stoke discussion and debate.

Who was masterfully skilled at debate? The Notorious RBG, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the formidable lawyer and jurist who served as an associate justice of the US Supreme Court. Turn to the left and there she is, her familiar bespectacled gaze staring you down from a larger-than-life portrait created by artist Andrea Sheehan and Julie Coyle Art Associates, using 20,000 hand-painted tampons.

On a nearby wall, thousands of hand-pinned protest badges display messages of support for gender equality and female empowerment. “My favourite season is the FALL of the patriarchy” reads one, while another implores us to pay less attention to thigh gaps and more to wage gaps.

Room with a view (and views).Credit:

“Art is at the core of Viceroy; it’s part of the storytelling of the community,” says Sherry Abedi, area general manager for the hotel. “Hotel Zena is unique in that the art is solely dedicated to women.”

The theme continues in the guest rooms, where the face of current Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court Sonia Sotomayor smiles at me from an embroidered cushion. The “Do Not Disturb” sign informs the cleaning staff that “The Future Needs Privacy”.

The rooftop retreat is perfect for DC’s sticky summer months.Credit:

The accommodation is comfortable and modern, though not particularly luxurious, at the four-star property. A rooftop deck and swimming pool would hold appeal during DC’s sticky summer months.

Breakfast, dinner and weekend brunch is served at Figleaf Bar & Lounge. Along with discounted wines and beers, the happy-hour menu includes a cheeky nod to the woman on the wall in the form of a $10 Ginsburger.

Posing the question.Credit:

Beyond being a convenient place to stay, the main focus of the hotel is on the art and the political messages. On the morning we check out, I notice a photo mural in a corner of the lobby. It features a montage of pictures of demonstrators carrying placards. One stands out: “Make America Kind Again”. We can only hope that message finds bipartisan support.

THE DETAILS

FLY
Qantas codeshares with American Airlines to offer one-stop flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Washington via Los Angeles. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is a 15-minute drive from the hotel; DC’s other airport, Dulles International Airport (IAD), is at least 45 minutes’ drive. See qantas.com.au

STAY
Rooms at Hotel Zena from $US219 ($346) a night, plus taxes. A mandatory guest amenities fee of $US35 a night, per room, is charged at check-in. There are 191 guest rooms, including 17 suites. Thirteen rooms are mobility/hearing accessible. See viceroyhotelsandresorts.com

MORE
washington.org

The writer was a guest of Destination DC and Hotel Zena.