The Challenge:
The Embassy Row Hotel, located in the historic and iconic Washington, D.C. neighborhood of Dupont Circle, first opened its doors in 1970. In its heyday, the hotel served as a gathering place for the city’s elite, from musicians to actors to Washington heavy-hitters. However, with 15 years since its last renovation, the hotel had become more of a bargain hotel for budget-minded tourists than a destination for savvy travelers. In 2014, The Embassy Row Hotel was acquired by new owners and a plan to renovate was put in place. The $15 million renovation and rebranding process included 231 newly redesigned guest rooms, a lifestyle-driven lobby experience and a seasonal rooftop bar complex. This renaissance allowed Commit Agency to approach this specific task with the creative freedom and inspired design thinking that would give this 45-year-old institution a much-needed facelift.