Photo by Geoff Livingston

“Dear PoPville,

I’m wondering whether you can ask the community about people’s experience with the airbnb ban next week. There are some foreign journalists who have had a reservation to stay at my house through inauguration week (the reservation is still active) and I’m wondering when it will be canceled as it’s supposed to be. Have others had their cancellations already?”

Photo by Joanna Hiatt Kim

From the National Park Service:

“Pursuant to 36 CFR § 1.5(a)(1) the National Capital Area is implementing temporary closures of National Park Service public facilities, parking areas and roadways in response to real and substantially likely threats to visitors and park resources. Read More

2600 Woodley Road, NW. Photos by Beth Moyer

Beth writes: “any scuttlebutt on the future of Wardman Park? All references to Marriott have been removed or taped over in the last couple of days.” Read More

Photo by Miki Jourdan

Ed. Note: Earlier this week we shared the request: “asking all DC folks who rent via VRBO/Airbnb/etc. to refrain from renting/listing their properties from January 17th-20th”.

From airbnb:

“Today, in response to various local, state and federal officials asking people not to travel to Washington, D.C., we are announcing that Airbnb will cancel reservations in the Washington, D.C. metro area during the Inauguration week. Additionally, we will prevent any new reservations in the Washington, D.C. area from being booked during that time by blocking such reservations. Read More

Photo by Diane Krauthamer

Thanks to all who messaged us: “The fewer of these a******* who can find lodging, the better. There were Proud Boys at 18th and Lamont last Wednesday for instance.”

I'm humbly asking all DC folks who rent via VRBO/Airbnb/etc. to refrain from renting/listing their properties from January 17th-20th as we read reports there will be a second far right riot planned#DontRentDC

— James 🌶. Benson (@jimothybringus) January 9, 2021

Photo by Jim Havard

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) announced the Bridge Fund, a $100 million investment in businesses and workers grappling with the COVID-19 public health emergency in the hospitality, entertainment, and retail sectors. Read More

1111 30th Street, NW via Georgetown Suites

Thanks to Rachel for passing on from Georgetown Suites:

“It is with great sadness to let you know that after 40 years, Georgetown Suites will be closing our doors on November 30, 2020. We will continue to operate fully until November 15, and on a limited capacity until closing. Read More

1780 Columbia Road, NW

Back in May we heard some faulty scuttlebutt about the Line Hotel possibly not reopening, which their manager quickly refuted and the good news is that they’ve reopened today:

“The LINE DC

COVID -19 UPDATE: We are now open and our top priority is the health and safety of our guests and employees. We are following the guidance of health authorities and government requirements to provide a clean, safe, and comfortable experience for all.”

Last week Eater DC reported:

“A Rake’s Progress, the high-priced, local-sourcing Mid-Atlantic restaurant that brought James Beard Award-winning chef Spike Gjerde to D.C., has permanently closed after two and a half years of business on the top floor of the trendy Line hotel in Adams Morgan.”

Fortunately The LINE DC still reports:

“With two restaurants, a rooftop bar, and a coffee shop (see also: in-room delivery), the LINE DC offers dining experiences at every hour of the day.

Erik Bruner-Yang’s lobby-situated Brothers And Sisters and his Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded Spoken English take cues from around the globe.”

Photo by Ted Eytan

“Dear PoPville,

Have you heard anything about the legality of renting Airbnb properties during the Stay-at-Home Order? We live next to one that is doing a lot of business right now for large groups of people throwing parties. Seems to contradict the spirit of the lockdown and was wondering if this was a problem in other parts of the district too.”

From Airbnb:

“The month of May brings with it many moments worth celebrating for District residents — from high school and college graduations to Memorial Day weekend festivities.

Under typical circumstances, Airbnb empowers our hosts to set House Rules on events and parties that are appropriate for their communities. However, these are very different times, and public health must come first. To that end, we have previously announced that we will not allow for hosts to authorize parties and events in regions where current public health mandates prohibit events and gatherings. As Mayor Bowser has extended the city’s stay-at-home order through May 15, our new policy means we are not allowing any type of party in D.C. until this order is lifted.

We want to be very clear — not only will we ban guests who attempt to throw an unauthorized party in a D.C. Airbnb listing, we will be cooperating with MPDC in any investigations relating to parties and violations of public health mandates, consistent with our Terms of Service. Read More

1222 First Street, NE

“Dear PoPville,

This morning they started the demolition of the old nightclub Ibiza at First and Patterson (between N and M) in NoMa. Rumor has it that another hotel will be going up on that spot.”

More than a rumor! Washington Business Journal reported that a citizenM hotel is coming. Updates as construction progresses.

inside 1143 New Hampshire Ave, NW courtesy Yours Truly

Ed. Note: This is also the previous home to the Illy Coffeehouse.

From Yours Truly:

“Hello D.C.,

It’s us — your neighbors from the inviting new hotel in the West End. You know that feeling when you first meet someone and you instantly know you’re going to be great friends? Well, that’s how we feel about you. We love your personality and vibe, your foods and flavors, your history and unique stories…and we are so excited to move into the neighborhood this March. Look, we know we’re not all from here but we hope to be accepted as of here, and get to spend some quality time with you.

We’re beyond excited to see what the future holds for us in and around the city, as we get to know each other better. Between aimless walks, drum circles and farmers markets around Dupont, ceramics classes, shopping in Georgetown, live music, and locally-rooted eats around 14th St., it already feels like every day together will be an adventure!

No matter what you need – we’re here for you. Yeah we’re a hotel, but we’ve traded out a lobby for a living room, and a conference room for a kitchen. We have a cafe front porch, and a vibrant backyard and outdoor garden. We even have live music, a DJ booth and selection of vinyls because music is the best kind of medicine after a busy day. So whatever you need we got you! And did we mention that we also have delicious food? Try our new dining concept Mercy Me by D.C’s award-winning restaurateurs Andrew Dana and Daniela Moreira of eateries Call Your Mother & Timber Pizza, with a mouth-watering culinary program led by Executive Chef Johanna Hellrigl, formerly Executive Chef at Doi Moi and beloved D.C. beverage director Micah Wilder. Of course the space is insta-ready, that’s a given.

More than anything, we want you to know that our house, truly is your house … warm, light-filled and inviting, with a contemporary take on a brutalist architecture and bohemian aesthetic style, washed in sunlight and soened by pastoral décor, plant life, and ornate detailing – delivering a refreshing vibe true to DC’s past and present. Oh, and we love pets! So your furry friends are more than welcome too.

Come ready to hang, ready to experience, ready to engage in dialogue. Whether you’re visiting from out of town and looking for a one-of-a-kind stay, or a busy Washingtonian looking for a fun spot to work from during the day, and an excuse to set your “Out of Office” replies by night.

We invite you to come in, rest and expect the unexpected. This space is yours, truly.

Your pen pals,
Yours Truly DC

Ps. Did we mention we love pets?”