I took a quick trip down from NYC to Washington, D.C., for the Black Boy Art Show and wanted my hotel to feel like a real landing spot, not just a place to crash. I was craving that mix of home and luxury — the kind of space that makes you feel like everything is in its place and you can move through your routines without thinking too hard. That is what led me to Yours Truly DC.

The moment I walked in, I understood why people talk about it. The lobby has a full-on buzz, the decor leans art deco with a modern edge, and the space feels wide and welcoming. Even in the afternoon, it was already in motion, with people posted up working, meeting, and treating it like their neighborhood living room.

When I arrived around 1 p.m., that energy was a little louder than I needed, so I was more than ready to head upstairs. Once I got to my fifth-floor room with a city view, it felt like the volume turned down in the best way. I was able to settle in, breathe and reset before heading out for the show — and that calm ended up being the whole point of the stay.

First Impression: The Lobby Energy

Yours Truly’s lobby is not the quiet, tucked-away kind of hotel entrance. It is a real scene, but in a way that feels intentional instead of chaotic. The design gives art deco with a sharp, modern finish, and the room is big enough to hold a crowd without feeling cramped. During the day it reads like a co-working hub, and by evening it shifts into that chic bar-and-restaurant vibe where it feels like the start of a night out.

If you love hotels where you can grab a drink, people-watch, and feel in the middle of something, this is that.

Check-In and the Fifth-Floor Reset

After the energy downstairs, I was ready for quiet, and stepping into my room felt like walking out of the noise and into my own little pocket of calm. Even with an early check-in, the 5th floor felt removed from the lobby scene, and the city view gave me a little D.C. perspective without making the room feel exposed. The layout was cozy in a way that lets you decompress fast, the kind of space that makes you exhale as soon as you drop your bag.

The Bathroom Made Getting Ready Part of the Experience

As soon as I walked in, I looked to the right and immediately clocked the bathroom. It had clean, modern finishes that made my skincare and makeup prep feel elevated, like getting ready was part of the experience instead of a quick step between plans. The black tile in the shower and the gold accents against the black sink had that polished contrast, and the whole setup looked great on camera without feeling cold or sterile.

The Bedroom Layout Was A Major Upgrade

What really sold me was how the room balanced style with details that felt familiar. The aztec-printed carpet reminded me of my Ruggable at home, which made the space feel instantly personal, and the bed was a true upgrade moment. Between the king size, the four fluffy pillows and that chic light brown headboard, it felt like an upgraded version of my NYC apartment setup.

My Favorite Spot: The Reading Nook

My favorite part of the room was the reading nook to the right side of the bed. It was a seat made for one in a martini olive green hue, and it became my little ritual corner.

That nook was the perfect place to unwind and read Salvation by bell hooks after a long day of traveling and running around the city. It gave me that same at-home feeling I get when I finally sit down, get quiet and let the day fall off my shoulders.

Final Thoughts: Safe Cozy and Worth It

Overall, my stay at Yours Truly DC felt safe, cozy, and genuinely like a home away from home. It gave me the luxury touches I wanted while still feeling like a space I could relax in between plans.

If you are coming to DC for an event, a show, or a quick reset, Yours Truly is a strong pick when you want a lively social atmosphere downstairs and a calm, comforting room to come back to.

Home Away from Home is an editorial series exploring where design and hospitality meet. It spotlights hotels, resorts, and short-term rentals that feel rooted in their surroundings, with attention to interiors, atmosphere, service, and the small details that make a stay feel both elevated and personal. Each story is reported through a curated lens, often grounded in firsthand experience and visual storytelling.