In Washington, D.C., the Kimpton Rouge Hotel is set to close from Jan. 17 through fall 2020 to undergo “a major $20+ million remodel and reposition,” owner Kemmons Wilson Companies announced.
The renovation will include increasing the hotel’s room count from 137 to 144. The new rooms will get updated carpeting, wall coverings, furniture and bathrooms. New public spaces will include a restaurant, a landscaped patio, meeting spaces and an indoor/outdoor rooftop bar.
Perhaps the biggest change will be a new name for the hotel—but this has not yet been announced.
“Dupont Circle is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Washington, D.C., and the changes we are making to the property will reflect both the Kimpton brand and the lively area,” said Raeshawna Scott, GM of the Kimpton Rouge Hotel. “We believe the investment we are making now will continue to elevate Dupont Circle ... for years to come.”
Changes, Changes
Kemmons Wilson Hospitality Partners (the hotel division of KWC) and partner Valor Hospitality Partners acquired the 18-year-old Kimpton from Pebblebrook Hotel Trust last year for a rumored $42 million. Valor is also managing the hotel, and is reportedly one of the first hotel management groups to oversee a Kimpton franchise. The hotelier only recently began utilizing third-party management companies.
KWHP and Valor are collaborating with interior designers from Mason Studio, the same group that led the design for the Kimpton Saint George in Toronto; BBGM, a Washington D.C.-based architecture firm that specializes in hotel design; and First Finish, a full-service hotel and hospitality general contractor, on the project.