By J.C. Thomas
Anyone planning a trip to Washington, D.C. for any reason—work, an internship, weekend getaway, or family vacation—will find no shortage of accommodation options. Hotels in the nation’s capital span from budget-friendly chains to the most luxurious of global brands. But, give some serious consideration to the benefits of residential-style short-term rentals such as those offered by Sojourn DC.
There are practical benefits, such as a full kitchen for home-cooked meals and extra living space, but also the appeal of living like a local. With the feel of being in your own private home, even for just a few nights, you experience a new location in an immersive way that amplifies the enchantment of travel.
We discovered Sojourn while seeking a place to stay in DC as the final stop on a jam-packed, multi-city East Coast road trip. The company specializes in luxury furnished rentals in key locations across Washington, D.C. and Virginia. They offer hundreds of properties, all with fully equipped kitchens, comfortable living spaces and essential amenities, as a temporary home for just a few nights or for longer, flexible leases.
Sojourn caters to business travelers, interns, students, newcomers getting settled, and tourists just like my family of four. For our four days of sightseeing in DC, we stayed in Sojourn on Q #301, a historic Dupont Circle brownstone. Here’s an overview of our experience and all the reasons we recommend staying with Sojourn during your own trip to the city.
Find your perfect place to stay in DC
Sojourn DC’s collection of independently owned properties is extensive and broad, so start browsing by location or other filters like number of beds, amenities, or specific features like free parking, hot tub, EV charger, gym, or washer and dryer. Also consider the style of rental home you’d prefer, as the range is broad.
It’s fun to imagine living different lifestyles in your home away from home, be it a historic rowhouse, sleek designer condo, elegant mansion, contemporary art gallery residence, or a studio suite inside a Victorian brownstone. Some stand-out features you’ll find among available rentals include rooftop decks, a secluded patio and BBQ, a chef’s kitchen, rooftop deck, or access to a pool, gym and game room.
We settled on Sojourn on Q #301, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with a balcony in the leafy, historic Dupont Circle neighborhood. In addition to a fitting configuration for our family, the location seemed ideal. It’s within just a mile or two of the White House and the National Mall, home to world-famous monuments like the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and Smithsonian museums. There are countless restaurants and shops within a short walk of the apartment. Dupont Circle’s numerous parks, attractive architecture and friendly vibe were also part of the appeal. The neighborhood has a rich LGBTQ heritage and is home to many embassies, giving it international flair and a sense of inclusivity.
The Sojourn experience for vacationers
After picking your ideal property, you can book online or call for personalized service. You’ll receive a welcome email in advance of your stay, plus secure ID verification through Truvi, followed by check-in instructions 48 hours prior to arrival. The check-in email creates a message thread for fast communication, and you also get access to an expert concierge team throughout your stay.
The check-in and check-out processes were smooth and straightforward, with no front desk or in-person contact required. Eight hours before arrival, we received unique codes for the front door and unit door, plus WiFi, Netflix, Hulu and cable login instructions. We got thorough instructions for trash and recycling, check-in (4 pm) and check-out (11 am) procedures, and where to find extra bedding etc.
There are three simple rules for rentals: no smoking, no parties, and no pets (although pet-friendly units are available). You can call the concierge team for services like restaurant recommendations, dry cleaning, groceries upon arrival and car services. We didn’t need to contact the concierge team, but it’s good to know there’s a local expert available if you need one.
Upon arrival at Sojourn on Q, we navigated nearby parking options. Street parking was available all around the property (but do pay close attention to the somewhat confusing signage) and there were several parking garages nearby as well. Our block of Q Street was lined with beautifully maintained rowhouses with their classic stone-step entrances and many mature trees providing shade and pretty greenery.
Inside the home, there are two flights of stairs up to Apt. 301, where the historic and light-filled structure has been fully modernized with elegant decor in crisp shades of whites, taupes, and grays. The apartment has two similarly spacious master suites, each with a plush queen bed and ample storage. The front bedroom features an en suite bathroom and delightful balcony, furnished with a cafe table and chairs and a little natural privacy screen thanks to tall trees nearby. It’s the perfect spot for an evening drink, morning tea or coffee spot, and perhaps a game of cards or activity planning session. The back bedroom has a more secluded feel plus vintage charm and coziness from its old brick wall and fireplace.
Connecting the two bedrooms and two bathrooms is the main living area, all bathed in natural light from ceiling skylights. One long side is the fully equipped kitchen with a full-size fridge and freezer, oven and stovetop, and cabinets with all the tools and gear you’d ever need to prepare meals and snacks. Opposite are the sofa and large ottoman, and in between a full dining table and wall-mounted flat-screen TV.
The space was ideal for all the home comforts we hadn’t realized we’d been missing during our extended road trip. We’d stayed in typical hotels up until this final stop in DC so it was extra luxurious to be able to relax in a living room, prepare our own meals and snacks, and eat at our own dining table for the final few days. Both a Safeway and Whole Foods are within a few blocks of the apartment, along with many restaurant options.
Having separate bedrooms and bathrooms for parents and kids was also a treat. And I must mention the joy of having a washer and dryer tucked discreetly in a tall closet at the side of the living space. Knowing in advance that we’d have this amenity meant we could not only pack fewer outfits, but even return home with freshly washed clothes.
Much of the enrichment of travel experiences is from being away from home and your typical living situations. However, it also makes you miss and appreciate home comforts all the more. The best of both worlds, then, is to incorporate some home comforts into your vacation plans. Staying in a short-term rental is an excellent way to do this, and Sojourn makes it as easy as booking any hotel room. Be sure to check them out for your next trip to Washington, D.C. or Virginia.
