Riggs Washington DC: Penn Quarter 1891 National Bank palace with Café Riggs, subterranean Silver Lyan vault bar, and Jacu Strauss design

Reigning with majestic 1891 Richardsonian Romanesque architectural nobility at the corner of 9th and F Streets in the historic Penn Quarter neighborhood of Washington, D.C., United States (just steps from the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian museums, the White House, and the Capitol, 15 minutes from Reagan National Airport and 40 minutes from Dulles International Airport), Riggs Washington DC opened in 2020 as the capital’s premier luxury historic bank grand palace (part of Lore Group). Originally constructed in 1891 as the headquarters of Riggs National Bank (known as the "Bank of Presidents" for handling accounts of 23 US Presidents from Abraham Lincoln to Eisenhower), the 181-room luxury haven was masterfully reimagined by celebrated creative director Jacu Strauss. Featuring the acclaimed European-American brasserie Café Riggs (set inside the soaring former bank hall), the legendary subterranean vault cocktail lounge Silver Lyan by master mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana (Mr Lyan), and the rooftop terrace lounge Rooftop at Riggs, this property is Washington’s ultimate luxury grand palace.

Arrival introduces travelers to unvarnished American capital glamour and presidential heritage splendour: liveried doormen greet guests beneath the monumental stone archways on 9th Street before entering Jacu Strauss’s soaring Corinthian-columned lobby with restored barrel-vaulted ceilings, brass teller counter details, and chilled Virginia sparkling cider or classic Old Fashioneds with warm Chesapeake crab tartlets. Day-one logistics focus on coordinating bespoke Washington political, museum, and art pursuits: walking across the street to explore the world-class collections of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum (steps away), private guided tours of the National Mall monuments, Library of Congress, and US Capitol (10 minutes away), private VIP shopping in CityCenterDC (5 minutes away), working out in the 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness gym with Pelotons, indulging in private in-room botanical therapies, sipping award-winning cocktails inside the former bank vault at Silver Lyan, and reserving dinner at Café Riggs.

Palace living balances active Washington political discovery with serene boutique banking wellness: The In-Room Wellness Retreat features private luxury massage therapies, aromatherapy, and access to the 24-hour fitness center. Dining is an extraordinary European-American culinary summit: grand brasserie gastronomy at Café Riggs (featuring Chesapeake blue crab, steak frites, and Virginia Grand Crus), inventive subterranean mixology at Silver Lyan, sunset cocktails on the Rooftop at Riggs, and 24-hour in-room royal dining.

Accommodations comprise 181 rooms and luxury executive suites styled by Jacu Strauss in rich jewel-toned velvets, custom brass headboards, private safe-box mini-bars, and large windows framing historic Penn Quarter architecture or the National Portrait Gallery ranging from 30 to 110 square metres (including 4 First Lady Suites inspired by historic First Ladies). Each residence features plush king beds with custom linens, and marble bathrooms with deep soaking bathtubs, embedded TV mirrors, and custom D.S. & Durga amenities.

History purists, cocktail lovers, and luxury travelers seeking Penn Quarter location, "Bank of Presidents" heritage, and Silver Lyan vault bar in Washington should book Riggs Washington DC without hesitation. Grounded review consensus confirms legendary standing with a 4.8 out of 5 on Tripadvisor across 4,200 reviews and a 4.8 out of 5 on Google across 5,800 reviews.