When you book a room on the Dupont Hotel's ninth level concierge penthouse floor, you expect lots of extra amenities—packing/unpacking services, complimentary iPod to borrow, etc. But one of the best little-known perks is found in the minibar. You get a complimentary bar stocked with full-size bottles of premium liquor. Hard drinkers need to toast to that.

You'll be able to get your hotel party started with full bottles of Belvedere Vodka, 10 Cane Rum, Tanqueray, Black Label Johnnie Walker, white and red wine and a half-bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.]]> Jennifer Kester 2010-09-20T09:38:27-05:00 http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2010/2/23/215151/343

Virgin America joined the ranks of airlines that are increasing checked baggage fees last week, thereby pissing off already cash-strapped travelers. But you may receive financial aid at hotels, since some of them are picking up the baggage tab.

Washington, D.C., hotels The Dupont and The Normandy will credit your account for the baggage costs, with a $50 max, if you stay two or more nights through June 30. Kimpton's We've Got Your Bag promotion gives you a room credit for one bag, up to $25, and the offer is ongoing at the company's hotels. ]]> Jennifer Kester 2010-02-24T09:00:21-05:00 http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2010/2/9/143718/9913 <![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/1425/dcsnowballfight.jpg" class="top"><p> Apparently, there was a blizzard or something in DC over the weekend? We wouldn't know because we were kicking it in mild temps in Las Vegas. Jealous? <p>Trash talk aside, it looks like DC is bound to get another dumping of snow today which could mean that DC residents will have to hunker down inside yet again. But there might be a way out thanks to some area hotels.<p>At <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/hotel-reviews/Dupont+Hotel/local/1574"><b>The Dupont Hotel</b></a>, it's <b>Bar Dupont</b> will open their &#147;Ice Bar&#148; once again for the storm. The hotel is just steps away from Dupont Circle where some 5,000 Washingtonians participated in a mass snowball fight (above) and the Bar Dupont's outdoor, full-service Ice Bar was ready and juliana 2010-02-09T14:54:25-05:00 http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2009/10/23/113232/57

Oh lordy, it’s begun. We speak, of course, of the inevitable descent of Dan Brown fanatics looking to unlock the secrets of the Masonry in DC as described in his new bestseller novel, “The Lost Symbol.” And just as inevitable: DC hotels looking to cash in on the influx of tourists. The new boutique Dupont Hotel leads the way with its “Ultimate Lost Symbol Package.”

With a $5,999 price tag, you might need to sweet talk Dan Brown into footing your bill, but that’s besides the point. True devotees know no cost, we suppose.