Despite our lack of a W, D.C. sure has its share of fancy-shmancy boutique hotels. And that’s predominantly because of the Kimpton Group, who operate six hotels in D.C. — their second largest metropolitan hub after their headquarters in San Francisco. As Metrocurean says, the Kimpton Group has done a great job taking ugly D.C. buildings and transforming them not only into swank hotels, but also spaces with fun bars/lounges and fine dining. And now the Washington Business Journal reports that the Kimpton Group are renovating another spot in D.C. at 2121 P St. NW, not far from the Hotel Monaco.

The new Kimpton venture will be their second Hotel Palomar, the first located in San Francisco. According to the Business Journal, it will also feature a Mediterranean restaurant, Urbana. Both are set to open in January of 2006. The San Fran Palomar is described as

…contemporary but not trendy, with playful touches included. The décor invites closer inspection that reveals artful details, such as the lobby’s stunning parquet floors that remind you of the geometric drawings of M.C. Escher. The atmosphere recalls Paris of the 1930s, where artists and intellectuals chatted at sidewalk cafes in an imaginative city full of creative energy, just like modern day San Francisco.

Though some would argue that D.C. isn’t “full of creative energy” the way San Francisco is, we think this new hotel will be a great addition not only to Dupont Circle, but also to D.C. It certainly continues the Kimpton trend of taking ugly, dated spots and modernizing them for the discerning visitor.

So what’s the next property you think the Kimpton group should buy and refurbish? Maybe something near the new stadium is in order, and with the convention center up and running and the City Museum now defunct, we smell opportunity in Mount Vernon Square. Of course, that would make 7th St. even worse than it already is. What D.C. property would you like to see Kimpton-fied?

Image of the San Fran Palomar’s Magritte Suite. How cool is that?