For close to a year I’ve been looking for an excuse to explore Eaton Workshop in Washington, DC. This new concept is the brainchild of Katherine Lo, the daughter of billionaire and Langham Hotels founder, Lo Ka Shui. The DC location is the brand’s flagship, with a second property in Hong Kong . A third is under construction in San Francisco and locations have been announced for Seattle and Toronto .
A New Perspective on Hospitality
Describing themselves as “a global purpose-driven company and creative lab at the intersection of culture, media, hospitality, wellness and progressive social change” leaves A LOT to the imagination. What is it? A hotel? A coworking space? A gym? Radio station? Or, perhaps, a movement? Well, the answer is yes…to all of the above. To put it in the most simplest of terms, it’s a gathering place that is “Woke AF”.
The concept, inspiration and intention they embrace is one of community builders, working to make the world a better place. While this is a new niche in the world of hospitality, Eaton Workshop is not alone. They share with Selina, the hostel – turned VC darling – an almost identical culture, purpose, business verticals and sustainable practices.
That however is where the similarities end. If Selina is for gap year backpackers and digital nomads, Eaton Workshop is for the jet set. While her background in filmmaking and activism inspires the mission, it’s Ms. Lo’s unique hospitality pedigree that shines in every single detail and design element.
A Luxury Hotel For Millennials
Millennials get a bad rap. We’ve been blamed for the “death” of industries from processed foods and canned tuna to cable tv and department stores. We’re called self-absorbed yet studies prove those currently aged 23-38 are introspective, optimistic and socially conscious. As companies and industries seek to retain Millennials as customers, it was only a matter of time that there be a luxury hotel…for us. While this generation faces record levels of debt, they like nice things. And, there are plenty that have the means to pay for it.
The best way to describe Eaton Workshop is that it’s a Langham Hotel…for Millennials. All of the luxuries and high touch services you’d expect from a 4 or 5 star hotel, but with a totally fresh, hip vibe (and sustainable) design aesthetic. There’s an art installation on the roof from Burning Man and a rain water collection system for pubic toilets. Bath products are Grown Alchemist (100% natural) and the record players not only come with curated vinyls (there’s an in-house music curator) but also double as bluetooth speakers.
While design of the hotel may not have been meant to stand out, it’s hard not to become enamored with the art, design and level of detail. Even the meeting rooms and traditional banquet/event space is unlike any other that this recovering event planner has ever seen. No wonder that in their first year they’ve hosted clients such as Facebook, Google, Vox Media and Apple, to name a few. As someone who used to live but only two blocks away, it’s almost unimaginable that this was up until 2017 a Four Points by Sheraton.
First Take Review
Fear not, Baby Boomers and Gen Xers! You won’t be lost in a sea of t-shirt wearing, selfie taking 20 and 30-somethings. This is Washington, DC after all and being on K Street, there were plenty of suits and grey hair. If anything, it’s what I loved about the property the most. Pointing back to the company’s mission which is to facilitate the exchange of thoughts and ideas.
For this visit, I spent a day and a half at the property while working at the on-site coworking space, Eaton House. I enjoyed a night in a Pied-a-Terre Suite, a lunch at American Son, coffee at Kintsugi and cocktails at Allegory. While I didn’t make it to the roof top bar, Wild Days, I did squeeze in some self-care and joined a complimentary mid-day meditation. In the coming days I will be sharing in-depth reviews of the food and beverage outlets, coworking space, room and wellness center.
Unique to DC, based on whether or not congress is in session or there are conventions, prices vary. In the middle of summer, I was able to book a Pied-a-Terre Suite for $249. For a busy week in September, prices are $468 and will surely increase. Prices for their lowest priced room, the Cabin Queen, started at $149 during my stay and in September are priced at $398.
From start to finish, I had an exceptional stay and can easily say that this is my new favorite hotel. As this brand grows, should the budget allow, I happily choose Eaton over other options. The only thing they seem to have missed is a loyalty program. Though, with lackluster benefits from both my Hilton Diamond and Marriott Platinum statuses, my loyalty to either has waned.
The post Eaton Workshop: The New Hotel & Coworking Brand That’s “Woke AF” was first published on Coworkaholic.