For nearly 110 years, Hotel Harrington has existed as perhaps one of DC’s most famous (and infamous) hotels, just a few blocks from the White House.
However, the hotel closed on Tuesday. We spoke to the last customer as he was checking out, and he didn’t leave empty-handed.
Located on the corner of Northwest 11th and E Streets, this hotel opened in 1914 and was later proud to be the first air-conditioned hotel in the nation’s capital. The Harrington was far from the chic atmosphere of the newer, more expensive hotels in the neighborhood. Instead, it was an affordable spot, popular among tourists and school groups looking to visit Washington, D.C., on a budget. People like Robert Whitfield stayed at the Harrington whenever he was in town for business.
“I always try to find hotels in their faded glory,” he said. “And this was perfect for the time capsule segment. So it’s always been fun to come here, because it’s like traveling back in time. But it’s very well maintained and very I felt very comfortable here because it was clean.”
Whitfield has been visiting Harrington for the past 20 years, but Tuesday was her final guest. However, he did not come to this town for his work, but to say goodbye to his home away from home.
“I found out about three months ago that we were closing today,” he said. “That’s why I booked it, so I wanted to be the last guest at this hotel, and that’s what I did.
I just checked out, so my only claim to fame will be being the last guest at Hotel Harrington. ”
The building is scheduled to be sold after the owner’s death.
Inside the Harrington, artifacts from the past are still on display.
Although not as old as the hotel itself, Ollie’s Trolley on the ground floor has been serving Ollie burgers and fries for over 33 years. With the sale of the building, Ollie’s will also be closing. Downtown residents stood in line for the last Ollie Burger.
“It seems like a throwback to old Washington, which certainly wasn’t for me. But I also appreciate the fries. The fries have a nice blend of spices. And yeah, it’s kind of It’s a bit different from the glitz and glamor of the new Washington. ”
“It’s a little sad. I wish the workers and the managers and the owners well. And this is a part of Washington, and it’s like an old era of Washington that is sadly coming to an end.” said Tushar Kasal.
As for Whitfield, he will miss his favorite Washington, D.C., hotel, but he will remember all the nights he spent there. Mr. Whitfield asked the hotel manager for permission to take something from his room.
“‘I’d like to get a souvenir because I’m staying here. Is there a way to put a phone in the room?’ And I said, ‘I’ll pay for that.’ She says, ‘Honey, why don’t you take that?’ So I have a phone in my bag that’s in the room right next to my bed,” Whitfield said.
The phone will display the hotel name and room number.
“So this is going to be in the Smithsonian Institution someday,” he said.
The Harrington gained national attention in 2020 after hundreds of Proud Boys members stayed at the hotel.