The bar at Mercy Me
Uncle Tony ’ s Donut Shoppe sells used and new vinyl and gear ; DJs spin tunes piped throughout the hotel .
Simeone says the hotel ’ s former layout was compartmentalized , with check-in to the right ; stairs down to windowless meeting rooms ; a bar along the front facade with a separate small coffee shop at the corner ; and a three-meal restaurant in the back , also enclosed without natural daylight . But demolition revealed boarded-up windows that overlooked a raised roof spanning the back of the building . Deemed structurally solid , it enabled the creation of an outdoor porch accessed via meandering terraced platforms with seating .
This discovery led Brookfield to rethink the three-meal concept , opting instead for casual food served on the patio , throughout the open-plan lobby known as “ the living room ,” and in meeting rooms that double as private dining with an open kitchen . Celebrated local restaurateurs and bartenders were brought in for the new venue Mercy Me with its “ sorta South American ” repertoire . All food is prepped from the lobby ’ s central island , where cocktails and coffee are also served .
GOING WITH THE FLOW Simeone explains the furniture is “ more than 95 %” bespoke , with each piece customized to go with the boho flow , yet also fit for purpose . For example , mohair
is flame-treated ; shag rugs are of a height that keeps the pile from being caught in the carpet roller ; and chair stretchers concealed within frames make pieces appear residential , not commercial .
The living room also holds the first D . C . outpost of Orlando , Florida-based record store Uncle Tony ’ s Donut Shoppe , where guests can buy used and new vinyl and gear while DJs spin tunes piped throughout the hotel . SDDG set the stage for impromptu “ moments of magic ” such as musical instruments placed throughout the lobby to inspire people to play guitar , piano or sing for an improvised jam session . “ These fleeting occasions create memories that resonate ,” Simeone says . “ With social media the vehicle and experiences the currency , guests want to tell others about these moments and then come back to try to recapture them .”
In the 355 guest rooms , existing concrete floors were polished and softened with boho-style area rugs , while deconstructed closets , crisp white walls and green foliage mix Brutalist and boho vibes .
Everyone is welcome at Yours Truly D . C ., including people with diverse political views and even pets — Carlson ’ s dogs Charlotte and Cranberry accompany him daily . It ’ s only fitting in a hotel designed for free-thinking bohemians .
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