5 Fiercely Female Facts About DC’s New Hotel Zena

Viceroy Hotel & Resorts, which took over the former Kimpton Donovan Hotel, celebrates women’s accomplishments with the opening of its second DC hotel, the Hotel Zena, on the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote. But that’s just the first female fact.

Hotel Zena is going to be known for its provocative artwork and design. Sixty pieces of gallery-quality art were curated specifically for Hotel Zena by artists around the world for the cause of human rights. “All of the pieces are original and painted, photographed, sculpted, and stitched by feminists of both genders with powerful stories to share,” according to a release.

And yes, there is tampon art. The lobby love for the late Honorable Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is where’s it’s at… #period. This pointillist concept (right) conceived by Andrea Sheehan and produced by Julie Coyle Studios uses 20,000 handpainted and “repurposed” tampons.

The femininity of the space continues into its spacious bar and restaurant, Figleaf, at the heart of the hotel. Figleaf embraces bold flavors… and is guaranteed to be an eye-opener after tasting its “forbidden fruit.”

The company has a tradition of naming hotels with Z names, but Zena is the “Female Z” and the brand’s first Z-hotel on the East Coast. The name may bring to mind a famous (differently spelled) warrior princess of ’90s fame, especially since muralled sentinels on Hotel Zena’s exterior (Cita Sadeli/ MISS CHELOVE) depict fierce warrior women protecting the sanctity of the hotel’s space.

There’s more to love about the Hotel Zena, and it’s open now, celebrating the grand opening with exclusive perks for just $10. Plus, enjoy an extra 10% off any existing offer when you enter coupon code “TRAVEL” at checkout.