Kathryn Streeter

Moving at a snail’s pace along M Street, you’ll pass Wisconsin Avenue, the crossroads of Georgetown, and while there’ll almost definitely be bumper-to-bumper traffic and crowds of shoppers, which reflect the popularity of the area, it isn’t annoying at all, thanks to the colorful—borderline theatrical—scene out the window.  A seemingly unending line of Federal-style rowhouses flank the street, narrow cobblestone alleyways beckon seductively, and sunglass-donned diners sip espressos at sidewalk cafes, and the fairytale continues as you slip off the hustle-bustle just before The Stone House (which is considered this city’s oldest structure) onto 31st Street.  It dips down toward the waterfront, and just past the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal is your destination, the aptly-named Canal House, Georgetown’s newest hotel, which opened February 2025. It presents neat-as-a-pin, a seven-story charcoal-washed stylish boutique, and on the cobblestone sidewalk, the doorman flashes a greeting and grabs luggage.  In the hazy distance, you’ll catch a glimpse of the Potomac River before letting the revolving door whisks you into the wood-paneled lounge starring a come-hither bar. At every turn, Canal House is poised to launch your exploration of tony Georgetown and wider D.C.. Why stay at Canal House of Georgetown? If you cherish walkability and boutique hotels like I do, you’ll love Canal House. Talk about sticker shock: land comes at a premium in Georgetown and the waterfront area (south of the c