Exceptional Hospitality, Diplomatically Speaking

Located in Washington D.C.’s Dupont Circle, an area known for its hundreds of embassies and a layered blend of cultures, this hotel property found new ownership who sought our help with rebranding the hotel and joining Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio. The project required an expert understanding of the parent brand, delivering a brand concept, new hotel name and identity, and operational materials that met and exceeded brand standards.

Inspired by the diplomatic heritage of Washington, D.C.’s Dupont Circle, The Ven Embassy Row is a place buzzing with vitality—an inviting place that charms the eye and livens the spirit. The brand identity features custom patterns inspired by international flags. A bright and interesting color palette with metallic rose gold touches coordinates with the interior space, and an abstract door shape adds an inviting element to the branding.

We created activations centered on providing layered experiences on the property and throughout D.C. All day, guests are welcomed with a light bite from a unique culinary tradition— accompanied by coffee or tea in the morning and by a rotating signature spirit or mocktail in the evening. During winter months, cozy knit blankets are available at the front desk for the hotel’s signature Hygge Hour. Throughout the year, the hotel throws celebrations for international events, serving Japanese-inspired snacks during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and enjoying Midsummer Eve with a rooftop celebration.

Fred & Stilla

As D.C.’s original western border, Dupont Circle was first named Pacific Circle after an ocean that was still a world away on the western border of the continent in the 18th century. To keep with the hotel’s theme, Fred & Stilla—the casual, transitional restaurant at The Ven Embassy Row—represents both the district’s early roots, and its current purpose as a worldly hub where nations come together. The Scandinavian word for “Pacific”, Stilla, meets the Scandinavian word for “peace”, Fred. Similar in meaning, yet ripe with nuanced differences, these two words come together to create the restaurant’s name—and a welcoming, sociable and relaxed atmosphere where new and old friends can meet morning, noon or night. Embracing Scandinavian simplicity, a clean, forward-thinking sans serif typeface along with a color palette that echoes the hotel branding creates an approachable and friendly brand identity. Custom patterns are inspired by the famous Pierre Charles L’Enfant urban plan for Washington, D.C., and pair with simple drink icons inspired by the famous British designer Alan Fletcher’s “Glass of Beaujolais”.