Bloomingdale Beauty in NW DC 9 blocks from Union Station, near RED LINE/NOMA
If you are looking for an authentic experience do consider staying at my home during your stay in DC. I am located on a tree-lined block in the Bloomingdale neighborhood in NW. It's a neighborhood of only about 12 square blocks with many hidden treasures: unassuming dive bars, surprise parks and award-winning restaurants. Bloomingdale is sandwhiched between the neighborhoods of Shaw and Eckington. It is on the border of the District’s northwest quadrant, stretching from Second Street NW to North Capitol, bordered by Florida Avenue NW to the south and Bryant and Channing places NW to the north.
Bloomingdale Beauty is a spacious Victorian home with 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. It can hold comfortably 13 guests. However, there are only 10 beds. Air beds and tatamis are available for additional persons beyond 10. I offer my home as a clean, cheap, and safe place to sleep and recharge in the Nation's Capital. It's humble and doable for a few nights. There's a kitchen per your use. However, should you need to really cook, you will have to bring your essentials.
The home has a dining room with a very large wood table, a living room to lounge with guests; an iron with an ironing board; hangers; and etc. PLEASE NOTE: This listing is for the upper unit of the home. There is a basement unit as well. Each unit is completely private and secure. There may be guests in the basement unit during your stay. There is a security system with cameras on the outside's front entry and back exit of home.
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels and store extra beds
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Dishes should be hand washed. Cleaning company charges to wash dirt dishes.
Cleaning company charges to discard trash. Please take your trash to backyard where trash and recycling bins.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
No unauthorized guests allowed. There is a visiting fee even if your unauthorized guests don't stay the night. Penalty fee is double the rate of stay.
Security cameras are on the outside of the property.
Please note that there is a fee of $20 per half hour late checkout. Should your late extends to 12:00, there will be a fee of $40.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: $200 fee for any unauthorized event/party.
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number 5007242201001776
About the area
Washington
Located on the waterfront, this holiday home is in Northwest, a neighbourhood in Washington. White House and Washington Monument are notable landmarks, and some of the area's popular attractions include Smithsonian Institution and National Museum of Natural History. Check out an event or a game at Capital One Arena, and consider making time for National Air and Space Museum, a top attraction not to be missed. Discover the area's water adventures with fishing and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with rock climbing and horse riding.
Smithsonian American Art Museum - 5 min drive - 3.5 km
Walter E. Washington Convention Center - 6 min drive - 2.1 km
Smithsonian Institution - 6 min drive - 4.5 km
Getting around
Washington Union Station - 9 min drive
Shaw Station - 14 min walk
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) - 19 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 12 min walk
The Bistro at The Courtyard - 13 min walk
All American Bakery & Cafe - 9 min walk
Gold Clover Bar - 7 min walk
Bub and Pop's - 12 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Bloomingdale Beauty in NW DC 9 blocks from Union Station, near RED LINE/NOMA pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Bloomingdale Beauty in NW DC 9 blocks from Union Station, near RED LINE/NOMA?
As of 8 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Bloomingdale Beauty in NW DC 9 blocks from Union Station, near RED LINE/NOMA on 12 June 2026 start from AU$476, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Bloomingdale Beauty in NW DC 9 blocks from Union Station, near RED LINE/NOMA?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Bloomingdale Beauty in NW DC 9 blocks from Union Station, near RED LINE/NOMA?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Bloomingdale Beauty in NW DC 9 blocks from Union Station, near RED LINE/NOMA?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Bloomingdale Beauty in NW DC 9 blocks from Union Station, near RED LINE/NOMA located?
Located in Northwest, this holiday home is within 2 miles (3 km) of Howard University, Smithsonian Institution and Union Station Shopping Center. Walter E. Washington Convention Center and National Mall are also within 3 miles (5 km). Shaw Station is 14 minutes by foot and Gallaudet U Station is 16 minutes.
Reviews
8.6
Excellent
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Our scout troop was in DC to tour our Nation’s Capitol. For many, it was a first time visit and others a first trip out of SW VA and NW TN. They had a fabulous time. The Bloomingdale Beauty was a particularly well suited property for our large group. No one was on the floor! The home was clean and well appointed. Our only complaint was not having a TV as reported present among the amenities. Scouts can always find things to do and did. The metro was within easy walking distance. Our host was very responsive and quickly answered all my questions. I would recommend Bloomingdale Beauty, especially for a group. It is an affordable and convenient base for a visit to Washington DC. Finally, Dr. Koura arranged for a parking pass near the home, a boon when driving a 15 passenger van. Thank you for a wonderful stay.
Karen H.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Mar 2026
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! It truly means a lot to hear that your scout troop had such a memorable first visit to Washington, DC. I’m especially glad the home worked well for your group and provided a comfortable space for everyone to enjoy together.
I appreciate you pointing out the issue with the TV amenity—I apologize for that oversight and will make sure the listing is updated and clarified so future guests have accurate expectations.
It was a pleasure hosting your group, and I’m happy I could assist with the parking arrangements and any questions along the way. You were wonderful guests and you’re welcome back anytime!
Wishing your scouts many more great adventures ahead!
The Bloomingdale Beauty was a charming home located within walking distance to everything. Dr Koura was quickly responsive and a pleasure to talk with. I’d recommend staying here to all my friends.
Orest T.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Sept 2025
It was a posItive and pleasant experience hosting Orest and frIends!
The address would not appear on the Uber App, so we ended up having to figure out an alternative address to have the Uber drive pick us up.There's a nice coffee shop nearby
Jeremy P.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Sept 2025
Sorry you had problems entering the address for an Uber. In DC, my home is in the unit block which means the number to the building is between 0-99. Just include the zip code for a sure acceptance of the address. Jeremy and friends took great care of the house during their stay!
Dr. Koura was a great host and the location was so convenient. We really enjoyed our time here. It was a comfortable stay, and Dr. Koura had great communication.
Krysta W.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Aug 2022
Krysta and crew were perfect! Ideal guests at my home. Thanks for staying!!
We had no TV. This was not disclosed ahead of time. We only had 4 chairs for 8 guests. The bathroom floors tiles are broken. Downstairs sink is shaking. We had no broom/mop, plunger. No dishwasher or hot water in the kitchen sink.
Audrey L.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Nov 2025
“Can you tell what type coffee pot? [sic] Do the beds have blankets?”
This was the very first message from this seemingly ungrateful guest. Not a word of hello or thanks for allowing her to stay at my home, like normal guests do when they book.
Then upon check out, the guest immediately sends me an email of admonishment, telling me all of what she did not do or have:
“Hi Dr. Koura, we were unable to put the day beds in their original position. It was too difficult. The stay was a place to lay our heads and not much more. We had 8 guests but 4 chairs at the dining room table. We didn’t have enough towels. I’ve never stayed at a B&B without at least 1 tv. We didn’t have a toast, broom/mop, plunger. There is hole in the door in the upstairs bathroom to the right. I feel the house needs a little TLC to make your guest. More comfortable. We appreciate your Africa art.”
My response:
“I’m glad you found one thing right at my home. I know exactly what I am offering and it is priced accordingly. You actually got more than you paid for. A simple message to me could have addressed every concern of yours. To wait to inform me with a message of admonishment that you were a towel short after checkout is disingenuous.
I could have easily provided you with the combination to the cabinet in kitchen to get an extra towel. Duh? My apologies for not assuring that the correct placement of towels were not there. You do recall at the last minute you informed me of your additional guest? The home had a total of 7 towel sets. Thus, I assume you wish to exaggerate your narrative by using the plural (towels). So again, I am sorry the additional towel was not there. It would have been there had you been hones about your actual guest count at booking. As for the sofa beds not being raised, I am not sure why 8 adult people could not figure out how to raise an IKEA sofa bed. What was difficult about rais ghe beds? I don’t state there’s a toaster nor a TV are available in my listing. There are: a plunger, two brooms, and a push mop inside the utility closet on the first level. I am not sure why you list them, falsely stating these items are not in the home. They were on the first level where there are 4 chairs that are shown in the photographs on my listing before booking. The place is photographed exactly as things are for no mishaps and broken-dreams. Yes, I know of the hole in the door to bathroom in the central bedroom on the 2nd floor. For two nights, I received $65 per night per person from this booking. This amount does not include a TV nor is it advertised.”
As stated in my listing, I rent my home out to grateful budgeted travelers looking for a clean, safe, and cheap sleep in DC. My home does not purport to do anything much more. This guest believed she actually paid a big deal when in fact she paid so little. Then she knowingly makes false statements in her revi of my home. In her review she claims there was no hot water in the kitchen. Bizarre. The faucet in the kitchen has hot water before and after her stay. Perhaps, 8 adult people could not figure out how to simply turn the handle to the right towards the red marking for hot water. After successfully doing so, hot water runs from the faucet.
Potential renters don’t fret! If you’re not too fussy and stuffy like this pretender, you’ll do well as my guests. Fellow hosts, beware!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Marcos D.
1 June 2019
The place that fits
This place was the perfect fit for my big family and the location is pretty close to everything we wanted to see.
Marcos D.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
Marcos it was a pleasure to host you and your family. Thanks so much for staying at my home!
Lori and her 8 other friends stayed at my home one night. It was not a pleasant experience to host them. They paid so little and expected so much more. Lori was pretentiously nice but as deceitful as her poor review of my home. So carry on and ignore this review and read more credible and true ratings.
I had about nine people stay in this house and it worked absolutely amazingly! The neighborhood is very quiet and the neighbors were sweet whenever they saw us. The were a few dead bugs in the showers when we first got there but overall was clean and beautiful. Would stay again!
This property is everything as advertised!!!! Plenty of space for family and business travel, location is great for Uber or driving, Dr. Kira very responsive and accommodating.
LaKia M.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Apr 2024
It was an honor to host LaKia and her friends/family. They took great care of my home and made hosting pleasurable!
Brought the whole family for a trip to DC and we were glad to have stayed in this house. It’s close to everything- restaurants, capitol, monuments.
The house is clean and the neighborhood is quiet.
Shastine T.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Apr 2021
Shastine you make hosting enjoyable! Thanks for staying at my home and being excellent guests.
Really enjoyed our stay here, would highly recommend if you are wanting a spacious stay for multiple people right in the middle of many DC attractions. The house was just as described, easy to access, and the host was communicative and friendly. Thank you again!
Stephanie L.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 24 July 2023
Stephanie makes hosting enjoyable! Her group was responsible and very respectful of the place.
Large house with plenty beds and futons. Had a large group of friends meet and stay here to see the capitals play and we all had a great time. Great food nearby and easy to Uber to everywhere we went. You would be hard pressed to find a space that will sleep a large group as comfortably and efficiently as this house. Would recommend and would stay again.
tanner c.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
About the host
Hosted by Dr. Koura Gibson
I am Dr. Koura Gibson, a linguist, a teacher of French and Spanish, and a USA Track & Field master athlete. I run hurdles and triple jump, holding more than 7 national championship titles. I am an Africanist, trained @Howard University's African Studies and Research Department. I also curate and sell African Art @galleri Sowei, my home gallery. I love traveling to far and fascinating places around the world. I am honored to host you at my home in DC. I welcome all guests of many nations and nationalities.
Why they chose this property
This is my second home. I lived in it for 4 years. It is located in Bloomingdale, NW, DC, in one of the most sought after communities in the area. The homes in this neighborhood are gorgeous and stately Victorians. I no longer live here and offer it to budget travelers visiting our Nation's Capital.
What makes this property unique
The grandeur of the Victorian age is personified in the Victorian homes of Bloomingdale. The wood floors, high ceilings, and the openness reception of the first level are stunning.