The nation’s capital has always been a staple for school trips and vacationers alike. While there are many “can’t be missed” attractions in the city, including the Smithsonian Institution, the National Mall and countless monuments and museums, not everyone wants a traditional DC experience. One way to start a unique adventure is to select a unique hotel such as Hyatt Place Washington DC/US Capitol, one of over 15 hotels throughout the DC area managed by Crescent Hotels & Resorts.

The Hyatt Place Washington DC/US Capitol is located just north of the U.S. Capitol Building, two blocks from the NoMa-Gallaudet U Metrorail Station in the trendy North of Massachusetts Avenue (NoMA) area. Surrounded by apartments, condos and businesses, the hotels holds an urban setting in the heart of the city where guests truly feel like locals and get a refreshing new perspective of a city that is steeped in history from the birth of the nation to the current hotbed of political power where everyone has a political viewpoint – including locals and tourists.

“When we opened less than a year ago, we thought we would see a lot of young couples, as the Hyatt Place brand is so fresh and contemporary it tends to attract millennials that are looking for something more ‘hip,’” said Time Bowes, Vice President for Crescent Hotels & Resorts. “However, we have seen a wide range of guests from young families to seniors as well as business travelers on all levels of the corporate and governmental ladders.”

“The one question that seems to come up from most of the tourists that stay with us, regardless of the generation they fall in is, ‘What is something that’s not typical to see in Washington, DC,’” said Bowes. “We like to call our experience the ‘off the mall, off the wall view of Washington, DC. Our lobby hosts and hostesses are armed with unique ideas for adventurous travelers.”

Few tourists know there is actually a moving walkway between the National Gallery of Art’s East and West Buildings. Not only ideal during inclement or hot weather, but the walkaway includes artist Leo Villareal’s dynamic light sculpture "Multiverse." Another off the beaten trail attraction to take notice of is the historic Union Market which has been revitalized in order to create an authentic artisanal marketplace. Just one transfer on the Metrorail can take guests to Old Town Alexandria’s Torpedo Factory. Appropriately named, this former torpedo factory is now filled with artists where visitors can watch art being made as well as purchase pieces for their own collections -- or just window shop. The Torpedo Factory offers stunning views of the Potomac River and is surrounded by countless boutiques and restaurants in a historic setting.

“Many of those from out of town don’t realize how many festivals and shows Washington, DC has to offer. At almost any given time our hosts and hostesses can track down an event that is great way to mix with our richly diverse array of locals,” said Bowes. Source Festival (the entire month of June) combines the forces of rising talents with established artists. Driven by creativity, collaboration and invention, Source Festival artists from across the nation present 25 new works over three weeks. Late June to early July the Smithsonian’s Folk Life Festival takes over the National Mall. This year’s theme is Peru and boasts a stunning landscape that integrates a diversity of cultures and ecosystems. Guests can experience these unique connections through cooking and craft demonstrations, music and dance performances, ritual and celebratory processions, and discussions.

After a long day of touring guests can unwind at Yoga NoMa, a new studio just three blocks from the hotel. With reasonably priced yoga and meditation classes taught by experienced professionals, guests can refresh their minds and rejuvenate their bodies. Another way to relax is to enjoy the hotel’s outdoor seasonal pool and fitness center.

For those guests that want to unwind with a beverage, snack or full meal, the hotel’s 24/7 Gallery Menu serves made-to-order entrees and appetizers around the clock and the Coffee to Cocktails Bar features specialty coffees, handmade espresso drinks and premium beers, as well as wines and cocktails. For guests that want to do their own investigating, the hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel to search out the latest hidden gem the area has to offer. Breakfast is always included with the a.m. Kitchen SkilletTM breakfast, featuring freshly prepared breakfast sandwiches, a variety of fresh fruits, hot and cold cereal, yogurt, breads, premium coffee and an assortment of juices.

“For those who prefer to see the traditional Washington, DC attractions, they are all only a short Metrorail ride away,” said Bowes. “For families with kids, the Metrorail is a must – it’s an attraction itself.” For those guests that have not been to Washington, DC since their own high school class trip, they are in for a surprise to see how much there is to offer past the view from a school bus.