Washington, D.C. Vacation Rentals
byHome Sweet City
When you want to explore the nation’s capital without compromising on space and privacy, Home Sweet City offers the best of city living in spacious, light-filled homes tucked into D.C.’s most coveted neighborhoods. With Lara and Alex’s collection, enjoy contemporary comfort in a beautiful brownstone or stay steps from Capitol Hill in a modern furnished apartment.
In a two-story carriage house in the heart of D.C.’s dining and music scene, delight in mid-century decor, a bijou kitchenette, and phenomenal restaurants right outside your door. Ascend a spiral staircase to your lofted bedroom retreat, throw open the double balcony doors, and soak in leafy views of the neighborhood as you plan your city adventures.
Or treat yourself to the abundant space and incredible natural light of a three-story mansion in Logan Circle. With private parking, a rooftop terrace, a gorgeous outdoor seating area, and an enviable gourmet kitchen, the cozy, sophisticated space is the ideal place to unwind after sightseeing.
Wherever you stay, you’ll find the perfect blend of urban bustle and restful retreat. Homes filled with history and character, bathed in natural light, in incredible locations to experience the city. From historic architecture and unique artwork to bright spotless spaces and luxuriously soft fabrics, from cozy decks to wisteria-covered pergolas – Lara and Alex’s collection is full of warmth and charm.
Doyen of Home Sweet City
Lara Hawketts and Alex Fuentes Gonzales
Favorite Restaurants
La Tejana for breakfast tacos, Nina May, ilili on the waterfrontFavorite Bookstore
Politics and ProseFavorite Sites
Seeing the monuments at night, the lookout tower at the Old Post OfficeFavorite Hidden Gems
Dupont Circle Farmers Market, coffee or lunch at The Phillips CollectionFavorite Things to Do in D.C.
Biking everywhere, especially past the monuments and through Rock Creek Park, exploring the city’s diverse neighborhoodsOriginally from the UK and Mexico respectively, Lara Hawketts and Alex Fuentes Gonzales never planned to establish a vacation rental brand in the United States capital. But in 2009, when Lara arrived in D.C. for work only to find her position had been eliminated, the couple decided to rent their basement studio apartment. Finding success in the early days of Airbnb, Lara and Alex expanded beyond their own apartment to help friends and neighbors, discovering a passion for hospitality that grew alongside their business.
Six years later, Lara and Alex gave up their day jobs to focus full-time on their vacation rental management company Home Sweet City, partnering with homeowners across the Capital to offer unforgettable stays to worldly guests looking for a home-away-from-home experience in their wonderful city. Today, a tight-knit team of twelve manages around 100 beautifully designed properties in Washington, D.C.. While they’ve certainly grown over the years, Home Sweet City is selective about the properties and owners they work with, always ensuring quality homes, successful relationships, and a personal touch.
And that level of quality and care permeates every facet of the business. Lara and Alex always want their team to know they come first. They lead by example with unwavering respect and compassion, which translates to how the team treats each guest. From putting rose petals on the bed for an engagement to putting together care packages for guests whose children are in the hospital, the Home Sweet City team always goes the extra mile.
These days, Lara and Alex are both still deeply involved in the business every day. They’re passionate about what they do, making every stay exceptional, and sharing their love for the district. In fact, they’re building a one-of-a-kind guest lounge where the team, guests, and owners can all come together to build community, have memorable moments, and meet fellow travelers. At Home Sweet City, it’s all about the experience. And when you stay with them, you’re sure to have an extraordinary one.
Known for its historic and government buildings, iconic monuments, fantastic museums, renowned events like the Cherry Blossom Festival, our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., is also filled with vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, beautiful architecture, and spectacular art. Along its tree-lined streets, you’ll find the perfect blend of modern living and rich history as you enjoy award-winning restaurants, endless sightseeing, and the hidden gems that make our nation’s Capital so special.
These are some of the reasons why Lara Hawketts and Alex Fuentes Gonzales, Co-Owners of Home Sweet City, love calling D.C. home.
