Cosmos Club

Washington, D.C.

Reviewed November 2007

More than a place to dine, sleep, read and meet, the Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C., is a place to engage the mind ... and pay homage to those who do it so well. Upon entering, I immediately faced brilliance as the walls stared back at me—the visages of present and past members include 32 winners of the Nobel Peace Prize and 56 of the Pulitzer Prize, 12 Supreme Court justices and 45 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Honor.

Even the founding of this Club is impressive. Famed geologist John Wesley Powell started the Club in 1878, and the National Geographic Society was established here, too. I discovered all this and more over a lavish lunch (which included a cooked-to-perfection trout and famous Cosmos Club popover) in the formal Garden Room with my new friend and gracious host, Mr. Winston Haythe. He was kind enough to answer my burning question: Just how does one become a member of The Cosmos Club?

"Well, one needs to have been published," he replied, noting some additional member qualification criteria relating to scholarship, creative genius and intellectual distinction.

Aha. So does this article count? Not quite—but guess what? Your letter of introduction does!

FOREWORD

Pack the sport coat and tie. Like many traditional East Coast clubs, The Cosmos Club hasn't yet caught on to the wonders of Northwest polar fleece.

CHAPTER ONE

Location, location. Right in the middle of Embassy Row, the Cosmos Club sits between the Indian Embassy and the Phillips Collection. A short walk down Q Street (dotted with charming D.C. row houses) takes you to vibrant Dupont Circle, close to popular D.C. attractions, as well as its own destination.

CHAPTER TWO

Here's a theory—it's the food that's fueling the intellectual genius within these walls! Breakfast (complimentary to overnight guests—just don't forget that tie), lunch and dinner are served Monday–Saturday in the Garden Room.

CHAPTER THREE

"Some libraries collect books. We write them ..." Mr. Haythe shared this tongue-in-cheek—but not overstated—quote on behalf of a previous member. Indeed, at least half of the authors on a list of newly acquired books were members.

CHAPTER FOUR

Rest. With 58 rooms of varying sizes and attractive rates south of $200/night, this is truly a value.

EPILOGUE

Now you're ready to write the Great American Novel. Who knows, it just might end up in The Cosmos Club Library.

For more information on Reciprocal Clubs, visit our Reciprocal Club Library on the 9th Floor or call WAC Member Services at 206.464.3068.