Palaces of the Public: A Cultural History of Washington, DC's Hotels

John DeFerrari's upcoming book, 'Palaces of the Public: A Cultural History of Washington, DC's Hotels,' scheduled for publication on August 17, 2026, traces the evolution of lodging in the U.S. capital from 18th-century taverns to pre-Civil War boarding houses and the rise of the modern hotel. The volume examines the persistent tension between access and exclusivity that has defined American hotels since their inception, and it also analyzes the impact of historic preservation on the city's most iconic hostelries. Lavishly illustrated, the book offers a unique perspective on how Washington's culture and society developed over time, emphasizing the role of hotels as venues for political influence and historical witness. DeFerrari's work is positioned as a cultural history that connects the physical spaces of hospitality with the broader narrative of the nation's capital.