General Information about Accommodations

“Nonviolence is really tough. You don’t practice nonviolence at conferences; you practice it on picket lines” and in classrooms."   Cesar Chavez

 

Radical Hospitality, in the words of St. Benedict, is “to invite all people into your house as if they were Christ.” The purpose of William Penn House, and the personal ministry of many of us who work here, is to practice Radical Hospitality in our work and in our lives. To do this calls on us to let people speak their truth. It is not about denouncing someone else’s truth or arguing with them, but appreciating them. 

 
Our goal is to simply provide hospitality – a warm place where those gathered can share their hopes, dreams, visions. Among these are family and friends. We ask that people recognize that we do not seek to persuade people in any way. It is an exercise in hospitality – for us to be together, learn together and grow together. We will not agree on all things, and even where we might agree, we will not agree on how we get there. We do ask that we agree to just listen, feel free to speak our truth while allowing others to do the same.

At William Penn House, all are welcome.

William Penn House is a Quaker Center on Capitol Hill. Quakers are also known as the Religious Society of Friends.

 

Welcome Sojourners

 

                                       

Every year, William Penn House provides sleeping accommodations to thousands of visitors to the nation's capitol, and we especially welcome those whose conscience leads them to the D.C. area - whether to engage in dialogue with political leaders and Congressional staff, to be involved in local service projects, or to participate in other gatherings such as demonstrations and conferences.

For guests from all walks of life and every corner of the globe, we provide a shared room and breakfast at a rate of $40 to $50 per person per night, and we are conveniently located a short walking distance from Metro stations and the Capitol Building. Guests are also invited to participate in a short period of Quaker Silent Worship held each morning from 7:30 to 8:00.

Things You Need to Know Before Making a Reservation:

Dormitory Style Housing

  • We offer shared accommodations only, no private rooms. The bedrooms have 4 to 10 beds each, with a total of 30 beds.
  • Unfortunately, we do not have an elevator, so you must be able to use stairs.
  • We do not make individual reservations prior to 8 weeks before your visit. Group reservations (4 or more people) can be made at any time.
  • Accommodations include bed linens, towels, and a simple breakfast each morning.

Our Rates:

  • Our rates range from $40 to $50 per person per night.
  • The family rate is $125 per family per night for a family of 4 and $25 for each additional family member.
  • We offer groups rates that range from $32 to $40 per person per night.
  • The cost to rent the whole House (not including the kitchen) is $900.

Seminar Space

The William Penn House Cory Room is available to groups staying at William Penn House, or to outside groups who need only a meeting space. It comfortably holds up to 35 people depending on the arrangement of tables and chairs, which are provided. Reservations are required.

Cost to rent the Cory Room is $50 for a morning (8am-noon), afternoon (noon-5pm) or evening session (5pm-9pm), or $125 for the entire day.

Guests renting the Cory Room are welcome to bring their own drinks and food. Catering services are available, and if the group would like to use William Penn House dishes, the cost is $10 per meal. Also, the Cory Room TV (with VCR/DVD) is available for use at no cost when renting the space. Guests may also use the fax machine (at $1 per page) or the photocopier (at 10 cents per page).

Our guests say:

  • "This is a wonderful place of peaceful solitude for me while participating in the fast and vigil against the death penalty at the Supreme Court. Thank you for sharing and spreading peace."
  • "A fantastic location and a magnificent and well-informed staff."
  • "Much gratitude for your warm hospitality. The companionship of fellow travelers was particularly welcome."

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