Dining at the hotel — Certo! and on-site bar basics
Certo! is the Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle’s on-site Italian restaurant serving breakfast, brunch and dinner with al fresco seating; the hotel also has an on-site bar/lounge that serves wine and cocktails and runs a regular happy hour. Guests can also get poolside food and beverage service when the second-floor seasonal outdoor pool is open.
In this guide
Certo! — what it is and when it serves
Certo! is the hotel’s Italian-inspired restaurant, offering handcrafted pastas, wood-fired pizzas, a craft-cocktail list and a wine selection. It provides indoor seating and al fresco dining.
Service covers breakfast, brunch and dinner; cooked-to-order breakfast is available for an additional fee on weekdays and weekends per the hotel schedule.
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired (handcrafted pasta, wood-fired pizza, cocktails, wines)
- Meals served: Breakfast, Brunch & Dinner
- Al fresco dining available
| Meal | Typical hours (reported) |
|---|---|
| Weekday Breakfast | 6:30 AM–10:30 AM |
| Weekend Brunch/Breakfast | 7:00 AM–1:00 PM |
| Dinner | Evening hours (varies by day) |
Breakfast, perks and pricing notes
Cooked-to-order breakfast at Certo! is offered for an additional fee; third-party listings have cited approximate prices (for example, around USD 25 for adults and USD 15 for children), but you should check current rates with the hotel at check-in.
Guests dining for dinner currently receive a complimentary glass of wine (white, red, or prosecco) or a glass of draft beer with the purchase of any entrée, per published hotel information.
- Confirm breakfast price and any package inclusions at check-in; rates may change.
- Complimentary wine or draft beer with purchase of an entrée (dinner perk noted in public listings).
- Poolside food and beverage service is available when the seasonal second-floor pool is open.
| Perk | Notes |
|---|---|
| Complimentary wine/beer with entrée | Applies to dinner when purchasing an entrée (per hotel listings) |
| Cooked-to-order breakfast | Available weekdays and weekends; separate charge |
| Poolside F&B | Offered during the pool’s open season |
Bar basics and happy hour
The property includes an on-site bar/lounge adjacent to Certo! that serves craft cocktails, wine and beer for evening refreshment. The main hotel bar can be used for small receptions and events.
Certo! runs a happy hour Tuesday through Saturday from roughly 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, according to published information; ask staff at the bar or Certo! for the current daily offerings and prices.
- Bar offerings: craft cocktails, wines by the glass, draft beer
- Happy hour: reported Tuesday–Saturday, 4:00 PM–6:00 PM (confirm on arrival)
- Bar can host a cocktail reception for up to 75 guests (venue capacity listed by the hotel)
| Bar item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Cocktails | Craft and classic cocktails available |
| Wine | Curated list by the glass and bottles |
| Events | Cocktail reception capacity noted as up to 75 guests |
Ordering, dietary needs and family dining
Certo! and the bar offer vegetarian and vegan options; menus published in third-party listings indicate varied choices but you should tell staff about allergies or restrictions when ordering.
The hotel is family-friendly and welcomes children of all ages, so Certo! is appropriate for families; the property and restaurant can accommodate children, and there are children’s menu items noted on some third-party sources.
- Tell your server about allergies or dietary restrictions — staff can advise on menu items.
- Children are welcome; inquire about kids’ menu items or portion sizes.
- If you need a private dining experience, the hotel provides a Chef's Table private dining room (seats up to 12).
| Need | What to ask staff |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Which dishes contain nuts, shellfish, gluten, dairy? |
| Vegetarian/Vegan | Which entrees and sides are plant-based? |
| Kids’ meal | Available dishes and portion sizes for children |
Poolside and room-service options
When the second-floor seasonal outdoor pool is open (typically early May through late September, dates vary), the hotel provides poolside food and beverage service from Certo! or the hotel food & beverage team. Pool hours listed on third-party sites are generally 8:00 AM–8:00 PM during the season.
In-room dining and room service options are available; for specific menu items, hours or fees, check the room directory or contact the front desk at the hotel.
- Pool is seasonal and weather-dependent — confirm availability before arrival if pool access matters.
- Pool hours reported as 8:00 AM–8:00 PM when open.
- For room service and poolside orders, verify delivery hours and any additional service charges with the hotel.
| Service | Typical availability |
|---|---|
| Poolside F&B | Pool season (varies), pool hours often 8:00 AM–8:00 PM |
| Room service | Available — check in-room directory or ask front desk for hours |
| In-room spa treatments | Available by arrangement (not a full spa facility) |
Practical tips for dining at the hotel
Confirm hours and current menus on arrival — published times for breakfast and happy hour are useful guides but can change. You can contact the hotel or ask at the 24-hour front desk for up-to-date dining hours and menu specials.
If you’re planning an event or private dining, the hotel has multiple meeting/event spaces (including the National Ballroom, Phillips Room and Freer Room) and a Chef’s Table private dining room; event catering and custom menus are offered.
- Phone for questions or to confirm: BookResorts agents (24/7) +1 (888) 605-1350 or contact the hotel directly.
- For pool dining or pool access, verify seasonal opening dates before booking expectations around pool use.
- If staying in a Suite, 1 King Bed, Studio, 1 King Bed, Studio, 2 Queen Beds or a Deluxe Room, check your room’s in‑room dining menu and any included amenities ahead of arrival.
| Before you dine | Action |
|---|---|
| Want poolside service | Confirm pool is open and poolside menu hours |
| Need private dining | Ask sales/banquet team about Chef’s Table and catering |
| Dietary restrictions | Notify server on arrival |
