• A modern living room with green accents, featuring large windows, comfy chairs, a couch, plants, and stylish décor. Cozy and well-lit space.

Introducing Hotel Nell - Union Market

A Tribute to Our Heritage

Hotel Nell - Union Market, formerly Union Market Hotel, debuts its new name, paying homage to its former life as the Bolgiano Seed Company. Hotel Nell - Union Market honors the rich history of the Bolgiano family and its matriarch, Nell, who served as the company’s president for decades. What was once a thriving seed warehouse and store is now a 106-room boutique hotel, overlooking Union Market District's bustling culinary and cultural community.

  • A modern living space with stylish furniture, lush plants, and a unique chandelier by a large window, exuding a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Historic Roots

The Bolgiano Seed Company was established in Baltimore in 1819 and opened its New York Avenue location in 1931 to coincide with the opening of the Union Terminal Market, now Union Market. The family-run company sold seeds that produced beautiful flowers, high-quality produce, and most famously, provided lawn seeds for the White House and National Mall. Frank Bolgiano worked with the Department of Agriculture on a salary of $1 per year helping to engineer better seeds for better plants.

  • An Unsung Leader

    While the whole family contributed to the success of the company, it was Nell Bolgiano who oversaw operations as the president of the enterprise and took the helm in navigating the company through prosperity. Nell broke barriers by proving that women can excel in positions of authority while simultaneously raising a close-knit family. Hotel Nell - Union Market continues the Bolgiano family legacy with lush greenery throughout the property, including the rooftop garden, which is populated with Virginia sweetspires, fameflowers, American yellowwoods, and more.

  • An Evolving Neighborhood Meets Time-Honored Heritage

    Union Market is a rapidly growing destination for restaurants, retail, and nightlife, and the newly renamed Hotel Nell - Union Market offers guests the opportunity to explore this vibrant neighborhood while also providing a connection to the area’s deep-rooted history. At Hotel Nell - Union Market, guests can enjoy the property’s elevated design and modern amenities while connecting to the rich legacy of the Bolgiano family, all within one of DC’s hottest neighborhoods.

    • A cozy bed with white pillows, a red flower cushion, a brown headboard, green walls, two wall-mounted lamps, and a framed artwork above.

    About Hotel Nell - Union Market

    Hotel Nell - Union Market is a 106-room boutique hotel centrally located in Northeast Washington DC’s bustling Union Market neighborhood, overlooking the railways that have been bringing people and goods in and out of the city for well over a century. The property once housed the historic Bolgiano Seed Company in the 1930’s, and now, Hotel Nell - Union Market provides a design and comfort-centric alternative to the city, showcasing a foliage-rich industrial charm. The reception, expansive lobby and Treehouse Rooftop provide warm and welcoming communal spaces that capture the essence and authenticity of the inspiring Market neighborhood. Stay tuned for the openings of Bolgiano’s Panty in June and Singing