Travel

Hotel Washington: Heritage and luxury in the beating heart of DC

by By Sujoy Dhar | @twfindia 04 Aug 2024, 09:08 pm

It was a March evening this year and after a round of museums and some work meetings, I hit the hotel room early. It was my last night in Washington DC before flying to Louisville the next morning and I did not want to end up weary with too many engagements outside.

But after a few hours of rest, I was feeling a little empty, if not too restless. I am not the type of person to crash too early for sleep, no Indian is anymore in this night owl generation. Going out was not an option. Then it occurred to me that some excitement is perhaps just a few floors above.

Perched above the Hotel Washington, an artfully designed rooftop destination is VUE Rooftop. Known for  the filming location of movies like The Godfather II, this eating house offers views of an iconic slice of the DC, including the  White House  and  Washington Monument, with seasonal cocktails, elegant plates, and a stylish ambiance keeping your company.

VUE Rooftop offers views of White House. Photo by Sujoy Dhar.

My evening was sorted.

Well, if you want to stay in a heritage hotel with cool rooms with views, magnificent lobby with a bar and food counter and want to step into the heart of the US capital just like that while returning to sorted evenings at a rooftop joint, the iconic Hotel Washington is for you.

Since 1917, Hotel Washington has been one of the landmark properties of DC. Photo by Sujoy Dhar.

The magnificent lobby of Hotel Washington. Photo by Sujoy Dhar.

Steps away from the White House and with unparalleled sophistication, Hotel Washington offers luxury with the convenience of a tourism and business friendly location.

Rooms and Suites

Hotel Washington calls it staying in sophistication in a room or suite that is inspired by the cultured energy of the city. "Infused with elegance and wit, each of our guest rooms and suites is a curated haven of original art, contemporary design, and sophisticated aesthetics," they say. Well, no two thoughts on that. The rooms are just what you need in a good hotel  - nothing more nothing less- for a price that can be bracketed in the affordable luxury category.  Unless you are staying in a Presidential Suite, you can book a Deluxe King for around $242 a night or even less if booked for longer duration.

Stay in sophistication in Hotel Washington. Photo by Sujoy Dhar.

I stayed in a Deluxe King room that included a leather chair and modern furnishings. Inspired by the hotel's iconic views, the room design features a custom headboard by artist Amit Greenberg, which casts a soothing glow inspired by DC cherry blossoms.

There are studio layout Standard King rooms that feature one king bed, modular seating, open-flow bathrooms, marble vanities, full-length mirrors, a boutique-style closet, and a state-of-the-art entertainment system.

Standard Queen room is good for one or two travelers.

The rooms offer views of some of the iconic Washington buildings and monuments. Photo by Sujoy Dhar.

The rooms offer views of some of the iconic Washington buildings and monuments. Photo by Sujoy Dhar. The rooms offer views of some of the iconic Washington buildings and monuments. Photo by Sujoy Dhar.

Eats

Well, I started this review with VUE Rooftop with its amazing views, ambiance and food.

But I should first mention the Lobby Bar in Hotel Washington. As you enjoy the bespoke cocktails at the bar right in the classic lobby of the hotel, you can strike a conversation with a friend or random visitor.  Fireclay at Hotel Washington is part of the DC dining scene. The menu unfolds over a lineup of small plates and larger, shareable items, prepared over open fire, with an emphasis on seasonality and flavor.

The lobby bar is where you can enjoy a delicious meal with drinks. Photo by Sujoy Dhar.

From Avocado toast with microgreens and eggs to Smoke Salmon Bagel, you can enjoy any breakfast. For lunch you can choose between Crab Cake Corn Ragout (Maryland crab cake roasted cream corn, basil oil) to Steak (Grilled strip steak, potato mousseline, grilled asparagus, "poivre" sauce) or Eggplant Napoleon (stacked eggplant, garlic & parsnip purée, butternut squash, marinara sauce, shaved parmesan cheese), or just Lobster Mac and Cheese.

The dining options are many.

Seasonal cocktails and delicious dishes at VUE Rooftop. Photo by Sujoy Dhar.

Spa

The Spa at Hotel Washington is where DC comes to melt away stress and nurture wellbeing through a full menu of luxurious services and treatments. From special offers on   "Summer Chill & Relax " (this special promotion includes a choice of treatments designed to cool, hydrate, and rejuvenate your body and mind with offers valid till August) to skincare at Comfort Zone with products manufactured at Parma in Italy, spa time is best time at this hotel.

Since 1917, Hotel Washington has been the beating heart of hospitality in the heart of DC. This is a good choice for visitors to the city that hosts about 185 foreign missions, including embassies, ambassador's residences, and international cultural centres.