With Travel + Leisure readers providing some commentary, we add an inside look at the top suites at their most favored hotels in Washington D.C. in time for the cherry blossoms or just your next trip.
1. The Jefferson Hotel
2. The Hay-Adams
3. Sofitel Washington D.C.
4. The Ritz-Carlton Washington D.C.
5. Melrose Georgetown Hotel
6. Mandarin Oriental Washington D.C.
7. Fairmont Washington D.C., Georgetown
8. Four Seasons Hotel
9. Willard InterContinental
10. The St. Regis Washington D.C.
1. The Jefferson
“Antiques abound in this boutique hotel, which wins the top spot for the second year in a row,” says Travel + Leisure, adding, “Located in a 1923 Beaux-Arts landmark, the Jefferson’s 99 guest rooms are inspired by our third president’s travels in Paris and home in Charlottesville, Virginia. Splurge on the Thomas Jefferson Suite and gaze out at the White House and the Washington Monument. One reader writes simply of the experience: “Exquisite.”
The Thomas Jefferson Suite
Take in striking downtown views from one of five Juliet balconies or host a dinner party in the privacy of the suite. From the private kitchen to the study, you’ll discover traces of America’s third president – his love of books, music, wine and dining with friends.
2. The Hay-Adams
Travel + Leisure notes, “The Hay-Adams, which opened in 1928, has counted Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart among its visitors, and D.C.’s power players continue to assemble in its Lafayette restaurant.” One reader suggests this “historic hotel for romantic weekends,” while another adds, “A must do, at least once. It lived up to its reputation, and it’s worth the splurge to stay in a room with a direct view of the White House.”
The Presidential Suite
The Presidential Suite can be reserved with one or two bedrooms, and includes a separate living room and two bathrooms. The living room features a large dining table, a gas-lit corner fireplace, and views of the White House, Lafayette Park and St. John’s Church. The master bedroom overlooks the White House.
3. Sofitel Washington D.C. Lafayette Square
“In some way, every Sofitel is a Parisian hotel, and despite the inescapable fact of its location in downtown Washington, the Lafayette is no exception,” writes Travel + Leisure. It says, “Francophone staff click-clack over shiny black-and-white marble floors as jazz floats overhead; chic young things lounge artfully in the dramatic wine-and-gray halls of Le Bar, sipping champagne. The 237 Art Deco-inspired rooms, white with red-velvet accents, are creatively lit, and hung with original paintings, black-and-white architectural photos of Washington, and-la surprise-Paris.”
Presidential Suite
The 1,900 sq. ft. Presidential Suite provides a foyer entrance with a half bathroom, oversized master bedroom and bath, a private office seating six, sitting area, dining table for four, living room area, fire place, bar, and large master bathroom offers a soaking tub, shower with glass door and adjoining suite ideal for kids or a security detail.
4. The Ritz-Carlton Washington DC
Travel + Leisure says, “Only seven years young, the downtown Ritz-Carlton feels like an old-fashioned grand hotel, where bellmen wear white gloves and the clubby old-boy bar fairly rings with the sound of shoulders being clapped. An ongoing renovation is restyling all 300 guest rooms (retro bentwood armchairs in zippy velour are in, cherry credenzas with fussy brass drawer-pulls are out), but the sumptuous marble bathrooms with big gilt mirrors will remain. The biggest nod to modernity, though, comes with the second- and third-floor Sports Club/LA fitness center; its 100,000 square feet of fat-burning splendor and huge spa.”
The Ritz-Carlton Suite
At 2,250 sq. ft., The Ritz-Carlton Suite features a living room with fireplace, dining room that seats eight with adjacent pantry, and spacious terrace with stunning city views.
5. Melrose Georgetown Hotel
“The nearby Melrose Georgetown Hotel draws visitors for its cozy vibe and farm-to-table cuisine,” says Travel + Leisure. Readers report, “The staff was ever present and always ready to assist” and “The location was excellent. I’d stay there again n a second.”
The Presidential Suite
A color palette of muted grays, ivory and silver accented with blue hues are throughout the 2,200 sq. ft. Presidential Suite. With contemporary artwork and modern amenities throughout, the suite offers two bedrooms, a master bath that includes a rain shower, a private sitting room, a dining and living area which overlooks a terrace with outdoor seating for 20!
6. Mandarin Oriental Washington D.C.
“With stunning views of DC’s waterfront, the Mandarin Oriental enjoys a well-deserved reputation for tranquility. That status is also thanks to the hotel’s 10,500-foot spa with an amethyst steam room, sauna, vitality pool, ice fountain, and cold-plunge pool. Located near the Tidal Basin, this is a perfect place to stay during cherry blossom season,” says Travel + Leisure.
Presidential Suite
The 3,520 sq. ft. Presidential Suite offers full city and water views with a vast circular living room, two bedrooms, dining room seating eight, a kitchen and butler pantry. There is also an office with private entrance, and a den with plush seating.
7. Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown
“The luxury Fairmont Washington, DC is located adjacent to Georgetown and within just a mile of the White House. This Vlastimil Koubeck-designed hotel-whose facade may look familiar to fans of Enemy of the State-boasts an open lobby and award-winning amenities, such as the 17,500-square-foot fitness center (one of the city’s largest),” says Travel + Leisure.
The Presidential Georgetown Suite
The 1,800 sq. ft. (with second bedroom) Presidential Georgetown Suite has an open floor plan with a large living room adjacent to a white marble dining table, perfect for entertaining. The grand foyer, butler’s pantry, coat closet and powder room make it a good spot to host meetings. The master bedroom offers a walk-in closet, dressing area, relaxing lounge and king bed. The two bathrooms in the master bedroom offer a soaking tub and large shower outfitted with Italian glass mosaic tile on the walls.
8. Four Seasons Hotel
Travel + Leisure says, “Right in charming Georgetown and just off the Potomac River, the Four Seasons offers a great location and plenty of luxury. The five-star, five-diamond hotel boasts a three-level fitness center and a spa complete with a eucalyptus-scented steam room, whirlpool, 60-foot pool, and sauna.”
Royal Suite
Contemporary yet elegant, with hints of art-deco style, the 4,000 sq. ft. Royal Suite is perfect to host unforgettable evenings on the private terrace overlooking 29th Street and the roofs of Georgetown. You can work out in privacy with a personal exercise room and unwind in the free-standing oval bathtub or view the latest movies in the fully stocked media room. There is also a private study and library, dining room and his and hers walk-in closets.
9. Willard InterContinental
Travel + Leisure says, “The Willard InterContinental has been a DC institution and icon of luxury since 1850. Here you’ll find a Red Door Spa, doctor on call, private limousine services, and the old-school Red Robin & Scotch Bar (which has served politicos for more than 100 years)-all located just adjacent to the White House and National Mall.” Readers say, “You can’t get more historic” and “The location is outstanding; service is also excellent.”
Thomas Jefferson Suite
The 3,000 sq. ft. Thomas Jefferson Suite is designed for heads of state, executives and large families who seek private entertaining space. There are multiple sitting areas, a private dining room seating eight, separate entry hall, powder room and butler pantry. The master bedroom has king bed, a walk-in closet and a large bathroom with soaking tub and separate rain shower. There are connecting room options. Floor to ceiling windows offer sweeping views of Pennsylvania Avenue and the National Mall.
10. The St. Regis Washington D.C.
Travel + Leisure says, “This 1926 landmark hotel strikes the balance between historic elegance and high-tech swagger. Original details such as gilded Louis XVI chandeliers and Palladian windows remain, but rooms now have iPod docking stations, silk wall coverings, and glass mosaic-tiled bathrooms. Luxurious details (Waterford crystal chandeliers) combined with attentive service (a 24-hour butler assigned to each floor) make for a glamorous stay.”
Presidential Suite
The 2,510 sq. ft. Presidential Suite has separate living and dining rooms, includes a walk-in closet and offers a connecting rooms option.
