Washington, D.C.
Due to my recent affiliation with McCabe World Travel in McLean, VA I took a trip to D.C. this week. The main purpose was to spend a day in the McCabe office and the other to visit the Virtuoso Hotels. There are currently 9 Virtuoso properties in D.C. and I was able to check out 8 of them yesterday. They were all fantastic and unique in their own way.
If I had to pick my personal favorites based on my own tastes and preferences I would have to say the Ritz Georgetown for its cool and fun vibe, the Jefferson Hotel for its room decor, beautiful intimate lobby and Mandarin Oriental for its Zen feel. These properties were completely unique to each other and in different parts of city. About half of the hotels were located in the lively Georgetown area and the other in the center of DC closer to the sights and monuments.
The Four Seasons and Park Hyatt were close enough to both Georgetown and the monuments if you were willing to walk a little. The Four Seasons was so elegant and classy, while the Park Hyatt was minimalist and extremely modern. Park Hyatt is home to Blue Duck Tavern a very well know restaurant with an open kitchen and farm to table. The Willard, St Regis and Hay Adams were both located very close to the White House and the Hay-Adams had great White House views from the hotels rooms.
I had lunch at the St. Regis and the food was really good! The location of the St. Regis was also fantastic. They lobby was grand in keeping with St Regis tradition with the lavish ceilings and sitting areas.
The Jefferson Hotel also had a great location and has a boutique feel with less than 100 rooms. The rooms are elegantly appointed and beautiful in design. The hotel was completely renovated since it was originally built the tradition and history stayed with the hotel design.
The Hay-Adams sits directly across from the White House with spectacular views. The rooms have ornate ceilings and ornamental fireplaces and custom design pink bath products that give the bathrooms a pop of color. They have plenty of connecting rooms for families and custom designed kid’s amenities. Due to its location and popular restaurant this is a hot spot for business lunches and breakfasts. The bar is often standing room at happy hour and the place locals go after work.
The Willard is the oldest running hotel in D.C. and so packed with history they have their own hotel museum. They are larger than the other Virtuoso properties and offer a Red Door Spa.
My last stop for the day was at the Mandarin Oriental which may not be my choice location but certainly has a draw. Walking into the Mandarin you immediately are given a feeling of calm. The rooms were on of my favorites of all the hotels in DC and their presidential suite blew me away!
