Located five blocks north of the White House, just south of busy Thomas Circle, in an area that benefits business and leisure travelers, this well-run Loews affiliate blends a pinch of the Hay-Adams' exquisite traditional flair with the best contemporary elements found in Hotel Monaco to create a unique top-shelf hotel that pays tribute to the past and present.
Although this hotel sits a big step down from the Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton Washington and St. Regis, it is a notable upper-echelon address with spotless style, commendable service and dining that lures high-profile locals and politicos.
The well-manned entrance of the hotel opens onto a distinguished marble lobby that is maintained with a white glove. Graced with a distinct residential air, the room's delicate Federal-inspired furnishings, landscape paintings, topiary and Aubusson rugs atop inlaid marble floors create a civilized environment indeed.
Apart from the just-commenced updating in the guest rooms, the biggest news since the last inspection is the transformation of the once-popular, lavish Federalist restaurant into meeting space.
However, most diners will be content with the hotel's contemporary showcase, Palette. Here, the menu focuses on creative American fare, while the decor focuses on cutting-edge fashion. Considering its current location on the Trend-O-Meter, meal prices here are very reasonable. The adjoining bar hums with activity from happy hour until late.
The well-regarded meeting space lures A-list politicos and celebrity socialites. The superbly designed ballroom and mezzanine meeting space provide seating for up to 700 people. The 24-hour business center houses five computer work stations, with high-speed Internet access, fax machines, color printers and copiers. Valets park cars in the hotel's garage.
At inspection, the hotel was updating the guest rooms with new flat-screen TVs and iHomes (alarm clocks with MP3 capabilities). The units were renovated not long ago, so the new efforts are especially notable. All of the guest rooms are equipped with refrigerators, minibars, two or three phones with voice mail and data ports, high-speed Internet access, coffeemakers, irons and ironing boards, and umbrellas.
Traditional window treatments, clean-lined colonial furniture, brass-trimmed table and floor lamps and bold patterned carpets lend period panache to the rooms. Feather duvets, superb bedding, plush towels and original artwork elevate comfort.
Baths, some small, boast a range of amenities, including phones, extra-deep tubs, robes, hair dryers, vanities, heated towel racks and scales. Views run the gamut from scenic to seedy, with the worst of the lot staring at an exhaust-stained parking lot.
In addition to the two Presidential suites, the 1,600-sq-ft Royal suite includes three bedrooms and a terrace with outstanding views of the city. Large suites have one or two bedrooms, and half of the 16 junior suites have outdoor terraces.
Soundproofing keeps out street noise. Room service stops at midnight. Small well-behaved pets are admitted for a fee.
Service standards continue to improve with each passing year, with individuals usually receiving the same attention as VIPs. This is a high-octane address, so those seeking a quiet, traditional hotel should look into the Jefferson. Hotel Monaco will suffice modernists.
