This property is Washington's first choice for travelers who can afford it and who appreciate the anything-is-possible service and faultless decorum.
Impeccable maintenance and famed dining and accommodations only bolster its reputation. The arrival of the Mandarin Oriental has done little to tarnish this operation's luster, though it has no doubt spurred a few of the hotel's recent renovations and reshuffling of public areas.
The modern six-story hotel, along with its newer annex, exudes elegance, beginning in the richly decorated lobby filled with enough flowers to support a full-time nursery and floored with a custom design of inlaid woods from around the world. Complimentary coffee and tea are served daily in the lobby.
Dining contributes strongly to the success of this establishment. The informal Garden Terrace is currently full of overstuffed sofas and broadleaf plants, not to mention satisfied diners enjoying light meals and afternoon tea. Unfortunately, it will soon be closing. However, the art gallery at the entrance will be transformed into a new dining room.
Also, by late 2008, the more refined and formal Seasons restaurant will be moved to a new location. At present Seasons is almost junglelike with its foliage, murals and glass walls overlooking more greenery. The seasonal fare and Sunday jazz brunch draw rave reviews from guests and the local press. In addition, there are two smaller private dining rooms and a sophisticated piano lounge.
Each of the aerobics machines in the gym has its own TV and headphones, and the resortlike tri-level health club has saunas, a whirlpool and a two-lane, 66-ft indoor lap pool (reserve lanes beforehand). The aerobics studio offers yoga, spinning and kickboxing classes.
Refreshments are on hand to replenish those electrolytes, and the spa's seven treatment rooms give a full spectrum of head-to-toe treatments.
The hotel provides jogging suits, maps and beepers for runs along the canal, and the staff brings exercise equipment to rooms on request. In fact, it does just about anything on request, even providing personal trainers (for a fee), and wins awards for its excellence.
The garden terrace is shaded, and charming shops grace the premises, including a gift shop. The expanded 24-hour business center complements meeting space for 800 delegates. Valet parking and a complimentary hotel car for in-town driving suit the upper-echelon clientele. Guests who park overnight will find their windshields washed in the morning.
Accommodations in the older East Wing are not as extravagant or as large as the newer ones in the West Wing, though all have refined traditional decor, sitting areas with loveseats or armchairs with ottomans, and big leather-topped desks.
The units in East Wing were renovated just over three years ago, and are holding up superbly. All rooms are equipped with three phones with dual lines, voice mail and data ports, new large screen flat-panel TVs, CD players and minibars in mirrored armoires facing the beds, and plain baths with small tubs and oversized towels.
Regency-striped wallpaper and valanced windows add to traditional mien in many of the rooms. At inspection, an addition was underway to add 11 new rooms to the West Wing. These should be completed by late 
2008. Workers are conscientious, but travelers intending to sleep in late should inquire about the progress of the work when checking in.
The high ceilings add stateliness reminiscent of Georgetown's gracious manors, and the baths furnish deluxe toiletries, as well as soaking tubs and large stall showers. Standard amenities include a private bar, refrigerator and in-room safe.
Showing impeccable style and quality appointments, the spacious suites (rated executive, deluxe, premier, Potomac and Capital) are the nicest in the city, expensive and difficult to book.
The hotel's philosophy focuses on providing peerless personal attention, which is why even the pet pooch gets a note of welcome from the general manager. This is the best hotel in town, and getting better, for those whose demands exceed the ordinary.