The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, Photo Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC
It’s hard to believe that fall has already breezed into our lives. But even with the official change of seasons on September 22, there are still a few more weeks of warm weather to take advantage of, and that means its time to squeeze in some lazy long weekends, pool trips and those oh-so-important last-minute vacations.
Washington D.C. has a lot to offer visitors, including dozens of free museums and historic sites. Plus, there are a number of newly renovated hotels that are perfect for a quick escape.
Here are three of our top spots for a getaway to the nation’s capital:
The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner
Just 15 minutes outside the city proper, Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner is beloved for its signature service and easy access to one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most luxurious shopping destinations, the twin malls of Tysons Galleria (attached to the hotel) and Tysons Corner Center (across the street).
The newly renovated Ritz, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, boasts prime amenities, such as a Club Level lounge and full-service spa, complete with an indoor pool.
Many of the spacious rooms even have views of the D.C. skyline, as well as stylish touches like Italian marble bathrooms and chic neutral décor with trendy pops of metallic.
Shoppers will love the Retail Therapy package, which comes with a $50 mall gift card (good at stores like Neiman Marcus or Valentino in the Galleria, or Nordstorm, Lululemon and Bloomingdale’s across the street), breakfast and the guaranteed 24-hour weekend stay, no matter when you check in.
The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington D.C., Photo Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC
The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington D.C.
For years, Four-Star The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington D.C. was dubbed the baby Ritz because its sister property in downtown D.C. had more rooms. But now, thanks to recent renovations and new management, this intimate 82-room gem in the heart of posh Georgetown feels decidedly grown up.
We adore the newly updated spa, which provides ESPA treatments and an intimately cozy relaxation area where you can unwind post-massage with a gratis glass of sparkling rosé.
Continue the Zen vibe in new spa-level rooms, which come with perks like aromatherapy diffusers, exercise balls, luxe spa robes and Sound + Sleep machines. You could also indulge in a unit with a water view — oversized windows afford beautiful glimpses of Georgetown or the Potomac River.
By evening, unwind in the urban garden, dubbed The Yard, where you’ll have small bites and craft cocktails and enjoy a live DJ Thursday through Sunday.
There’s one other reason this Ritz-Carlton property is worth keeping an eye on: plans are in the works to announce a new celebrity chef restaurant any minute now.
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown, Photo Credit: VRX Studios
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown
There’s a lot to love about Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown. Fresh from a $27 million makeover, the 413-room hotel is well positioned in Foggy Bottom, giving it a unique (and metro-accessible) location that makes it ideal for exploring monuments and museums downtown or shopping and dining in Georgetown.
Rooms feel sleek and contemporary, featuring a neutral color palette with dark wood accents and a comfortable chaise for lounging.
One of our favorite spots for cocktails is the glass-topped lounge, whose modern set of gold sculptures hanging from the ceiling is Insta-worthy.
But if the weather’s fine, try the recently revamped courtyard, where you can sip a drink made with honey from the hotel’s own apiary during a nightly happy hour that comes complete with a DJ on Thursday and Friday. You can also pop in for Smooth Jazz Sundays, where you’ll savor specially priced Maison Thiénot champagne and à la carte bites from chef Jordi Gallardo.
