Trump International Hotel Washington, D.C.
Photo Courtesy of Trump International Hotels Management LLC
Opened nearly two years ahead of schedule, the September-debuted Trump International Hotel Washington, D.C. is one of the few true new luxury hotels to recently appear in the capital city. Here, we take an exclusive look at what the brand brings to D.C.’s market. (We consider learning what it literally means to stay in a “presidential suite” as a bonus.)
Here’s what you need to know before booking a stay.
The location and history
Established in 1899, the Old Post Office was the city’s main post office until 1914. Situated halfway between Donald Trump’s new residence on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and the Capitol Building, the structure speaks to the importance of the U.S. Postal Service; from 1829 to 1971, the postmaster general held a seat in the president’s cabinet. After 1914, the property functioned primarily as office space.
Then, in 2013, the Trump corporation won the bid for a 60-year lease and vowed to transform the premises. The building, a historic landmark, looks and feels much like it did in 1899, thanks to its soaring historic atrium, exposed metal beams, 16-foot ceilings and beautifully restored millwork.
The Luxurious Grand Lobby, Photo Courtesy of Trump International Hotels Management LLC
The food and drink
The hotel offers two high-end restaurants: the city’s first BLT Prime by David Burke and a signature three-meal eatery, Benjamin. Both spots are located in the atrium lobby area. Naturally, Trump’s own wines are served throughout the hotel and available in the room minibars as well.
BLT Prime serves modern American steakhouse fare in a contemporary see-and-be-seen environment. Nosh on tuna tartare, Dover sole with soy caper brown butter sauce or a 28-day dry-aged prime porterhouse for two.
Benjamin was named after “founding foodie” Ben Franklin (who has a statue just outside of the hotel) and features wine served by the crystal spoonful, champagne sabering, charcuterie carts, a croissant bar and more.
The spa
Opening in mid-November, The Spa by Ivanka Trump is another can’t-miss feature of the luxury hotel. The 10,000-square-foot getaway will feature a guests-only fitness center and an array of services, including facials, massages and body treatments. While a spa menu is not yet available, the hotel promises to have “full lifestyle programs.”
The Grand Guest Room, Photo Courtesy of Trump International Hotels Management LLC
The rooms
The property’s 263 rooms are unique, not just for their setting and brand name, but for their size and scope. Due to the historic nature of the building, the units offer towering 14- to 16-foot ceilings, massive windows and era-appropriate touches, such as brass fixtures and gorgeous dark woods. The centerpiece of each room is a large bed with a gold-accented headboard against a deep blue velvet wall. Luxurious marble baths feature deep soaking tubs.
Even the standard rooms are spacious, starting at 400 square feet, but that’s nowhere near as big as it gets. For those who need a more expansive abode, consider the opulent 4,000-square-foot Presidential Suite, which was once the postmaster general’s office, or the multi-level Trump Townhouse, which features a separate exterior entrance and a dining area that seats 24.
