Mandarin Oriental, Washington, D.C. Credit: Mandarin Oriental, Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., isn’t exactly known for its bipartisan atmosphere. However, there is one thing that both sides of the aisle can agree upon: a great hotel.
Whether you’re looking to soak up some culture or taste your way around town, we know these great stays offer a well-deserved escape from the political fray.
Mandarin Oriental, Washington, D.C.
If you want to hit up monuments, the National Mall, museums or even the trendy new Wharf district, this stately Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star stay is a well-positioned escape that feels like a resort-style getaway.
Pack up your whole crew and go exploring with the hotel’s Fantastic Family offer. You’ll enjoy either suite or connecting accommodations (great for groups with teens), a daily buffet breakfast and a complimentary capital explorer’s pack so you can wander to your heart’s content.
D.C. Tea at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. Credit: Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C.
Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C.
No matter the time of year, you can indulge in a sophisticated tradition at this Five-Star grande dame. After more than a decade away, Seasons Restaurant has reintroduced and reimagined classic afternoon tea.
The updated service (dubbed DC Tea) includes free-flowing Moët or your choice of tea-infused martinis, a live DJ and bite-sized treats (cherry blossom petit-fours and crustless cucumber-mint sandwiches) that taste as good as they look. Bring the whole family — there’s even a special menu for children under 12.
The St. Regis Washington, D.C. Credit: The St. Regis Washington, D.C.
The St. Regis Washington, D.C.
A visit to this Four-Star classic is like a trip down an elegant memory lane — the lobby’s 1920s grandeur, the nightly champagne sabering and the clubby St. Regis Bar all stand out here.
Be enchanted by the property’s nostalgic surroundings when you book the Seduction at the St. Regis package, a romantic offering that includes freshly cut flowers, a bottle of bubbles and breakfast in bed.
To add even more spice to your getaway for two, schedule your visit to coincide with one of the bar’s cocktail classes, where you’ll learn to perfect old and new favorites.
Dining at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC
The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.
Perched between downtown and Georgetown, this Four-Star West End hotel has long been one of our favorite choices for an overnight escape. Now, there’s one more reason to love it: a recently completed, property-wide renovation that unveiled refreshed accommodations, a redesigned Club Lounge and the new Quadrant Bar & Lounge.
Stop by this retro-chic space to savor classic cocktails and internationally inspired small plates, like seared ahi tuna with yuzu-soy vinaigrette, grilled Spanish octopus or New Zealand lamb chops.
Park Hyatt Washington D.C. Credit: Park Hyatt Washington D.C.
Park Hyatt Washington D.C.
Go on a culinary adventure without leaving your sleek lodging at this Four-Star Georgetown retreat. Tucked away from the touring crowds, this Tony Chi-designed hotel is home to Blue Duck Tavern, one of the capital’s top eateries.
Watch the talented team prepare your modern American feast in the open kitchen before you dig into seasonally inspired dishes such as hay-smoked oysters with pink-peppercorn-pomegranate mignonette, coffee-brined wild boar, and candied yams topped with rosemary-toasted marshmallows.
Between mouthwatering meals, digest with a tea tasting in the property’s serene tea cellar, where more than 50 unique and rare blends from China, Japan, Sri Lanka and the Himalayas are poured.
