Everything Old Is New Again II: Recently Renovated Hotels List
by Chrysoula Economopoulos
As promised in my last blog post, below is an alphabetical listing of Washington’s most recently-renovated hotels. I began with the goal of documenting all significant hotel renovations within the past five years. But as this task went beyond the limits of a blog post because of the sheer number, I decided to stick with those completed from 2008 onwards to give you the freshest of the fresh.
Bottom line, if you look at all new or remodeled hotels in D.C. within the past five years, the quantity and type indicate hoteliers’ response to the desires of a more international, diverse and sophisticated clientele visiting the city. This New York Times article by Jane Levere was particularly enlightening about the motivations behind D.C.’s hotel renaissance (aka. Inauguration!). Whatever the reason, it’s been a great outcome for visitors and locals alike.
Please comment below if I missed one of your favorites and you’d like to recommend it for an upcoming post.
Donovan House
1155 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C. ~ www.thompsonhotels.com (click Donovan House tab)
Contact: 1.800.383.6900 (U.S. toll free) • +1.202.737.1200 • Reserve Online
Donovan House opened its doors on March 28, 2008. It took its name from Major General William “Wild Bill” Donovan, widely known as the father of the CIA. Formerly the site of the Washington Grande Hotel, followed by the Holiday Inn Thomas Circle, LaSalle Hotel Properties invested over $35 million to turn Donovan House into a hip boutique hotel featuring a rooftop pool and lounge with stunning views of the city (seasonal).
The Dupont Hotel
1500 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, D.C. ~ www.doylecollection.com/dupont
Contact: +1.202.483.6000 • 1.866.534.6835 (U.S. toll free)
Formerly Jury’s Washington Hotel, this is the only hotel that sits right on Dupont Circle. After a $50 million renovation by Doyle Hotel Group, the hotel opened this past spring. Formerly the site of Biddy Mulligan’s, Bar Dupont offers a chic alternative with a prime view of the Circle. The hotel is also running “Lost Symbol” packages in honor of Dan Brown’s latest best-seller.
Four Seasons
2800 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC ~ www.fourseasons.com/washington
Contact: +1.202.342.0444 • 1.800.332.3442 (U.S. toll free)
The classic Four Seasons conducted one renovation beginning in autumn 2005, followed by yet another in spring 2008 – the latter at a cost of about $35 million. The renovation included a complete transformation of the hotel’s lobby, west wing suites, and the addition of the much talked about Bourbon Steak restaurant, brought to you by chef Michael Mina.
Hilton Washington
1919 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC ~ www.hiltonsofdc.com/landmarkrestoration
Contact: +1. 202.483.3000 • Reserve Online
This $140 million restoration is currently in progress, with expected completion in early 2010. To be transformed top-to-bottom are the guest rooms, meeting space, lobby and restaurants.
The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel
415 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, D.C. ~ www.affinia.com/Liaison
Contact: 1.800.383.6900 (U.S. toll free) • +1.202.737.1200 • Reserve Online
The Liaison opened on April 1, 2008 following a $12 million dollar renovation of the former Holiday Inn on the Hill property. It features politically-inspired artwork by painter Randy Slack and photographer Wayne Takenaka. The hotel’s restaurant, Art and Soul, is presided over by Art Smith, former long-time personal chef for Oprah.
Marriott Wardman Park
2660 Woodley Rd NW, Washington, D.C. ~ www.wardmanparkmarriott.com
Contact: +1.202.328.2000 • +1.888.236.2427 (U.S. toll free)
Built in 1918, Washington’s largest hotel completed a $100 million renovation of its 1,316 rooms in June 2008. The renovation included the addition of a 3,000 square foot fitness center and the Stone’s Throw steakhouse.
Ritz Carlton (West End)
1150 22nd Street NW, Washington, D.C. ~ www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/WashingtonDC
Contact: +1.202.835.0500 • Reserve Online
With $12 million in renovations completed in September 2008, the Ritz Carlton (West End) boasts the top-rated Sports Club/LA, with 40 different sports and fitness options under one roof, and the popular Westend Bistro by 3-star Michelin chef Eric Ripert.
The St. Regis
923 16th and K Streets NW, Washington, D.C. ~ www.StRegis.com/WashingtonDC
Contact: +1.202.638.2626 • Reserve Online
This historic hotel, inaugurated in 1926, reemerged beautifully from an extensive 16-month restoration in January 2008. Just two blocks from the White House, it also features Alain Ducasse’s Adour restaurant.
And coming soon… a revived and refreshed Watergate Hotel!
Everything Old Is New Again: Highlights of DC’s Hotel Revival
Entrance to the W Hotel Washington at F St. NW.
by Chrysoula Economopoulos
In the past five years, Washington’s hotel scene has undergone a complete makeover. In some cases, historic hotels have reemerged resplendent under the same name. In other cases, the hotel property has been bought out by another hotel group, completely revamped and rechristened. Whatever the situation, the result is the same: Washington visitors and residents alike have a plethora of “new” hotels to choose from, be it for business or for pleasure.
Two of the city’s most recent cases-in-point are the freshly restored Jefferson Hotel and the entry of the W Hotel into the former residence of the historic Washington Hotel, both within the past four months.
The Jefferson Hotel
1200 16th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Phone: +1.202.448.2300
Website: www.jeffersondc.com
The Jefferson Hotel's newly re-exposed vaulted skylight.
Just four blocks from the White House at 16th and M Streets NW, the Jefferson Hotel enjoys a power location rivaled only by the W Hotel (see below), the St. Regis (also recently renovated) and the Hay Adams in terms of proximity to the First Family’s home.
Originally opened in 1923 as a luxury apartment building and later converted to a hotel in 1955, this is the Jefferson’s most significant transformation to date. It closed its doors in March 2007 and reopened more than two years later in late August 2009, featuring 99 revamped guest rooms, a host of new amenities, and special design features intended to distinguish it as the city’s best small luxury hotel.
These features include the mid-Atlantic’s only spa suite, fine dining at Plume brought to you by executive chef Damon Gordon, specialty cocktails at Quill lounge, breakfast and lunch in the Greenhouse, and a cozy Book Room where guests can unwind and enjoy tea and a good read.
The Beaux Arts design features historic details reminiscent of Thomas Jefferson’s era, including antiques, vintage books, artifacts, and documents bearing the former U.S. president and founding father’s signature.
One highlight not to go unmentioned is the 1923-era vaulted skylight, covered for years and re-exposed during the renovations. It now sheds natural light into the lobby entrance to Plume. It all gives you a feeling of stepping into something new, woven with touches of Old World charm.
W Washington
515 15th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Phone: +1. 202.661.2400
Website: www.whotels.com/washingtondc
When Hotel Washington bade its final farewell on December 31, 2007, local residents wondered what would become of this beloved and long-standing institution. Built nearly a century earlier in 1917, the hotel itself had become run-down and was in need of a major facelift.
Yet the rooftop restaurant and bar overlooking the White House and the Mall was the ideal place to take visiting friends and family for one of the best birds-eye views of the city around. So choice a location is this rooftop that scenes from “The Godfather Part II” were shot here.
Disappointment turned to curiosity, and curiosity turned to excitement when Istithmar Hotels bought the property and turned it over to be managed by Starwood Hotels. After months of rumors, it became official on November 30, 2007: Starwood announced that it would transform the property into a W Hotel. Though the soft opening happened this past July, the grand opening took place just a few weeks ago on October 8.
The lobby of the W Hotel in Washington welcomes hotel guests and Washingtonians alike.
While the hotel’s new interiors wow guests and locals alike, its design retains links to the establishment’s past, coupled with references to the nation’s capital and its history. J&G Steakhouse, brought to you by Michelin star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, captures cherry blossoms and coin patterns on its ceiling, the latter a salute to the U.S. Treasury across the street. The hotel’s original check-in desk has been preserved, as have its antique ballroom chandeliers.
And reborn in POV lounge (standing for “point of view”) is the W’s roof terrace – featuring new digs, but the same spectacular view. On your way up, check out the July 4, 1776 constellation mimicked by the elevator’s ceiling lights.
Stay tuned for a listing of other recently-renovated Washington hotels.
View of the Washington Monument from POV, the W Hotel's top floor bar/lounge. Photo by Donald Syriani.