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 14^th 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!