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.