Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

Washington, D.C.
United States

The Experience

In the most charming section of Washington, DC, the Four Seasons is hardly in close proximity to the Capitol, but instead offers the appeal of the gas lanterns, historic ivy-covered buildings, antique stores and boutiques of Georgetown. In fact, it has the feel of a boutique hotel rather than a worldwide chain, a feeling that's helped along by a ridiculously large and impressive art collection. Some 2,000 notable works from the private collection of former owner William Louis-Dreyfus (actor Julia's dad) are scattered throughout, including in each guest room--you might easily find yourself sleeping with a Claes Oldenburg.

The Rooms

Fittingly, there's a West Wing here, whose 60 rooms are traditionally decorated with brocades, chintzes and warm creams and golds. In 2007, these were redone to match earlier East Wing renovations by French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. These rooms were enlarged vastly—they now range from 400 to 1,300 square feet—and boast a more fashion-forward palette of celadon and lavender to set off their clean-lined blond wood furniture. Rooms both old and new have 32-inch flat-screen televisions and six-foot-long soaking tubs in handsome granite and limestone bathrooms.

The Service

If you forgot to pack anything, whether a toothbrush, a business suit or even a swimsuit for the pool, the hotel runs two Four Seasons programs with the self-explanatory titles "I Need It Now" and "No Luggage Required." Thanks to the high concentration of guests from the diplomatic corps, the staff of 450 speak some 37 languages—including various African dialects. Travel guru Andrew Harper has named concierge Javier Loureiro the best in the world.

The Highlights

With its golden brocade drapes and gilt chandeliers, the ballroom and its adjoining terrace overlooking the C&O canal is a favorite for locals getting married as well as politicians doing fund-raising. But many out-of-town guests consider this their home-away-from-home too, as the healthy return-visitor numbers prove—another Four Seasons program, "Travel Light," which lets repeaters store luggage, has a high uptake here. The spa is one reason for such loyalty, with 30 staff giving signature Cherry Blossom Champagne Body wraps and a lap pool in which you can reserve your own private lane for a designated hour.

 

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