Startle

Sure, The Inn at Little Washington only has one eatery; but it is a darn good one, and the eponymous Five-Star restaurant is the cornerstone of the hotel. Patrick O’Connell, the chef and proprietor of the property, embarked on a foodie’s journey of a lifetime when he opened The Inn at Little Washington in 1978. The hotel would follow just two years after the debut of the restaurant.

As a native of Washington, D.C., O’Connell ventured 70 miles west to bring his love of food to the teensy weensy town of Washington, Virginia. The self-taught chef can basically be described as the pioneer of refined American cuisine. Before being gourmet was cool, O’Connell was producing some of the richest food to hit our tongues. Thirty years later, the “Pope of American Cuisine,” as Robert Mondavi referred to him, is still in the kitchen and living the dream. Granted, being the genius behind what we think is the most beautiful kitchen we’ve ever seen, could be a lot worse.

You’ll certainly find that O’Connell achieves his goal of his food restoring and healing people, as he has refined many of the classic dishes from his childhood. With six- and 10-course tasting menus, you’ll definitely get your fill of rich food at The Inn at Little Washington. But that doesn’t mean you won’t be craving it until you return — trust us, we crave the entire menu all the time.

Whether you are partial to black truffles or prefer to indulge in American osetra caviar, you will be pleased with the selection on the menu. A longtime favorite of ours is the lobster and grapefruit; the pan-roasted Maine lobster is accompanied by sections of juicy grapefruit and topped with a citrus butter sauce, making it absolutely heavenly. But, let’s be honest, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

The best part about staying at The Inn at Little Washington and having the restaurant at your fingertips is that you are guaranteed reservations. While outside guests have to make reservations nearly six months in advance, you automatically snag a much-coveted table the moment you book your room.

If we could sum up the entire design style of The Inn at Little Washington in just one word, it would be: theatrical. But this country inn is way more than that. Housed in an old garage — obviously elegantly restored — The Inn at Little Washington embodies everything that you would expect from a Five-Star hotel. Tucked away in a town that hasn’t changed very much from its heyday in the 1700s, this 18-room property is as fancy as it gets, but still maintains the comfort and welcoming atmosphere that invites you to spend even the most lax night lounging beneath its roof.

The plantation-style home is dressed to the nines with luscious fabrics and irreplaceable artwork. The designer — Joyce Evans — has worked with Patrick O’Connell, the proprietor and chef of the property, since 1981. Based out of London, Evans does all of the interior design sight unseen, with nothing but the floor plan in hand. She’s visited the property just five times, usually coming after a couple of major projects are done. Joyce Evans is an embroiderist by training, but worked for a famous architect in London where she learned to combine her two strengths and master the trade of interior design. As a past set designer and an expert theater designer, it’s no wonder that Evans decided to apply her strengths to this Five-Star hotel.

The Inn at Little Washington has Old English flair, but not in a tightly wound and stuffy way. Just get a glimpse of the cheese cart in the Five-Star Inn at Little Washington restaurant. (Hint: It’s a cow.) With the elegance of the Old English style mixed with Victorian overtones, each and every room at the historic inn is unique.

The moment you walk into your room, you’ll notice the heavy drapery. No one does that kind of drapery anymore; but at The Inn at Little Washington, it totally works. In one of the bi-level suites, the couch actually boasts a canopy of floral drapes above it, yet it feels anything but stuffy. The overall design style of this Five-Star hotel emits a fancy, but inviting aura. We aren’t saying you’ll want to decorate your own home like this, but you’ll certainly appreciate the theatrical design style of this Five-Star hotel.

There’s no doubt in our mind that you will get one of the best sleeps of your life at The Inn at Little Washington. The relaxingly quiet town combined with the cloud-like mattress creates a canvas for you to sleep like a baby. Though it depends on the room, many of the exquisitely unique rooms at this Five-Star hotel feature pillow-top mattresses with a cherry on top — not really, but the down featherbed acts as the finishing touch.

What we love about The Inn at Little Washington is that everything is unique, right down to the bed linens. Of course, the hotel would have nothing less than luxuriously soft linens to top each and every bed. With Anichini linens and pillowcases, the bed will be calling your name. Though all of the beds are topped with these luxurious linens, it’s the bedspread that is unique as far as the color scheme goes.

After a night on one of these Serta mattresses, you’ll wake up feeling like a whole new person. The variety of pillows that adorn the bed are as comfortable as they get, allowing your head to sink in as you drift off to the land of nod. Bottom line: It’ll be tough to get out of bed in the morning because it’s so comfortable. That is until you smell the decadent, yet healthy oatmeal soufflé being served in the living room.

Considering it would take us forever to write everything we love about The Inn at Little Washington, we’ve decided to narrow it down. Here are the five things we love the most about The Inn at Little Washington:

1. A romantic fantasy world. As you make your way toward Washington, Virginia on Lee Highway — don’t let the word highway fool you, you’ll likely be the only one on the road — you can’t help but fall in love with the rural region. The moment you lay your eyes on the picturesque plantation-style building that houses The Inn at Little Washington at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll be transported to a romantic fantasy world to share with that special someone.

2. Historical yet up-to-date. Sure the town of Washington was founded in 1769 and The Inn is housed in an old garage; but that doesn’t mean you won’t find any of the fabulous amenities and gadgets that we expect from a Five-Star hotel. In fact, The Inn at Little Washington even supplies you with an iPad if you feel so inclined to return to the modern world. Not to mention, The Inn offers complimentary Wi-Fi.

3. Location, location, location. You may be thinking the best location would be in the heart of a large city with easy access to everything you’d ever need. In this case, it’s the exact opposite that makes The Inn at Little Washington so great. Though you do have access to just about everything you may want thanks to the fabulous staff, The Inn is 70 miles from the hustle and bustle of the nation’s capital. The remote location will hit you about 30 miles away from The Inn when you lose your cell signal. It’s hard not to relax the moment you pull up to The Inn, especially without your cell phone buzzing.

4. The restaurant. Attached to The Inn at Little Washington is the Five-Star restaurant of the same name. Proprietor and chef Patrick O’Connell has been called the “Pope of American Cuisine” by Robert Mondavi — and trust us, he isn’t exaggerating. As a guest of the hotel, you are guaranteed dinner reservations each night of your stay; and when you have to snag a spot six months in advance at this venue, that’s quite a perk.

5. Intimate size. With just 18 rooms on the entire property, The Inn at Little Washington can’t help but be personable. As you’re greeted by name every time you turn a corner, you’ll quickly feel right at home — well that is, if you lived in an elegantly restored hotel in a town founded in the 1700s. Whether you are grabbing some of chef O’Connell’s legendary granola or enjoying the flamenco music during afternoon tea, the staff will make you feel more than welcome, almost as if it’s your very own home.

With a handful of varieties to choose from (Junior, Capital View, Presidential and Royal), the suites at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. are second to none. Many of the suites underwent renovations in 2008 and 2009, updating their look. All suites have separate sitting areas and extra half baths After a long day of business meetings or site seeing, you’ll truly appreciate the plush European cotton sheets and the well-weighted down duvet (hypoallergenic pillows and bedding are available upon request). Like the standard guestrooms, the bathrooms are consistent across all room types, except the signature suites, which offer upgraded, individual décor and an additional powder room. You’ll also appreciate the separate soaking tubs and rain showers, a calming way to unwind before crawling into bed. Impeccably clean and bright, the bathrooms feature well lit makeup mirrors and plenty of plush white towels. Junior and Capital View suites are stocked with natural and fresh L’Occitane bath products. The Presidential and Royal suites supply rich and sophisticated Aqua di Parma amenities. Each of the six Presidential suites are individually decorated and offer full dining rooms, upgraded technology (Bang and Olufsen) and optional connecting rooms. Our favorite of the suites is the Capital View, it’s spacious two-room accommodations provide a full sofa and work desk in the living room and would be excellent bridal suites or business entertaining rooms. The best part of any suite is the massive closets, which are more like private dressing spaces than simple closets. There’s plenty of space for all the clothes you bring — or end up buying in all the great shops around Georgetown.

You’ll never be hungry at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C.. The Five-Star hotel has two main restaurants, the trendy BOURBON STEAK (and the BOURBON STEAK lounge for small bites and drinks) and the more casual Seasons, along with 24-hours-a-day room service options.

Acclaimed chef Michael Mina raises the “steaks” at his upscale steakhouse in the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C.. Mina’s method of butter-poaching meat and poultry creates dishes that are succulent and sinfully decadent. According to Mina, the butter seals the meat, rendering beef and poultry super moist. Diners will find a carefully selected array of cuts, ranging from USDA prime-aged beef to Wagyu, as well as evidence of Mina’s deference to culinary classics like seared Hudson Valley foie gras, both as a starter and a main accompanied by a scallion pancake and confit rillet. Finish with an upgraded candy bar for adult palates: a sinful bar of coconut, milk chocolate, gooey praline caramel and Marcona almonds.

Seasons is the spot for power breakfasts and Sunday brunch. Get your morning metabolism going with the black truffle skillet with truffle cheese, scrambled eggs, cremini mushrooms and roasted potatoes. Besides the weekday breakfast offerings, extensive brunch options never fail to impress Washingtonians and tourists who come back again and again to spend lazy Sundays chatting or reading an engrossing book on one of the restaurant’s complimentary Kindles while enjoying executive chef Doug Anderson’s plates of pulled pork sliders with slaw, homemade bread and butter pickles in a cast-iron skillet; green lip mussels with Thai vinaigrette; or the crowd-pleasing smoked pastrami and dill-marinated salmon bagel. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the pretty gardens in sight as you enjoy your leisurely morning meal.

The beds at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. are as comfortable as you’d expect. Rooms at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. have king, queen or double beds with plush pillow-top mattresses custom-made for the hotel. The bedding is soft and luxurious with Frette linen sheets and well-weighted down duvets and pillows, so you’ll sleep soundly. If down makes you sneeze, you can request hypoallergenic bedding and pillows for a sniffle-free night of sleep. Besides feeling great, the beds at the D.C. hotel look great, too. Each room has a custom-designed headboard to match the room’s color scheme, typically sage or lavender.

The interior design style of the Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C. is traditional with some modern updates. The hotel boasts an impressive collection of contemporary art, and you should inquire at the concierge if you’d like to take a self-guided tour. The brick building blends dark woods and an Old World elegance that simultaneously feels modern thanks to numerous windows and unexpectedly casual spaces like the glass, wood and metal West End Bistro. The Four-Star hotel, which underwent a lobby and guest room renovation in 2008, has added sophisticated touches such as all-white beds and patterned sofas in colors like seafoam green and brown, but for the most part, the décor is relatively traditional. The attached Sports Club/LA is the hotel’s most modern component — the all-glass facade of the building offers gym-goers excellent natural light. The 11-story building is not particularly tall in deference to Washington D.C.’s height codes. The meeting facilities, the largest luxury meeting rooms in D.C., are located below ground and feature the most traditional décor, including fabric wall-coverings, elegant chandeliers and a dramatic staircase entry.

Union Station is the closest train station to The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C. Located in D.C. proper near Capitol Hill, the train station is about a 15-minute, $15 cab ride from the hotel. Want to take public transportation? Hop on the Metro and take the Red Line from Union Station to Metro Center. Transfer to the Orange Line and travel to Foggy Bottom. The Four-Star hotel is approximately two blocks from the Foggy Bottom Metro stop. In general, D.C. is a relatively easy city to navigate, especially via the Metro. When you want to explore the various landmarks and attractions in the area, the Metro system is set up so that you never have to trek too far from any station, making any sightseeing plans that much easier.

From the moment you step foot in the Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C., you’ll be met with Four-Star concierge service at its best. You’ll be greeted by name from most members of the hotel staff, including, but not limited to, the concierge team. Guests in the Club Level rooms at the Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C. enjoy their own dedicated concierge staff, but all guests are invited to visit the main concierge desk in the hotel’s lobby. Stories of “above and beyond” service are common at the Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C. — in recent years, concierge team members have driven to New York City on their day off to return guest’s cell phones, found and purchased 25 iPads for a guest’s event and procured reservations, tickets, jewelry and clothing of every type. Several years ago, the concierge event flew to England (at the guest’s expense) to buy a specific type of liquor requested by the guest.

Located in Washington, D.C.’s Foggy Bottom neighborhood (1150 22nd Street NW), the Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C. is one of the city’s premier business properties. Just minutes from Georgetown, downtown business districts and a few Metro stops from prime area attractions such as the Smithsonian Museums and Capitol Hill, the hotel has been hosting presidents, heads of state and Hollywood A-listers since its opening in 2000. Boasting an attached Sports Club/LA (the only one in the city) as well as the popular Three Star West End Bistro, a restaurant from celebrity chef Eric Ripert, this Four-Star hotel is as renowned for its amenities as it is for its legendary high-end service.

The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C. stands out amongst Four-Star hotels in Washington D.C. as one of the city’s premier business properties. Just minutes from Georgetown, downtown business districts and just a few Metro stops from the Smithsonian Museums and Capitol Hill, the hotel puts you in a prime locale to explore all that the nation’s capital has to offer. The hotel is adjacent to the city’s largest and arguably finest gym, the Sports Club/LA (the only one in the city) as well as the Three Star West End Bistro, a restaurant from celebrity chef Eric Ripert. Inside, you’ll find some of the city’s largest hotel rooms, offering exceptionally comfortable beds, and luxurious amenities such as Frette linens and Bulgari bath products, plus flat-screen TVs. With 300 rooms, the hotel is large but has the intimate, quiet feel of a much smaller property. Additionally, this Four-Star hotel receives exceptionally high marks for its service, which we found to be some of the best in the city. You name it, the hotel has it, or the concierge staff can find it for you.

The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City can host weddings of any size comfortably, whether you imagine an intimate ceremony or a raucous gathering of your friends and family. The venues are impressively decorated with chandeliers and the pre-function area mimics the Four-Star hotel’s traditional décor, and, for that reason, a more traditional wedding (in terms of décor) seems like the best fit for this property. The hotel’s Diplomat Room is the main location for weddings at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City and can comfortably fit up to 80 guests. Outfitted more like a country club than a hotel ballroom, this room is charmingly elegant and features its own private bar. The hotel staff is also more than willing to work with you to plan your perfect big day. After all, your wedding is supposed to be one of the most important days of your life.

Kids visiting The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City enjoy a range of amenities, making traveling with the whole family a heck of a lot easier. Upon check-in, kids enjoy a red wagon filled with toys, a self-guided scavenger hunt around the hotel and select seasonal events depending on the time of year. Connected rooms, DVD players, and childproofing kits are also available. Upon request, childproofing items, part of the Four-Star hotel’s POLO (Protect Our Little Ones) kit, are available to avoid any unnecessary scrapes and bruises. The property can also provide cribs, rollaway beds, night lights and bath toys upon request.

The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City, at 1250 South Hayes Street (near 15th), is located inside the Pentagon City Mall in Arlington, Virginia, just a few blocks from the Pentagon and about one mile from the Washington, D.C. line. The 21-year-old Four-Star hotel offers perks for those traveling for business or pleasure. The convenient proximity to the mall, anchored by Macy’s and Nordstrom, is ideal for shoppers who can also visit a Nordstrom Rack across the street or hop the convenient Metro (accessible via an underground tunnel from the mall) to travel to Arlington’s trendy Clarendon neighborhood for even more shopping. Business travelers will also enjoy the proximity to D.C. and many area businesses, particularly defense contractors such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin. Fyve, the hotel three-meal restaurant is another perk, with spacious rooms and upper levels that offer views of the city (and keep your eyes peeled for planes taking off and landing at nearby Reagan National Airport).

The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City houses restaurant and bar, Fyve, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fyve, like much of the Four-Star hotel, flaunts vaguely patriotic décor (inspired by the hotel’s close proximity to the Pentagon) with an upbeat and contemporary vibe. The restaurant was re-branded and re-opened from a grill concept several years ago, and now hosts a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a meal featuring modern American cuisine by chef Frederic Chartier . Decorated in muted green and rich burgundy color schemes with a gleaming hardwood floor, the restaurant offers two distinct spaces to relax and enjoy a meal or beverage — a casual lounge and a quieter but no less casual dining space. The restaurant also has a small bar area with a flat-screen TV to catch up on the latest news or cheer on your favorite sports team.

Because it’s outside the heart of D.C., The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City requires a short drive to many of the city’s popular attractions. The Four-Star hotel is located inside the Pentagon City Mall, which is the closest traditional shopping mall to the city proper and offers a slew of shopping and casual restaurants. In addition to the mall itself, the hotel is just a ten-minute drive or short Metro ride from D.C.’s many attractions. Explore Arlington Cemetery, take a trip to Georgetown for shopping and sightseeing, drive out to a Virginia winery, or plan an afternoon trip to scenic Old Town Alexandria or Mount Vernon. Nothing in the D.C. area is a trek by any means, so even though the hotel isn’t smack dab in the hub of the city, you’re close enough where nothing is too inconvenient.

The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown does offers suggestions of bonded babysitting services.

For a city hotel, the rooms at The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown are fairly spacious and decorated in a soothing yellow color scheme with dark wood accents that match the “firey” feel of the Four-Star property. Plush all-white beds add a modern touch, and all rooms offer work desks with two chairs and either a club chair or sofa, depending on room type. Views are fairly standard, overlooking the courtyard, South Street, Wisconsin Avenue or Grace Church, although some of the suites do boast lovely water views of the Potomac River.

All of the rooms come equipped high-speed Internet access, phones with voicemail, iPod docking stations and flat-screen TVs. The bathrooms are standard across all room types, with dual sinks, separate soaking tubs and separate showers and toilet areas (many suites have a separate powder room). Impeccably clean and bright, the bathrooms feature thoughtful touches such as lit makeup mirrors and plenty of fluffy white towels. The bathroom is stocked with Bvlgari bath products, so be sure to save some extra room in your suitcase to tote any extras home.

Any luxury hotel knows that service is key, which is why The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown offers exceptional concierge service to its guests during their stay. From check-in to check out, the thoughtful and personalized service at the hotel was the highlight of our recent stay. On our recent visit, the concierge told us a story about a family that frequented the hotel because their daughter attended Georgetown University a few blocks away. After a particularly bad flood at the girl’s apartment, the girl’s mother called the Four-Star hotel to ask if they would have a few nights of availability while the girl’s apartment was cleaned out. The hotel staff moved the girl (and her roommate) into the hotel, ensured that they had every amenity necessary for an extended stay, and, after their two-week visit, moved the girls back into their new apartment. Now that’s what we call top-notch service. Of course, the concierge can accommodate the smaller requests as well, whether it’s a dinner reservation at the hotel’s Fahrenheit restaurant or suggestions on where to shop along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue.

The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown offers a complimentary toy and snack amenity to children at check-in. If requested, connected rooms are available for families. The hotel has a selection childproofing items upon request.

Don’t worry for a minute about your tendency to over pack on trips, because The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown’s rooms are outfitted with spacious closets filled with handy amenities. Upon arrival at the hotel, you’ll find adequately-sized closets with a suitcase stand, an array of hangers for all types of clothing, a safe large enough to store and charge a laptop or other electronic device, an iron and ironing board, shoe horn, slippers in a sealed package and an umbrella. The closets offer ample light and are tall enough to hold a full-length gown, should you visit for an important political gala on Embassy Row. The main area of the room features a dark wood dresser with ample drawers to store additional clothing, so there’s no doubt that you won’t be at a loss for space.

Before you hop on a plane and jet off to Washington D.C, here are five things you need to know about The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown:

1. The location. Right in the heart of Georgetown, you’re positioned near the city’s best shopping, dining and nightlife. But you’re a bit off the main street, so expect to walk a block or so to hail a cab, and you’ll likely skip the Metro — it’s about a ten-block walk.

2. The boutique spa. One of the city’s finest and least known retreats is hidden in the hotel basement (which feels more like its own healing world). The four-room spa offers top-notch treatments and amenities including a sauna and steam room.

3. Don’t miss the gratis nighttime snack. Between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. each evening, the lobby bar serves a gratis s’more-inspired treat to guests, the type of which varies with the season.

4. The décor. From exposed brick to the recreated “conductor” booth in Fahrenheit restaurant, the hotel effortlessly melds its past history with a trendy, modern feel. It’s significantly more modern feeling than many of its Ritz-Carlton counterparts.

5. The service. The luxury hotel lives up to its Four-Star expectations with discreet, high-touch service and friendly staff.

The smallest of the Ritz-Carlton chain’s four D.C.-area properties, The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown is conveniently situated at 3100 South Street (a quiet block from the waterfront and two from trendy M Street shopping). The 86-room boutique hotel is housed in the former Georgetown Incinerator, the property takes its cues from its former resident’s fire-y past, including Fahrenheit restaurant, Degrees bar and the intimate Chimney Stack, now a private event space. From exposed brick (portions of which are original), a spacious loft-style lobby and a deep black and red color scheme, the Four-Star hotel is by far the most boutique feeling of the Ritz-Carlton properties in the area, as well as one of the most popular with locals — natives often enjoy the free lobby Wi-Fi or kick back in Degrees for a cocktail. The rooms are spacious, some offering water views, and feature amenities such as Bvlgari bath products and plush Ritz-Carlton beds. Overall, this property is ideal for leisure travelers or for business travelers looking to be close to their Georgetown destinations.

The Jefferson, Washington, DC offers two conference rooms, the Pavilion and a boardroom. Both come with the latest technological amenities, including flat-screen, drop-down projectors; individual heat and air-conditioning controls; and complimentary Wi-Fi. While the hotel has minimal meeting space (seated receptions can host up to 46 for mealtimes), the 1,800-square-foot Pavilion room is tastefully decorated and can be divided into two spaces for intimate events. The boardroom, with a polished dark wood table, feels more like you’re meeting in a stately home than a hotel. Larger private dining events and conferences can also be held in the hotel’s Wine Cellar, which offers frosted glass doors for privacy, as well as a stunning glimpse at the hotel’s 1,700-bottle collection and a fully functional dumbwaiter.

For your special day, the Jefferson is better suited for smaller, more intimate weddings than full-blown extravaganzas. The hotel’s Pavilion room is the main location for weddings at the Four-Star hotel and can host up to 46 people at a time. The Book Room is also ideal for a smaller ceremony, particularly in winter, when the bride and groom can pose in front of a crackling fireplace. Host a pre-dinner reception gathering in the Plume bar area, and take photographs in front of the dramatic gate at the entrance to the Greenhouse. Small weddings could also be held in the Jefferson Suite, the hotel’s version of a Presidential Suite, and the Martha Jefferson Suite is perfect for a bride to primp and get ready before she says, “I do.”

The Jefferson, Washington, D.C. has a bar at its fine dining establishment, Plume, and a selection of creative twists on classic cocktails at Quill. The cocktail menu at Quill changes seasonally, but is filled with flavorful mixtures often concocted with ingredients made onsite by the bar's staff. If you ask, they'll even make you your own custom cocktail, suited to your tastes.
 
The bar staff stocks the bar with housemade purees of fruits you'd expect (blackberries) and vegetables that you wouldn't (sweet potatoes). Quill's bartenders also imbue vodka with their own flavor mixtures, like the cranberry and thyme-infused version featured on our visit. These customized flavors are used to form creative twists on classic cocktails, like the Black-Eyed Daisy, a hybrid between a mojito and a margarita featuring blackberry puree, and the surprising Sweet Potato Old-Fashioned, which tempers the incredible sweetness of the bar's sweet potato syrup with rye and fresh-squeezed orange juice to create a pleasing mix of sweetness and kick.
 
The menu at Quill changes with the seasons, but one drink that remains is the custom-made Mastermind cocktail. For a few dollars more than you'll pay for one of the house offerings, your Quill bartender will quiz you on your flavor likes and dislikes and create a customized drink suited to your tastes. With just the knowledge that we liked ginger, our Quill bartender concocted a tangy mixture of ginger liqueur, Cointreau, dark rum from Martinique, bitters and fresh-squeezed lemon juice that was subtle, sweet without being cloying and powerful but not overpowering.
 
At both Quill and the bar at Plume, you can try one of sommelier Michael Scaffidi's selections of Madeira, a fortified wine that was popular with Jefferson and his fellow revolutionaries. The restaurants have gathered vintages of this strong beverage from three centuries, including bottles that date back to Jefferson’s time — the oldest on the list is from 1810, 16 years before his death. A taste is pricey ($175), but will offer a hands-on historical experience few American bars can match.

When you plan a trip to D.C., location is everything, and The Jefferson, Washington, D.C. — located at 1600 M St., NW — is in the middle of it all. It's just four blocks from the White House in the heart of downtown. Slthough D.C. itself isn't a big city to navigate, many of the area's major landmarks and museums are within a short cab ride away from the Four-Star hotel. The 1923 Beaux Arts building has housed presidents, celebrities, dignitaries and more for decades and emerged from a two-year, to-to-bottom renovation in the early fall of 2009. The renovation added a sophisticated and classic new design and decor evocative of Thomas Jefferson's years in Paris and at his home, Monticello. 

The Fairfax at Embassy Row does not have a weekend brunch but does offer a daily breakfast in The Jockey Club.

Originally opened in 1927 simply as “the Fairfax,” the Fairfax at Embassy Row’s opulent residential design was evocative of many of the leading luxury homes of its day. Guests who stayed at the hotel during its golden years paid the then outrageous $4 per night to lodge with tenants such as the Cabot-Lodges, the Nimitz family and Bush Sr.’s parents. Today, the design style of the Four-Star hotel is much like its original, despite numerous changes. A full renovation in 2008 restored the Four-Star hotel to its classically traditional style and indigenous Washington décor. There’s an intimate marble lobby, a rustic hunting-lodge-style lounge and a 1960s throwback with the Jockey Club restaurant. Artwork — almost all of Washington, D.C. — graces the hotel walls. The pale green rooms have a classic look with floral wall coverings and wallpaper and ornate wooden headboards. The Fairfax at Embassy Row’s design is as close to traditional Washington as one can get.

The Fairfax at Embassy Row’s famed Jockey Club restaurant lures in powerful political figures and celebrities with signature dishes like Dover sole meunière and steak au poivre. Modeled on famed restaurants such as the 21 Club in New York City, the D.C. institution has been a popular dining destination since the Kennedy administration — Nancy Reagan and Jackie Kennedy were weekly regulars during their husband’s presidencies. In fact, you could frequently find the world’s most powerful leaders there noshing on other traditional signature dishes, like the steak tartare appetizer and the pommes soufflés — crispy potatoes that resemble a cross between a fry and a chip. Just as traditional as the fare is the restaurant’s throwback décor; it received a makeover when it re-opened in 2008 after a nine-year closure, but still exudes a traditional D.C. vibe, with red and white tablecloths, white china with a gold rim and the Jockey Club logo, and equestrian paintings on the walls.

At a Four-Star hotel like the Fairfax at Embassy Row, great concierge service is expected. Thankfully, the Washington, D.C., hotel obliges: The concierge can arrange everything from restaurant reservations to limousine service and tourist suggestions. Families should especially take advantage of the service; the concierge particularly enjoys attending to the needs of parents traveling with kids. Often, he’ll take your preferences ahead of time to plan out private kid-friendly visits and museum tours, and to ensure your in-room amenities reflect your little one’s favorite pastime. Though even if you are visiting sans kids, the concierge staff is knowledgeable about the Washington, D.C., area and can plan any itinerary or arrange any request, no matter how large or small.

The average price of a room at the Fairfax at Embassy Row varies both seasonally and by the day of the week. Generally speaking, you’ll find the average price of a room at the Washington, D.C., hotel is lower on weekends and higher during major events and holidays throughout the year. Average room rates range between $250 and $400 per night, which we deem pretty reasonable for a Four-Star hotel. Seasonal specials and packages are available and can include incentives ranging from parking to meals and more. The rates available on the hotel’s website will reflect the most up-to-date price offerings, so check online before you book your trip.

The Fairfax at Embassy Row is located at 2100 Massachusetts Ave., NW, at 21st Street in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s Dupont Circle. The historic property opened as the Fairfax in 1927, operated as a Ritz-Carlton for nearly 20 years and re-opened as the Fairfax at Embassy Row, part of Starwood’s Luxury Collection, in 2006. The Four-Star hotel is perhaps most famous for its restaurant, the Jockey Club, which was a favorite of Jackie Kennedy back in the day. The residential neighborhood feel and proximity to Dupont Circle’s many restaurants and attractions, as well as its location to many area embassies, make it a favored destination whether you seek leisure or have to take care of some business.

Tastefully decorated marble-and-tile bathrooms at the St. Regis Washington, D.C. are a bit on the small side. However, they offer a walk-in tiled shower (only eight have a tub/shower combination) with wonderful water pressure, a handheld addition and excellent heat control — we could make our water as hot or as cool as we desired, a rarity in city hotels where the highest temperature is still only lukewarm. The bathroom’s best feature is the in-mirror television, which you can watch as you primp. Towels are white and fluffy and the in-room robes are pristinely clean cotton. Added amenities such as shaving and dental kits are available upon request, and all bath products are created by upscale French line Laboratoire Remède. We particularly liked the lotion, a sweet-smelling blend of orange and apricot scents with moisturizing rosemary, lavender and thyme oil extracts.

The rooms at the St. Regis Washington, D.C. are fairly small compared to their other luxury counterparts, probably because of the massive built-in feature that functions as a wardrobe, mini-bar and television cabinet. Rooms are outfitted in a variety of muted color schemes (our room sported a rich yellow hue) and feature Old World touches, including chandelier lights. Fresh from a 2008 reopening, the rooms have plush pillow-top Sealy beds, Pratesi cotton linens, a work desk and a small chair. Bathrooms are on the small side — but do have a handy in-mirror television. Most standard guestrooms lack a bathtub (only eight have a tub/shower combination), but offer attractive tiled walk-in showers with excellent water pressure and Laboratoire Remède amenities, in addition to comfortable cotton spa robes.

The hallmark of any luxury hotel is service, and the St. Regis Washington, D.C. offers a superior concierge staff. We spoke with one of the Four-Star hotel’s longtime concierge staff members, and she shared a particularly interesting story about a young boy’s birthday gift during a visit to the hotel. The boy, who loved planes, was particularly keen on speaking with a pilot during his stay — he’d built a model airplane out of Legos and wanted to determine if he had been accurate. The concierge staff found a local retired pilot (who had flown in World War II) and arranged a meeting with the boy and his dad. They discussed the airplane, traded stories and, in the course of the discussion, determined an unlikely connection — the pilot had liberated the boy’s grandfather from a concentration camp during World War II. As if that weren’t enough, after the meeting, the hotel staff planned a private Pentagon tour for the young boy and his father. Needless to say, this is Four-Star service at its best.

Originally opened in 1926 as the Carlton Hotel, the St. Regis Washington, D.C., located at 923 16th St., at K Street, just two blocks from the White House. The hotel opened as the St. Regis’ second property in 1999 and emerged from a 16-month and $18 million renovation in 2008. Today, the Four-Star D.C. hotel is one of the most popular in the area for U.S. and international business travelers. It’s also a destination for foodies because it’s home to Adour restaurant from Alain Ducasse. Even post-renovation, which primarily focused on the rooms (the hotel went from 192 to 182 rooms and doubled its suite count to 25), the hotel retains a clubby, Old World charm, with décor ranging from ornate chandeliers and heavy velvet furnishings in the lobby to private butler service for its suite-level guests. Guests come for the location and the history — President Calvin Coolidge cut the grand-opening ribbon, Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor slept here, and Howard Hughes kept a permanent suite during World War II.

The average price of a room at the St. Regis Washington, D.C. depends on the season and the day of the week you are looking to book. You’ll find that prices for a room at the Four-Star hotel are lower on weekends and higher during major D.C. events and holidays. On average, you’ll pay $440 per night and up to $12,000 for the Presidential Suite. Seasonal specials and packages are available and can include incentives ranging from parking to meal packages and more. For the best rates, check the hotel’s website.

The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner boasts one restaurant with a small bar, Michel (the creation of famed chef Michel Richard) and one bar and lounge, Entyce. Michel’s bar is pint-sized, just a single counter of stools to the left of the hostess stand, tucked behind the glassed-in wine selection. It’s not a place you’d want to linger, but it’s ideal for grabbing a martini while you wait for your table. Like the restaurant, the all-white bar is sleek, cool and modern. You’ll definitely feel like you’re in a city restaurant over a one in a shopping mall. Entyce is much more traditional in look and feel, with dark wood paneling, three distinct seating areas with small, low table groupings and a more clubby vibe. Entyce is undergoing some renovations and will reemerge with an updated look, along with a coffee bar and wine club.

Families visiting The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner enjoy a range of amenities for kids and adults to make the trip a little less stressful. The Four-Star hotel offers seasonal pastry classes for kids and holiday teas. Upon check-in, kids enjoy a red wagon filled with toys, snacks and juice boxes, a self-guided scavenger hunt (when completed, kids can turn their hunt in for an ice cream sundae coupon at Entyce). There’s also seasonal events such as Easter egg hunts, and stations where they can write letters to troops stationed overseas. Upon request, childproofing items, part of the hotel’s POLO (Protect Our Little Ones) kit, are available. The property can also provide cribs, rollaway beds, night lights, bath toys, upon request. Connecting rooms are also available, should you need more space to spread out while traveling with the kids in tow.

The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner can host weddings of any size comfortably. The venues are impressively decorated with chandeliers and the pre-function area mimic the hotel’s traditional décor, and, for that reason, a more traditional wedding (in terms of décor) seems like the best fit for this property. The hotel’s Old Dominion room is the main location for weddings at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner and can comfortably host up to 150. Decorated more like a country club than a hotel ballroom, this room is particularly impressive as it has a private bar.

Should you need to host a banquet, business function or special event, The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner has you covered. The hotel offers the largest luxury ballroom in Northern Virginia and a total of 30,000 square feet of meeting and event space on the fourth floor of the hotel. The Four-Star property offers 14 unique event rooms ranging from grand ballrooms to intimate boardrooms. Our favorite room? The traditionally decorated Old Dominion room, which looks more like a country club ballroom than a hotel event space. This room is popular for dinner functions and weddings. Michel, the hotel’s restaurant, may also be rented out for private events.

If you like an all-in-one package you’re in luck, The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner offers a number of business and pleasure packages. For the business savvy, there’s a package that combines breakfast and complimentary Internet. For the shoppers, there’s the Tysons Corner shopping package, which combines a gift card to the mall, breakfast for two daily, valet parking and a welcome shopping amenity packet. In addition, the hotel offers a handful of activities to guests all weekend long, including: Friday night dessert and wine pairing special, Friday night jazz trio; Saturday afternoon children’s activity, Saturday night wine flight and small bite special; Sunday fond farewell from the Ritz-Carlton Ladies and Gentlemen.

The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner is located inside the Tysons Galleria mall in McLean, Virginia at 1700 Tysons Boulevard, near Chain Bridge Road and International Drive. Just 15 minutes from DC proper and conveniently located near Dulles International Airport as well as major business parks in Virginia and Maryland, this Four-Star Ritz-Carlton property is ideal for the business traveler or weekend leisure traveler looking to enjoy luxury shopping. Tysons Corner is the area’s largest luxury mall, and the Galleria portion, where this hotel is located, features anchor stores Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, in addition to names such as Chanel, Bottega Venetta, Wolford, Zegna, Tory Burch and Theory. The 398-room hotel is large in comparison to its DC counterparts, but doesn’t feel crowded, thanks to its intimate lobby, impressive restaurants, and luxury spa, all thoughtfully spaced on separate floors.

Unfortunately, Union Station is the closest train station to The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner. Located in D.C. proper near Capitol Hill, the train station is approximately a 35-minute, $50 cab ride from the Four-Star hotel. Should you wish to reach the hotel via Metro, take the Red Line from Union Station to Metro Center, transfer to the Orange Line, and ride toward Vienna to the West Falls Church stop. The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner shuttle can then pick you up from the Metro station with advance notice. Even though getting to and from the hotel via metro is doable, we suggest renting a car if you plan on staying for a few days, especially if you’re traveling with the kids.

Rooms facing the Mandarin Oriental Washington, DC’s quiet and serene courtyard are popular, but it’s the Water View rooms, overlooking the waterfront or Tidal Basin (and Jefferson Memorial), that afford the best views. City View rooms on higher floors boast vistas of famed landmarks such as the Washington Monument.

With 3,500 square feet, the three-bedroom Presidential Suite offers the height of luxury. Panoramic views from floor-to-ceiling windows stretch from Georgetown to Old Town, offering vistas of the National Cathedral, Lincoln Memorial, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery, among other historical landmarks. Booking the Presidential Suite will guarantee views of all the city’s major sites, reminding you every time you glance out the window that you’re staying in the nation’s capital.

Bathrooms at the Mandarin Oriental Washington, DC come decked out in marble and tile. They are on the small side and don’t have any high-tech amenities, but they offer good light and thoughtful touches such as lighted makeup mirrors and several hooks for robes and towels. Plus, they are outfitted with full soaking tubs and a separate standing shower. Standard rooms feature a single sink but several suites offer dual sinks. Added amenities such as shaving and dental kits are available upon request. The shower wasn’t spacious and didn’t feature a pressure-adjustable showerhead, but the water pressure and heat were still more than adequate to scrub ourselves clean. A hairdryer is kept in a bag in a drawer for you to use at your convenience. Towels are fresh, oversized, comfortable and plentiful, and all rooms boast Gilchrist and Soames bath products.

There’s much to like about the Mandarin Oriental Washington, DC. The luxury hotel has everything from a standout spa to beautiful waterfront views. Read on for the five things we love the most about the hotel:

1. The location. It’s the only luxury hotel on the southwest waterfront. For locals, this means the hotel is an intimate getaway set apart from the hustle and bustle of the city. For tourists, it’s an easy walk to the Smithsonian museums and monuments.
2. The spa. It’s arguably the city’s finest, and at 10,000 square feet, the Four-Star spa is one of the largest. Book the Asian-inspired Bamboo Massage, similar to a hot stone but with the use of heated bamboo rods. Even if you can’t fit in a treatment, hotel guests get to use the spa’s great facilities for free.
3. The restaurant. CityZen is one of the best in the D.C. area and the seasonal menu changes so frequently, it’s easy to return again and again for new dining experiences. You’re guaranteed a great meal: James Beard Award-winning chef Eric Ziebold, formerly of the French Laundry, helms the Four-Star restaurant.
4. The views. Even city view rooms boast vistas at the Washington Monument, an easy and charming reminder that you’re staying in the nation’s capital.
5. The service. Despite the Four-Star hotel’s large size, it lives up to expectations with discreet, personalized service and friendly staff.

The Mandarin Oriental Washington, DC stands out among Four-Star hotels in D.C. because it is the only luxury hotel on the southwest waterfront. In addition to offering the area’s largest outdoor event space (the 4,000-square-foot event lawn overlooks the water), the hotel arguably has the finest spa in the city as well as in-house restaurant CityZen, a contemporary American concept from celebrated James Beard Award-winning chef Eric Ziebold, formerly of the French Laundry. Just minutes from the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall, the monuments, the tidal basin, downtown business districts and just a few metro stops from prime area attractions and Capitol Hill, the hotel has hosted VIPs, heads of state and celebrities since its 2004 opening. Inside, you’ll find large rooms designed with feng shui in mind, many with ocean or monument views (a rarity in a town located on the water), spacious bathrooms with rain-head showers and separate soaking tubs, and complimentary access to a 50-foot indoor lap pool and fitness center with Technogym equipment. At 400 rooms, the hotel is large, but manages to offer personal attention, from discreet service to clean, simple rooms that reflect the Asian philosophy of the brand without going overboard.

From check-in to checkout at the Mandarin Oriental Washington, DC, the personalized service from the concierge and staff at the Four-Star hotel was the highlight of our recent stay. You will be greeted by name from most members of the hotel staff, including the concierge team. Guests in the Tai Pan rooms at the Washington, D.C., hotel enjoy their own dedicated concierge staff, but everyone can visit the main concierge desk. Among the easier requests, the concierge tracked down a Lincoln bobblehead for a guest who couldn’t go home without one. On the more difficult side, the concierge once had a billionaire guest staying in the Presidential Suite who decided to entertain a head of state visiting the city at the last minute. He requested a specific fish delicacy that no restaurant in D.C. carried. Within 45 minutes on a Sunday morning, the concierge had tracked down the fish and arranged for preparation by the hotel’s award-winning chef. Though you don’t need to have a craving for a rare fish for the concierge to help you; whether you need dinner reservations or directions to the nearest monument, the concierge at the Mandarin Oriental Washington, DC can hook you up.

If you’re a fan of the great mini-bar invention, then you better book one of the several suites that has one. As a nice little perk of upgrading to a suite, you can enjoy refreshments at any hour, without having to call room service. Being mini-bar lovers ourselves, we’ve figured out which suites flaunt this genius invention. You’ll have to book one of the two bi-level suites, which are the biggest rooms in the main house, Room 16 or the Claiborne House (also known as the Presidential Cottage). You’ll find those adorable glass bottles of Coca-Cola, Diet Coke and Sprite, as well as bottled water — both flat and sparkling. If you decide that you want something else to go with your soft drink, just call down to the concierge or in-room dining and they’ll take care of you.

The Claiborne House doesn’t just offer a mini-bar; you’ll have an entire kitchen. That being said, you can take advantage of this perk and arrange for one of the chefs from The Inn at Little Washington restaurant to come prepare a Five-Star meal for you. The standard rooms, unfortunately, do not have mini-bars, but you can always call room service, which is available 24-hours a day. So if it’s a necessity, make sure to let the staff know when you are booking your room. We think the upgrade is totally worth it.

As a guest of The Inn at Little Washington, you can feast on a complimentary continental breakfast each morning; however one of the most signature items is available on the à la carte menu. While the server will bring you a flight of fresh juices, an assortment of breads and jam, and even a newspaper, you’ll definitely want to try at least one of these signature breakfast dishes.

Patrick O’Connell, the chef and proprietor of the Five-Star hotel and restaurant, prides himself on his homemade granola. His mom used to say that if The Inn at Little Washington ever failed — which it won’t — Patrick could go door-to-door selling his granola. It’s that good. With full cashews, coconut and sesame seeds adorning the fresh oats, it’s hard to pass the legendary granola up. Of course, it’s part of the complimentary continental breakfast, so there is no need to pass it up. Served with homemade Greek yogurt, berries and honey, Patrick’s granola is filling yet healthy.

Though you will have to order it from the à la carte, the oatmeal soufflé is absolutely worth the few extra bucks. We never thought it possible for a dish to be both decadent and healthy at the same time. The rich texture of the soufflé tricks your taste buds into thinking that you are indulging in a dish beyond gluttonous, but the oatmeal lets your stomach know that you’re eating something plenty healthy. It’s the best of both worlds.

Sure, The Inn at Little Washington only has one eatery; but it is a darn good one, and the eponymous Five-Star restaurant is the cornerstone of the hotel. Patrick O’Connell, the chef and proprietor of the property, embarked on a foodie’s journey of a lifetime when he opened The Inn at Little Washington in 1978. The hotel would follow just two years after the debut of the restaurant.

As a native of Washington, D.C., O’Connell ventured 70 miles west to bring his love of food to the teensy weensy town of Washington, Virginia. The self-taught chef can basically be described as the pioneer of refined American cuisine. Before being gourmet was cool, O’Connell was producing some of the richest food to hit our tongues. Thirty years later, the “Pope of American Cuisine,” as Robert Mondavi referred to him, is still in the kitchen and living the dream. Granted, being the genius behind what we think is the most beautiful kitchen we’ve ever seen, could be a lot worse.

You’ll certainly find that O’Connell achieves his goal of his food restoring and healing people, as he has refined many of the classic dishes from his childhood. With six- and 10-course tasting menus, you’ll definitely get your fill of rich food at The Inn at Little Washington. But that doesn’t mean you won’t be craving it until you return — trust us, we crave the entire menu all the time.

Whether you are partial to black truffles or prefer to indulge in American osetra caviar, you will be pleased with the selection on the menu. A longtime favorite of ours is the lobster and grapefruit; the pan-roasted Maine lobster is accompanied by sections of juicy grapefruit and topped with a citrus butter sauce, making it absolutely heavenly. But, let’s be honest, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

The best part about staying at The Inn at Little Washington and having the restaurant at your fingertips is that you are guaranteed reservations. While outside guests have to make reservations nearly six months in advance, you automatically snag a much-coveted table the moment you book your room.

With all of the rich and decadent food served at The Inn at Little Washington, we completely understand if you want to work it off with a jog. Though there isn’t a gym at this Five-Star hotel — it only has 18 guestrooms after all — you can take advantage of the gorgeous Virginia countryside that surrounds the property. If you want to see the tiny town of Washington, Virginia on foot, we suggest that you go ahead and run along the street. There are less than 200 residents of the town, so the roads are far from busy and you’ll have to try to get lost.

While many people take this jogging route as an opportunity to explore the historic town — which apparently hasn’t changed much since the 1700s—you also have an even more unique option. Just 12 miles down the road is the breathtaking Shenandoah National Park. Of course we don’t expect you to run there, as The Inn at Little Washington will gladly arrange a car to take you there. With more than 500 miles of trails, you are certain to find a nice jogging path.

Keeping with the theme of the rest of The Inn at Little Washington, the bathrooms in the suites are fit for a king — seriously, these bathrooms look as if they could belong in Versailles. Complete with a double vanity, you’ll have plenty of room to get ready for an elegant and scrumptious dinner at the Five-Star restaurant attached to the hotel. The best part is, there’s a good amount of counter space to spread out all of the fabulous bath amenities supplied by the hotel. Whether you need body lotion, a makeup remover towelette or even a loofah, The Inn at Little Washington has you covered.

The water closet is separated by a frosted glass door that gives you the privacy you need, and there’s a window to gaze out onto the secluded, picturesque property.

Of course, you won’t find just a regular shower. Why would you at this stellar hotel? You’ll discover that there are two showerheads, both with superb water pressure. The brightly tiled, spacious shower will certainly bring your relaxation to a whole new level. We wanted to spend hours in there, but we had dinner reservations. If you love hot, hot, hot showers, you will be in hog heaven. But beware, the water gets extremely hot, so don’t turn the dial all the way without testing the temperature first.

To finish off these palatial bathrooms is the best part of the entire space: the deep soaking tub. The standalone tub is the epitome of the design style that The Inn at Little Washington embodies — a mixture of the Old and New Worlds. While the bathrooms are constantly updated, they retain the elegance of the antiquity present throughout the property. This is exactly what the deep soaking bath depicts. With the golden fixtures and view of the outside world, there is nothing more relaxing than a nice soak in one of these tubs.

If we could sum up the entire design style of The Inn at Little Washington in just one word, it would be: theatrical. But this country inn is way more than that. Housed in an old garage — obviously elegantly restored — The Inn at Little Washington embodies everything that you would expect from a Five-Star hotel. Tucked away in a town that hasn’t changed very much from its heyday in the 1700s, this 18-room property is as fancy as it gets, but still maintains the comfort and welcoming atmosphere that invites you to spend even the most lax night lounging beneath its roof.

The plantation-style home is dressed to the nines with luscious fabrics and irreplaceable artwork. The designer — Joyce Evans — has worked with Patrick O’Connell, the proprietor and chef of the property, since 1981. Based out of London, Evans does all of the interior design sight unseen, with nothing but the floor plan in hand. She’s visited the property just five times, usually coming after a couple of major projects are done. Joyce Evans is an embroiderist by training, but worked for a famous architect in London where she learned to combine her two strengths and master the trade of interior design. As a past set designer and an expert theater designer, it’s no wonder that Evans decided to apply her strengths to this Five-Star hotel.

The Inn at Little Washington has Old English flair, but not in a tightly wound and stuffy way. Just get a glimpse of the cheese cart in the Five-Star Inn at Little Washington restaurant. (Hint: It’s a cow.) With the elegance of the Old English style mixed with Victorian overtones, each and every room at the historic inn is unique.

The moment you walk into your room, you’ll notice the heavy drapery. No one does that kind of drapery anymore; but at The Inn at Little Washington, it totally works. In one of the bi-level suites, the couch actually boasts a canopy of floral drapes above it, yet it feels anything but stuffy. The overall design style of this Five-Star hotel emits a fancy, but inviting aura. We aren’t saying you’ll want to decorate your own home like this, but you’ll certainly appreciate the theatrical design style of this Five-Star hotel.

One thing you won't be hard pressed to find at The Inn at Little Washington is good food. With the eponymous Five-Star restaurant located downstairs, you'll have fabulous fare at your fingertips. Though we wanted to add just about everything on the menu, we've come up with a list of the five best things to eat and drink at The Inn at Little Washington:

1. Homemade granola. Chef Patrick O'Connell's mother always said that if the restaurant failed, Patrick could sell his granola door-to-door. It's that good. With full cashews scattered throughout the treat, you'll be begging for more. The best part is you can take it home with you — just ask for some to go and the wait staff will be happy to send you on your way with the healthy treat.

2.Truffled popcorn. Starting off the Gastronaut's Menu is the divine truffled popcorn. Dusted with black truffles, the popcorn is utterly addicting — in a good way. The simple snack even comes in an old school, red striped mini popcorn container. It's the perfect amount to get your taste buds flowing before you launch into the stellar 10-course tasting menu.

3. Tuna pretending to be filet mignon. It may sound odd, but it's absolutely amazing. With a pepper crust, the gorgeous cut of tuna is seared and sits upon ribbons of vegetables such as charred onions. The delectable fish is capped with a nice slab of seared duck foie gras, and although it sounds dangerously rich — and it is — it is so worth it.

4. Tin of Sin. Yes, it is exactly what it sounds like: sinfully amazing. Plated in a caviar tin (hence, the name), this dish features three layers of decadence. On the bottom, the peekytoe crab salad is as fresh as it comes. Topped with a cucumber rillette, the dish offers a sort of sweet flavor to complement the top layer of American osetra caviar. The Tin of Sin is served with mini slices of brioche.

5. Oatmeal soufflè. We didn't know it was possible for something to be both decadent and healthy at the same time, until now. The rich texture of the soufflè will make you feel as if you are indulging in the most divine breakfast dish around. The good news is, you are and you aren't. The oatmeal is still a healthy option for breakfast, giving you the best of both worlds.

You won’t have to worry about being disconnected from the Internet during your stay at The Inn at Little Washington. Sure, the Five-Star hotel provides Wi-Fi throughout the property, but the best part is that it’s completely free. Chances are you aren’t coming to this rural inn to work the whole time, but the staff understands that in this day in age, we can’t be left without the Internet for more than a couple of hours. (Pathetic, we know.)

Of course with the complimentary Wi-Fi, there is a catch: You have to sacrifice your cell service, unless you have Sprint. Considering the hotel is situated at the foot of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, big time cell towers would kind of wreck the atmosphere. So without your phone, the complimentary Internet becomes that much more enticing, even though most people come to this adorable town to get away from all of that.

Considering each and every room is unique at The Inn at Little Washington, it comes as no surprise that the suites are spectacularly distinct. Room one, which is one of the junior suites, is one of the most popular rooms, situated at the end of the hallway with an unrivaled view of the garden. We honestly think this may be one of the best rooms because it’s a little bigger than the superior room and it boasts a fabulous balcony that allows you to enjoy your morning cup o’ joe while you overlook the garden.

If you’re looking for a bit more space, we suggest you upgrade to one of the bi-level suites. With a lofted bedroom, a bathroom like you’ve never seen before and a fabulous sitting area, the bi-level suites are definitely worth a pretty penny. One of the bi-level suites that we love has heavy drapes (the kind that make you think: these still exist?), with a fantastic canopy over the couch. It sounds gaudy and over-the-top, but it totally works.

While these are the only types of suites in the main house, there are even better ones on other parts of the property. The Mayor’s House — which was actually home to the mayor at one point — is one of the oldest structures in town; some parts of it date back to 1740. But don’t let its age fool you into thinking it’s rundown. With a formal sitting area complete with a gas fireplace, the Mayor’s House is one of the most distinguishable suites. The bedroom flaunts a king bed and a fieldstone wood burning fireplace — talk about cozy. There is even a small, walled garden that makes for the perfect afternoon tea setting or even a small, intimate wedding.

Next door to the Mayor’s House is the crimson red Gamekeeper’s Cottage, which used to be a plain old addition to its neighbor. With an outdoor patio that overlooks the “field of dreams” — The Inn at Little Washington restaurant’s garden, you can watch deer snag apples from the nearby trees or simply relax and take in the fresh mountain air. The Gamekeeper’s Cottage boasts a loft bedroom, two bathrooms and a stone fireplace; this suite is as luxurious as rustic gets.

Last, but arguably the best, is the Presidential Cottage, also known as the Claiborne House. In the past years, the owner of The Inn — Patrick O’Connell — would have to pack up his belongings and move homes if a VIP came to town, but he finally turned the Claiborne House into an official part of The Inn. Now, the Presidential Cottage flaunts an incomparable two-storey veranda, two bedrooms, a full kitchen and a library in case you need to do some work. At 3,200 square feet, the Claiborne House has hosted some of The Inn’s most important VIPs.

There’s no doubt in our mind that you will get one of the best sleeps of your life at The Inn at Little Washington. The relaxingly quiet town combined with the cloud-like mattress creates a canvas for you to sleep like a baby. Though it depends on the room, many of the exquisitely unique rooms at this Five-Star hotel feature pillow-top mattresses with a cherry on top — not really, but the down featherbed acts as the finishing touch.

What we love about The Inn at Little Washington is that everything is unique, right down to the bed linens. Of course, the hotel would have nothing less than luxuriously soft linens to top each and every bed. With Anichini linens and pillowcases, the bed will be calling your name. Though all of the beds are topped with these luxurious linens, it’s the bedspread that is unique as far as the color scheme goes.

After a night on one of these Serta mattresses, you’ll wake up feeling like a whole new person. The variety of pillows that adorn the bed are as comfortable as they get, allowing your head to sink in as you drift off to the land of nod. Bottom line: It’ll be tough to get out of bed in the morning because it’s so comfortable. That is until you smell the decadent, yet healthy oatmeal soufflé being served in the living room.

Whether you want to confirm your dinner reservations at the connected Five-Star restaurant or plan a hike through Shenandoah National Park, the concierge at The Inn at Little Washington can certainly grant your wish. Of course, your dinner reservations are automatically guaranteed as an overnight guest, but you may want to talk to the concierge about what time you would like to eat.

As far as activities go, your concierge at The Inn at Little Washington is more than happy to help you set up anything you may want to do. Just 10 minutes away is Shenandoah National Park, which offers plenty of hiking trails and breathtaking vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The concierge can set up a guided hike if you feel so inclined — cheesy play on words, we know.

If you happen to have forgotten your laptop, the concierge can hook you up. Though The Inn at Little Washington has since done away with the laptops and upgraded to iPads. In case you aren’t an Apple user or need something more than an iPad, there is also a 24-hour business center available in the Norman House.

Though there isn’t a separate concierge desk, the staff members at the front desk will be your go-to people. That being said, each and every staff member at The Inn is there to make your stay absolutely unforgettable. If you have any problems or questions throughout your stay, all you have to do is speak with the concierge and consider it solved.

Though you may not find all of these languages within the concierge, The Inn at Little Washington’s staff members speak a total of 13 languages. Whether you need someone to translate the menu into Thai or you want to brush up on your Kenyan, all you have to do is say so. You’ll also find staff members that speak French, German, Italian, Spanish and Japanese. Of course these are just the mainstream languages that you are more likely to know.

In addition to the five major languages, there’s a staff member at The Inn at Little Washington who can welcome you in your native tongue of Romanian, Hungarian and Bulgarian. If you are making the longer trek from Kenya, you have no need to worry about the language barrier during your stay, as there is someone on the staff who is fluent in Kasigau. If you get the urge to brush up on your Thai or Scottish while you are in Washington, Virginia, feel free to ask the concierge who speaks those languages in the house so you can practice all you want.

When you sit down for breakfast, your menu of homemade seasonal jams and jellies is complete with “good morning” in the 13 languages spoken at The Inn at Little Washington.

Although The Inn at Little Washington does not have a house car, the concierge can certainly set you up with a limo or town car through a service. You’ll find that you won’t want to leave the property and actually won’t need to, considering you have a Five-Star hotel and Five-Star restaurant in one. However if you happen to be coming to The Inn at Little Washington by train, you may find it very handy to have the concierge set up a car service to scoop you up from the station and transport you the 30 beautiful miles to Washington, Virginia.

The property does offer activities such as hiking in the nearby Shenandoah National Park, and is happy to provide you with transportation to and from the park. So while it’s a nice perk to have a house car leisurely waiting to take you wherever you may wish, it just isn’t necessary.

The small town of “Little Washington,” as it is called to avoid confusion with its big sister down the Potomac, has just about everything it has to offer at the intersection where The Inn lies. The residents say that the town hasn’t changed much since George Washington surveyed it back in 1749, so everything is in walking distance. But if you find yourself in a situation where you may need a car or limo to transport you, The Inn at Little Washington is more than willing to grant your wish.

Every time you turn a corner at The Inn at Little Washington, you’ll discover a new amenity to fall in love with. At least, that’s what happened to us at this charming country inn. While it was hard for us to do, we managed to whittle the huge list of our favorite amenities down to just five of the best.

1. Dinner reservations. Considering the hotel is attached to a Five-Star restaurant boasting the same exact name, it’s only practical that you would want to eat there. You’re in luck, because as a guest of the hotel, you’re guaranteed dinner reservations each night of your stay. This is quite the perk, seeing as how diners that aren’t staying at The Inn have to make their reservations nearly six months in advance — and you get them automatically when you stay at the hotel.

2. Kitchen tour. As the chef, proprietor and the brains behind this fabulous property, Patrick O’Connell invites you into his kitchen to see the master at work. Even if you aren’t a foodie, this kitchen is one for the books. Outfitted with endless amounts of shining copper, this “most beautiful kitchen in the world” is definitely worth a tour. If you are really into the kitchen experience, we suggest booking the chef’s table for dinner, which is located in an alcove at the back of the kitchen with an amazing view of the culinary process.

3. Complimentary Wi-Fi. If you feel that you must connect to the outside world — since your cell phone probably doesn’t have service here — you are more than welcome to do so without spending a dime. The complimentary Wi-Fi allows you to connect anywhere on the property, so you aren’t stuck in your room surfing the Web. Even though the rooms are gorgeously decked out, the garden is a nice place to get some fresh air while you send out a few e-mails.

4. Continental breakfast. Complete with chef O’Connell’s legendary granola, this complimentary continental breakfast is not to be missed. Though you can also order à la carte items for an additional charge, we think the free offerings are perfect for a hearty morning meal. You will also get a refreshing juice flight, all freshly squeezed.

5.Bedtime story. On the first night of your stay, your bed will be topped with a charming bedtime story (custom written for the inn) with a side of cookies. If you happen to be staying multiple nights, your bed will bed turned down each night and ready for you to curl up, complete with unique bedtime treats. We suggest you keep the story and bring it home with you, and additional copies are also available at The Inn Shops.

Considering it would take us forever to write everything we love about The Inn at Little Washington, we’ve decided to narrow it down. Here are the five things we love the most about The Inn at Little Washington:

1. A romantic fantasy world. As you make your way toward Washington, Virginia on Lee Highway — don’t let the word highway fool you, you’ll likely be the only one on the road — you can’t help but fall in love with the rural region. The moment you lay your eyes on the picturesque plantation-style building that houses The Inn at Little Washington at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll be transported to a romantic fantasy world to share with that special someone.

2. Historical yet up-to-date. Sure the town of Washington was founded in 1769 and The Inn is housed in an old garage; but that doesn’t mean you won’t find any of the fabulous amenities and gadgets that we expect from a Five-Star hotel. In fact, The Inn at Little Washington even supplies you with an iPad if you feel so inclined to return to the modern world. Not to mention, The Inn offers complimentary Wi-Fi.

3. Location, location, location. You may be thinking the best location would be in the heart of a large city with easy access to everything you’d ever need. In this case, it’s the exact opposite that makes The Inn at Little Washington so great. Though you do have access to just about everything you may want thanks to the fabulous staff, The Inn is 70 miles from the hustle and bustle of the nation’s capital. The remote location will hit you about 30 miles away from The Inn when you lose your cell signal. It’s hard not to relax the moment you pull up to The Inn, especially without your cell phone buzzing.

4. The restaurant. Attached to The Inn at Little Washington is the Five-Star restaurant of the same name. Proprietor and chef Patrick O’Connell has been called the “Pope of American Cuisine” by Robert Mondavi — and trust us, he isn’t exaggerating. As a guest of the hotel, you are guaranteed dinner reservations each night of your stay; and when you have to snag a spot six months in advance at this venue, that’s quite a perk.

5. Intimate size. With just 18 rooms on the entire property, The Inn at Little Washington can’t help but be personable. As you’re greeted by name every time you turn a corner, you’ll quickly feel right at home — well that is, if you lived in an elegantly restored hotel in a town founded in the 1700s. Whether you are grabbing some of chef O’Connell’s legendary granola or enjoying the flamenco music during afternoon tea, the staff will make you feel more than welcome, almost as if it’s your very own home.

Sure, you may not find any airports in the immediate vicinity, but with two major airports in Washington, D.C., The Inn at Little Washington is still easily accessible. Whether you fly into Dulles International Airport or Reagan National Airport, this remote hotel is less than 70 miles to the west. Of course, it’s a bit too far for a cab, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t arrive in style and rent a limo. Reagan National Airport is located just outside of downtown D.C. and Dulles International is just 26 miles outside the nation’s capital toward The Inn.

It’s a quick hop from both airports to get onto Interstate 66 West to embark on your journey to the first Washington of them all, Washington, Virginia. As you make your way across Virginia, take exit 43A to US-29 South toward Warrenton for 12 miles. Take a slight right onto US-15 Business South and continue on to US-211 West. This is where the real beauty begins; as you drive on Route 211, you’ll notice the breathtakingly scenic Blue Ridge Mountains topped with colorful trees. It’s also on this highway that you will most likely lose cell service, unless you have Sprint (as that is the only tower out here).
After 20 or so miles on Route 211, make a right onto Warren Avenue, also known as US-211 Business East. In less than half a mile, you’ll arrive at The Inn at Little Washington, located at the intersection of Middle and Main streets.

Getting to The Inn at Little Washington is relatively easy since the Culpeper Amtrak station is less than 30 minutes from the hotel. During those 30 minutes to The Inn, it’s harder to get any more picturesque than this part of Virginia. You can take most of the trains that run down the east coast to the Culpeper station.

If you’re thinking about taking a train from one of the Washington, D.C. airports, think again. While it may seem like a grand idea at the time, you have to leave the airport to go to Union Station in the middle of downtown D.C. if you want to catch a train that goes directly to Culpeper. We suggest you stick with renting a car or a limo if you’re flying into the nation’s capital; it’s faster. In fact, a train ride from Union Station to Culpeper takes about an hour and a half; then you have another 30-minute car ride to The Inn at Little Washington.

Bottom line is that there simply aren’t a lot of trains that stop at the Culpeper Amtrak station. So while a train ride is beautifully old school, the best way to go is by car if you’re arriving at one of the two airports. But if you decide to take the tracks, be assured that there is a train station close enough to The Inn at Little Washington that the hotel will arrange a car to pick you up. In reality, if you’re coming from, say, Boston or New York, you will most likely get off at Union Station in downtown D.C. It’s a larger station with many more trains in and out during the day to make things a lot easier for your trip to the hotel.

We can’t imagine a reason in the world that you would want to cancel a trip to the Five-Star Inn at Little Washington, but we understand that sometimes things come up. With a seven-day cancellation policy, The Inn at Little Washington understands plans change; just not within a week of your arrival. If you must cancel last minute, you should know that the hotel will charge you for one night’s stay. This same policy applies to the change of dates for your trip. If you happen to want to switch your three-night getaway to a two-nighter, you better decide at least a week in advance or you’ll be paying for that third night whether you’re there or not.

While we highly suggest you put everything else on the backburner and make the trek to The Inn at Little Washington your priority, we know that sometimes you have to do things you don’t want to. It’s important to remember that this adorable plantation-style hotel flaunts just 18 rooms. So if you fail to cancel more than a week in advance, someone else misses out on the opportunity to stay in this magical inn.

As soon as you pull up to the plantation-style Inn at Little Washington, you’ll know that this property is different from every other Five-Star hotel in a number of ways. Situated in a town surveyed by none other than George Washington himself in 1749, The Inn at Little Washington is an experience that is both historic and romantic as you simultaneously create memories in this quaint town.

The rural town of Washington, Virginia is actually the first Washington of them all. With just 200 residents, you’ll be quick to notice that Washington is very remote — especially when your cell signal drops within 30 miles of the town — so be ready to step back in time. That being said, once you check in and make your way to your elegant room, all of the up-to-date amenities expected at a Five-Star hotel are at your service.

While there is rich history to be had during a trip to The Inn at Little Washington, you’ll find yourself intrigued by more than just that. The backdrop of the breathtakingly beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains makes for quite the memorable cup of coffee in the morning. Since 1978, the hotel has been bringing visitors to this charming little town just off the scenic highway. With a Five-Star restaurant attached, this country getaway is perfect for the ultimate romantic experience.

No matter what direction you’re coming from, the drive to The Inn at Little Washington is otherworldly. Whether you are making the trek during the spring or fall, the leaves on the mountains of trees are absolutely stunning. The moment you hop onto Route 211, you’ll know that your trip to The Inn at Little Washington is going to be unlike any experience you’ve had at other Five-Star hotels.

Sure, the average price of a room at The Inn at Little Washington is higher than other Five-Star hotels, but trust us, it’s totally worth it. You won’t find the price tag of one of the standard rooms to be any less than $425 per night. However, the good news is these rooms are anything but standard. While a bit on the small side, the elegant décor creates a guestroom that will certainly rank as one of the top accommodations on your list. The larger of the standard rooms tend to come with a heftier price tag of $625 per night.

If you’re looking to enhance your experience in this rural town, we suggest you book one of the suites. Whether you are interested in a junior suite, bi-level suite, or the all-out two-bedroom Claiborne House, you’ll have to be ready to pay the price. The junior suites start at $705 per night, while the Claiborne House is set at $2,450 a night.

There are a couple of catches for these price tags: From April 15 through May and the entire month of October, an extra $100 is tacked on to every room. If you’re staying on a Friday, you will be charged an additional $145. Saturdays are a bit more expensive with an extra $245. Sundays will only cost you an additional $75.

Don’t worry about the catch, because it also comes with very special guarantees. Of course you can count on having a fabulous and memorable stay, but you will also be guaranteed dinner reservations each night of your visit. Every morning, there is a complimentary continental breakfast complete with chef Patrick O’Connell’s famous homemade granola. And each afternoon you can enjoy the complimentary Afternoon Tea service.

When you check out of The Inn at Little Washington, you won’t find any hidden fees on your bill. The nice thing about this is that you can pretty much calculate the amount you’re going to be paying before you make the trek. That being said, you should probably know about the change in room rate for the weekends and certain times of year.

If you are planning on staying at The Inn at Little Washington on a cozy Friday night, be aware that it’ll cost you $145 more than the price advertised on the website. The same goes for Saturday and Sunday, but you will be paying an additional $245 and $75 respectively. As for April 15 through May and the full month of October, there is an additional $100 charge for each and every room. Regardless of the time of year and type of room you choose for your getaway at The Inn at Little Washington, it’s completely worth it — this is Five-Star quality at its best.

If you need to get from one of Washington, D.C.’s airports to the Hay-Adams, it’s a snap: The hotel is conveniently located three blocks from the Farragut West and North (Orange Line/Red Line) Metro in the heart of downtown. Though if you prefer other methods of transportation to the hotel, here are your options:

- From Reagan National Airport (DCA): This airport is by far the most convenient to the Hay-Adams, and there are plenty of taxi stands outside of the terminals. Expect a 20-minute taxi ride that will cost you $15 to $20.
- From Dulles International Airport (IAD): Many travelers, particularly those arriving internationally, will find Dulles the easiest area airport from which to access the luxury hotel. A taxi ride from IAD to the hotel will take anywhere from 25 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic, and can cost between $45 and $60.
- From Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI): BWI is the farthest of the area airports and by far the most difficult to reach. The preferred method of transport would be to rent a car. The hotel is approximately an hour’s drive, as long as traffic doesn’t get hectic. A taxi to the Hay-Adams runs around $80.

If you need some help getting to the hotel, the concierge can arrange transportation from any of the local airports.

If you need to conduct business during your stay, the Hay-Adams offers several conference rooms. A popular option is the Hay-Adam200s room, a wood paneled space with a working fireplace that has hosted visiting heads of state like former Prime Minister Tony Blair along with its fair share of weddings and other social events. Two additional conference rooms on the ground floor can accommodate smaller parties. The Four-Star hotel’s flagship event space is called Top of the Hay and was recently re-opened after a full renovation. Taking over the hotel’s ninth floor, this venue offers world-class views of Washington, D.C., the White House, St. John’s Church of the Presidents and the Motion Picture Association. Your colleagues won’t mind meeting in here.

When you get hungry, head to the Hay-Adams’ sole full-service restaurant, Lafayette, which is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner and on Sundays for brunch as well. The Four-Star hotel’s restaurant is much like the Hay-Adams itself — grand yet welcoming. Lafayette is decked out with soft yellow and green, sophisticated dining chairs, white tablecloths, crystal chandeliers and a large fireplace at one end. The hotel’s bar oozes a much more clubby atmosphere; the basement bar is outfitted in dark reds with wood accents. Of course, it doesn’t lose its D.C. roots: There’s a wall of political cartoons near the entrance.

The Hay-Adams is located at 800 16th St., NW, just two blocks from the White House in Lafayette Square. On the grounds of the former homes of John Adams and John Hay, the historic hotel opened in 1928 and underwent a full renovation in 2001 and a rooftop renovation in 2010. As one of D.C.’s luxury Four-Star hotels, the Hay-Adams blends a Beaux Arts façade with tasteful yet elegant décor and the city’s best views of the president’s pad and Lafayette Park. The Washington, D.C., hotel has served as a home away from home for visiting dignitaries, leaders and celebrities for many years, and even housed the Obama family prior to Barack’s inauguration.

Before you book your accommodations at the Hay-Adams, keep in mind that the average price of a room depends both on the season and the day of the week. In general, the average room price at the Four-Star hotel is lower on weekends and higher during major Washington, D.C., events and holidays. Expect to pay around $450 per night for a regular room. Seasonal specials and packages are available and can include incentives ranging from parking to meals and more. Since the hotel’s website will feature the most up-to-date rates, it’s a good idea to check online before you make any reservations.

The best spot for breakfast and Sunday brunch at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. is Seasons — a place where Washingtonians come for power breakfasts as well as leisurely brunches. Order up the signature lemon ricotta pancakes or try a skillet — a hearty egg dish that’s made with any add-ins you like. Our current favorite? The black truffle — we’d have the scrambled eggs over potatoes and mushrooms with black truffle oil and salt for breakfast every day if we could. Large glass windows overlooking the terrace, gardens and Rock Creek Parkway make for a sunny, relaxing spot to enjoy your breakfast. The restaurant also gives out Kindles so you can catch up on the news over breakfast. Seasons is open daily for breakfast and Sunday for brunch, which includes a huge buffet with items such as lobster rolls, heirloom tomato salad and blueberry French toast bread pudding. Not in the mood to get out of bed? Order breakfast in bed — many of the same items available in the restaurant are found on the room service menu.

The mini-bar inside a regular room at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. is stocked with snacks and refreshments. You’ll find all kinds of drinks — from Perrier and Fiji to a variety of soft drinks and juices. We always go for San Pellegrino Limonata and there’s a Switch watermelon drink that’s very refreshing. You’ll also find Red Bull for a bolt of energy, and plenty of liquor: Bacardi Rum, Absolute Plain Vodka, Absolute Lemon Vodka, Glenlivet, Chivas Regal, Grey Goose Vodka, Tanqueray Gin. Beers include Heineken and Amstel Light, and there’s a half bottle of L’ Ecole Chardonnay. Snack on almonds, cashews, Madhouse potato chips, Kind granola bars, Snickers or Dylan chocolate bars. All in all, there’s plenty for a good size raid of the mini-bar.

You’ll never be hungry at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C.. The Five-Star hotel has two main restaurants, the trendy BOURBON STEAK (and the BOURBON STEAK lounge for small bites and drinks) and the more casual Seasons, along with 24-hours-a-day room service options.

Acclaimed chef Michael Mina raises the “steaks” at his upscale steakhouse in the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C.. Mina’s method of butter-poaching meat and poultry creates dishes that are succulent and sinfully decadent. According to Mina, the butter seals the meat, rendering beef and poultry super moist. Diners will find a carefully selected array of cuts, ranging from USDA prime-aged beef to Wagyu, as well as evidence of Mina’s deference to culinary classics like seared Hudson Valley foie gras, both as a starter and a main accompanied by a scallion pancake and confit rillet. Finish with an upgraded candy bar for adult palates: a sinful bar of coconut, milk chocolate, gooey praline caramel and Marcona almonds.

Seasons is the spot for power breakfasts and Sunday brunch. Get your morning metabolism going with the black truffle skillet with truffle cheese, scrambled eggs, cremini mushrooms and roasted potatoes. Besides the weekday breakfast offerings, extensive brunch options never fail to impress Washingtonians and tourists who come back again and again to spend lazy Sundays chatting or reading an engrossing book on one of the restaurant’s complimentary Kindles while enjoying executive chef Doug Anderson’s plates of pulled pork sliders with slaw, homemade bread and butter pickles in a cast-iron skillet; green lip mussels with Thai vinaigrette; or the crowd-pleasing smoked pastrami and dill-marinated salmon bagel. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the pretty gardens in sight as you enjoy your leisurely morning meal.

The best rooms at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. really depend on your personal preference. Of the standard room types, we’d choose the Grand Premier, the largest of the standard rooms, in the recently refreshed east wing. These rooms have a foyer, sofabed and a punchier décor than the more sedate Grand Premier west wing rooms. Suite-wise, our favorite is the Capital View, a spacious suite with a large living area, separate half-bath and king bed. We also like one of the six custom-decorated Presidential Suites or the lavish Royal Suite, the impeccably decorated and largest of the hotel’s suites, with the largest price tag—a night in this suite will cost you a whopping $15,000. Of course, for this price you’ll live like a king or queen. The suite has a massive 3,000 square feet of indoor space as well as a 1,000-square-foot landscaped terrace. An interesting thing about this suite is that it has bulletproof glass and an available security staff, so you can imagine who stays here. Personal fitness trainers (there’s an in-room gym), massage therapists and a private chef are also available.

The beds at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. are as comfortable as you’d expect. Rooms at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. have king, queen or double beds with plush pillow-top mattresses custom-made for the hotel. The bedding is soft and luxurious with Frette linen sheets and well-weighted down duvets and pillows, so you’ll sleep soundly. If down makes you sneeze, you can request hypoallergenic bedding and pillows for a sniffle-free night of sleep. Besides feeling great, the beds at the D.C. hotel look great, too. Each room has a custom-designed headboard to match the room’s color scheme, typically sage or lavender.

With a handful of varieties to choose from (Junior, Capital View, Presidential and Royal), the suites at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. are second to none. Many of the suites underwent renovations in 2008 and 2009, updating their look. All suites have separate sitting areas and extra half baths After a long day of business meetings or site seeing, you’ll truly appreciate the plush European cotton sheets and the well-weighted down duvet (hypoallergenic pillows and bedding are available upon request). Like the standard guestrooms, the bathrooms are consistent across all room types, except the signature suites, which offer upgraded, individual décor and an additional powder room. You’ll also appreciate the separate soaking tubs and rain showers, a calming way to unwind before crawling into bed. Impeccably clean and bright, the bathrooms feature well lit makeup mirrors and plenty of plush white towels. Junior and Capital View suites are stocked with natural and fresh L’Occitane bath products. The Presidential and Royal suites supply rich and sophisticated Aqua di Parma amenities. Each of the six Presidential suites are individually decorated and offer full dining rooms, upgraded technology (Bang and Olufsen) and optional connecting rooms. Our favorite of the suites is the Capital View, it’s spacious two-room accommodations provide a full sofa and work desk in the living room and would be excellent bridal suites or business entertaining rooms. The best part of any suite is the massive closets, which are more like private dressing spaces than simple closets. There’s plenty of space for all the clothes you bring — or end up buying in all the great shops around Georgetown.

Rooms at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. provide the perfect refuge from the hustle and bustle of the nation’s capital. Spacious and calming, most with a color scheme of sage green and lavender, they will help you unwind after a day of business meetings or relax after touring the monuments. A plush down duvet in crisp white covers the bed, and fluffy down pillows sit up against the modern custom headboard. Views overlook the courtyard, blooming gardens, C&O canal or Georgetown’s historic M Street.

If you need to send a few emails, the work desk is the perfect space, equipped with a two-line phone with voicemail and high-speed Internet access (it costs extra to connect). Some rooms have desks with two chairs, one on each side.

Each room also provides comfortable seating — either a club chair or sofa, depending on the room. You can flick on the LG TV to catch up with the day’s news, or pop your iPod on the docking station to listen to your favorite tunes. The décor depends on if you’re in the east or west wing. West wing rooms have a more contemporary look with modern artwork, while east wing rooms have an elegant Parisian décor. Overall, the rooms are simply furnished.

The serenity continues in the bathrooms, where soft, white towels and the fresh scent of L’Occitane’s lemon verbena product line fills the air. Dual sinks and a well-lit makeup mirror make getting ready with a partner a breeze; there are also separate soaking tubs, showers and toilet areas. The space is impeccably clean and calming.

The Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. does offer both seasonal specials and D.C.-specific vacation packages. Because they change frequently, it’s best to check the website for the current vacation packages and prices. Some of our favorites include the High Tech and Hassle Free package, which includes high-speed Internet access, credits toward getting any clothing pressed, express check-in and checkout and valet parking. We also like the Culinary Retreat, which includes a four-course dinner for two with wine pairings at Michael Mina’s BOURBON STEAK, and a full breakfast for two at Seasons or through room service. Bourbon Steak is an always-buzzing, delicious spot for steak, and Seasons is one of our favorite places for breakfast (ask the host for a Kindle to catch up on all the morning papers and order the black truffle skillet).

Wi-Fi service is available throughout the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C.—at a cost. It doesn’t seem very patriotic to charge an additional fee for Internet access, but that’s the deal. The hotel offers two options of speeds, a “standard” service for $10 per day and a high-speed option for $15 per day. It sounds practically Colonial but if you don’t need to do a lot of work the low-speed option isn’t too bad. Or, if you just need to quickly check your email or print something, head down to the business center, where you can use the desktop computers and print black and white and color copies, free of charge. Hosting a business event or meeting? Internet will come with a charge in your meeting room, but can be negotiated when you reserve the room.

Whether you’re a reality show junkie, a History Channel buff or find C-Span soothing, the Four Seasons Hotel, Washington D.C. has flat-screen TVs for keeping up with your programs while in D.C.. Each guestroom comes equipped with a flat-screen LG TV. Some suites have multiple TV units to keep each guest content and clicking, and all presidential suites have Bang & Olufsen models, known for their quality audio. If you’re in the mood for a movie and nothing on TV is catching your interest, head down to the DVD library in the lobby to check out a movie from the hotel collection.

There are a few things you should be sure to pack for a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C.. Here’s a list of five things to toss in your luggage to make the most of your stay in the nation’s capital:

1. A nice outfit. If you plan on dining at the hotel’s BOURBON STEAK restaurant, bring a dressier outfit. Even though the atmosphere is casual, there’s often a celebrity or political figure (cue the men in black suits speaking into mouthpieces) on the scene so you’ll want to look your best.

2. A swimsuit. Pack your swim gear so you don’t miss the heated, indoor saltwater pool, eucalyptus-scented steam room, whirlpool or sunbathing on the outdoor terrace.

3. Comfortable walking shoes. D.C. is a walking city. You’ll need a good pair of walking shoes to walk the miles and miles of monuments and museums along the National Mall. You’ll also need comfy shoes if you plant to walk the grounds of Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home, or take a midnight boat trip on the Potomac.

4. A smart phone. You’ll want something to help you navigate the streets of D.C. if you’re a first-time visitor. While the main layout of the city is a grid, the diagonal streets (usually named after states) and numerous traffic circles can make navigation a bit confusing. A smart phone with navigational properties can help you stay on track. Also, the concierge can provide you with maps and help you find the best routes around town.

5. A camera. There are endless photo opportunities throughout the nation’s capital. You’ll want snapshots in front of the White House, the Capitol Building, Jefferson and Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall and Washington Monument, among many other sites.

A tip: Frequent visitors and business clientele often arrange for their personal items to be shipped and waiting for them in their room when they arrive. For more about this service, ask about the “Travel light” program when booking your reservation.

The Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. has a few special amenities that will make your time around the pool more relaxing. If there’s any activity that makes you want to snack, it’s swimming. You can order room service poolside at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C., including items such as sliced Scottish-smoked salmon, beef tenderloin, veggie wraps or orange blossom crème brûlée. Plush towels are provided so that you can dry off post-dip, and if you forget a suit, swimming attire is available upon request.

Unlike most city hotels, the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. does have a pool. The indoor, two-lane salt-water lap pool is located in the hotel’s enormous spa and gym beneath a soaring skylight in a vaulted ceiling. If you’re an avid swimmer, you can reserve a lap lane with the concierge. Or if you just want to relax, you can do so poolside in the comfortable lounge chairs and chaises under a sunlight lamp. Looking for natural light? Step outside on the outdoor terrace, one floor up, and sunbathe while you take in the city.

Washington D.C. is the home of many firsts, including the first Four Seasons hotel. There’s much to like about the flagship Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. but here are a few things we love:

1. The location. Right in the heart of Georgetown, nestled between the historic homes, the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. is positioned near the city’s best high-end shopping, dining and nightlife. You’re not as close as other hotels to popular attractions like the White House, but we prefer to stay in the part of town where we’ll be spending the evening. The city’s attractions are all still within reach (the White House is 12 blocks away) and there’s so much to do right outside the hotel’s door.

2. The spa & fitness center. The spa is easily one of the nicest in D.C., and locals pay big money for access to the gym. As a hotel guest, you’ll have free access to the three-level, resort-style gym and spa facilities. Make use of the state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment (including TechnoGym), each with its own TV, DVD, radio and even Internet on some machines. Enjoy an in-water workout in the saltwater lap pool and relax in the eucalyptus-scented sauna/steam rooms, relaxation lounge or on the outdoor terrace.

3. The restaurants. BOURBON STEAK by Michael Mina (one of America’s top chefs) is one of the city’s best restaurants, with impressive lunch and dinner menus. All ingredients are farm fresh and the butter-poached steaks have sealed more than one deal in this town. The lively lounge is the perfect place to enjoy a pre- or post-meal cocktail.

4. The décor. From the Andy Warhol original in the lobby to the silver-leaf ceiling, the hotel is filled with an interesting mix of classic, contemporary and modern art. The Five-Star hotel’s collection includes about 2,000 works of art, a gallery in and of itself.

5. The service. The service is everything you’d expect from the Four Seasons, and then some. Our ratings focus heavily on service, and the Five-Star Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. consistently comes out on top. The luxury hotel delivers polished, professional and personal service at every turn.

The Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C.’s turndown service is a highly choreographed process that reflects the hotels’ dedication to Five-Star service. When you open the door to your room after a long day of site-seeing or business meetings, you’ll quickly shake off any tension in your clean, calming room. The room is tidied so you have nothing to do but relax. The bedding and towels are completely refreshed. The shades are drawn, soft linen mats are placed on the floor bedside, the lights are dimmed, and the soothing music fills the air. You’ll often find a chocolate or two on your pillow and complimentary waters are placed on the nightstand. It’s the perfect atmosphere for a great night of sleep.

The Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. isn’t too far from the local airports. You can take a cab from the D.C. area airports or hop on the Metro. The nearest stop to the Four Seasons is Foggy Bottom, about a half mile away from the hotel at the top of Georgetown. From there, you can either walk if you’re traveling light, or jump in a cab. Or, you can take a cab directly from the airport. Here’s a breakdown of the airport specifics:

From Reagan National Airport (D.C.A): This airport is by far the most convenient to the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C.. Expect a 10-minute taxi ride for a cost of about $10-$15.

From Dulles International Airport (IAD): International travelers trying to reach the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. will find Dulles to be the most convenient airport to fly into. A taxi ride from IAD to the hotel will take anywhere from 25-45 minutes, depending on traffic, and can range between $45-60.

From Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI): BWI is the farthest area airport from the hotel. If you fly into to this airport, renting a car would be a good option (just remember to plan for the $47 overnight parking fee). The hotel is approximately an hour’s drive, depending on traffic. A taxi to the Four Seasons is approximately $80.

The hotel concierge can help you plan pick-up or drop-off at any of the three local airports. Just let them know you’ll need a ride when booking your stay.

The average price of a room at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. actually goes down on weekends. Unlike many cities, guestrooms in D.C. are cheaper on the weekends, unless it’s a major holiday like Memorial Day and the Forth of July. It makes sense when you think about how many events take place around D.C. every week. The average price of a room at the Five-Star hotel is $595 per night during the week and $445 per weekend night. Suites can cost anywhere between $1,045 and $15,000 a night for the Royal Suite (which, only in D.C., has bulletproof glass). Seasonal specials and packages are available and can include additional perks, ranging from parking to meal packages. Check the hotel’s website for the best new packages.

The Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. does charge a few fees you should know about. Although you won’t have to pay a daily resort fee, there are some additional costs that might come up throughout your stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C.. This being a busy city, parking is one of the biggest additional costs to factor in. If you plan on parking a vehicle, there’s a $47 overnight parking fee. There’s also a cost for connecting to the Internet in your room. The fee is $10-$15, depending on speed. These fees may be waived with special packages or room types (we like the High Tech and Hassle Free package), so be sure to check out what these are prior to booking your stay to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

The Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. follows the typical cancellation policy — most of the time. That is, if you need to cancel your stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C., be sure to give the hotel 24 hour’s notice to avoid paying a fee, which is equal to one night’s stay. (Since the average room rate is upwards of $450 a night, this isn’t cheap.) However, if it’s a busier time of year (like spring and summer), the hotel could request that you cancel 48-hours in advance. To be on the safe side, double-check the cancellation policy when you reserve your room. Doing so could save you a bundle.

The Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. is located in a brick building in the heart of Georgetown, nestled between historic row homes, and just steps away from great shopping and restaurants. The Five-Star hotel (the only one in town) opened its doors more than three decades ago at 2800 Pennsylvania Ave., on the corner of 28th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. The luxury hotel was the first Four Seasons in the U.S. and one of the brand’s flagship properties. Fully refreshed before the Obama inauguration in 2009, the property has played host to celebrities, diplomats, heads of state and presidents alike, offering six presidential suites and one $15,000 per night Royal Suite, as well as Michael Mina’s famed BOURBON STEAK restaurant. Other hotels are more convenient if you’re in town to sightsee. The White House is about 12 blocks away, about a 30-minute walk or a 10-minute cab ride. The nearest Metro stop is Foggy Bottom, which is about a half mile from the hotel. It depends on what you’re looking for. You can easily get to anywhere you need to go on D.C.’s fast and efficient Metro system, and Georgetown’s charming cobblestone streets and great shopping and nightlife can’t be beat.