Georgetown, chockfull of American history, and perfectly balancing D.C.s “green” and urban side alike, simply makes sense for discerning travelers who want to experience D.C. like a local. A number of luxury hotels are located here, including Four Seasons Washington, DC (2800 Pennsylvania Avenue, Tel: 202-342-0444. www.fourseasons.com/washington), D.C.’s only 5-star, 5-diamond hotel.
Four Seasons Washington, DC received a $13 million renovation in 2016, yet the 222-room hotel still feels quite new with enthusiastic staff and well maintained interiors. Travelers will appreciate and perhaps marvel at the unique architecture. The hotel is essentially two buildings connected like Tetris pieces, allowing the hotel to have an impressive central courtyard and private outdoor space, as well as other unexpected highlights, such as a whimsical passageway with arched skylight and a fitness center inside a glass-walled bridgeway.
Another highlight is the hotel’s contemporary art collection comprising over 1,500 thoughtful pieces, including works by renowned artists like Andy Warhol and Roni Stretch. In fact, the hotel feels like a museum with paintings, sculptures and murals strategically placed throughout the public spaces. Even elevator banks on guestroom floors — with precious art and oversized windows allowing natural light—were visually compelling; not one corner of space was overlooked at this hotel.
While the standard rooms (starting at about 400 square feet) are among the most spacious in D.C., the suites are worth a splurge. I stayed in the Capital Suite with Terrace, a 1,400 square foot retreat with expansive outdoor terrace overlooking the Georgetown rooftops (Four Seasons is one of few hotels in D.C. offering rooms with private outdoor spaces, a requirement on my travel checklist post Covid-19). Also unique is the hotel’s three-level spa (including 2-lane lap pool and hot tub) and a new BMW house car with chauffeured rides for guests. I appreciated the hotel’s location perched along the canal and at the start of M Street — and directly across the street from Rose Park. Since Four Seasons D.C. is incredibly pet-friendly, I brought my pup Ruby, who was excited to stroll the park in the mornings.
In general, I try to avoid celebrity chef hotel restaurants when I travel, but Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina at Four Seasons D.C. is a true local fixture. It broke my “no red meat” diet that I endured for 9 months (well worth it). I went with the American Wagyu 14 oz, 7x ribeye steak, medium rare, cooked perfectly, well seasoned and fatty. For all tables, the restaurant offers complimentary buttery rolls and crisp seasoned French fries cut like art, so prepare for a cheat day.
