Arrival/Check-in: I took Amtrak from Trenton, N.J., to Union Station in Washington, D.C. and, unusually, arrived ahead of schedule. The short ride into the city offered pleasant views of Washington. Upon arrival at the hotel, bell staff promptly offered to help with my luggage and pointed me toward the registration desk. The check-in line was a bit longer than I expected, but the clerk at the desk greeted me warmly, apologized for the delay and completed my registration quickly and professionally. Her friendly manner turned the wait into a minor inconvenience. (27/30)
Guest Quarters: My suite was exceptional. The living area featured a small dining table with four chairs, a comfortable sofa, two overstuffed armchairs and a coffee table. A classic Hepplewhite-style desk provided an excellent workspace. A powder room off the main hallway made the suite well suited for business travelers, allowing the bedroom to remain private while entertaining or working in the living space. The décor included historic views of Washington and botanical prints that complemented the traditional furnishings. The bedroom was outfitted with a king-size bed and an entertainment center, all arranged with thoughtful attention to comfort and style. A short hallway from the bedroom led to a full bathroom with both shower and tub. (28/30)
Services/Amenities: The Willard’s lobby is a highlight, with intricate mosaic tile floors and a ceiling adorned with the seals of all 50 states. The hotel’s storied past includes a role in the origin of the term “lobbyist,” inspired by the numerous visitors who gathered in the lobby to petition members of Congress or meet with the president; the White House sits just two blocks away. The hotel also maintains a small museum showcasing historical artifacts, including Abraham Lincoln’s hotel bill from a two-week stay before his inauguration—legend has it his first presidential paycheck went to settle that bill. (36/40)
While I did not dine in the Willard Room, it has a strong reputation. The culinary program has been led by Chef Nicolas Legret, whose résumé includes Paris’s Hotel Le Bristol and Hotel de Crillon. The Round Robin Bar carries its own legacy: Kentucky congressman Henry Clay is credited with introducing the mint julep to Washington there, and the bar has been frequented by figures such as Walt Whitman during the Civil War and Alice Roosevelt Longworth, who once caused a scandal by smoking in the hotel’s dining room.
The Experience: The location is ideal for business travelers, and the hotel’s architecture and history make it one of Washington’s most distinguished properties. The building was designed by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, the architect behind New York’s Plaza and Boston’s Copley Plaza, and the hotel’s classic ambiance reflects that pedigree. From my suite I enjoyed a striking view of the Washington Monument, a fitting backdrop for a hotel so closely connected to the city’s past and present.
Total Score: (91/100)
The Willard InterContinental
1401 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004
tel 202 628 9100
http://www.washington.intercontinental.com