Arrival/Check-in: The fan logo atop the Mandarin Oriental is visible from the highway, though the hotel can be harder to spot on surface streets. I finally arrived and opted for valet parking, as there were no other practical choices (nearly $40 a day). The lobby was lively with conference attendees, yet check-in was efficient and the front desk staff attentive and professional. (17/20)
Guest Quarters: My corner Water Premiere Club room offered views of the Tidal Basin and the Jefferson Memorial in one direction and the Washington Monument in the other—million-dollar vistas, especially on a clear autumn day. While the Mandarin Oriental retains its Asian identity, each property reflects its location; here the palette leans toward earthy golds and browns with fabrics ranging from silk to chinoiserie patterns. The bathroom was impressive, featuring a spacious marble shower with a large bench and two showerheads (rainfall and hand-held), along with a generous corner tub. The room also included a flat-screen TV, a CD player/clock radio, and Gilchrist & Soames bath amenities. (15/15)
Services/Amenities: Since opening in 2004, the hotel introduced two notable offerings to Washington: a full-service spa and a AAA Five-Diamond restaurant. The spa’s Amethyst Crystal Steam Room—with aromatherapy mist, tiny pin-point ceiling lights, and roomy purple-tiled benches—is an inviting retreat (access is limited to spa guests). The hotel also features a bright indoor pool and a large fitness center. CityZen, led by Chef Eric Ziebold, serves a refined, Asian-influenced menu that draws locals and visitors alike. Café MoZu provides all-day dining, while the Empress Lounge in the lobby is a comfortable spot for coffee, cocktails, or the hotel’s herbal health drinks; it also offers a well-regarded Asian buffet lunch. (44/45)
The Experience: The Mandarin Oriental sits about three blocks from the National Mall—convenient for visiting museums and monuments—and is surrounded by government offices. Once you park, the nearby Metro stop makes getting around simple. Inside the hotel, however, the ambiance is distinctly different: serene, comfortable, and ideal for decompressing after a busy day or for enjoying a relaxed weekend. (19/20)
Total Score: (95/100)
Mandarin Oriental, Washington, D.C.
1330 Maryland Ave., S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20024
tel 202 554 8588
http://www.mandarinoriental.com