Arrival/Check-in: I arrived at the Park Hyatt Washington, D.C. on a warm October afternoon and was welcomed by two bellmen who promptly took my small bag into the lobby. I paused to admire the striking entryway flanked by large panels featuring silhouettes of cherry blossom branches. The images, created by New York photographer Amanda Weil, depict Washington’s iconic cherry trees laminated onto ten-foot glass panels. The artwork, paired with the lobby’s clean lines, lends an elegant East-meets-West atmosphere that sets a refined tone upon arrival. (30/30)
Guest Quarters: I was delighted to be upgraded to the Presidential Suite, a 1,632-square-foot corner residence. The suite opens into a short hallway that leads directly into a spacious living room; to the right, a guest bathroom and a dining area await. At the corner where the rooms meet, double doors behind a baby grand piano open onto a small balcony. The dining area flows into a butler’s pantry equipped with a refrigerator, sink and place settings for a table that comfortably seats eight. Beyond the dining room is a well-appointed office where I worked throughout my stay. The bedroom features the King Hyatt Grand Bed and convenient Roman shades that operate from a bedside switch—one of my favorite touches. Fresh peonies graced the bedside table. The master bath feels like its own suite, with a large walk-in rain shower, a hand-carved travertine tub and ceramic tatami flooring. I appreciated the double vanity and illuminated makeup mirror, and the dressing table with a pop-up mirror was an unexpected bonus. (30/30)
Services/Amenities: The Park Hyatt sits in the West End/Georgetown area, a convenient base for exploring nearby shops and waterfront spots. With unseasonably warm weather during my visit, I followed the concierge’s suggestion to stroll a few blocks to Washington Park for an alfresco lunch by the Potomac. I also enjoyed a massage in the hotel’s Spa Room, which is a single treatment room connected to the fitness center; while it lacks the broader spa ambience some travelers expect, the therapy itself was excellent. I didn’t have time for a full meal at Blue Duck Tavern, the hotel’s signature restaurant and a local favorite, but I did sample tea in the Tea Cellar—an intimate venue offering more than 50 rare and limited-production single-estate teas. The staff were helpful and attentive throughout, adding to the overall enjoyment of the stay. (38/40)
The Experience: Designer Tony Chi’s influence is evident in the hotel’s clean lines and subtle Asian-inspired touches, which create a calm, refined environment. The combination of thoughtful design, attentive service and a peaceful atmosphere makes the Park Hyatt Washington, D.C. an ideal place to relax after a day of sightseeing or business engagements.
Total Score: 98/100
Park Hyatt Washington, D.C.
1201 24th St., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037
tel 202 789 1234