“I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” – Mary Anne Radmacher
In a city best known for sharp elbows and power plays, the Mandarin Oriental Washington, D.C. offers a luxuriously soft place to rest your body and mind.
Location
Overlooking the west bank of the famous Tidal Basin in the city’s Southwest Quadrant, the Mandarin Oriental Washington, D.C. casts a stately and impressive form. Awash in limestone, the nine floor luxury property is topped with a sumptuous Mansard Roof the color of a freshly mowed hillside.
Entry and Open Areas
In the Mandarin Oriental spirit, the property pays homage to both the locality of the property, and Asian culture and influence. The entry features the spectacular Lobby Rotunda, a design inspired by the nearby Thomas Jefferson Memorial – a dramatic flower arrangement punctuating its center. In terms of art, the lobby features a set of Mandarin jackets and to the left of the lobby, a quite striking painting entitled “Above Washington, D.C.,” portraying the last empress of China, swinging over Washington, D.C.
Accommodations
The 400 guest room Mandarin Oriental features a variety of suite options, with the most numerous being the Signature Suites. The other suite types include the Jefferson, Oriental, Mandarin, Ambassador, and the Presidential; which we had the pleasure of touring.
The Presidential Suite
I have had the pleasure of visiting and experiencing high end properties and suites all over the world, but the 3,500 square foot, three-bedroom Presidential Suite at the Mandarin Oriental, Washington, D.C. is simply beyond compare. Here are two images of the suite, courtesy of the Mandarin Oriental:
Here are some of our images:
The Presidential Suite features a lush dining room, large master bedroom with a four-poster bed, an oversized glass-enclosed walk-in shower, marble waterfall infinity tub, personal treadmill and large working desk. The Suite is also the ideal locale to view the city’s famous Fourth of July Fireworks.
Spa & Wellness
As you would expect of a Mandarin Oriental, the Spa & Wellness areas are lavish, a serene feast for the senses and soul. The conflation of the Feng Shui and the attention to lustrous detail is quite something. The 10,500 square foot space includes an amethyst steam room, experience shower, vitality pool and ice fountain for women, sauna and cold plunge pool for men.
A hallmark of the Spa are its Time Ritual Journeys, which empower guests to utilize various amounts of time to enjoy treatments specifically tailored to their tastes and favorites. For more information on the Spa, Click Here to view the Spa Brochure.
In order to not disrupt the Spa guests, we did not take any pictures, so here are a few images of the Spa & Heated Indoor Lap Pool, courtesy of the property:
The Club Lounge
One of the most impressive features of the Mandarin Oriental Washington, D.C. is The Club Lounge, located on the property’s eighth floor. Replete with dazzling views, The Club Lounge includes a dedicated concierge, bar, lounge, dining area, terrace, business facilities and private library. Here are a few images from our visit:
Dining
The Mandarin Oriental is re-imagining its grand signature dining space, and I am most eager to return to experience it! In the meantime, the property’s all-day dining option (in addition to the Empress Lounge and the hotel’s expansive in-room dining options) is the restaurant Muze. Muze offers an inventive “East West Kitchen Concept” and is guided by Chef de Cuisine Mark McDonnell. Click Here to view the Dinner Menu. We enjoyed a delightful lunch, including a flavorful Lobster Sandwich. Here are the images from our lunch:
Closing Thoughts
One of the many reasons I adore visiting luxury properties is that I admire and am astonished by the skill and the care with which these properties are created and operated; and by the people who work diligently to ensure that their guests enjoy all the properties have to offer.
And in a city where sophisticated tastes are both political and personal, the Mandarin Oriental Washington, D.C. delivers. I encourage you to book a room on the eighth floor, grab a book, visit The Club Lounge, and take a seat with a glass of wine. Every few minutes or so, raise your head and stare at The Washington Monument.
Trust me, you’ll never look at the world in the same way.
Mandarin Oriental Washington, D.C. – Location and Social
Mandarin Oriental Washington, D.C. (Website): 1330 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20024 (Google Maps)
Please click below to connect further with the Mandarin Oriental Washington, D.C.:
Read the Reviews on Trip Advisor
More Pictures!
Thanks so very much to Emmie and Cornelia for a lovely visit, and to the Mandarin Oriental Washington, D.C. for the use of the high resolution images!
Please note that the Mandarin Oriental Washington, D.C. welcomed me as a special media guest, but that as always, my thoughts, observations, and opinions are my own.
Thank you so very much for taking the time to read my article, and I wish you happy travels!
#agp
