“JFK once unkindly said of the US capital, “Washington D.C. is a city of Southern efficiency and Northern charm. ” In fact, nothing could be further from the truth at the Mandarin Oriental.
Overlooking the cherry tree-lined Potomac Tidal Basin, the Mandarin Oriental is the only hotel in the city to capture this spectacular waterfront view, with the added bonus of panoramic views from the Washington Monument to the Jefferson Memorial. The hotel is perfectly located for walking to the memorials and is less than half a mile from the Smithsonian Institution’s Museums. Think of it as the most luxurious and comfortable Base Camp ever!
More about those cherry trees: In 1912 Tokyo gave the US capital 3,000 cherry trees and beside the first president’s dubious connection with said blossoms, DC is indeed magical during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. In 2013, the festival runs from March 20 to April 14 and the Mandarin Oriental is just a short stroll from the Jefferson Memorial and puts you in the box seat to enjoy the Festival and all the associated events.
The Tai Pan rooms and suites are located on the 8th and 9th floors and offer even more of the elegant luxury and style the Mandarin Oriental brand has become famous for. In the 19th century, influential foreign businessmen were often called Tai-Pan. With extra luxuries such as express check-in, lavish marble bathrooms and the Club Lounge with complimentary breakfast as well as cocktails and snacks during the day, the Tai Pan floors offer an extra level of comfort.
All the grand hotels in the Mandarin Oriental portfolio boast luxurious and tranquil spas, but the Spa at the Washington DC property is regarded as the capital’s best. The calming atmosphere, spectacular treatments and therapists who treat you like you’re their only client makes for a spa day that is second to none. The Revitalizing Ritual is ethereal – starting with a Moroccan Oil Body Buff – an invigorating scrub with orange peel enriched with Vitamin E, avocado, argan, almond, grape seed, safflower and sesame seed oils. A Swedish massage follows and is finished with intense and nourishing lavender and honey moisturizing that makes your skin feel brand new. I was amazed at how incredibly relaxed I felt. So good in fact, I think it should be renamed the Transforming Ritual.
Executive Chef, Eric Ziebold won a prestigious James Beard Award for CityZen and it is one of the most sought after reservations in the District. With the more casual Sou’Wester, he has chosen to showcase the very best regional produce with an emphasis on comfort food. Maryland Softshell Crab, Chesapeake Bay Rockfish and Rappahannock River Oysters all feature on a menu that includes perhaps the best-composed salad in all of DC – baby spinach, candied pecans, herbed goat cheese, cornbread croutons and compressed strawberries all brought together with a deft touch of lemon poppy seed vinaigrette.
Dessert is taken very seriously at both CityZen and Sou’Wester. Executive Pastry Chef Matthew Peterson was voted ‘Fan Favorite’ on the second season of ‘Top Chef: Just Desserts’ and is famous throughout the district for his legendary desserts like Fried Apple Pie with caramel and vanilla ice cream. Any night of the week you might spy a politico or diplomat who for just a moment is a 9-year-old all over again, enjoying one of Peterson’s ethereal composed sundaes. The ambrosial After School Snack combines brownie bits, Muddy Buddies, Rice Krispie treats and pretzel peanut butter ice cream.
After 2 ½ years of electioneering, we now know that President Obama will call the White House home for another four years. Where could be better than the Mandarin Oriental to stay during the Inauguration celebrations? The POTUS package includes 4 nights in the opulent 3 bedroom Presidential Suite that also includes a gym, study, dining room and of course those unbeatable views and 24-hour butler service. I wonder if those sundaes are on the room service menu?
