Things to do / Travel Guide
As the region containing the nation's capital, you might expect to find some pretty flashy and luxurious places, if that's your aim. You'd expect correctly, too. Washington DC hosts world leaders, U.S. leaders, and you, the visitor, who seek a luxurious stay in this metropolitan area boasting hundreds of sites of historical and cultural interest. The city welcomes more than 18 million visitors each year, firmly establishing its reputation as a great city to experience for travelers. Also included in this region is Baltimore, with its trendy Inner Harbor, where you can find plenty of things worth visiting in the quest for luxury.
Luxurious Accommodation in the Capital Region
Foreign Heads of State, international elite, as well as the elected officials of the U.S. government like to travel in style, and Washington DC has several outstanding hotels catering to the luxury traveler. Some of them have been serving important visitors for the greater part of a century, but rest assured that meticulous renovations have preserved the spirit and the history of the hotels while offering visitors a high standard of luxury and sophistication. The luxury hotels in Washington DC are located in several areas - choose the one best matching your needs.
Downtown and The Mall area hotels are close to the centers of government as well as the main attractions. These include the Willard InterContinental, which claims to have hosted almost every U.S. President in its 100 year history, and the French flavored Sofitel Lafayette. For a more relaxed and residential location choose the Dupont Circle area or Georgetown. Georgetown is the home of the modern and trendy Ritz-Carlton Georgetown as well as the Four Seasons, host to the most demanding visitors, from CEO's to opera divas to rock stars. Other good luxurious choices are the Watergate Hotel (of scandal fame) and the Hay-Adams, located in downtown DC, just steps from the White House, which began hosting high-powered visitors way back in 1920.
Of course, there have been a few noteworthy hotel additions since 1920, to be sure. One shining example is the Mandarin Oriental. Located in southwest DC, this gem provides guests with stunning views of the Jefferson Memorial and Tidal Basin. The room décor is subtly Asian, including jade and ginger highlights. Rooms come with numerous amenities, such as imported linens and flat screen TVs with DVDs. Both CityZen restaurant and Café MoZu are located here, and both feature outstanding Asian fusion cuisine. There is also an extensive fitness and spa facility, and a large waterfront-view pool, sauna, and whirlpools. Spa services include a huge selection of treatments. Staff pampering puts it all together for an unforgettable stay.
After a short trek down the George Washington Parkway (Route 1), visitors to Alexandria will be please to find the Morrison House Hotel. A fine example of Federal architecture, the hotel features flag-draped columns and dual stair entrances which wind up to the beautiful portico. The interior is beautiful, with charming artwork and excellent dining facilities. Attention to detail shows, with Frette linens, Gilchrist & Soames toiletries, and complimentary butler service (the butler actually shows guests to their gorgeous rooms). Fireplaces are found in the bedrooms, while the hallways are decorated with chandeliers and Oriental carpets. Morrison House Grille serves American cuisine, featuring wild game fish, fine meats, and free-range poultry. The dining room is complemented with a small piano bar and lounge, and room service is available 24-hours-a-day.
If you're going to be staying in Baltimore, treat yourself to the InterContinental Harbor Court Hotel, situated on the city's scenic Inner Harbor, which offers European-style service with a pleasant American influence. From the grand staircase to the original art and antiques that dress the hotel, each detail was carefully selected for its beauty and style. The hotel offers a wide variety of services and amenities. Each room is elegantly appointed with traditional mahogany furniture, plush reading chairs, writing desks, and feather-top beds. The specialty suites have four-post beds, oversized marble bathrooms, six-foot bathtubs, three telephones, and an awesome view of the Inner Harbor. As if that's not enough, the in-house restaurant is Hamptons, named as one of the top two restaurants in the nation!
Luxurious Dining in the Capital Region
Luxurious as the hotels are, there's certainly more to discover here besides lodging. Dining is the perfect canvas to paint a luxurious experience, and the Capital region will not disappoint you. And there's plenty more than the in-house restaurants at your choice hotel.
For example, 1789, an elegant Georgetown restaurant, is set in a Federal-style townhouse with roaring fireplaces and tasteful historical artwork. Regionally-acclaimed chef Nathan Beauchamp offers a seasonal menu of creative dishes in the American style of cuisine, like glazed roasted pork chop with sweet potato bread pudding and a bourbon-laced applesauce.
Another great dining option takes guests to the heart of Old Spain with a visit to Taberna Del Alabardero. Exquisite service and attention to detail makes the dishes a true delight. There are many visiting chefs from Spain who may occupy the kitchen as well, always adding a new flair to the menu. Try the rich paella with lobster, and the crema catalana for dessert. The décor is subtle but tasteful, making the place a “can't miss.”
Marcel's is another excellent place for top-tier dining. Chef Robert Wiedmaier presents dishes in the French style but with Flemish accents, and offers no particular set menu, but instead goes with what ingredients are freshest and of highest quality. Stylish ambiance, combined with an extensive wine list and attentive service make Marcel's a blue ribbon choice
Those are just a few of the global offerings available in Washington DC. It is not surprising that the city that hosts the world's embassies has restaurants representing just about every cuisine on the planet. And with so many dining VIPs, the standards are quite high. Enjoy, and for a good table, just mention that the Ambassador sent you.
Luxurious Activities in the Capital Region
The Capital region also offers visitors a great choice of venues for a fantastic evening out. There are the standards, of course - the Kennedy Center plays host to a whole menu of events such as opera, ballet, symphonies, and plays. Afterward, take a luxurious carriage ride around The Mall and see all the beautiful and famous historic buildings in Our Nation's Capital, especially attractive when illuminated at night.
Most of DC's choice bars are found in the “hip” hotels. For example, there's the Bar Rouge at the Hotel Rouge, which makes really interesting drinks. The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown presents Degrees, with a sleek black granite bar and risqué red velvet curtains. The Helix Lounge at the Hotel Helix mixes “retro” drinks in a room full of rotating lighting and white vinyl. In upper Georgetown, Bourbon delivers on its name, with more than 50 types, plus numerous whiskeys and wines. Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan are also great nighttime hotspots, offering trendy, chic dance clubs and low-key bars.
Visitors may also enjoy a lovely dinner/dancing cruise on the Potomac River. This is a great way to see the sites, while simultaneously enjoying a sumptuous meal, live music, and dancing aboard the Odyssey III (seasonal; May-September). For luxury shopping, try Tyson's Corner Mall, just outside DC, in McLean, Virginia, where you'll find all the major department stores as well as a host of small specialty shops.
One last suggestion, in order to end your luxury visit to the Capital region on a high note, is to soar up into the heavens on a hot-air balloon ride. Cruise along just above treetop level, and see the sites of DC while sipping champagne and noshing on hors de oeuvres. That's style! That's luxury!
Luxury Vacation Ideas in Washington D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland
Luxury-Vacations
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