InterContinental the Willard Washington D.C. by IHG
Washington, DC
Vibe
The Crystal Room sets a stately tone with historic plasterwork, marbleized pillars and regilded details.
“Beaux Arts heirloom”
Protected Beaux Arts architecture preserves historic plasterwork and marbleized pillars in the Crystal Room.
Washington dealmaking still unfolds in lounges and suites long frequented by diplomats and legislators.
Lounges remain part of Washington's working political life, hosting legislators, diplomats and their conversations.
On Pennsylvania Avenue beside Pershing Park, with the White House and National Mall nearby.
“The Willard is the capital’s most elegant and old-fashioned hotel, and it’s still the unofficial center of Washington.”
Rooms
Restored interiors pair period-inspired furnishings and archival artwork with navy, ivory and gray, drawing on the hotel's Gilded Age roots.
Wellness
The Willard Spa pairs massage and facial treatments with a sauna and steam room, while the second-floor fitness center has bikes and weights.
“Nowadays, the hotel is less a backup White House and more a welcoming base for families and pets, with classic rooms and suites dressed in navy, ivory, and gray, a French brasserie, and a beloved afternoon tea service.”
Backstory
Six investment houses became a hotel here in 1818, beginning a history that includes closure in 1968 and restoration before reopening in 1986.
Eat & drink
Café du Parc serves French cuisine beside Pershing Park, while Round Robin Bar pours mint juleps temporarily in the Lincoln Library.
The neighborhood
Pennsylvania Avenue puts you beside Pershing Park, with the White House and National Mall nearby.
More like this
The St. Regis Washington, D.C.
“Gilded power quarters”
Central
The LINE DC
“Organ pipes reborn”
Lively
The Hay-Adams
“Discreet power quarters”
Central
Eaton DC
“Activist living room”
Central
Hotel Washington
“Cherry blossom rendezvous”
Central
Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square
“Art Deco French salon”
Central
Arlo Washington DC
“Romanesque rooftop revival”
Central
Hotel Nell Union Market
“Seed warehouse revival”
Central
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.