Luxury Staycation Review: Hotel Washington

Hey VIP's! I know it's been a quiet Q2, but I promise good things have been on the horizon! Before sharing this experience, let's continue to say together "Luxury is health and wellness" (repeat x2). Why? Well, for almost a year due to mental health concerns and I couldn't bring myself to use this gift certificate until literally 1 month before the certificate expired. So let's just say this staycation was long overdue and I am excited to share this luxurious experience.

Luxury in Arrival: Hotel Washington, Washington, DC

Hotel Washington made it's "re-appearance" to the Nation's Capital in 2022 after a successful purchase of what was formerly the W Hotel. Historically, Hotel Washington and the original build of the hotel began in 1917. Today, this independent hotel is closely located to DC's iconic powerhouses including the White House, The Capitol, Washington Monument and more! Now let's get to the arrival!

When I arrived to the hotel I immediately got chills walking towards the doors if I were being honest. This was my first staycation since the transition of the hotel and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Yet, I was warmly greeted by the valet team as I continued to walk into the sophisticated lobby. I am a sucker for design elements in hotels that are unique to the idea of luxury and the assignment was certainly understood. When you walk in you are immediately greeted by a running blue fountain with the hotel's branding placed within the waves. As you continue to walk pass you are greeted by the Front Desk team who was happily available to check me in. The team executed a flawless arrival process and I was presented with my room keys and warmly welcomed with a drink ticket that could be used at the hotel lobby bar (not the rooftop) during my stay. The elegantly designed floor to ceiling arches traced the walkway to the elevators which I took to get to my guest room.

Photo Credit (OLOT): Hotel Washington Entrance + Lobby

Now, the hotel offers a variety of sophisticated room accommodations and my room accommodation was a King with City Views. P.S. this hotel has some of the best views of the city. Now for those who have been following this blog for a while knows that I LOVE a good city view and my view here included the Treasury Building and F Street NW. Additional room accommodations included a full size king bed, mini fridge cooler, smart flat screen TV, modern open closet and drawer space, and a bathroom with shower only and luxury bathroom amenities (which I'll share below) and additional lounge seating in the room.

Photo Credit (OLOT): Hotel Washington King Room + City Views

Luxury in the Experience: USA Guided Tours Washington, DC

Anyone visiting the Nation's Capital knows that booking a tour of DC is a must do activity! During my career, I've spent some time in destination marketing showcasing DC's best tourism experiences. However, I have never experienced a private tour of DC and man was I amazed with my experience with USA Guided Tour Bus. During my stay at Hotel Washington, I was personally picked-up at my location by one of their exquisite and unique open glass convertible for open air views of the Nation's Capital. Iconic views included The White House, The Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, a variety of Smithsonian Museums and more!

VIP's I had a blast during this tour experience of authenticity and luxury DC feels. And if you know me, then you know that aligns perfectly with this brand. Shoutout to Mr. Dre, world-class driver and tour guide for making sure I did not miss a beat during this tour. To learn more about this amazing experience and team, see a recap of my experience here: LuxuryofSPC x USA Guided Tours (Instagram) and book directly on USA Guided Tours Website: USA Guided Tours

Photo Credit (OLOT): USA Guided Tour Bus (Open Convertible Bus): WWII Memorial, Washington Monument, US Capitol

A Quick Highlight: VUE Rooftop at Washington, DC

Now of course, during my staycations I like to make sure that I actually indulge in rest, peace, and quiet. I could not help to note that there was a rooftop at this hotel called VUE Rooftop (formerly known as POV). Now the ambiance and state of the art views were no different than what I remembered from my previous visit. I am so glad that I took my exhausted self upstairs because I completely fell in love with DC all over again. From the cocktail selection, to the DJ playlist featuring rounds of Anderson .Paak, to the great bar staff, there's no doubt that I'll be returning. PS - you are totally able to enjoy their rooftop experience without being a guest at the hotel. Reservations are encouraged for guaranteed seating. To make reservations visit their website: VUE Rooftop.

Luxury in the Morning After: Self-Care & NaturallyIndy Urban Glow Cosmetics

Is there any other way to wake up in the Nation's Capitol than at a luxury hotel? I loved capturing this experience because let's face it I rarely experience a slow morning. This morning consisted of a beautiful cast of sun slowly creeping into the room for natural lighting. I was provided a luxury robe that felt cozy and soft the entire morning. I did not want to leave without it, but it was graciously placed on the hanger before I checked out of the room (because that is the right thing to do haha).

Photo Credit (OLOT): Hotel Washington views Treasury Buiding + F Street

During my slow morning, I ordered in-room dining from FireClay which is open daily for breakfast Tues-Saturday. The room service order arrived within 15 minutes and was the following: 1.) Stone-cut Oatmeal, 2.) Fresh Fruit & Berries, 3.) Chicken Sausage, and 4) Multi-Grain Toast. My Honest Review? This order was the perfect taste of wellness and I wanted healthy and clean options this particular morning. The taste and quality of the items I ordered were 10/10 and that is with professional promise. Lastly, the service of the in-room dining team were also 10/10. Even on my days off, I was able to quickly recognize excellent quality and service of the food and team.

Photo Credit (OLOT): Hotel Washington + FireClay: In-Room Dining, Stone-Cut Oatmeal, Fresh Berries and Fruit, IRD Team (L-R)

Lastly, before checking out at noon (Yes folks at noon lol!) I knew I wanted to partake in self-care. The bathroom design was simply sophisticated views of gold and marble touches and modern bathroom amenities including a LED double mirror. My bathroom layout was shower only, but depending on the room type and availability bathroom layouts may vary. The argan oil based bathroom amenities smelled great in the shower and added moisture to my skin. Not to mention the products were sensitive to all skin types, yet elevated with natural ingredients. My skin-care routine of course included my UGC skin products! I had just re-ordered the Tumeric Collection so I was excited to have these products with me during my stay. I started with the Turmicnator Face Mask (perfect for activating anti-acne benefits) and finished with the Vitamin C Serum (brightens skin tone and adds natural glow). I knew my skin needed rejuvenation after a fun-filled weekend!

Photo: Hotel Washington Bathroom Amenities, Marble Shower + UGC (L-R)

Was this staycation a dream come true? YES! I may be biased, but I will always remain honest on this platform. I realized that I deserve luxury, even at home. By doing so, I grew to enjoy every moment of existence, especially existence in the Nation's Capital. So, whether you are visiting DC or a seasoned resident like myself please know that luxury is always here in DC you arrive.

xoxo,

LuxuryofSPC