The Waldorf Astoria Washington D.C. opened in 2022 within an 1899 landmark building that once served as the headquarters for the U.S. Post Office. It’s a grand setting for a once-again grand hotel within the Federal Triangle district. The property has an enormous blueprint and a recognizable, classic facade, and — believe it or not — its clock tower is the third tallest structure in the District of Columbia. A stay today combines that heritage with a dose of modern opulence.
Thanks to a location that’s steps away from the National Mall and its many museums and attractions, the Waldorf D.C. is ideal for travelers looking to soak up the sites. Spend a day touring the capital and return to a glamorous home base where indulgence awaits. There are business travelers aplenty as well, though the Waldorf’s reputation for top-tier luxury, and its formal style of service that caters to guests, shines through.
Hotel Highlights
The hotel’s interior courtyard is enclosed under a glass roof and adorned with large crystal chandeliers, as well as an even larger American flag draping down stories from the rafters. Excellent food and beverage is at the heart of the Waldorf D.C., and fittingly, right under the enormous flag is the brand’s famed Peacock Alley bar.
Tucked behind this main gathering hub is a glass-enclosed imbiber’s wonderland known as the Tasting Salon. It’s available strictly for private tastings for those seeking an epic, splashy evening. Take your time sampling from curated tasting flights featuring some of the rarest and most prestigious spirits and wines on the planet and be prepared to spend anywhere from $500 to $5,000 per person and beyond for the privilege. It’s the perfect way to end an evening that might get started with dinner at the Michelin-starred Sushi Nakazawa D.C.
When the hotel opened its doors, it also welcomed in a prodigal son of sorts, the chef, restaurateur, and humanitarian José Andrés. The Bazaar is now one of his flagships, and you can surrender yourself to the kitchen’s whims with a showstopping tasting menu, or opt for à la carte service with some of his signature flavors and flashiest presentations.
A spacious fitness center showcases an assortment of cardio and strength machines, while the adjacent Waldorf Astoria Spa offers a seemingly private retreat. The standout amid six treatment rooms and a serene relaxation area is the Himalayan salt therapy room.
Rooms & Experience
Rooms are gilded in a classic fashion, with dark royal blue and cream colors complementing sturdy furniture pieces, golden accents and trim alongside polished dark woods, and lavish white marble bathrooms. The starting deluxe king clocks in at 350 square feet, with elegant touches such as chandeliers and double-high ceilings, while standard one-bedroom suites extend up to 713 square feet.
Corridors encircle the building’s interior courtyard and allow for views into the lobby, adding to the feeling that you’re amid the action of the many movers and shakers milling about below. Make no mistake, the hotel’s bars and restaurants are packed with expense accounters, schmoozers, and consultants galore. Yet, leisure travelers and weekenders will find ample ways to luxuriate. In addition to the aforementioned belly-filling dinners, signature Afternoon Tea service is also recommended.
What to Know Before You Book
Beyond its top-notch culinary offerings, the Waldorf D.C.’s collection of dignified suites is where the property makes its strongest impression for guests. At the top end, there’s a grand, two-bedroom, bi-level townhouse, and an extravagant 4,000 square foot Presidential Suite. Perhaps the 1,600-square-foot one-bedroom Postmaster Suite is calling, though, as an appropriate setting to match the building’s history. A smaller standout with an unforgettable layout is the Bi-Level Study with Library Loft, featuring a spiral staircase leading upstairs to a gorgeous study that’s equally as suited to closing a deal as it is an idyllic setting for relaxing with a great book in hand.
Address: 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.
Closest Airport: Reagan National Airport is a 10- or 15-minute transfer, with trips to Dulles taking 40 minutes to an hour.
Feature image courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Washington D.C. Travel Curator may earn a commission from product or booking links on this page.
