A hotel that’s a living room in DC’s Federal Triangle

Background

Once the Old Post Office Building that was completed in 1899, it’s an edifice of history and luxury. The building avoided being torn down when Federal Triangle was being constructed. By 1983, it was a food court and retail space for tour groups and locals. But, in 2013 the US General Services Administration leased the property to Donald J. Trump Holdings LLC through a revocable trust, for him to open a hotel. Closing in May 2022, the property was sold to CGI Merchant Group and opened a month later at the Waldorf Astoria Washington, DC as one of Hilton’s most premium hotel brands.

What’s It Like?

Having been a college student in Washington, DC, and taking on many internships, gave me the opportunity to go to lots of galas and receptions. So, I’ve been to many-a-hotels in the Nation’s Capital. But, the Waldorf Astoria has the best feel, as far as hotels go. The lobby is massive with lots of open space. And the iron structures that support the building are most impressive, along with the “48 Shadow Planes” art activation suspended from the lobby ceiling by artist Robert Irwin.

A hotel should be like a living room in a community, and though Federal Triangle is very much a government Monday to Friday area in DC, it’s still a sort of community. The hotel brings together embassy staff, civil servants, and businessmen and women for meetings, dinners, and receptions. The weekend I was there, there was an Indian wedding bringing culture and diversity to the hotel. Quite simply, the Waldorf Astoria Washington, DC is home where you can unwind, dine, work, relax, and just be yourself.

The hotel lobby | *Photo provided by The Waldorf Astoria DC*

Where Is It?

Located in the heart of DC, the hotel is a stone’s throw from The White House, a quick walk to the FBI Building, and a less than five-minute walk to the National Mall (which has all the Smithsonian museums).

Room

There are 263 guest rooms, 35 of them being suites. The Waldorf Townhouse is the largest suite in the city with 6,300 square feet. The Junior Suite is comprised of 660 to 734 square feet, and comes with a Nespresso machine. The taupe tone walls and carpet match perfectly with the dark blue drapes that come with automated electric sheers and wood detailing in the cabinets and bed. Coming with lots of natural light, you can see expansive views of Washington, DC like Pennsylvania Avenue and the FBI Building. Inside you can work at the executive desk or sit in the sitting area.

Junior Suite | *Photo provided by The Waldorf Astoria DC*

The spa-like bathroom features a glass-enclosed shower, double vanity, luxurious bathrobes, and deep soaking bathtub. Additionally, find convenience in the suite's many amenities, including a clothing steamer and a secure safe, ensuring a carefree and comfortable stay. Every room has high speed internet and nightly turn down service with complimentary bottled water.

Food and Drink

Peacock Alley is the best place for meeting others in a socialable setting. The deep blue chairs with gold accents around the room, along with the grandiose chandelier lights turned down low makes evenings relaxing and romantic. But, it’s just as nice if you’re alone or need to work.

With a newly launched menu you find starters that excite the palate. The Mediterranean Mezze Platter for $54 is perfect for an appetizer or snack to share. Garlic hummus, baba ganoush, herb labneh, marinated olives, feta cheese, falafel, cucumber and tomato salad make up the starter and are served with toasted flatbread. Other starter items include the Braised Pork Belly $30, Maryland Crab Cake $35, and the Spring Green Salad $23. Mains like the DC Double Cheeseburger $34 hits the spot, and the Crispy Atlantic Salmon $49 has a crispy skin and comes with red pepper coulis, grilled asparagus, fingerling potatoes, blistered tomatoes, and balsamic pearls. The Roasted Airline Chicken Breast $42, comes with maitake mushrooms, spring cassoulet, snap peas, and herb butter. For dessert, you must absolutely try the Waldorf Astoria Red Velvet Cake $19. It’s unlike any red velvet cake you’ve ever seen with cream cheese frosting, white chocolate crémeux, and raspberry gel. The Molten Chocolate Cake $17, Mango Basil Cheesecake $18, and District Cookie Sampler $16 is also offered. If you’d rather just stay in your room, the hotel’s in-room dining is provided for by Peacock Alley, all day and all night.

Their Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea is quite popular so it’s best to book in advance. But, it’s a fairytale delight, perfect to treat a little girl to or for best girlfriends to enjoy. Offering tea sandwiches (vegan as well), scones, and sweet treats that satisfy an appetite of walking around the city. And, Tea Leaves’ tea options (and a glass of champagne for extra) compliment the treats.

The Bazaar by Jose Andreas entrance | Photo provided by: The Bazaar

But if it’s seafood you are after, visit the Michelin-starred Sushi Nakazawa restaurant which offers an Omakase menu. And, if it is Mediterranean with a touch of presidential history then dine at The Bazaar by Jose Andreas. With two set menus or ordering a la carte, you will have the best food experience of high-class gastronomic craftsmanship and restaurant staff that go above and beyond

Business

The Lincoln Library and the Franklin Study make for intimate business events. There are also nine event rooms located above The Ballroom. The column-free Ballroom can hold up to 1, 300 people and is the largest ballroom in the city.

Leisure

On the lower level of the hotel you can find a spacious gym with the latest and most up-to-date Technogym cardio equipment. There’s also a 10,000 square foot spa with six treatment rooms and a couples sweet. It also has a Himalayan Salt Therapy Room, the only one of its kind in Washington, DC and surrounding area. Treatments range from massages to skin therapies and body treatments. A 120-minute Signature Massage starts at $465 while the 75-minute Diamond Luminous Facial costs $275.

Verdict stay here. The hotel has a modern charm in a historic building like nonother.

Best For diversity and a visit to the Clock Tower on top of the hotel.

Don’t Miss the Cherry Blossom activation in the lobby.

Price rooms during this current spring season range from $716 to $21,866.

Contact 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004

Review: Waldorf Astoria Washington, DC

A hotel that’s a living room in DC’s Federal Triangle

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