Washington, D.C. Hotels|Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC

Name: Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
Telephone: 202-695-1100

A contemporary twist on a D.C. landmark

VERIFIED LUXURY

Learn How We Inspect

Perfectly poised between Capitol Hill and the White House, Washington’s Old Post Office was once one of the city’s most important buildings — the postmaster general even had a seat in the president’s cabinet. In recent years, the building became office space and fell largely into disrepair, but it has been restored and reborn into Waldorf Astoria Washington DC.

The hotel maintains much of its historic feel, thanks to 16-foot ceilings and period detailing like hardwood floors, original windows and doors. We love the massive skylight that floods the grand lobby — home to the hotel's signature Peacock Alley bar and restaurant Sushi Nakazawa (along with the highly anticipated Bazaar from noted chef José Andrés, which will open later in 2022) — with natural light.

At once intimate and grand, the Washington, D.C., hotel also offers an indulgent spa; luxurious velvet, marble and gilded finishes; and high-touch service beloved by well-heeled travelers and business groups alike.

Our Inspector's Highlights

The 10,000-square-foot Waldorf Astoria Spa and fitness center is in what was once the post office’s mailroom and still boasts the original curved ceilings where carts full of mail were loaded in from the nearby train tracks. Book the couples suite to enjoy access to a private sitting area and D.C.'s only Himalayan salt chamber, designed to detoxify and restore the body.
While the massive, bi-level Waldorf Townhouse is impressive and suited for a long-term stay, we prefer the Presidential Suite, which is three times the size of the oval office and provides perks for security-conscious VIPs, including windows bordering a secure government building and a kitchen with a discreet separate entrance. The grand, four-poster bed in the center of the bedroom, private fitness room and oversized shower are bonuses.
See and be seen at Peacock Alley, which is popular with locals during the day. Sample rare finds by the spoonful — you can try one-ounce pours of coveted wines and spirits served in a Hungarian crystal spoon.
The hotel features a giant working bell tower modeled on those at Westminster Abbey, which houses the Bells of Congress, a bicentennial gift to the U.S. from the Ditchley Foundation in England. Enjoy tours of the bell tower from National Park Service rangers and hear the bells live on Thursday evenings and special occasions.

Things to Know

While the property is at 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, the main entrance is tucked away on 11th Street, intentionally designed for easy access in and out of the building away from the busy street.
One of the most Insta-worthy locations in the city is the historic Franklin Study, which has stunning gallery walls of cherry blossom art and access to the alfresco Benjamin Terrace.
Speaking of art, the massive lobby installation, which looks like hanging sheets of white cloth, was inspired by stamps, a nod to the building’s post office history.

The Rooms

With 14- to 16-foot ceilings, the hotel’s guest rooms and 35 suites retain the charm of a historic building, from the original wainscoting to period-accurate details like federal blue velvet headboards and brass fixtures. Even the massive wooden doors are original.
Oversized windows allow for ample natural light, but we love the electronic blackout drapes for a good night’s rest.
Many rooms offer views of downtown D.C., but ask for one of the corner suites, with its curved turrets, for a desk or small seating area with a view.
Luxurious bathrooms have six-foot tubs, wood vanities with rich marble tops, and polished brass hardware.

Nearby Attractions

The luxury hotel is well-positioned halfway between the White House and Capitol Hill, allowing for convenient access to historic buildings and museums alike.
The hotel is within walking distance of the National Mall and popular Smithsonian Museums, including the Smithsonian Museum of American History and National Museum of African American History and Culture, which is so popular that it offers timed passes only — be sure to book in advance.
Explore boutiques from more than 30 luxury retailers (including Hermès, Gucci and Dior) at CityCenterDC, just a short walk north of the Waldorf Astoria.
The location allows for easy exploration of the city via Metro; hop the nearby Federal Triangle station to sites like Arlington National Cemetery, scenic Old Town Alexandria or the popular Smithsonian American Art Museum or the National Portrait Gallery in Penn Quarter.

Amenities