It Feels Like Paradise at The St Regis Washington D.C.
In 1926, the Beaux-Arts and Neo-Renaissance style luxury hotel, The Carlton Hotel, came into existence. It was designed by architect Mihran Mesrobian and developed by developer Harry Wardman. The name of the hotel changed to the Sheraton-Carlton Hotel after it was sold to the Sheraton Hotels in 1930 as a result of the great depression. Decades later, The Sheraton-Carlton closed for extensive renovations from December 1987 to October 2, 1988, and reopened in 1988. This came with the hotel’s name reverting to Carlton Hotel, after which being renamed The St. Regis Washington, D.C. in 1999.
I have always had a love for the sophisticated aesthetic – and in a city full of high-end hotels, it’s hard to impress anyone. Well, with its rich history, The St. Regis Washington, D.C. has long been an immaculate haven for the set apart. it is located at 923 16th Street NW in Washington, D.C. two blocks north of the White House. The hotel has 172 guest rooms, a bar, restaurant, ballrooms and an athletic club.
Let us take the lobby, for example, which for nearly a century has welcomed connoisseurs with refined sophistication and unwavering attention to detail. Rightfully so, from the grand piano to an array of brands of proven quality and lasting style, as you enter through the revolving doors at the entrance of the hotel, an exquisite view awaits. It is like a grand royal living room. Like something you would see in Downtown Abbey.
So, I recently visited The St. Regis Washington, D.C. Hotel and you couldn’t tell me that I wasn’t sitting among Kings and Queens. You can add princes’ and princesses to that too. From the moment I drove onto the property, I felt welcomed and I must thank the bellman for that – If only I could remember his name. He opened my door, took my bags out of the trunk and carried me to the check-in area. Check-in was very smooth and different. Instead of the typical long high marbled structure with agents standing behind it, I was introduced to something that I have never experienced before. At this hotel, check-in is done in small offices facing the entrance of the hotel. I must say that the interior designing in these spaces are exquisite. After this, the front desk agent walked me to the elevator and gave me added instructions. I couldn’t wait to get to my room! As I exited the elevator, I walked briskly to my room door, swiped my key and entered my room.
Let me tell you about my room…
I stayed in the superior guest room, 2 Double. This 350-square-foot Superior Room had an elegant but contemporary touch. The room included a Bose radio and iPod SoundDock, DVD player, and a sleek 32” flat screen LCD television. A dark wood antique-style writing desk and chair offer an ideal setting for productivity. There were two double beds covered with a soft down comforter, Pratesi Linens, plump pillows and a luxe throw. There were also two vintage designed closets, the minibar and a safe. Modern lavishness describes the bathroom space. There were a marble sink, spacious tiled standing shower and Remede bathroom amenities along with plush St. Regis bathrobes.
Other category rooms include the Superior, Deluxe, Premier, Deluxe and Grand Luxe, Guest rooms. Then there is the Metropolitan Suite, Caroline Astor Suites, St. Regis Suite, Empire Suite and the 1 Bedroom Presidential Suite. For more detailed information on rooms, click here. The rooms have Art Deco designs like you wouldn’t believe – And you can take the bathrobe and the bed slippers home. The latter perks are probably the most important if you ask me. Tthe rooms are the epitome of a traditional urban oasis, with walk-in his-and-hers closets, deep soaking tubs and rain showers, double vanities, and grand windows overlooking the Downtown area. Stay on the top floor and the ceiling height drops, revealing instead a wealth of preserved charms like exposed beams and gabled ceilings. Take your pick: there’s not a bad room in the house.
Let us eat…
The St. Regis Washington, D.C. is also the place to indulge in fine cuisine and exquisite service. Love French and Mediterranean, well, there is the Alhambra. The menu is filled with classic dishes that will suit your tasting, and that’s a promise. The Sunday brunch at this restaurant is also a must-try. There is soothing live Jazz, an exquisite dessert bar and optional bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Marys. To find out more, click here.
Love a great cocktail? Well, the St. Regis Bar is your place of refuge. This bar features a cozy fireplace and welcoming amber lighting. As I stood at the entrance of the bar, the plush seating and classy ambience blew me away. The service was also incredible and the signature cocktails were well made. I mean, the level of luxury the hotel offers means it is not uncommon for staff to wipe dirt from your water bottle should it fall off your lounge chair, no matter how much you protest.
Get married and meet.
If you want to have the wedding of a lifetime or a banquet to remember, then look no further. There are eight event rooms and the largest space can hold up to 300 persons. Getting married, the hotel promises that couples will receive the highest level of care and attention – from their initial meeting with experienced staff to the last moment of their perfect day. For more information, contact a Wedding Specialist at (202) 879-6903 or request more information about all there meeting spaces here.
Get fit and relax….
St. Regis Athletic Club is the ideal place to get fit and stay fit. This state-of-the-art fitness centre is open 24 hours a day and is complimentary to all guests. What equipment can you find inside? Well, there is the elliptical trainers, treadmills, stair masters, stationary bikes, weight lifting machines and free weights. There are also complimentary bottled spring waters and apples for hydration. Fortunately for me, when i went to do my work out, i was the only person in the gym. There is also a bathroom adjacent to the gym.
Now, many of Washington D.C’s grand hotels can be a little uptight. If you want to maintain a bit more levity—while maintaining your top-notch taste—The St Regis Washington, D.C. is the place. A stay here is really a stay in paradice. Everyone, from the bellman to the receptionists to the concierge, made me feel like I was the only guest in the house—which was far from true on the busy weekend I was there.paradise.
