It is a historic landmark in a historic city. The St. Regis Washington D.C. first opened in 1926 with the goal of being as elegant a hotel as anything on offer in Europe. More than 80 years later, the hotel’s restored elegance and location make ideal for a visit to the American capital.
The St. Regis started out as the Carlton Hotel, and has hosted countless inaugural balls, galas and important political meetings. Every president from Calvin Coolidge onward has visited the St. Regis, as have Hollywood stars from Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor to Cher. Even industrialist Howard Hughes kept a permanent suite here during World War Two, which he opened up to servicemen in his absence, at no cost.
Now part of the Starwood Hotel chain, the St. Regis has completed an extensive renovation of every one of its 175 rooms and every public area, restoring the hotel to its original glory.
Combining classic touches such as custom-designed brass bath fixtures with state-of-the-art Bose iPod docking stations, this hotel is the perfect blend of old and new.
Room rates start at $260 USD per night, rising $935 USD for regular rooms.
For distinguished guests with roughly $10,000 to spend per night, the John Jacob Astor Suite is the most luxurious at the St. Regis, featuring a living room with two fireplaces, a dining area, separate master bedroom and sweeping views of 16th Street.
The Presidential Suite is the hotel’s largest, with two entrances, private dining room that seats 10, a butler pantry with Sub-Zero appliances, and a library adjoining the master bedroom. Although, with the White House itself just two blocks away, this stunning suite is most often occupied by visiting dignitaries.
As an interesting extra, all suites include full butler service, and each butler can be reached by BlackBerry, in case guests have a request while they are out on the town.
Star chef Alain Ducasse heads up Adour, the French-American restaurant at the St. Regis, and the hotel’s trademark Bloody Marys are served at the wood-panelled bar in the corner of the restaurant.
With the multi-million dollar restoration now complete, the St. Regis is a classic jewel in the capital’s crown, and the perfect location for any historic stay in Washington D.C.
