Waldorf Astoria Washington DC: Where Elegance Meets History in the Nation’s Capital
Waldorf Astoria Washington DC is set inside the historic Old Post Office on Pennsylvania Avenue between the White House and the U.S. Capitol.
The first thing I noticed about the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC is how the majestic historic hotel, crowned with an iconic Clock Tower, reigned over the entire block. Located on Pennsylvania Avenue, between the White House and the Capitol Building, the luxury hotel is close to the National Mall, an expansive park that’s home to the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Smithsonian Museums.
Built in 1892, the elegant building has had many lives. Known as the Old Post Office, it’s the site of the first U.S. National Post Office, and the antique post office windows are still preserved in the hotel lobby near the private wine cellar where guests can partake in exclusive tastings.
The Waldorf Astoria has also been the headquarters of the National Endowment for the Arts and the Institute for Museum Services. The landmark building reopened as the Waldorf Astoria in June 2022.
The interior of the Waldorf Astoria is simply breathtaking. It’s a 500,000-square-foot property with 263 rooms. When I walked through heavy revolving doors, I was met with dark paneling that opened to an airy atrium that resembled an indoor courtyard, which opened to bright skylights and open hallways to hotel rooms on several floors.
The hotel’s 263 luxurious guest rooms and suites each have their own unique style and rich history.
Accommodations
When I walked into the Waldorf Astoria suite, I felt like a First Lady. The extensive rooms had the feel of a luxury downtown apartment designed to make guests feel at home, whether it’s one night or one month.
The long hallway led to a quaint living room area, where a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of champagne greeted me.
The expansive guest rooms and suites are among the largest in the city.
A dining room alcove that could double as chic office space opened up to the main bedroom with a chaise and a view of the Washington Monument, which became even more mesmerizing at night when it was illuminated.
There were two full bathrooms, including the master bath with a deep soaking tub and a shower.
Rooms and suites also feature expansive spa bathrooms.
Waldorf Astoria Spa
Located below the lobby was the Waldorf Astoria Spa, filled with serene elements. There were private chaises tucked against the wall where I could draw the curtains for quiet time.
A soothing waterfall dripped from the ceiling to a basin, which I watched from a lounge chair while cozied up in a blanket.
The Best Spas in Washington, D.C.
A Himalayan salt room had comfortable benches and pillows lining both walls. Chromotherapy lights made my experience even more soothing as I waffled between violet for “knowledge” and yellow for “happiness.”
Amenities at Waldorf Astoria Spa include a soothing Himalayan salt therapy room.
In between experiences, I fueled up on nuts, seeds, strawberry yogurt-covered pretzels, and key lime crunch, comprised of key lime bits, cashews, pecan halves, and honey graham crackers.
The Waldorf Astoria DC Spa offers incredible massages, facials, and body treatments. I did the 90-minutes Glow of Independence treatment, an homage to America’s 250th anniversary.
The tension in my back, shoulders, and neck melted away. The wonderful therapist customized the treatment to the areas where I needed attention, especially since I had just flown into D.C. on a red-eye flight from California.
The spa menu also offers muscle recovery massage, reflexology, and a couples’ champagne and caviar retreat that starts with a champagne foot soak.
The Sanctuary is a relaxation area with private resting cocoons and a serenity fountain.
For facials, the treatments range from a Red Carpet Ready, Lift, and Contour facial with longer-duration peels and micronized algae masks to a Bespoke Beauty Ceremony, based on Japanese manual facial massage traditions and deep hydration processes.
The body treatments offered include Lymphatic Flow Body Treatment, Rejuvenation Ritual Dry Brush and Hot Oil Massage, or a Radiant Frequency Ritual, using Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy, infrared heat, and gemstone energy.
The spa has six treatment rooms including a couple’s suite and offers a variety of services performed by skilled therapists.
Dining
In the center of the atrium is Peacock Alley, where I had dinner and afternoon tea. I sank back into plush blue chairs around ornate tables with grand chandeliers hanging overhead. My two girlfriends joined me for the Red, White, and Blue afternoon tea. Three tiers sat inside a miniature clock tower replica with a working timepiece whose hands moved around the tiny face.
Along with tea selections, such as lavender Earl Grey and Cloud Dancer white tea, we also enjoyed cocktails and champagne. We dined on orange hibiscus scones and miniature sandwiches, including presidential PB & J and Kansas City BBQ jackfruit sliders. Desserts included red velvet madeleines, s’mores tartremets, and cherry pie thumbprints.
The dinner menu leans heavily Mediterranean. Highlights include oysters, rigatoni alla norma, chicken Provençal, and whole fish with ladolemono sauce poured tableside. I ended with a slice of red velvet cake, decorated with gold flakes, edible flowers, and fresh strawberries.
Peacock Alley is set in the hotel’s soaring grand atrium and offers refined cuisine and innovative cocktails.
If you’re in the Nation’s Capital, the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, is the epitome of a luxury stay steeped in history.
For more information about Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, and the spa, visit the hotel’s website or call (202) 695-1100. For special deals on your stay, click here. Follow on Instagram: @waldorfastoriadc.
100 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
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[Photos courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
Helen I. Hwang is an award-winning journalist, author, and mechanical engineer. Her works have appeared in The New York Times for Kids, Eater San Diego, People Magazine, Parents.com, Trip Advisor, Huffington Post, Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel Magazine,TravelSavvy.com, and other publications.
She has also written a book, titled All Grown Up: Please Touch Museum and Its Move to Memorial Hall, for the Please Touch Museum, a children's museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
In addition, Helen worked as a researcher for the Peabody Award-winning NPR radio program, Fresh Air with Terry Gross. Over the years, she's lived on three continents and traveled to more than 40 countries.
She currently lives in San Diego, CA, the 16th place she's called home. More about her can be found at helenihwang.com