Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC

This 222-room branch of the revered Four Seasons chain emerged in March 2016 from a $13 million renovation that included a redesign of its rooms and dining areas. Interiors are chic and polished, featuring a contemporary style moored in elegance and fine art (the hotel's collection numbers over 1,650 pieces). The lobby makes a fine welcome, done in gray, black, and cream tones contrasted by fresh flowers, while Bourbon Steak restaurant is all wood and leather, the dark shades warmed by glowing, honey-colored lights. There are plenty of charming outdoor spaces as well, like furnished patios and a courtyard full of greenery that offers an alfresco dining spot. The driveway of the hotel is perpetually clogged with black Escalades with tinted windows and Benzes with diplomatic plates; and men with earpieces scan the public spaces with purpose. The property draws many VIPs and well-heeled travelers -- business and leisure; couples and families. It's worth noting that a few dozen employees have worked at the hotel since it opened in 1979, which says something about the depth of service here. All six concierges are members of Les Clefs d'Or, the elite concierge organization with just 3,000 members worldwide. 

The hotel is located on the edge of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, a charming area of cobblestone streets, rows of two- and three-story brightly colored brick row houses, and the treelined C&O Canal. Despite being sandwiched between the Whitehurst Freeway and the busy Rock Creek Parkway, the hotel is quiet. The convenient location is just a few minutes' walk from the heart of Georgetown's shopping and restaurants -- but it's not within walking distance of D.C.'s top sights like the White House (13-minute drive), the Lincoln Memorial (13-minute drive), the Smithsonian Museums (around a 15- to 20-minute drive), the National Mall (17-minute drive), the Washington Monument (17-minute drive), and the United States Capitol (20-minute drive). The nearest metro station is a 12-minute walk away -- but the hotel also offers car service around the city. Georgetown University can be reached in about 20 minutes on foot, or about 10 minutes by car. Reagan National Airport is a 20-minute drive, while Dulles International Airport is approximately 40 minutes away.

Rooms pack in the luxury you'd expect from a Four Seasons property -- marble bathrooms with huge soaking tubs, supremely comfortable beds with feather-topped mattresses, and art work from the hotel's bona fide collection. These chic, contemporary spaces are decked in soft neutral hues inspired by the area's famed cherry blossom, with white, cream, and pearly shades accented by touches of pink and burnt sienna seen in velvet chairs and pillows. Rooms are spacious, starting at 385 square feet (36 square meters) in Deluxe Rooms and getting larger in higher-category rooms. All have work desks and some have sitting areas, while suites add separate living rooms -- some with dining areas. Modern comforts includes large flat-screen TVs, DVD players (guests have access to the hotel's DVD collection, including a selection for kids), bluetooth stereos, high-end coffeemakers, minibars, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Luxe services include twice-daily housekeeping and free newspapers. Bathrooms are sleek and modern, with both soaking tubs and separate walk-in showers. Terry bathrobes and Salvatore Ferragamo bath products are nice perks, and all include hairdryers and magnifying mirrors.

The hotel's massive, three-story fitness center and spa with a two-lane saltwater lap pool and hot tub is enough to set the hotel apart from most in Washington. It's equipped with 30 pieces of Technogym equipment, while the men's and women's locker rooms have saunas and steam rooms, plus there's an aerobics studio. The spa has eight treatment rooms and offers a full menu of massages, facials, scrubs, and other treatments.Dining options include Bourbon Steak, a popular steak house from celebrity chef Michael Mina, and Seasons, which is known a D.C. breakfast hotspot for VIPs. The latter is open only for breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch, while Bourbon Steak is open for lunch and dinner during the week and dinner on the weekends. There's also a wine bar serving an extensive wine list accompanied by cheese, charcuterie, and chocolate. Room service is available 24/7. The business center is open around the clock and has computers and printing services, plus Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. While there isn't a kids' club, the hotel has cribs, high chairs, playpens, kid-size bathrobes, baby toiletries, toys, games, and video games upon request. Babysitting services are also available for an extra fee. Pets under 15 pounds are welcome for no additional charge, and pet sitters are available for hire (pets cannot be left alone in rooms). Only valet parking is available on-site, and guests remark that it's expensive.