Hay-Adams

Frommer's Review

In its 82-year history, the Hay-Adams has welcomed the world's most illustrious, from Amelia Earhart in 1928 to a certain family named Obama in January 2009, in the days leading up to the presidential inauguration. And it's no wonder that the Obamas made the Hay-Adams their temporary home. First off, the hotel lies just across Lafayette Square from the White House. In fact, the hotel's first-floor dining room and guest rooms on the sixth through eighth floors on the H Street side of the hotel overlook Lafayette Square, the White House, and the Washington Monument. Rooms facing 16th Street overlook the 1815 St. John's Episcopal Church, known as the "church of the presidents," where the Obamas sometimes attend services, as well.

Beyond its superb location and views, this classic D.C. hotel is boutique in size, comfortably sophisticated, and grandly gracious. It consistently wins awards such as its "Most Excellent Hotel in the United States and Canada" rating by Condé Nast Johansens in 2009.

Built in the late 1920s, the hotel's original ornate plaster moldings, ornamental fireplaces, walnut-paneled lobby, and high ceilings are still in place. Guest rooms average 385 square feet in size and present an elegant decor of sage green, off-white, beige, and gold toile fabrics; custom European linens; and marble bathrooms with brass fixtures.

The hotel has about 14 one-bedroom suites and seven junior suites. Stop in at the Off the Record bar for a drink and the chance of spying a big name in the media or administration -- who knows? Maybe even the President himself.

Facilities:
Restaurant, bar; concierge; access to local health club ($15 per day); room service

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

Back to Top