Frommer's Review
An immense renovation completed in autumn 2005 brought big changes to this Four Seasons, starting with the gutting and redesign of all of the guest rooms in the hotel's main building. Guest rooms are fewer now, but much larger, measuring between 500 and 700 square feet. They feature the handiwork of world-famous interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, who transformed the landmark Four Seasons Georges V Hotel in Paris and created the distinctive look of the Sofitel Lafayette Square Hotel, right here in Washington. No sooner was the renovation complete than the Mobil Travel Guide awarded its coveted five stars to the Four Seasons, the only hotel so recognized in the city. The new decor includes custom-crafted furniture and color schemes of either celadon or purple. Most rooms have sleeper sofas, and all have 32-inch plasma-screen televisions. Bathrooms are more spacious, too, and very prettily turned out in pear- and maple-wood accents, with a deep soaking tub separate from the shower. The hotel's lobby and lower levels, which hold the restaurant, conference room, spa, and exercise center, stayed open during the renovation, and remain untouched.
The hotel's auxiliary wing, which debuted in 1999, encompasses 25 guest rooms and 35 suites, each offering soundproof accommodations, an office equipped with a fax machine, at least three telephones with two-line speakers, portable telephones, and headsets for private TV listening.
Despite all that's new, certain Four Seasons characteristics hold true: The hotel continues to attract the rich, the famous, and the powerful -- people used to being catered to. Staff members are trained to know the names, preferences, and even allergies of guests, and repeat clientele rely on this discreet attention.
The hotel sits at the mouth of Georgetown, backing up against Rock Creek Park and the C&O Canal. Original avant-garde artwork from the personal collection of former owner William Louis-Dreyfus (yes, Julia's dad) continues to hang in every room and public space, thanks to an agreement negotiated by the new owner. Transmitters installed throughout the hotel allow you wireless connection to the Internet on your laptop wherever you go in the hotel. The Four Seasons is always devising fresh ways to pamper its guests, like the popular "On the Road to Room Service," which allows guests who have been picked up by the hotel's car service to place a room-service order from the limo, and have the meal delivered to their guest room moments after they arrive.
Facilities: Formal restaurant (regional American); lounge (for afternoon tea, cocktails); extensive state-of-the-art fitness club and spa w/personal trainers, lap pool, Vichy shower, hydrotherapy, facials, and synchronized massage (2 people work on you at the same time); children's program (various goodies provided but no organized activities); 24-hr. concierge; complimentary sedan service daily within the District; 24-hr. business center; salon; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage; babysitting; same-day laundry service; dry cleaning; 7 rooms for those w/limited mobility, some of which have roll-in showers.
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.
