The best room at the... St. Regis Washington DC

Given that the St. Regis Washington, D.C. is located within walking distance of the White House, it’s no surprise that every president since Calvin Coolidge has stayed here. But the hotel, which has been open since 1926, isn’t just a destination for politicians; other guests who have visited the elegant property include Joan Crawford, Jacqueline Onassis, Audrey Hepburn, and Elizabeth Taylor. (The property’s director of operations, Alaina Sweeney, notes, “Jimmy Carter used to sneak out the window to get his hair cut at the barber shop, and then when the White House was being renovated, he would sneak out the same window to come and have dinner at our restaurant.”)

Today, travelers visit the property (usually arriving through the front door) and its 182 rooms for its proximity to the halls of power, but also for what’s inside, including the Mediterranean restaurant Alhambra, the popular St. Regis bar (try the local take on the brand’s famous Bloody Mary, inspired by Old Town) and more than 11,000 square feet of event space. Another draw? A recent renovation that Sweeney says “retained that historic charm while enhancing modern luxury. You can sit in your 1926 hotel room and watch Netflix.”

Courtesy of The St. Regis Washington DC

The lobby of the St. Regis Washington, DC, built in 1926 and recently renovated, retains its classic glamour but brings modern touches to the property.

Here, Sweeney shares the details of his favorite room as well as how to make the most of any trip to the nation’s capital.

What do you think is the best room in the establishment and why?

We have eight St. Regis suites in the hotel, but my favorite is the one on the seventh floor. In an old building like this, we have a lot of really unique architectural designs, and all of the rooms on the seventh floor have very tall arched windows that go all the way down to the floor. They offer beautiful views and lots of natural light. Another bonus is that the layout is very functional. It’s a one-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom suite with a separate living room, so you have room to entertain. And because it’s on a corner, you have views of K Street on one side and the 16th Street Plaza on the other. It’s a room we can really be proud of.

How much is it per night ?

It starts at around $999 per night.

Greg’s Powers

The St. Regis Suite at the St. Regis Washington, DC is large enough to accommodate guests. Terms of Sales recommend ordering a round of excellent room service turkey club sandwiches.

How would you describe the hotel’s guests and atmosphere?

Our guests are confident, decision-making, and relaxed tastemakers. For us, that starts in the lobby, which is my favorite part of the hotel. That’s where we have our afternoon tea, and guests can come in, whether they’re visiting for pleasure or just taking an afternoon off from work, and enjoy this ritual. And we highly encourage guests to join us at 6pm every night for our Champagne Sabrage. It’s our way of celebrating the transition from afternoon to evening every day.

What feeling do you want to convey to your guests about Washington, DC?

We host a wide variety of guests, from dignitaries to business travelers to families looking for a luxurious stay in Washington. I return to the lobby, which showcases the glamorous architecture and design of East Coast cities. My favorite thing about Washington is that we don’t have the tall buildings of other East Coast cities, which allows you to enjoy that architecture while still being able to see the sky and green grass.

Courtesy of The St. Regis Washington DC
The St. Regis Bar, where heads of state and partygoers gather for cocktails just steps from the White House. Connoisseurs can sample the house specialty, the Capital Mary.

What is the local attraction you always recommend?

My favorite thing to do is see the monuments at night. Even if you’ve seen them before, it’s spectacular. We also have so many monuments and museums that it can be fun to get off the beaten path to discover the hidden gems and local flavors that make DC truly unforgettable, like the Kreeger Museum, Rock Creek Park, or Meridian Hill Park.

Adam Rathe is City and countrysideDeputy Director of Reporting, covering arts and culture as well as a range of other topics.