The Willard InterContinental one of the most historic hotels in America, is pleased to announce the completion of a six-month $18 million-dollar renovation of all 335 guestrooms and suites, including their respective corridors. Designed by Parker-Torres Design, the new room aesthetic is of transitional style, blending traditional with contemporary while retaining the historic charm of the 200-year-old property. Reminiscent of a pied-à-terre, guestrooms at The Willard set a distinct standard for the ultimate luxury experience in Washington, D.C. Today, The Willard remains an integral part of the city and is regarded as a world-class destination known for its rich history, luxurious accommodations, elegant meeting spaces, and inventive cuisine.
A celebrated historic hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Willard first opened its doors in 1818 as a two-story row-house. At the time, the city of Washington, DC was in its early infancy having been established as the nation’s capital by the Constitution of the United States twenty-eight years prior. As Washington, DC expanded, so too did The Willard. What began as a two-story hotel with only a few rooms, quickly expanded to a 150-room hotel in 1847. Recognizing The Willard’s strategic location and close proximity to The White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Treasury, Hotel Manager Henry Willard strove to establish his property as the leading luxury hotel in Washington, DC. Over the years, The Willard’s reputation for being one of the finest hotels in the city grew. In 1862, famed writer Nathaniel Hawthorne observed that the “Willard Hotel more justly could be called the center of Washington than either the Capitol or the White House or the State Department.”
New Guestrooms and Suites
In November 2017, the hotel began a multi-million-dollar refurbishment of all 335 guest rooms and suites as a continuous investment to maintain and preserve the heritage property while also enhancing and elevating the guest experience. From gold leaf embroidered custom designed headboards and bespoke drapery, to textured wallpaper and crystal lighting fixtures, to marble coffee tables and décor accent pieces emblematic of the hotel’s history, The Willard, nicknamed the “Residence of Presidents” for its long-standing reputation of hosting the world’s political and social elite, radiates contemporary and historic elegance. Boasting some of the largest hotel rooms in the city, ranging in size from 375 sq. ft. to 3,000 sq. ft., guest rooms at The Willard are both regal and residential in feel. Classic guestrooms exude a sophisticated design incorporating hues of blue, ivory and cool grey accented with gold, while suites showcase a refined neutral palette of cream, beige, tan, silver and gold accented with regal red.
In November 2017, the hotel began a multi-million-dollar refurbishment of all 335 guest rooms and suites as a continuous investment to maintain and preserve the heritage property while also enhancing and elevating the guest experience. From gold leaf embroidered custom designed headboards and bespoke drapery, to textured wallpaper and crystal lighting fixtures, to marble coffee tables and décor accent pieces emblematic of the hotel’s history, The Willard, nicknamed the “Residence of Presidents” for its long-standing reputation of hosting the world’s political and social elite, radiates contemporary and historic elegance. Boasting some of the largest hotel rooms in the city, ranging in size from 375 sq. ft. to 3,000 sq. ft., guest rooms at The Willard are both regal and residential in feel. Classic guestrooms exude a sophisticated design incorporating hues of blue, ivory and cool grey accented with gold, while suites showcase a refined neutral palette of cream, beige, tan, silver and gold accented with regal red.
Bathrooms, once more traditional in feel and layout, have mostly transitioned to walk-in marble showers, while in-room technology has been enhanced and features a new innovative electronic lock system, complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as guestroom furniture with integrated power outlets and USB charging ports.Historic items from The Willard’s extensive vintage collection have been seamlessly integrated into the new guest room design including 115 newly-reupholstered antique furniture pieces. Guest rooms also feature newly commissioned watercolor paintings of the iconic property and its architectural details.
Magnificent Suites
Magnificent SuitesLauded as an architectural triumph in Washington in the early 20th century, The Willard, whose current Beaux-Arts style structure dates back to 1901, offers commanding views of Washington, D.C. Reserve a room on the Pennsylvania Avenue side of the hotel for incredible views of the U.S. Capitol Building, the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. With 41 incredibly spacious one-bedroom suites, each with their own identity and unique attributes, The Willard sets a distinct standard for the ultimate luxury experience in DC. Enjoy nights with presidential standards in one of the three opulent Presidential Suites. Soak in the D.C. sights from the sunken jacuzzi in the Jenny Lind Suite, one of the most unique suites in Washington and one of three Federal Suites offered. Relax in the elegant atmosphere of the Oval Suite’s living room, best known for its breathtaking views of Pennsylvania Avenue.
Updates in Dining
The Round Robin Bar, the oldest bar operating in its original location in Washington, and Café du Parc have been given a light sprucing. Café du Parc also opened the Pershing Room, a new private dining room offering diners a bird’s eye view of the legendary lobby and Peacock Alley, this spring. A celebratory year, the refurbishment comes as an early birthday gift as The Willard celebrates its 200th Anniversary. 
For more information or to book accommodations at The Willard InterContinental, visit www.washington.
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