Whether it’s the sparkle and brilliance of the striped marble floors, the kaleidoscopic floral arrangements just outside the front desk, or the ability to rub shoulders with local dignitaries or politicians on the way to a quiet lunch meeting at Bourbon Steak, there’s plenty to impress at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC.
As one of the most iconic hotels in Washington, DC and the first Four Seasons-branded hotel in the United States, the property has been a favorite destination for the city’s elite, politicians, foreign royalty and the like since it opened in 1979.
Here’s my experience staying at this historic hotel in Washington.
What it’s like to stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC
Included in our list hotel where important historical meetings took placeThe Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC is truly a special place to stay, thanks to its prime location in the posh Georgetown neighborhood (and also just steps from sweeping Potomac River views), a fantastic restaurant and spa, and unparalleled Four Seasons hospitality. The hotel recently completed major renovations to the spa and several suites—one of which I checked in recently to see in person.
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ELLIE NAN STORCK/THE POINTS GUY
Located along the C&O Canal on the edge of Georgetown, the hotel is about a 45-minute drive from Dulles International Airport and just 15 minutes from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Depending on Washington’s notoriously head-scratching rush hour, ride-hailing prices can range from $25 to over $100. The closest Metro station to the hotel is Foggy Bottom-GWU, about a 10-minute walk away.
Checking
Passing through the hotel’s revolving glass doors, I entered a modern lobby, furnished with plenty of sofas and chairs to relax in, and got my first glimpse of the extensive art collection, which includes pieces by the likes of Andy Warhol and Fernando Botero. This led to a two-counter check-in area, where a receptionist was waiting to quickly check me in, handing me the hotel’s signature wooden key card. The staff behind both counters were friendly and attentive, always smiling and ready to ask “How are you today?” throughout my stay.
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ELLIE NAN STORCK/THE POINTS GUY
Although my room wasn’t ready when I arrived, the front desk staff brought me drinks and updated me on my room status every 15 minutes or so. I also mentioned that I was attending a formal event and needed to rent a dress; a moment later, the general manager delivered a Four Seasons note with a handwritten list of local dress rental shops.
How much is a room at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC? And how to book a room
The 222 guest rooms at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC range in size from a 385-square-foot deluxe guest room to a 1,924-square-foot presidential suite. A quick look at the hotel’s website shows that prices start at around $825 for a deluxe room or $2,550 for a premium suite, which is what I’m writing about in this review.
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Keep in mind that prices will increase significantly during peak times like spring (when the cherry blossoms bloom), summer, college graduation weekends, Christmas, and presidential inaugurations.
Although the Four Seasons brand does not have a loyalty program, to enjoy elite benefits, we recommend booking through American Express Fine Hotels + Resortsavailable to holders The Platinum Card® from American Express. By using the Amex Platinum for Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings, you can enjoy perks like room upgrades upon arrival (when available) and daily breakfast for two. You can earn 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on prepaid hotel bookings or use points for all or part of your stay.
Rooms at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC
My 800-square-foot luxury suite had an elegant entryway with a dark wood wall, reflecting the design of the Washington Metro, to the left. To the right, a pair of glass closets held two pairs of slippers, multiple hangers, a laundry bag, a safe, and some additional storage. An elegant archway led from the entryway into the main suite space. The entire suite was floored in new herringbone hardwood.
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ELLIE NAN STORCK/THE POINTS GUY
Between the two entryway closets is a spacious bathroom with a separate vanity for the toilet. The main area features a deep soaking tub beneath a colorful abstract oil painting and a glass shower (with both an overhead rain shower and a rain showerhead). Citrus-scented toiletries are by Diptyque. Two soft terry robes hang neatly on the wall to the right of the bathroom entrance.
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ELLIE NAN STORCK/THE POINTS GUY
Passing through the suite’s entrance, I stepped into the bedroom, which was huge (almost cavernous) with high ceilings and felt like it could host the Democratic National Convention. The area had a light, airy feel with a striking glass chandelier and a plush king-sized bed with a down comforter and the softest linens imaginable. The bed was set between two mid-century modern wooden bedside tables with lamps and standard USB-A and USB-C outlets.
The wall to the right of the bed is a mirrored window-style coffee station, which features a Nespresso machine, electric kettle and glass water bottles.
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ELLIE NAN STORCK/THE POINTS GUY
This room flows seamlessly into the living room, creating a cozy yet airy feel. Sunlight streams in from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking 29th Street.
To the left is a beige couch (quite comfortable, though not cozy), and in the middle of the room between the windows is a mirrored art deco drinks cabinet, with an ice bucket, a shaker, and cocktail glasses. Inside the cabinet is a small refrigerator with the usual stuff: some beer, wine, soda, mineral water, and snacks (nothing too local). On the right wall is a flat-screen TV on a long, low table.
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ELLIE NAN STORCK/THE POINTS GUY
There’s also a small two-seater marble table, perfect for enjoying room service. A mint green velvet chair faces the bar area, and a small coffee table sits between it and the sofa. The setup feels cozy, ultra-luxe, and design-forward, like something out of a very ambitious home decor catalog. The fresh flowers on the marble table are a lovely touch.
What I Ate at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC
Run by celebrity chef Michael Mina, Bourbon Steakhouse is a staple in Washington for lunch and dinner. Though known for its classic steakhouse dishes with a modern twist, I opted for the grilled shrimp wedge salad ($52), recommended by the general manager, and was very pleased with my order (I’ve been craving it ever since and even considered recreating it at home).
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ELLIE NAN STORCK/THE POINTS GUY
Other must-try items include duck fat fries ($10) and West Indian lemonade (non-alcoholic, $9).
At brunch at Seasons, the hotel’s daytime restaurant, I enjoyed the Georgetown Benedict, featuring crab meat and Old Bay hollandaise sauce ($38), and an expertly made cappuccino ($11).
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ELLIE NAN STORCK/THE POINTS GUY
Room service is well organized and efficient.
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ELLIE NAN STORCK/THE POINTS GUY
I opted for the classic Caesar salad ($28), which was crisp and light, and the spaghetti Bolognese ($32), which had a rich and flavorful sauce. The pasta, however, was overcooked, which was disappointing given the price point.
Amenities and Activities at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC
It’s no surprise that the Four Seasons Washington property offers top-notch amenities and plenty of activities for guests visiting this historic resort.
- The recently renovated spa has debuted a new co-ed lounge with a chef-created menu of healthy dishes (like acai bowls and avocado toast), dedicated couples treatment rooms, and cutting-edge Mind Sync technology, which uses sound waves to calm the brain during treatments.
- Guests can work up a sweat at the hotel’s fitness center, which spans two floors and features a 12,000-square-foot gym with Technogym equipment, a reservation-only pool, and locker rooms with saunas, steam rooms, and spa tubs. Personal training, guided meditation, and yoga are available for a fee.
- Those who want to venture a little further afield can book (for a fee) a tour of the monuments or hire a private two-and-a-half-hour cruise on the hotel’s Cru Classe.
- Twice-daily housekeeping ensures that rooms and suites are kept in tip-top condition (in the evening, curtains are drawn, slippers are placed by the bed and fresh water is left on the nightstand).
- The hotel offers convenient complimentary shuttle service, providing transportation within a 5-mile radius of the property.
Insider Tips for the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC
- Stop by the hotel and explore the art collection at DTR Modern Gallery.
- Bourbon Steakhouse is a very popular restaurant and therefore often fills up very quickly; I recommend making reservations in advance (especially on weekends or during peak times, like graduation season).
- The spa at this property has an excellent reputation and has just undergone a significant upgrade, so now, more than ever, is the time to experience it firsthand (while renovations were still underway during my stay, the special massage I received was one of the best I’ve had in years).
- Take advantage of personalized concierge services — friendly front desk staff are available to answer any questions you may have about your Washington plans and provide ideas for things to do, restaurant recommendations, and suggestions for local shops, museums, and galleries.
- For health- and fitness-conscious travelers, check out the in-room wellness menu, which features complimentary items that can be sent to your room, such as yoga mats, a variety of pillows, white noise machines, sleep crystals, and bath salts. Guests can also book Peloton bikes, treadmills, Theragun recovery tools, and more for a fee.
Accessibility
Accessibility information at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC is available on the hotel’s website. accessible accommodation page. There are three accessible room types: deluxe rooms, first class rooms, and Georgetown one-bedroom suites. Room accessibility features include grab bars for toilets, showers, and bathtubs; 32-inch wheelchair-width doors; lowered door peepholes; raised toilet seats; and flashing alarm lights and doorbells upon request.
In public spaces, there are accessible routes from the hotel entrance to each accessible room. Restaurants, fitness centers, business centers, and meeting spaces are all accessible.
Service animals are allowed at this Four Seasons resort.
The last line
Anyone who appreciates the finer things in life—or loyal Four Seasons guests—should consider booking a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC when visiting the nation’s capital. The renovated suites are so comfortable and lovely that I almost didn’t want to leave, and the on-site spa and restaurant offer experiences worth writing home about. Plus, the hotel is just a stone’s throw from some of Washington’s best. It’s a pricey lodging option, but it’s worth it if you’re looking for first-class service and the feeling that you might be mixing with some of the city’s—or even the world’s—elite.
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