Grandeur in D.C. at The Mayflower Renaissance
The Mayflower Renaissance Hotel in Washington D.C. is a hotel one notices for its granduer. As I searched for a parking spot near The White House on a trip to D.C., I saw The Mayflower as I drove by it while scanning for a meter. Happily, I snagged one just a block away which gave me the chance to further explore the hotel’s ambiance. The Mayflower Renaissance, opened in 1925, is a member of Historic Hotels of America, and an option to consider when staying in D.C.
First, the hotel’s location could not be more convenient. Just four blocks from The White House, it’s also within walking distance of Ford’s Theatre– if 1.3 miles doesn’t seem too far. Metro stops are also within an easy walk. Also, The Mayflower’s rich history is as impressive as its gold leaf details.
President Harry Truman and Queen Elizabeth II are two of the hotel’s prominent overnight guests. Actually, Truman stayed for 90 days prior to moving into the White House. Franklin Delano Roosevelt worked on his inaugeral address here and every president since Calvin Coolidge has held an inaugeral ball in the hotel’s ballroom. J Edgar Hoover, head of the FBI was a restaurant regular.
The 583 guest rooms and 74 suites of this Marriot-owned property are appointed with down comforters and custom duvets for classic, luxurious comfort. The coffee and tea are complimentary, but the bottled water will cost you–so will the high speed internet unless you are in the lobby or common areas. The hotel does have a fitness center, but there isn’t a pool.
A double room
Although there are several dining options away from the hotel, The Mayflower Renaissance offers on site dining at The Café Promenade (Mediterranean cuisine), The Town and Country Bar and Lounge, and The Lobby Court. Along with lunch and dinner offerings, and a wide range of cocktails, The Town and Country Bar and Lounge has nightly entertainment.
If you do want to explore other dining possibilities, head to Dupont Circle, a bustling neighborhood with several upscale ethnic and American style eateries. Try Bua, a Thai restaurant where my cousin took me once. Terrific.
Because The Mayflower Renaissance Hotel is close to The White House, as well as, many other D.C. sights, take advantage of the close proximity. Leave your car parked in the hotel garage ($28 per day for no in/out priviliages) and explore. In and out privilages with valet parking costs $46.50 per day.
The parlor of a suite
1127 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20036
Historic Hotels of America toll-free reservations number (800) 678-8946
You can also compare rates with Booking.com or Hotels.com.
Post courtesy of Jamie Rhein of the Midwest Travel Writers Association; photos courtesy of The Mayflower Renaissance Hotel
