Washington D. C.

Washington, D. C. is steeped in both history and modern vitality with emblematic venues that showcase the heights that exceptional people reach culturally, intellectually, and politically. Visiting during the holidays is a quintessential opportunity to experience some of the historic national monuments, parks, museums—and the spectacular Hillwood, Marjorie Merriweather Post’s former home—garland-strewn and decorated in seasonal finery. The classic celebrations are a bonus: the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (December 3), the lighting of the National Menorah (December 14), the nightly tree-lighting at National Harbor and the month-long Pageant of Peace, with its free nightly entertainment, plus holiday markets, ice skating, and performances of The Christmas Carol or The Nutcracker.

One year after the District of Colombia was created as our nation’s capital city, in 1790, at the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, Pierre Charles L’Enfant laid out the city’s physical framework with geometric quadrants on a traditional north-south, east-west grid: Northwest (NW), Northeast (NE), Southeast (SE) and Southwest (SW). Then, he added a network of diagonal axes, wheel and spoke-like streets and the broad “avenues” of public land for parks, and circles which add to the appeal of the city.

The White House, the National Mall, Dupont and Logan Circles, the Kennedy Center and historic Georgetown occupy Northwest, the largest quadrant and the central business district. The colonial era neighborhood of Georgetown had been established as a free-standing town, forty years before the capital was created; today, visitors flock to its boutiques, restaurants and two familiar five-star hotels: the Four Seasons Hotel Washington D.C. and The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown.

The letter W links the Northwest addresses to three other iconic five-star hotels that are perfect places to rendezvous, with luxurious accommodations, business centers, fitness facilities and spa services.

Where to Stay in Northwest Washington, D.C.
The Waldorf Astoria Washington, D.C. opened in June 2022 within The Old Post Office building, c.1892, where the National Park Service operates the 315-foot Clock Tower, the city’s second highest observation tower. Peacock Alley, its nine-story, light-infused atrium soars above the lobby and restaurants: Sushi Nakazawa holds a Michelin-star, The Tasting Salon offers private tastings with paired food and Jose Andres operates The Bazaar.

The Watergate maintained Luigi Moretti’s original 1967 curvilinear “ship on the Potomac” look, when it launched in June 2016, after a $125 million makeover that features spiral stairs, mirror-polished twisted columns, Ron Arad’s softly rounded red furnishings. The Next Whiskey Bar boasts stainless-steel tubes and spiral steel shelving; Kingbird, the double-height restaurant, features eight large spiral chandeliers descending from a black polished plaster ceiling and Top of the Gate Rooftop offers 360* panoramic views.

The Willard InterContinental Washington D.C. has welcomed U.S. Presidents since Franklin Pierce, in 1853, and notables from Abraham Lincoln to Martin Luther King Jr.. On a recent November day, I arrived at the 335-room destination in time for lunch the iconic Round Robin Bar just as handlers were transporting two turkeys from their van to a press conference in the ornate lobby. The Willard Tea Room in Peacock Alley, features live harp music and Café du Parc serves French brasserie fare.

W also begins the word Wharf, a recently constructed, mile-long, waterfront pedestrian promenade in Southwest, within a 24-acre commercial, residential and entertainment development. It includes The Anthem, a 3,000-seat major concert venue and the city’s second InterContinental Washington, D.C. – The Wharf, a contemporary, glass-clad, hotel.

Where to Eat
Round Robin Bar, which made its debut, in 1847, holds a signature title as the “Oval Office of bars.” In August 2025, we arrived at the famous circular bar for a Mint Julep and Negroni, and stayed for delicious crab cakes, charcuterie and a vanilla Napoleon.

The Bazaar by Jose Andres was my must-do dining destination in Beverly Hills and Miami before the chef-philanthropist became my hero via World Central Kitchen. My tapas choices remain: pan tomate, a fresh tomato topped crostini; patatas bravas, (or papas bravas) crisp, bite-sized, fried potato cubes topped with spicy tomato sauce and served with aioli, a garlicky, lemon-enhanced mayonnaise; croquetas, chicken or ham béchamel-filled fritters; grilled gambas al ajillo (garlicky shrimp), and jamón ibérica pata negra aka jamón ibérica de bellota, thin prosciutto-like slices Spain’s best cured ham, sourced from acorn-fed, black-hoofed pigs

La Chaumière, which launched in 1976, serves authentic French cuisine in Georgetown within a traditional country-inn setting complete with a stone fireplace. My friend ordered the escargots Bourgognes (snails), Cote de Veau au Chanterelles (veal chop) and I chose: foie gras (duck liver), steak aux poivres (pepper steak) and a soufflé grand marnier. 

Getting there and around:
It’s a four-hour drive—or bus ride—from New York to D. C. and a faster train trip via AMTRAK between the exquisite new Moynahan Station to the beautifully renovated Union Station in center city. This past August, I flew to Washington Dulles International (26 miles distant); there are also flights to Ronald Reagan International Airport, just across the Potomac in Virginia. I usually take taxis or Ubers plus the D.C. Circulator ($1) bus to and around the National Mall and to Georgetown; this summer, my friend’s daughter gifted us with a private car and guide from Continental City Tours LLC, which was the most expedient way to see so many monuments in just a few hours.

Washington, D.C. has lured me back a dozen times since my first childhood visit to the historic Mayflower Hotel and I’ve returned with Girl Scouts, family, friends and for travel research. If you haven’t been there lately, consider the joy of seeing it for the holidays. 

For more information visit:
Washington DC Toutism: washington.org
Waldorf Astoria Washington DC: hilton.com/en/hotels/dcawawa-waldorf-astoria-washington-dc
The Watergate Hotel: thewatergatehotel.com
The Willard InterContinental Washington D.C.: washington.intercontinental.com
The Wharf Promenade: wharfdc.com