The Mandarin Oriental is arguably away from the action, nestled between the Tidal Basin and the Mall, but the location is more serene than remote. There is not a Federalist tassel nor an overstuffed chintz chaise to be found; rather, in keeping with the hotel group's Asian roots, the feel is Far East. Artwork from China and Thailand graces the walls, waitstaff in the lobby's Empress Lounge wear mandarin-collared brocade jackets and serve wasabied bar treats, and the Zen restaurant Café MoZU proffers wines selected to complement the Pan-Asian menu. (A second eatery, CityZen, is helmed by Eric Ziebold, who cut his teeth in the kitchens of the Napa Valley's storied French Laundry.) The Eastern touches extend to the 400 rooms, from the chinoiserie pillows to the chartreuse silken duvets on the unusually high beds. A gym and a spa (one of D.C.'s largest) coexist on the lower level, and the hotel's art gallery features a rotating collection of works on loan from various Smithsonian museums.
When to go: During the annual Cherry Blossom Festival (late March/early April).
Which room to book: Rear rooms on upper floors boast views of the Jefferson Memorial and the Tidal Basin
Amenities:
Bar/lounge,
Gym,
Pool,
Spa,
24-hour Room Service,
Wheelchair-accessible