For the ultimate in pampering, head to the Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC, the luxury hotel that debuted earlier this year and is emerging as a place of choice for the elite to meet. Combining a sophisticated Asian flair with a prominent waterfront locale, this tony hotel in Southwest offers breathtaking views from Old Town to Georgetown.
Overall, the Mandarin has a great sense of place surrounded as it is by such magnificent local landmarks as the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Tidal Basin and Washington Channel. Meanwhile, in the lobby, a Chinese empress depicted swinging over the capital in a delightful painting by Zhong-Yang Huang seems to be watching the whole scene. Her knowing look suggests that she sees all that happens at the hotel.
A Private Lounge
The Club Lounge, reserved for guests staying on the eighth and ninth floors, includes a candy table around the corner from the concierge’s desk, light fare throughout the day and a private business center. A seating area includes custom made walnut-colored mohair sofas by Custom Slipcover & Upholstery, an Uttermost Prism mirror, a custom made coffee table by Decca Hospitality Furnishings and throw pillows by Travers and Nancy Corzine.
A Pad for the Powerful
The most exclusive space in the Mandarin is the $8,000-a-night presidential suite. This 3,500-square-foot, three-bedroom suite includes panoramic views of the city, a Yamaha grand piano and private dining room. No need for pjs here since the 440-thread-count of the Fili D’Oro cotton sheets will feel delicious against one’s skin. In the morning, rev up on the private Technogym treadmill. Then head to the honey onyx bathroom, which features a double shower that’s big enough to wash an Arabian horse, and a Kohler Sok infinity tub. Two of the 10 flat screen HDTVs that are in the suite are in this bathroom.
A Lap of Luxury
People in the know are beating a path to the Mandarin’s 14,000-square-foot spa, which includes a heated indoor 50-foot lap pool and state-of-the-art fitness center. The hotel has an innovative approach to its holistic spa treatments. It encourages guests to book a block of time – a minimum of two hours – instead of specific treatments. This allows therapists to determine how one is feeling and suggest treatments that might be most beneficial on that day. For instance, one might be more in the mood for “chakra balancing with hot stones” therapy than “the body politic,” which consists of either liberal or conservative treatments. The most luxurious and most highly sought after treatment is the “purva karma four hand synchronized massage.” This $450, one-hour and 50-minute treatment begins with a blissful foot ritual, where warm water is poured over one’s feet, which are also gently massaged. A full body exfoliation, facial and polarity balancing follow. Next, two therapists simultaneously massage one in mesmerizing rhythmic harmony using warm fragrant oils. Meanwhile light, in the mood-enhancing color of one’s choice, softly glows in the corner of the room, and music of one’s choice fills the air.
Female guests are encouraged to arrive 45 minutes before their appointment to relax in the amethyst crystal steam room, experiential shower or vitality whirlpool. Male guests who arrive early can enjoy “heat experiences,” which include an amethyst crystal steam room, cold plunge pool, heated bench and Finnish sauna.
Expect the Unexpected
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, renown for its service, tries to fulfill guests’ wishes. For instance, the Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC stocks Pepsi, but if one prefers Coke, one will be served Coke. When a big spender wanted an XXL robe, an associate dashed to a mall and bought her one. When a group of guests needed 35 prayer rugs, a Mandarin associate was dispatched to a mosque and borrowed them.
A calming Asian influence throughout the 400-room hotel, where guest rooms start at $350-a-night, comes from feng-shui principles that were followed and soothing color schemes.
Things are Cookin’
Guests dine in the sunken Empress Lounge, airy Café MoZU or sophisticated CityZen, (pronounced Citizen), the Mandarin’s newest restaurant. A 30-foot-long wall of fire that burns behind the bar is a highlight in CityZen, a Tony Chi-designed 74-person restaurant. Meanwhile, Executive Chef Eric Ziebold, most recently of The French Laundry in Napa Valley, is serving his award-winning modern American cuisine on nothing less than Bernardaud china trimmed in platinum.
