Jet Set: Capitol Chic

The Hay-Adams Hotel offers unparalleled views

With an impending historic Presidential inauguration upon us, I cannot think of a hotter destination at the moment than Washington, D.C.. Now, seeing as how every hotel near the nation's capitol has been booked solid for months, this post is purely hypothetical. Perhaps you can keep these hotels in mind for your next visit to Washington or for the next Presidential inauguration.

We'll begin with The Hay-Adams, an historic hotel in Lafayette Square. When it was built in 1920, it was a residential hotel and is meant to resemble a private mansion. Today, it offers 145 rooms and suites and superior views of the White House, Lafayette Square, and St. John's, the church of the Presidents. The hotel has won numerous awards and is a favorite of Washington's elite, particularly for its superb dining options in the Lafayette Room restaurant and Off the Record bar.

The elegant facade of the Hay-Adams Hotel

Off the Record Bar (I love the name!)

They say it's the closest you can get to the White House without an invitation from the President himself.

Spectacular Views abound at the Hay-Adams

If on your next visit to Washington, the Hay-Adams happens to be booked up, or if you simply prefer sleeker, more modern accommodations, try the Park Hyatt Washington.

The Tony Chi designed hotel is located within minutes of Georgetown, the National Monuments, The Smithsonian, and The Kennedy Center.

The Park Hyatt Washington, D.C. is home to the Blue Duck Tavern, one of Washington's finest restaurants, as well as the Tea Cellar which features over 50 rare and limited production, single-estate teas from remote regions of China, Japan, Sri Lanka, and the Himalayas.

A table at the Blue Duck Tavern
The Tea Cellar is just beyond the shelves on the left.

The Hotel Lounge

The Park Hyatt Washington offers chic, modern rooms.

A Sleek Bathroom

Guest Suite

The Living Area in a Guest Suite

All Images via Hay-Adams Hotel and Park Hyatt Washington, D.C.