Renaissance Mayflower Hotel

In the heart of downtown, the Mayflower has been the hotel of choice for guests as varied as Kurt Russell and Wynton Marsalis. The lobby, which extends an entire block from Connecticut Avenue to 17th Street, is always bustling -- read chaotic, at check-in/check-out times -- because Washingtonians tend to use it as a shortcut in their travels.The Mayflower is steeped in history: When it opened in 1925, it was the site of Calvin Coolidge's inaugural ball (though Coolidge didn't attend -- he was mourning his son's death from blood poisoning). President-elect FDR and family lived in rooms 776 and 781 while waiting to move into the White House, and this is where he penned the words, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." A major restoration in the 1980s uncovered large skylights and renewed the lobby's pink marble bas-relief frieze and spectacular promenade. Like the Willard Hotel, the Mayflower has mounted exhibits to showcase the hotel's long history; look for displays along the main promenade and on the mezzanine level.In 2004, the hotel completed a $10 million, top-to-bottom renovation that transformed the guest rooms into individual refuges of elegance: silvery green bed coverings, embroidered drapes, silk wall coverings, pillow-topped mattresses, and sink-into armchairs are some of the finer touches. Certain gracious appointments remain: Each guest room still has its own marble foyer, high ceiling, mahogany reproduction furnishings (Queen Anne, Sheraton, Chippendale, and Hepplewhite), and Italian marble bathroom. The Mayflower now has a club level on the eighth floor, as well as 74 executive suites.In the hotel's lovely Café Promenade, lawyers and lobbyists continue to gather for weekday power breakfasts, and a full English tea is served Monday through Saturday afternoons. The clubby, mahogany-paneled Town and Country Lounge is the setting for light buffet lunches and complimentary hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hour. Bartender Sambonn Lek has quite a following, as much for his conversation and magic tricks, as for his mixing skills. If you like martinis, ask for the "Sam I Am" (Absolut Citron, cranberry juice, and Amaretto, with a twist of lemon); it's one of 101 martini variations in Sam's repertoire. Facilities: Restaurant (Mediterranean); lobby lounge; bar; fitness center; concierge; 24-hr. business center; 24-hr. room service; same-day laundry service; dry cleaning; club level; 15 rooms for those w/limited mobility Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

Check-in Time:

3:00 PM

Check-out Time:

12:00 PM

Year Built:

1992

Year Renovated:

1992

Total Rooms:

583 rooms.583

Total Floors:

10 floors.

Rooms:

657 units

Price

Weekdays $199-$419 double, suites from $399; weekends $159-$299 double, suites from $399. Rates include complimentary coffee service with wakeup call. No charge for extra person in room, V

Credit Cards Accepted

AE, DC, DISC, MC, V

Directions

Metro: Farragut North

Area

Between L and M Sts

Parking

Parking $28

Pets

False

Attractions

01 Mi Convention Center 01 Mi District Convention Center 00 Mi Dupont Circle 01 Mi Natl Press Building 00 Mi White House 02 Mi American University 01 Mi George Washington University 00 Mi Ymca

Dining

Cafe PromenadeEvoking a sense of history & timeless grandeur, this fine Washington, DC hotel restaurant serves exquisitely prepared cuisine & traditional afternoon tea daily. Our signature seafood buffet is offered on Friday nights, promising delightful indulgence.Town & Country (bar/lounge)A perfect mix of handsome wood tones, comfortable seating & nightly entertainment is offered at this historic hotel restaurant and bar in DC. Enjoy DC nightlife with the bar?s signature martinis, cocktails & hors d'oeuvres.eMenusFor all Wedding, Social and Corporate eventsLobby CourtWith its intimate setting & outstanding wine list, the Lobby Court is ideal for quiet conversation & relaxation.Asia NoraThis restaurant is near Dupont Circle.Blue Duck TavernThis Cajun style restaurant captures the spirit of New Orleans.Bombay ClubElegant British Colonial d?cor is blended with extraordinary Indian cuisineCitronelleA celebrated restaurant near Dupont Circle, featuring the imaginative creations of renowned Chef Michel RichardCity Lights of ChinaNear famed Dupont Circle, this Chinese restaurant features Hunan & Szechuan specialtiesDaily GrillThis restaurant features an American-style menu and offers salads, seafood and pastasEquinoxChef Todd Gray offers seasonal dishes at this chic, American-style restaurantGeorgia Brown'sExceptional Southern cooking & popular Sunday brunch, served in a sophisticated atmosphereMorton's of ChicagoThis Dupont steakhouse features prime cuts of beef and fine seafoodObeliskThis Italian restaurant features a lavish 5-coure prix fixe menu that changes dailyOlivesFamed Chef Todd English prepares adventurous Mediterranean farePrime RibWashington?s premier steakhouse offers superb beef and other specialtiesSenso SestoThis trendy Italian bistro is near Dupont Circle and serves homemade pasta and meat dishesTabard InnThis popular eatery is open for lunch and dinner and offers a Bohemian charm & excellent wine listVidaliaThis restaurant features American cuisine with Southern overtones

Information by Frommers