In one of Washington D.C.’s most historic buildings, Old Post Office, Waldorf Astoria Washington DC is a treasure, being protected by the U.S. government. So much so that after Waldorf Astoria took over from Trump International in 2022, it has become one of the city’s most sought-after luxury hotels commanding far higher rates than before and becoming a hub of activity for visiting dignitaries and politicians. Aside from the Hilton Honors benefits, these are our five favorite reasons for staying at DC’s central Waldorf Astoria.
The history
It is hard to describe until you set foot into it. There is more than one entrance, but once you are in the grand atrium space, it’s truly incredible. Once the post office for the U.S. capital, one can imagine the whir of the machines rushing letters through the conveyor belts to their destinations.
The Waldorf Astoria is a national monument and protected by the government to make further changes to the structure of the building. As a result, it’s like visiting one of the city’s important tourist spots.
The atrium today features four commanding chandeliers (four of 400 in total across the hotel). The lobby soars to the glass atrium, dating back to the late 1800s, and has open-plan hallways that look down towards the lobby. This is where you will find the city-famous food and beverage venues.
A few days a week, the hotel hosts free tours of the small history museum one level below the lobby and the famous bell tower. This is the second highest structure in the city after the Washington Monument, and that coveted photo from the top is a highlight for many. The bells still ring on a daily basis.
Peacock Alley
Every Waldorf Astoria around the world has a Peacock Alley in the lobby. This is usually home to a cocktail bar, lounge and often a dining menu. And all of them have a signature clock, which in some form or fashion is representative of the destination.
When Hilton took over this property from Trump International, they made the totally-on-the-mark decision to let the clock tower of the old post house serve as the official clock of Peacock Alley here. It is visible through the glass atrium and plays an important part of the experience here (just watch the eyeballs of bar patrons as the nearby glass elevator rises to the bell tower).
The central bar stays busy most of the day with people usually on laptops until cocktail hour arrives. Large TVs show the news and sports in the background. Surrounding tables stay busy from lunch through late in the evening with dishes like grilled prawn saganaki, chicken gyros and flatbreads popular inclusions on the Med-themed menu.
Other food and beverage venues around the hotel include one of Chef José Andrés’ many DC venues. Here, it is the highly popular Bazaar Meat by José Andrés. If you want a reservation, start early. His global humanitarian efforts through World Central Kitchen, including those suffering in Haiti, Palestine and Ukraine among others places, helps fuel diner interest here.
Afternoon tea is a huge draw, and don’t be surprised if you see familiar faces from C-SPAN and beyond. Seasonality also plays a big role; just before my visit, the 250th U.S. anniversary had a faux Washington Monument in the lobby, and at other times of the year, cherry blossoms lead the charge and influence the afternoon tea menu.
It is also home to Sushi Nakazawa, which is a huge local draw and prepares everything from bar bites to a 20-course sushi selection menu.
The rooms
For starters, this hotel is a VIP magnet. Given the location, diplomats are almost a given here on a nightly basis, and several times a year, there are complete buyouts.
Separate entrances for international VIPs are available, and an entire team makes it their business to assure that their needs are met. The original elevators lead guests upstairs and feature many historic elevators on the outside.
Even the entry-level Deluxe rooms here are spacious with differing layouts given their position within the building. This was once a post office so most of the rooms are former offices with many featuring extraordinary high ceilings and original cornice work. Larger still are the Premium rooms although the real treats are the 570 sq ft Grand rooms.
Today, the hallways feature wide carpeted paths that are open to the atrium lobby down below. Each side of the rectangular atrium has no fewer than a dozen shaded lamps up against fabric covered walls (look behind them and you will see the original translucent windows of the offices from a century ago). At night, the entire atrium lights up in magical fashion with the four chandeliers shining below and subtle hallway lighting handling the elegant décor.
Numerous suites are in the building starting with Junior Suite options and climbing to One Bedroom models, complete with two bathrooms (both with a shower). Specialty suites include a duplex Study with library in the loft and extravagant Nancy Hanks Suite (so named for the woman responsible for assuring this historic building was restored to its current glory).
Almost all of the rooms have soaking tubs and a glass shower, and they come stocked with Frette robes and Aesop toiletry products. Extra touches such as bath salts with fragrant rose buds in them and plush slippers in the closet are reminders of the luxury for which the brand is known.
On each floor, any of the rooms and suites on the corner have lovely sitting nooks. Mine had a desk in one, which was the perfect place to sit and work with the city’s sights in the distance, and a sofa in the other.
The most expansive are the Postmaster, Franklin and biggest Presidential Suite (4,000 sq ft). They come with enormous living areas, dining rooms, private gyms, bedrooms with four-poster canopied beds and walk-in closets. The two-floor Waldorf Townhouse is like its own private residence with a ten-seat dining room, second-floor living area and private entrance to Pennsylvania Avenue.
The spa
One level below the lobby is the delightful spa, which draws as many locals as hotel guests. A handful of treatment rooms offers a range of massage and beauty treatments. My facial with the lovely Jennifer used Natura Bisse products from Spain, and when I left, the spa shared a few sample packs of the creams used in my facial to try at home.
Post-treatment, I had the option of lounging in the relaxation area with light snacks, fresh fruit and tea in one of the curtained-off cocoon chairs or sipping bubbly in the Himalayan salt room. Guests can do either or all of the above before or after a service.
In the changing rooms, there is a steam room, plush robes to use during the visit and a towel warmer. Just outside the spa, a 24-hour fitness center offers the latest workout equipment and adds its own towels and refreshments.
The location
A night at the Waldorf Astoria is technically a night on Pennsylvania Avenue. There’s a very famous house down the street, and the hotel sits within Federal Triangle, which home to government offices like the Internal Revenue Service and Environmental Protection Agency. Just across the street, the FBI keeps watch of the comings and goings in the neighborhood.
Within walking distance, guests can reach metro stations to access all corners of the city, including Washington Reagon National Airport. From the hotel, it takes between 20-30 minutes to get to the airport. From many rooms, the Washington Monument stands tall and in view, just like many other notable sights like Capitol Hill and the National Archives.
