The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection
1127 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20036, USA
Why We Like It
We like the Mayflower a lot for its gilded elegance, historic charm, and location, location, location. You may very well feel as if you stepped into the pages of an interior design magazine. But you also know you’re in the heart of politico DC, amid power lunches and hushed wheeling and dealings. Happily, there’s enough spacious comfort and hidden-away niches to feel like you’re getting away from it all, no matter what (hello, Monica Lewinsky and Eliot Spitzer). History buffs will love all the tales that have unfolded here, including several inaugural balls.
Fodor's Expert Review
Ever since the Mayflower opened in 1925 for Calvin Coolidge’s inauguration, this grande-dame has been heralded the Hotel of Presidents. Truman called it the city’s second best address, after 1600 Pennsylvania. It’s classic DC, with a grand marble lobby, classy guest rooms, and more inlaid gold than any other DC building outside the Library of Congress. You come here for elegance, a taste of history, and insider luncheons—not to mention, one of the best locations around.
You Should Know The hotel is a popular conference center, so oftentimes it is quite busy with people coming and going.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Room
Your room is sleek and modern and elegant, with wood furnishings, jewel-toned upholstery, high ceilings (a huge plus of such a historic building!), and plenty of stone and glass. Plush bedding and down feather pillows add to your comfort. Some rooms have their own marble foyers.
You Should Know Some guests complain of late-night noise; the higher floors tend to be quieter. Rooms vary in size.
Bathroom
The bathrooms are marble, with relaxing rainfall showerheads, Aveda toiletries and thick cotton towels. Some are on the small side, but that's one of the quirks of a historic hotel.
Lobby
The block-long lobby, with its gleaming marble floor, crystal chandeliers, gilded columns, and mirrors, is downright stunning. Walking its glamorous length, you can't help but to feel the gravitas of walking in the footsteps of presidents, dignitaries, celebrities, and royalty.
Tip Complimentary coffee is offered in the lobby every morning (a good thing, since the rooms don't have coffeemakers).
Gym
The well-lit fitness center, open 24 hours, has new equipment.
Dining
Edgar Bar & Kitchen is a lively American brasserie, perfect for a power breakfast, intimate lunch or dinner. It’s also a popular after-work spot, with hand-crafted cocktails. It’s named for FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, who ate at the hotel every day for 25 years.
Tip Make a reservation for breakfast or dinner, since the restaurant can be busy.
Drinking
Edgar Bar & Kitchen is a lively American brasserie, perfect for a power breakfast, intimate lunch or dinner. It’s also a popular after-work spot, with hand-crafted cocktails. It’s named for FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, who ate at the hotel every day for 25 years.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The Mayflower is located in downtown DC, about three blocks from the White House. You are within walking distance of the National Mall’s monuments and museums (or a short metro hop away). The Farragut North metro stop is steps away. If you prefer, a line of taxis is always waiting in front.
Restaurants
Mari Vanna DC (1-minute walk) has Russian cuisine like your babushka used to make, in a home-like setting of floral wallpaper, family photos, and doilies. Twenty house-infused vodkas top the drink list (explaining why the bar is a popular happy hour spot). Daily Grill (3-minute walk) serves classic American cuisine, with cozy booths and heaping portions. Good for families and VIPs alike.
Bars
With 18th-century maps follow Jefferson’s European wine journeys, Quill (5-minute walk) is the nearby Jefferson hotel’s upscale cocktail bar and lounge; an in-house pianist plays Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 9 p.m. Off the Record (10-minute walk), a classic DC bar, is located in the basement of the iconic Hay-Adams Hotel and fills with the post-work crowd.
Photos
Quick Facts
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