Fodor's Expert Review Four Seasons Hotel, Washington, D.C

The luxury brand’s first outpost in the US, the sumptuous Four Seasons Washington D.C. continues to shine after a beautiful update in 2009 as one of DC’s top hotels. Straddling Georgetown and downtown DC, it’s the perfect perch for a power meeting, boutique shopping, monument viewing, and everything in between (including a visit to your GW University student). Luxurious, super contemporary rooms, fine-dining by a celebrity chef, a pampering spa, and a sparkling lobby that resembles an art gallery are just some of its allures.

room

This is your sleek urban retreat designed by legendary designer Pierre Yves-Rochon, complete with contemporary, custom-designed furnishings, feather-topped mattresses and a soothing neutral color palette with coral and peach accents. The size is unusual in a DC hotel, starting at 385 square feet. And for those who need a little something more, the six presidential suites include the Royal Suite, complete with bullet-proof glass, private gym and 1,000-square-foot furnished terrace.

YOU SHOULD KNOW There are two wings (fitting, given the White House is just down the road): the East Wing and West Wing, connected by a glass-enclosed walkway.

bathroom

You’ll want to linger awhile in the fabulous French limestone or marble bath, featuring extra-deep soaking tubs, Ferragamo bath amenities, and thick terry bathrobes.

lobby

You’re forgiven if you mistake this sumptuous, contemporary lobby, designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, for an art gallery—or a well-to-do friend’s living room. Yes, that’s a rare Warhol screen print hanging over there. And behind the check-in desk, that’s indeed the gorgeous “Bilbao” by abstract expressionist Helen Frankenthaler. And the five enormous black-and-white installation along the gallery wall—if you look closely they morph into faces—are by Roni Stretch. So it may come as no surprise you may be rubbing shoulders with art aficionados—not to mention politicos and Hollywood stars—as you lounge in this classy space.

Arrange a hotel tour with Les Clefs d’Or concierge staff to view some of the hotel’s more than 1,650 stunning artworks (more than 400 commissioned specially for Four Seasons).

pool

The two-lane saline lap pool is a swimmer's dream come true.

spa

The subterranean spa includes a sauna, eucalyptus steam room and plenty of pampering with facials and massages. The on-site George at Four Seasons, starring stylist Ismail Tekin, requires a reservation months in advance. You’ve been forewarned!

gym

The three-story fitness center is one of the city’s most coveted places to get into shape, with state-of-the-art machines and a two-lane saltwater pool.

dining

Bourbon Steak DC by celeb chef Michael Mina is a top DC destination for grilled steak in all its buttery goodness (the seafood is super fresh too); the farm-to-table emphasis is palatable. Though sometimes you’re more in the mood for something casual—in that case, try the bar’s outdoor patio, where you can enjoy lobster corn dogs or one of the city’s best burgers (a fire pit makes it bearable even on colder days). Seasons is the hotel’s go-to for breakfast—and one of the best Sunday brunch destinations around; don’t be surprised to see a politico, VIP or celebrity engaged in a tête-à-tête at the neighboring table.

drinking

The lavish, always-bustling Lounge at Bourbon Steak DC is the place to go for seasonal cocktails and superior people-watching.