Pimped out presidential suites in Washington, DC




What better place to celebrate President’s Day than in Washington, DC? We thought about tracking down the most bad-ass Presidential Suites from around the world, but let’s face it – the District of Columbia does a pretty good job of being over-the-top all on its own.

From the “Extreme WOW” suite at the W for $10,000 a night to not one but two Thomas Jefferson Suites (at The Willard and The Jefferson), we’re pretty sure that there’s a good degree of excess going on in a city that continually preaches about budget cuts.

Without further ado, enjoy our gallery of Washington, DC’s best Presidential Suites.

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Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

This hotel in the heart of Georgetown boasts a special designation – it’s the area’s only five-star, five-diamond property. And when it comes to luxe, the Four Seasons knows how to go all out – it has six top-of-the-line suites, the most extravagant of which isn’t even the Presidential Suite, but The Royal Suite.

What will you get?
Behind bullet-resistant glass, a private entrance and a closed-captioned security system, the Royal Suite is as beautiful as it is functional. Guests enjoy a dining room that seats ten, four different living areas, artfully equipped kitchen, pantry with Sub-Zero refrigerator and separate service entrance, a master bedroom with his-and-hers closets, a massive bathroom, private office, fitness room and an alluring cream and silver color palate.

What makes us swoon?
A landscaped 1,000-square- terrace with three seating groupings, a fire pit and a dining table for 10 overlooking historic Georgetown (shown above) and a 90-gallon sculptural bathtub with a massive crystal fixture draped overhead.

Bust out the Black Card:
It’s $15,000 per night.
The W Hotel, Washington DC
Perhaps Washington’s funkiest luxury hotel, the trendy W boasts one of the city’s best locations – it’s rooftop bar overlooks the White House lawn. Luxe-seekers should go for the “Extreme WOW” factor and book the hotel’s version of the Presidential Suite.

What will you get?
As with all rooms at this modern boutique hotel, the Extreme WOW suite offers unique, vibrantly-colored décor. This suite offers a corner location, wet bar, signature W Cocktail Caddy, living room that can seat six, views of the Lincoln Memorial and Pennsylvania Avenue, virtual fireplace and unique art pieces.

What makes us swoon?
The bathroom’s floating tub with views of the Lincoln Memorial.

Bust out the Black Card:
It’s $10,000 a night.

The Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC

With a prime location along DC’s Southwest Waterfront, The Mandarin is undoubtedly one of the city’s most scenic hotels – many rooms offer water or monument views. Of course, the hotel’s Presidential Suite leverages the best of all of the hotel rooms, plus access to the hotel’s private Tai Pan lounge.

What will you get?
Panoramic views stretching from the Washington Monument to the Jefferson Memorial, a “great room,” with its soaring double-height ceilings, a full-size dining table and enormous crystal chandelier, a private study, and massive bathroom with oversized shower and tub.

What makes us swoon?
Other than the views? It’s something you might not expect – every time we’ve visited this room, it has had some of the most beautiful floral arrangements we’ve ever seen. A small circular window near the dining area is another of our favorite touches.

Bust out the Black Card:
It’s $15,000 a night.

The Jefferson

It’s only fitting that the top suite at this 99-room boutique hotel is named for its presidential inspiration, Thomas Jefferson. The hotel also has a slightly smaller Martha Jefferson suite, decorated in more feminine tones and often used as a bridal suite.

What will you get?
The Jefferson, DC’s expansive, top floor specialty suite, The Thomas Jefferson Suite, is as stylishly elegant as the rest of the hotel. Decorated in rich blues and featuring elegant period artwork and architecture, the room features custom-designed bedding, walk-in showers, hand-cut Italian stonework, in-mirror televisions, a private office and sitting area, service entrance, kitchen and optional exercise room.

What makes us swoon?
The custom-designed bed is actually square – special sheets were ordered just to fit the mattress.

Presidential Trivia:
When George H.W. Bush was transitioning from Vice President to President following the 1988 election, before The Jefferson, DC’s 2009 renovation, Bush selected his cabinet in the meeting rooms at The Jefferson, Washington, DC.

Bust out the Black Card:
It’s $6,000 a night.

The St. Regis, Washington, DC
Just two blocks from the White House, the St. Regis offers an ideal location, close to both the political center of the country as well as the lobbying firms of K Street. Their 2,510 square foot Presidential Suite is a traditionally elegant experience.

What will you get?
The Presidential Suite has two entrances, a separate master suite, sitting area and dining room, a private butler’s pantry with Sub-Zero appliances, two fireplaces and a private library/office.

What makes us swoon?
The ornate entry foyer graced with hand painted wallpaper from China and other bespoke design details.

Bust out the Black Card:
It’s $12,000 a night

The Willard Intercontinental
The historic hotel boasts a storied past – it’s said that the term “lobbying” began at their Round Robin bar. Just steps from the White House, this hotel’s grandest suite, the second “Thomas Jefferson” suite in our roundup, stands at nearly 3,000 square feet and is often used by visiting heads of state and other important dignitaries. The hotel also offers a similarly large and equally expensive “John Adams” suite.

What will you get?
Your own “oval office” (a dining room seats that ten and offers has breathtaking views down Pennsylvania Avenue to the US Capitol). Enjoy the custom-designed, Axminster carpet, one-of-a-kind highboys and service buffet, a tiled entry foyer in black and white marble, a dual parlor-living room with original artwork and two bathrooms.

What makes us swoon?
Its red and gold scheme and 18th-century design elements were taken from design motifs found in the White House.

Bust out the Black Card:
It’s $7,000 a night.

The Ritz-Carlton Washington, DC
The Ritz-Carlton Washington, DC is one of dignitaries and business travelers’ favorite properties in the area. The hotel offers a convenient, metro-accessible location and acclaimed Eric Ripert restaurant, West End Bistro.

What will you get?
The Ritz-Carlton suite offers a spacious living room with a fireplace, dining room with seating for ten, a massive bathroom with Jacuzzi and access to the hotel’s Club lounge.

What makes us swoon?
The large private terrace, accessible from both the bedroom and living room.

Bust out the Black Card:
It’s $6,500 a night.

The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown
One of our favorite DC hotels, this intimate Ritz-Carlton property feels more like a boutique hotel than a corporate chain. Offering a prime location just steps from Georgetown’s waterfront as well as shopping and dining, the hotel’s top suite offers expansive water views and ample space for entertaining or business functions.

What will you get?
The Royal Potomac Suite offers a separate living and dining room with dining table to seat 14, one and a half limestone and slate baths with stand-alone showers and soaking tubs, a private study and separate master bedroom sitting room, pantry and fireplace.

What makes us swoon?
Floor-to-ceiling windows and some of the city’s best water views.

Bust out the Black Card:
It’s $6,500 a night.

The Hay-Adams
Overlooking Lafayette Park and The White House, The Hay-Adams hotel is perhaps the hotel best associated with political power. The elegant and historic property is a popular choice for the world’s most elite travelers and celebrities alike – we’ve spotted quite a few in the lobby.

What will you get?
This distinguished and remarkable penthouse suite features a separate living room and one-and-a-half bathrooms. Highlights include a beautiful living room overlooking the White House, Lafayette Park and St. John’s Church. The suite includes a large dining table as well as gas-lit corner fireplace.

What makes us swoon?
The master bedroom views of the white house.

Bust out the Black Card:
It’s $3,500 – $7,000 a night.

Presidential Trivia: This is the same suite where the Obama family stayed for 12 days prior to the 2009 inauguration.

Video game exhibition coming to the Smithsonian American Art Museum

Gamers: put “World of Warcraft” on pause, lay down your controllers, and take note. Beginning on March 16, the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, DC, will open the first major exhibition of video games. The Art of Video Games will show how video games as an artistic medium have evolved over the past 40 years and will feature 80 games, all of which were chosen in a public vote in 2011.

The 80 games on display will be organized according to their game systems, of which there are 20 types, from Atari to to XBox 360, Nintendo Wii, and Sony PlayStation 3. Prepare to be sent into a fit of nostalgia while viewing early favorites, like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Donkey Kong (alas, no Frogger). Or, just browse in amazement at how far video graphics have evolved with each iteration of Super Mario. The exhibit features four Super Mario versions: Super Mario Brothers 3, Super Mario World, Super Mario 64, and Super Mario Galaxy 2.

The best part about the The Art of Video Games is that visitors will have a chance to play five of the games. Pac-Man, Super Mario Brothers, The Secret of Monkey Island, Myst, and Flower will all be featured in the museum arcade, giving anyone the chance to try out these vintage games or rack up a new high score.

The Art of Video Games kicks off with three days of GameFest, a weekend in which visitors can meet video game pioneers, artists, and designers. The exhibition runs from March 16-September 30, 2012, before moving on to the Boca Raton Museum of Art in October.

Image Flickr/zooboing

Orbitz “Insider Index” predicts London, Chicago and Austin will be popular in 2012, looks at 2011 and 2012 travel trends

According to Orbitz‘s annual survey, released this week, London, Chicago and Austin are primed to be top travel destinations in 2012. The “Insider Index” used both travel experts and the OTA’s booking and consumer search data to predict what they think will happen in the 2012 travel market.
Hotspots for 2012
London: London will mark its place in history as the only city to host the modern Olympic Games three times when it welcomes the 2012 games this summer. In late June, the city will also host one of its most beloved events, Wimbledon, where spectators can watch some of the best tennis champions compete on the court.
Austin: The trendiest part of Texas only seems to grow in popularity each year and 2012 will be no different, Orbitz experts predict. Regarded as a music lover’s mecca, tens of thousands of revelers flock to the self-proclaimed “Live Music Capital of the World” every spring for the annual South by Southwest Festival, which takes place March 9-18 this year.
Chicago: The city that attracts 40 million visitors a year is gearing up to welcome even more as it serves as the backdrop for two high-profile world events in 2012. The 12th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates will make its North American debut in Chicago in April followed by the G8 Summit in May. For those who find their own version of peace on the back nine, Chicago will also host the Ryder Cup in September– a bi-annual international golf event eagerly followed by golf enthusiasts around the world.
Sure Bets for Great Deals in 2012
San Diego: Whether a mountain adventurer or a coastal relaxer, there is something for everyone at a price that works in San Diego. And this year, there’s even more of a reason to visit this coastal city. The convention business is growing, but has yet to reach the peak levels attained during 2007. This, combined with an increase in supplier inventory, means great values throughout the city.
Washington, D.C. : A bit of a hush falls over the nation’s capital during election years with the Washington insider crowd outside the Beltway campaigning. “As candidates hit the campaign trail in 2012, more hotel rooms and flights have space available and that can add up to great deals for travelers looking to explore Washington, D.C.,” said Donna Mulligan, Washington, D.C. destination expert and regional director for Orbitz Worldwide.
Riviera Maya: Soft white sand and beautiful aqua water make Mexico’s own Riviera an oasis for travelers seeking relaxation. With its large hotel infrastructure-the biggest in Mexico-Riviera Maya has long been a shoo-in for travel deals. However, trending declines in visitors from foreign countries will make the area even more affordable in 2012.
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What Consumers Want Most in a Hotel in 2012
Based on consumer search inquiries in 2011(1), Orbitz travel experts anticipate these popular perks will continue to drive consumers’ hotel booking decisions in 2012:
Convenient transportation: Whether driving or flying, travelers are looking for easy, no hassle ways to get to their destination. Free parking and airport shuttles are among the top-searched hotel amenities.
Pool: Swimming pools rank high on the list for both families traveling with kids and for those heading to spots like Las Vegas or Miami where it’s more about the scene (and being seen) than actually swimming. As one of the top-searched hotel amenities for the second year in a row, pools often determine whether a hotel option will sink or swim for a consumer.
The extras: Consumer searches show there is strong interest in hotel amenities that go beyond the basics. Four-legged companions are often seen as an integral part of the modern family. As such, search behaviors show that lots of travelers are seeking lodging that will accommodate their pets. There is also strong interest in hotels that provide spa services, fitness centers and wireless internet.
Predictions for 2012
In-house travel experts at Orbitz also identified the top three travel booking trends for 2012.
Mobile: Mobile commerce is expected to nearly double in the U.S. next year(2) and many of those mobile consumers will be on-the-go travelers, Orbitz forecasts. “65% of hotel reservations made via our mobile channels are for same-day stays compared to 14% via traditional desktop browsers,” said Chris Brown, vice president of product development for Orbitz Worldwide.
Flash Sales: The number of flash sale sites rose more than 350% from July of 2009 to July 2011 and the popularity of such sites seems only to be growing.
Gift of Travel: Today, many consumers are finding more meaningful value in giving experiences and memories vs. products off store shelves. “We are seeing parents gifting travel for graduations and birthdays and more engaged couples are opting to register for activities for their honeymoons instead of a set of towels,” said Jeanenne Tornatore, senior travel editor for Orbitz.com. While most give the gift to help people explore somewhere new it can also be a subtle reminder, and the extra push some need, to visit loved ones who do not live nearby.
Top 2011 U.S. Destinations
The usual suspects are back atop the list of the 10 most popular U.S. travel destinations. Las Vegas and New York claimed the top two spots for the fourth year in a row. One surprise showing, however, came from Orlando, which nudged ahead of Chicago, bumping the Windy City down to number four.
2011 could be dubbed the year of the urban escape as U.S. travelers often opted for cities over sand. In fact, the following beach destinations on the 2010 list were notably absent in 2011 rankings: San Diego (#5 last year), Honolulu (#7), and Miami (#10). Meanwhile, Boston and Los Angeles-two top destinations for 2009-reemerged in 2011 and Denver (#6) and Atlanta (#8) were welcomed as newcomers.
Top 2011 International Destinations
The top three international travel destinations for U.S. travelers – Cancun, San Juan and London-held steady in the same slots as 2010. However, there was a bit of shuffling from 2010 with Paris moving up two spots to number four and Toronto climbing one spot to six. Additionally, Mexico had an impressive showing, adding three of its cities to the list.
Warm climates and adventure activities enticed consumers to hop flights to foreign destinations last year. In addition to scenic beaches, travelers benefitted from lower rates in Mexico City, Guadalajara and San Jose del Cabo, while Cancun stayed relatively unchanged.

[Flickr via TJ Morris]

Most booked locations for MLK weekend getaways

Want to know where to head for MLK weekend? Hotwire just announced the top 10 most booked destinations travelers are visiting over Martin Luther King Day weekend.

Several cities have historic significance, including Atlanta, where Martin Luther King Jr. he received his B.A. degree at Morehouse College and where the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Center was founded as well as Chicago, was the first state to adopt MLK as a state holiday. Public pressure for the holiday mounted during the 1982 and 1983 civil rights marches in Washington.

According to results from Hotwire’s American Travel Behavior survey, 74% of people would rather take several smaller vacations over the year than one big one.

So here’s an impromptu poll – will you be traveling this MLK weekend, and if so, will you be visiting one of the ten most popular destinations?

Destination & Average Nightly Hotel Price

  • Las Vegas, Nevada $101
  • Atlanta, Georgia $72
  • Orlando, Florida $54
  • New York City, New York $125
  • Fort Lauderdale, Florida $97
  • New Orleans, Louisiana $87
  • Chicago, Illinois $66
  • San Francisco, California $109
  • San Diego, California $74
  • Washington D.C. $83

[Flickr via michaelhyman300]

Capital Bikeshare stations could be coming to the National Mall

Anyone who has ever visited the National Mall in Washington, D.C. knows just how congested with traffic the area can be at times. In addition to the usual day-to-day commuters, of which there are plenty, there are always a large number of tourists milling about as well. Travelers often make the pilgrimage to visit the Washington and Lincoln Monuments, along with the host of other attractions that make up the Mall, and frequent traffic snarls can be the result. Now, the National Park Service has come up with a novel plan to help alleviate some of that traffic however, proposing the addition of Capital Bikeshare Stations throughout the area.

The Capital Bikeshare program has become a popular one in Washington, where 110 stations, with 1100 bikes, are spread out across the city. The service offers membership rates of just $7 per day, with additional options of 3 days ($15), 30 days ($25), or a full year ($75). The stations are well placed to allow drivers to park their cars for the day and use a bike to commute from point to point as needed. Until now however, the stations haven’t been allowed on land that is managed by the Park Service, so their addition to the Mall would be a benefit to a new audience.

The NPS has proposed adding the stations to five locations throughout the Mall, providing easy access to the bikes at all times. Those locations would include the Smithsonian Metro Station, as well as the Lincoln, Jefferson, Washington, and FDR/MLK Monuments. The Park Service proposal says that those locations were selected due to their proximity to popular destinations on the Mall, as well as their access to local bike trails and other forms of transportation like the Metro rail.

As of now, adding the bikeshare stations is not a done deal, and the NPS is seeking input from the public concerning the matter. Personally, I think it would make for a great inclusion to the National Mall, but others may not agree. You can let your opinion be known by leaving a comment here.