The Hay-Adams Hotel: Luxury A Scone's Throw From The White House

So much history under one roof

This historic property was once two residences owned by descendants of Presidents John and John Quincy Adams, as well as John Hay, secretary to President Lincoln. In 1927 both homes that made up this property were razed, and an Italian Renaissance-style apartment hotel building took over this prime real estate. When it opened in 1928 many a famous person such as Amelia Earhart, Ethel Barrymore and Charles Lindbergh visited the Hay-Adams. The hotel featured the best in modern conveniences at the time, such as steam heat, elevator, circulating ice water, marble baths, and in 1930 the first air-conditioned dining room in DC.

In October of 2001, the hotel closed its doors and underwent an extensive renovation. When the Hay Adams re-opened in March of 2002, it had been fully restored to its 1920s splendor. In 2011 a stunning roof-top terrace was completed giving guests one of the best views in DC.

Priceless views

The hardest decision might be selecting your urban refuge from their 145 guest rooms and suites. The rooms facing the White House cost more than rooms and suites facing Lafayette Park or St John’s Church. With rooms starting at 359 USD and going up to 1,859 USD, discerning travelers will be staying in the lap-of-luxury. Upscale amenities include free high-speed internet through T-1 data port, free WiFi in guest rooms, complimentary morning and evening Tesla car service on a first-come, first-serve basis, Etro®toiletries, goose down pillows/duvets, custom Italian linens/towels, microfiber robes, slippers, and a Soundlink® mini Bluetooth speaker. If you are traveling with children, it’s good to know the hotel has iPads, DVD players, movies and board games for their enjoyment. Other amenities are an exercise room and a business center. Pets less than 26 pounds are welcome for free, but guests will need to sign a damage agreement.

A suite with a presidential view

Suites at the Hay Adams offer over-the-top luxury. Imagine staying in the Presidential Suite, with either one or two bedrooms, and enjoy DC penthouse living at it was meant to be. With a separate living room and a large dining table, consider entertaining guests and sharing your view of the White House over dinner. The master bedroom also features an excellent view of the White House. As they say, “The Hay-Adams is as close as you can get to staying at the White House without a personal invitation from the President.” The Presidential Suite will make you feel like a president!

In one way, out the other

The onsite bar Off the Record is a great place for a drink and small plates. One of the unique features of this watering hole, perfect for DC’s elite and famous, is the ability to exit through a special door to the outside. This door is only used as an exit and provides a discreet way to escape paparazzi or others followers of the rich and famous.

Meeting venues are many and varied. The Hay-Adams room holds up to 175 for a reception or 150 for a sit-down dinner. The Top of the Hay offers meeting space for up to 250 lucky attendees for a meal to remember with an unmatched view of the White House. This unique top-floor space can be divided into rooms for 50 persons each if needed for your special function.

Fine dining at the Hay-Adams

If fine dining is in your plans, it would be hard to beat Lafayette, located on the main floor. Rated as one of downtown DC’s best restaurants enjoy world-class cuisine and wine without leaving the hotel. Try the chef’s special items like Colorado lamb, Maine lobster salad, or one of the several meatless entrees for vegetarians. Consider booking one of the function rooms for an unforgettable dinner. Imagine having a dinner party on the top floor with a sweeping view of the White House, Jefferson Memorial and beyond. Priceless!