photo: Park Hyatt

Arrival/Check-in: Two bellmen greeted me as I arrived at Park Hyatt Washington, D.C. on a warm October day. As they whisked my small bag into the lobby, I paused to appreciate the stunning entryway defined on both sides by silhouettes of cherry blossom branches. I later learned the artistic display is the work of New York photographer Amanda Weil, who photographed Washington, D.C.’s iconic cherry trees and laminated the images onto 10-foot glass panels. The graceful images combined with the clean lines of the lobby décor gave rise to a definite East-meets-West ambience. (30/30)

Guest Quarters: I was thrilled to learn I had been upgraded to the hotel’s Presidential Suite. The door to the 1,632-square-foot corner suite opened to a short hallway leading straight into the living room or, to the right, past the guest bathroom and into the dining area. The two rooms converged in the corner, where double doors behind a baby grand piano opened to a small balcony. The dining area connected to a small butler’s pantry with a refrigerator, sink and place settings for the table that could easily seat eight. Passing through the dining room, I entered an office where I worked comfortably throughout my stay. The bedroom, featuring the King Hyatt Grand Bed, was next and, I soon discovered, included one of my favorite amenities: Roman shades I could control via a bedside switch. A bouquet of peonies graced the bedside table. The master bath was a suite unto itself with a huge walk-in rain shower, a hand-carved travertine tub and ceramic tatami flooring. I loved the double vanity and illuminated make-up mirror, but the dressing table with pop-up mirror was an unexpected plus. (30/30)

Services/Amenities: Park Hyatt Washington, D.C. is located in the district’s West End Georgetown neighborhood. I had a wonderful time exploring the locale and its myriad shops. The weather was unseasonably warm throughout my stay, so I took the concierge’s advice and strolled a few blocks to Washington Park to enjoy an al fresco lunch on the banks of the Potomac. I also indulged in a massage in the hotel’s Spa Room which, I was surprised to discover, is actually a single room connected to the fitness center. While the space lacked the “spa” ambience I expected, the massage was wonderful. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to check out the Blue Duck, the hotel’s signature eatery and a local hot spot, but I did have a spot of tea in the Tea Cellar, a unique venue offering more than 50 rare and limited-production, single-estate teas. (38/40)

The Experience: The Asian influence and clean lines inherent in the décor of the Tony Chi-designed Park Hyatt Washington, D.C. create a sense of calm, making it the ideal space to unwind after a busy day of exploring or doing business.

Total Score: 98/100

Park Hyatt Washington, D.C.
1201 24th St., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037
tel 202 789 1234