Park Hyatt Washington

This property is at the edge of Georgetown and close to all the capital's must-see sites

The 215-room park hyatt washington had a $24 million makeover in 2006, and the result spells luxury in capital letters. Designed by the famous designer Tony Chi, the hotel (www.parkwashington.hyatt.com), at the corner of 24th NW and M Streets, is understated modern, yet warm and welcoming in style and ambiance. Accommodations feature Frette linens, spa-like bathrooms with walk-in rain showers, soaking tubs and custom-scented toiletries and candles (think cherry blossoms) by Parisian perfumer Blaise Mautin. For guests experiencing gizmo meltdowns, the Technology Concierge staff is on call. In addition, on weekday mornings, a chauffeured Audi is available for complimentary transports within the District of Columbia. Airport and Amtrak pick-ups can be arranged through E-Concierge on Hyatt's website. 

The newly renovated Park Hyatt Washington combines a sleek modern look with a warm and welcoming ambiance

The most popular accommodations are the Park Deluxe Rooms. Measuring 618 square feet, they are the largest deluxe rooms in the city, with spacious sitting areas. Other best-to-book options include any of the suites, ranging from the 1,060-square-foot Park Suites to the 1,224-square-foot Ambassador Suite and the 1,632-square-foot Presidential Suite. All of these one-bedroom suites easily convert to two bedrooms by way of connectors.

The Presidential Suite features a large living room with a baby grand, a dining area with a table for six and multiple balconies. The Ambassador has a lovely living room with a dining table for six and separate pantry and kitchenette. Your best bet for booking families for a night is a Park Deluxe Room with a connecting Park Twin or Park King. For longer stays, a popular combo is a Park Suite with a connecting Park Twin or King. 

All but the Presidential Suite can be booked over the GDS. For your very special clients, contact General Manager Michel Morauw (202-419-6705; mmorauw@hyatt.com) or Director of Sales & Marketing Courtenay Dundy (202-419-6688; cdundy@hyatt.com).

The hotel's award-winning Blue Duck Tavern is beyond popular with Washington's elite. In fact, Zagat named it one of America's Best Restaurants in 2008. Serving farm-fresh regional cuisine, such a soft shell crabs from nearby Chesapeake Bay, many dishes are prepared in the restaurant's wood-burning oven. There are numerous standouts, but we love the braised barbecue beef long ribs, the hearty bowlfuls of foie gras brûlée and the smooth-as-silk sweet potato heirloom grits with goat cheese. Absolutely book a few weeks ahead for a table.

The Tea Cellar offers an amazing selection of teas, including single-estate varieties, along with rare vintages. A buffet of sweets, scones and other goodies are served in the Tea Cellar daily from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Both the business and fitness centers are open around the clock. In-room spa services are masterfully handled and available on request. The fitness center's sky-lit indoor pool is open until 10 p.m.

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