CONRAD WASHINGTON DC

ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: We drove from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., without a hitch in early October. In communication with the Conrad staff, I was directed to the Citycenter Garage, where I could park and recharge my car. It was right around the corner and convenient; from the garage it is a short walk to the front of the hotel. Check-in took place on the ground floor versus the lobby to reduce touch points during COVID-19. The staff politely greeted us and gave us our keys; I was in room 1027. From the ground floor we took the elevator to the lobby level and transferred to the elevator bank to the rooms.

GUEST QUARTERS: The first thing I noticed was the Hilton Cleanstay seal on the door; this provided confirmation and comfort that the room had been cleaned and sanitized using Lysol products and following the Cleanstay protocol. It also ensured no one else had been in the room after the cleaning.

My large junior suite included a large TV in the sitting room and one on the opposing wall facing the king-sized bed. The desk offered an option to look out the large window or watch either TV while working. There was a small sofa so you could relax and unwind and a single upholstered chair with an ottoman — all modern, cleanly designed furniture.

The large bathroom had a double sink and lots of towels. The counter held a display of Mandarin Tea bath amenities which I enjoyed; I don’t bring my own and rely on the hotel’s supply. The shower was huge, with a sleek, all-glass front; top-to-bottom marble walls; and a terrific showerhead.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: While at the property we received a tour with Laura Schofield, general manager. Laura took us through the property restaurants and meeting space, which was quite spectacular. Due to COVID-19, many of the restaurants were not open, but we could eat at a main grab-and-go service in the Estuary Bar or order a drink in the evening. At the time, the bars and restaurants were not open every night, but they created a rather unique Hidden Terrace where guests enjoy a special menu outside, off the lobby. Summit the Roof Top at the Conrad has unique views of the city’s monuments.

We also met with Danny Hughes, president of Hilton, for a “One on One” interview (see the December 2020 issue). All meetings were socially distant and with masks.

For dinner, we stepped out to Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse as recommended by my friend Michael Irving of Charlie Palmer’s Steakhouse. Kyle Gaffney, general manager, took great care of us.