HOTELS & RESORTS
THE BELLMOOR INN & SPA
Lushly appointed rooms and a not-tobe-missed spa in the heart of Rehoboth Beach make this charming inn a perfect destination for a beach-bound girls’ weekend or some low-key R&R. 6 Christian St., Rehoboth Beach, 302227-5800; thebellmoor.com
EMBASSY SUITES AT THE CHEVY CHASE PAVILION
This three-star hotel in the Friendship Heights shopping district shares the Pavilion with retailers like J.Crew, Nordstrom Rack, and World Market. It’s also across from both Mazza Gallerie and The Shops at Wisconsin Place. 4300 Military Road NW, 202362-9300; embassysuitesdcmetro.com
THE FAIRFAX AT EMBASSY ROW
A classic boutique hotel in the tony Upper Northwest area of Embassy Row, the Fairfax has hosted such notables as the Gore and Bush families, Frank Sinatra, and Jackie Kennedy. 2100 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 202293-2100; fairfaxwashingtondc.com
THE GREENBRIER
Worth the drive, this historic luxury resort, dating back to 1778, sits on expansive (we’re talking 11,000 acres), impeccably landscaped grounds at the foot of the Allegheny Mountains in West Virginia and hosts a full yearround schedule of events, including an annual PGA Tour FedExCup tournament. 300 W. Main St., White Sulphur Springs, 855-453-4858; greenbrier.com
THE JEFFERSON
This boutique luxury hotel is as convenient as it is charming. Just a couple of blocks from the White House and downtown, it boasts DC’s only Forbes five-star restaurant, Plume. INSIDER TIP: In a city that goes to bed early, Quill, the hotel’s upscale lounge and cocktail bar, offers light bites until 12
AM seven nights a week. 1200 16th St. NW, 202-448-2300; jeffersondc.com
MGM NATIONAL HARBOR
A “monumental” new addition to the DMV hospitality scene, the MGM National Harbor opened to the public at 11 PM on December 8 and reached full capacity within hours. In addition to 308 hotel rooms, the resort features Sarah Jessica Parker’s first stand-alone boutique, SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker; restaurants by such acclaimed chefs as José Andrés (Fish), Marcus Samuelsson (Marcus), and Bryan and Michael Voltaggio (Voltaggio Brothers Steak House); and a packed schedule of world-class entertainment. 7100 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD, 844346-4664; mgmnationalharbor.com
PARK HYATT
Home to the Michelin-starred Blue Duck Tavern, this hotel has hired renowned designer Tony Chi to renovate its rooms, with spa-inspired baths and a refined palette of grays, blues, and yellows. INSIDER TIP: Look for fresh honey by the jar, produced by a hive on the roof and collected by an in-house beekeeper. 1201 24th St. NW, 202789-1234; parkwashington.hyatt.com
RITZ-CARLTON TYSONS
Offering luxury accommodations and a top-notch spa (which recently underwent a $1 million renovation) amidst all the Tysons shopping, the Ritz-Carlton Tysons also boasts fun events throughout the year and one-stop shopping for weddings and more. 1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean, 703-506-4300; ritzcarlton.com
SALAMANDER RESORT AND SPA
Sheila Johnson’s equestrian escape is just an hour from DC. Nestled in the historic town of Middleburg, the resort offers 24-hour in-room dining, a 14,000-squarefoot stable, an exceptional spa, and more. INSIDER TIP: It also hosts one of the most exciting events in the region: the annual Middleburg Film Festival. 500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg, 540326-4040; salamanderresort.com
SOFITEL
This French-inspired five-star hotel is perfectly situated downtown, just a stone’s throw from the White House. Inside, a charming bar is the ideal spot for coffee, tea, or a drink. Fun fact: Sofitel’s Alexandra Byrne is the city’s only female general manager of a luxury hotel. 806 15th St. NW, 202730-8800; sofitel.com
ST. REGIS
The birthplace of the Bloody Mary, the St. Regis sits just two blocks north of the White House. Its recent renovation is impressive, and its restaurant, Decanter, offers a year-round schedule of holiday events. INSIDER TIP: In addition to being a great place for star-spotting, the St. Regis offers one of the best afternoon teas in the city. 923 16th St. NW, 202-638-2626; stregiswashingtondc.com
THE WATERGATE
The über DC hotel reopened to much fanfare in early 2016, and its owners, Jacques and Rakel Cohen, have reimagined everything, right down to the Mad Men–inspired uniforms (they literally brought in the show’s costume designer to dress the employees). INSIDER TIP: The rooftop, Top of the Gate, boasts one of the best views in the city. 2650 Virginia Ave. NW, 202-827-1600; thewatergatehotel.com