OVERVIEW of the Salamander Washington DC

The Mandarin Oriental Washington is located in the heart of the district in the southwest section, overlooking the marina, the Tidal Basin and the monuments. The view of the Jefferson Memorial at night is quite spectacular. While I would generally scoff at a description of “Feng Shui touches”, there is something incredibly soothing and calming about these hotels. For one thing, they have aromatherapy down to a science. Everything smells so wonderful, we even suspected they were piping fragrances into our room in New York. The elegant décor makes use of silk tapestries, stunning art reproductions, soft colors and polished hardwoods.

THE ROOMS at the Salamander Washington DC

Our room, a deluxe water view, was a picture of soft elegance made all the more dramatic by a stunning view of the Jefferson Memorial. At night it was simply breathtaking. Very adequate in size at @400sq. feet, the room had a King bed with luxurious Fili d’oro linens, a large marble bathroom with a soaking tub and separate glass enclosed shower, a flat screen TV/DVD player and all the other amenities you would expect like a morning paper, 24 hour room service and more. Next time I would opt for the Premier Water View room. Located on corners of the building, they are about 500 sq. feet, have views of the Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Monument and the Tidal Basin. The view from the corner soaking tub extends across the marina.

DINING at the Salamander Washington DC

Amity & Commerce is the signature restaurant, an American Bistro and Bar with international flair. Floor to ceiling windows provide waterfront views of the Washington Channel and dark wood banquets and dramatic wine cabinets are the perfect backdrop to this excellent restaurant. In nicer weather, meals are served on the terrace overlooking the gardens. Mini Sushi Bar features Master Sushi Chef Minoru Ogawa with his omakase-style, eight-seat sushi counter. Located just off the lobby and overlooking the property’s lush garden, Mini Sushi Bar gives diners an interactive dining experience unlike anything else in Southwest DC

THE SPA at the Salamander Washington DC

The hotel offers a full fitness center that opens at 5:30am and is equipped with virtually anything you might want. Fragrant flowers, citrus flavored waters and scented cool towels provide more “Feng Shui touches.” A swim in the indoor pool or a stop at the luxurious Spa complete any work-out. Speaking of the Spa, this is experience you won’t want to miss, perhaps the most relaxing experience ever. Imagine total tranquility, soothing music, intoxicating aromas and magical treatments.

THE SERVICE at the Salamander Washington DC

We arrived on a rainy day and were met at the curb by a bellman with an umbrella. Our car was checked, we were escorted swiftly to the front desk in a beautiful circular lobby of marble and mahogany, centered with a huge Christmas tree. We were in our room in less than 10 minutes and our luggage arrived shortly after and was neatly set up on carts and in the closet.

The difference between good hotels and great hotels is in the details. Wonderful aromas are matched with soothing music in the public rooms and elevators. The elevators seem to come instantly upon call. The hotel offers free use of laptops. Coffee is available in the lobby at 6:30am. The showers have great pressure. The towels and robes are thick and soft. The bed linens are plush and silky. Little things that add up to a wonderful experience.

THE RATES at the Salamander Washington DC

From $465 Peak Season Weekend

WHAT OTHERS SAY About the Salamander Washington DC

AAA Four Diamond Award – Lodging
Forbes Four Star Award – Lodging
Forbes Four Star Award – Spa

“East meets West” in “luxurious,” “feng shui” inspired rooms and suites with “beautiful views” of the Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial at this “stunning” property; a “first-class” spa, “Zen-like” vibe and “exceptional dining options” …mean some sybarites “have to be dragged from the hotel to go sightseeing” which is just as well, since the “only real problem (other than cost) is an isolated location” that’s a cab ride from everywhere.” ZAGAT

PROMOTIONS at the Salamander Washington DC

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