Timeless elegance, sumptuous suites and a new spa: A review of Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

Whether it is the glimmer and gleam of the striped marble floors, the kaleidoscopic floral arrangement that sits just beyond the concierge desk, or the possibility of a shoulder brush with dignitaries or local politicians on their way to a hushed lunch meeting at Bourbon Steak, there is much to be impressed by at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC.

One of the most iconic hotels in Washington, D.C., and the first Four Seasons-branded hotel in the United States, this property has been a favorite among the city's social elite, politicos, foreign royalty and the like since it opened in 1979.

Here's what my stay was like at this timeless Washington hotel.

What it's like at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

Included in our list of the best hotels in D.C. and our favorite hotels where historically significant meetings have happened, Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC is a special place to rest one's head indeed, thanks to its prime location in the tony Georgetown neighborhood (also just steps from the sweeping waterfront views of the Potomac), an excellent restaurant and spa, and that peerless Four Seasons hospitality. The property recently completed major renovations to its spa and several suites — one of which I checked in to recently for a firsthand look.

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Located along the C&O Canal at the edge of Georgetown, the hotel is about 45 minutes by car from Dulles International Airport and only 15 minutes to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Depending on Washington's rush hour (notoriously headache-inducing), ride-hailing service prices can range from $25 to over $100. The closest subway stop to the hotel is Foggy Bottom-GWU, about a 10-minute walk.

Checking in

Passing through the hotel's revolving glass door, I entered a well-appointed, modern lobby with plenty of sofas and chairs for lounging and got my first glimpse at an extensive art collection featuring renowned artists like Andy Warhol and Fernando Botero. This area led to a dual-counter check-in area, where a concierge was waiting to get me sorted swiftly, providing me with a signature wooden hotel keycard. The staff members behind both desks were friendly and attentive and always had a smile and a "How are you today?" at the ready during my stay.

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Even though my suite wasn't quite ready when I arrived, the check-in staff brought me something to drink and kept me updated every 15 minutes or so about the status of my suite. I had also mentioned that I was attending a formal event and needed to rent a gown; moments later, the general manager delivered a piece of Four Seasons stationery with a handwritten list of local gown rental shops.

How much does Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC cost? And how to book

The 222 accommodations at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC range from 385-square-foot deluxe guest rooms to the 1,924-square-foot presidential suite. A quick look at the property's website shows that rates begin around $825 for a deluxe room or $2,550 for a premier suite, which is what I am writing about in this review.

Remember that prices will be significantly steeper during peak times like spring (when the cherry blossoms bloom), summer, college graduation weekends, Christmas and the presidential inauguration.

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While the Four Seasons brand does not have a loyalty program, for elitelike benefits, we recommend booking via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts, which is available to those who hold The Platinum Card® from American Express. By using your Amex Platinum for Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings, you can enjoy special perks like room upgrades upon arrival (when available) and daily breakfast for two people. You can earn 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on prepaid hotel bookings or use points for all or part of your stay.

Rooms at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

My 800-square-foot premiere suite featured an elegant entryway with a dark wooden wall, reflective of the Washington Metro design, to the left. To the right, a pair of glass-paned closets housed two pairs of slippers, ample hangers, a laundry bag, a safe and some extra storage space. An elegant archway led from the entryway into the main suite space. The floor of the entire suite was freshly laid hardwood in a herringbone pattern.

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Between the entryway's two closets was a spacious bathroom with a separate wash closet for the toilet. The main area featured a deep soaking tub under a colorful abstract oil painting and a glassed-in shower (which had both an overhead rain showerhead and a shower wand). Citrus-scented toiletries were from Diptyque. Two fluffy terrycloth robes hung neatly on the wall to the right of the bathroom's entrance.

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Moving through the suite's entryway, I entered the bedroom, which was very large (almost cavernous) with high ceilings and what felt like enough room to host the Democratic National Convention. This area featured a light, airy vibe with striking glass chandeliers and a plush king-size bed with a down duvet and soft-as-could-be linens. The bed was set between two midcentury modern wooden bedside tables with a lamp and standard USB-A and USB-C outlets.

The wall to the right of the bed contained a mirrored, window-style coffee area, which featured a Nespresso machine, an electric kettle and glass bottles of water.

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This room flowed seamlessly into a living room that felt both cozy and fresh. Sunlight streamed in from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking 29th Street.

To the left was a beige couch (moderately comfortable, though not cozy), and in the center of the room between the windows was a mirrored art deco bar hutch featuring an ice bucket, a shaker and cocktail glassware. Inside the cabinet was a minifridge with the usual suspects: a small selection of beer, wine, soda, seltzer and snacks (nothing hyperlocal). On the right-side wall was a flat-screen television over a long, low desk.

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There was also a small two-seater marble table, ideal for enjoying room service. A mint green velvet chair faced the bar area, and a small coffee table sat between it and the sofa. The setup felt homey, incredibly chic and design-forward, like something from a very aspirational interior decor catalog. Fresh flowers on the marble table were a lovely touch.

What I ate at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

Helmed by celebrity chef Michael Mina, Bourbon Steak is a Washington mainstay for lunch and dinner. While it's known for its classic steakhouse offerings with modern twists, I opted for a wedge salad with grilled shrimp ($52), per the general manager's recommendation, and I was very pleased with this order (I've pined for it since and have even considered re-creating it at home).

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Other must-try items include the duck fat frites ($10) and the West Indian limeade (zero proof, $9).

For brunch at Seasons, the hotel's daytime restaurant, I enjoyed the Georgetown Benedict, featuring crab meat and Old Bay hollandaise ($38), and an expertly crafted cappuccino ($11).

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Room service was organized and efficient.

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I opted for a classic Caesar salad ($28), which was crispy and light, and a spaghetti Bolognese ($32), which had a flavorful and delicious sauce. However, the pasta was overcooked, which was disappointing considering the price.

Amenities and things to do at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

Unsurprisingly, Four Seasons' Washington outpost offers top-notch amenities and lots for guests to do while visiting this historic property.

• The recently renovated spa debuted a new coed lounge with a chef's menu with nutritious bites (think acai bowls and avocado toast), a special couples treatment room and innovative Mind Sync technology, which uses sound waves to calm the brain during treatments.
• Guests can break a sweat at the hotel's fitness center, which spans two floors and features a 12,000-square-foot gym with Technogym equipment, a reservation-only swimming pool, and locker rooms with saunas, steam rooms and spa tubs. Personal training, guided meditation and yoga can be booked for a fee.
• Those looking to go a tad farther afield can book (for a fee) a tour to see the monuments or a 2 1/2-hour private charter on the hotel's Cru Classe yacht.
• Twice-daily housekeeping service ensures that guest rooms and suites are always in tip-top shape (in the evening, shades are drawn, slippers are placed bedside and fresh water is left on the nightstands).
• There is a convenient complimentary hotel car service that provides transportation within a 5-mile radius of the property.

Insider tips for Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

• Pop just around the corner from the hotel and discover the art collection at DTR Modern Galleries.
• Bourbon Steak is a very popular restaurant and thus fills up quickly; I recommend making a reservation ahead of time (especially on the weekends or during peak periods, like graduation season).
• The spa at this property has an excellent reputation, and it just received quite the face-lift, so now, more than ever, is the time to experience it firsthand (while the renovation was still underway during my stay, the signature massage I received was one of the best massages I've had in years).
• Take full advantage of the concierge services — the friendly folks behind the desk are ready and willing to help answer questions about your plans in Washington and provide ideas for things to do, restaurant recommendations, and suggestions for local shops, museums and galleries.
• For wellness- and fitness-minded guests, look at the in-room wellness menu, which features complimentary items that can be sent to the room, such as yoga mats, various types of pillows, a white-noise machine, sleep crystals and bath salts. Guests can also order a Peloton bike, a treadmill, Theragun recovery tools and more for a fee.

Accessibility

Accessibility information at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC is on the hotel's accessible accommodations page. There are three accessible room categories: deluxe, grand premiere and the Georgetown one-bedroom suite. In-room accessibility features include grab bars for the toilet, shower and tub; 32-inch-wide wheelchair-accessible doors; lowered door peepholes; raised toilet seats; and flashing lights for alarms and doorbells upon request.

In the public spaces, there are accessible routes from the hotel's entrance to each accessible room. The restaurant, fitness center, business center and meeting spaces are accessible.

Service animals are permitted at this Four Seasons property.

Bottom line

Those who appreciate the finer things in life — or loyal Four Seasons guests — should consider booking Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC when visiting the nation's capital. The refreshed suites are comfortable and lovely enough that I barely wanted to leave, and the spa and on-site restaurant provide experiences worth writing home about. Plus, the hotel puts guests just a stone's throw from some of Washington's best offerings. It's a pricey option for accommodations, but worth it if you seek a top-tier level of service and that feeling that you're likely rubbing elbows with some of the city's — or even the world's — elite.

Related reading:

• The best hotel credit cards
• Get free breakfast, upgrades and more with the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program
• The best hotel rewards programs in the world
• The best premium credit cards: A side-by-side comparison