The Trump hotel in Washington, DC, to be sold and rebranded as a Waldorf Astoria
Editor's Note
The U.S. government has approved a lease transfer for the city's most famous buildings, which currently house the Trump International Hotel.
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Friday announced it is signing off on a proposed transfer of the lease of the Old Post Office building to CGI Hospitality Opportunity Fund. According to the GSA, the Florida-based company plans to work with Hilton on redeveloping the property into a Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
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The Old Post Office, a Romanesque Revival building just a short walk from the White House in Washington, D.C., currently houses the Trump International Hotel. With 263 rooms, the hotel opened in 2016, coinciding with former President Donald Trump accepting the Republican Party's nomination to run for president. It was popular with Republicans visiting the city during his presidency. Visiting diplomats also visited the hotel, with thousands of room nights paid for by foreign governments, creating a controversial conflict of interest during former President Trump’s tenure.
The Trump Organization had been looking to sell the property since 2019. Back in November, TPG reported the company had planned to transfer the lease to the Miami-based investment company, CGI Hospitality Opportunity Fund, for $375 million.
While Trump insisted the hotel has been profitable during his association with it, recently the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform’s investigation determined the property had instead lost some $70 million since 2016.
With the GSA's confirmation Friday that the lease transfer will be allowed to move forward, and that the property is set to become a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, this means the historic building will now be accessible to visitors wanting to stay at one of the most luxurious brands in the Hilton portfolio. It also means Hilton Honors members will have the opportunity to to stay at a renowned building, close to the White House using points. The hotel will also rival the nearby Conrad which opened in 2019.
Related: Plush privacy on the Strip: A review of The Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas
Regardless of ownership or branding, the property remains a D.C. landmark, being that it’s the tallest hotel and the second-tallest building in the city, second only to the Washington Monument.
Additional reporting by Sean Cudahy
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The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.Pros
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- 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
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- Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
- Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
- Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines
Cons
- Airline points transfer ratios are poor
- Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
- Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
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