Luxury Hotspots in the Capital Region
USA
For luxury travelers, the U.S. remains high on the list of popular destinations. Washington, D.C. has its own reputation of course, but perhaps therein lies an opportunity for surprise. If your clients like history, excellent food, enchanting landscapes, and first-class wines, then they'll be charmed by the lesser-known gems of the greater Capital Region. Here are our top tips to stay LuxuryWise!
Luxury Hotspots in the Capital Region
USA
For luxury travelers, the U.S. remains high on the list of popular destinations. Washington, D.C. has its own reputation of course, but perhaps therein lies an opportunity for surprise. If your clients like history, excellent food, enchanting landscapes, and first-class wines, then they'll be charmed by the lesser-known gems of the greater Capital Region. Here are our top tips to stay LuxuryWise!
Hotel Picks
Washington, D.C.
Hellooo, D.C.! From the 9th floor of The Dupont Circle Hotel, part of the Doyle Collection, you can say good morning to the U.S. capital in the best possible way: a beautiful view including – depending on the location of the suite – major national landmarks like the U.S. Capitol and Washington Monument. Some of the suites on the 9th floor have spacious terraces (such as the Signature Terrace Suite 903, picture 3) with stylish chairs and loungers. The top floor, the Penthouse Level, was added in 2021 and has exclusively suites. They all differ in terms of size, features, and furnishings, which can sometimes be tricky for selling them, but they are all beautiful, especially the huge Grand Penthouse (picture 1). The Doyle Collection team has exhibited exquisite taste when it comes to interior design: Everything is very modern and cozy, the bathroom has plenty of storage space, and the minibar and snacks are included.
There's no pool or spa, but don't let that rob your clients of the authenticity and charm of this hotel. The Doyle Bar is absolutely brimming with the Irish heritage of the Doyle Collection, and the dark, heavy furniture is actually from Ireland, giving it that high-end pub feel that you simply won't get anywhere else in D.C.. The Pembroke restaurant (picture 4) is filled with light and one of the best places in the city to people watch. Plus: the breakfast is heavenly! The hotel is a Legend member of Preferred Hotels and was also awarded the Michelin Key this year. Don't forget, clients will be in one of the nicest neighborhoods in D.C. with easy access to the best the city has to offer!
Trade Contact: Janet Scanlon, Director of Marketing
Inn at Perry Cabin, St. Michaels
Maryland
History paired with plenty of mid-Atlantic flair makes for a first-class combination, and the Inn at Perry Cabin in Maryland is a prime example. The hotel, which Preferred Hotels classifies as a Legend, is located directly on the Miles River, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. The hotel's history dates back to the early 19th century, when it was founded originally as a farm. The founder, who served Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry in wartime, retired to St. Michaels and then recreated his former commander's cabin from the ship, hence the name. After many redesigns and changes of hand, the hotel is now one of the Historic Hotels of America, and the town itself was home to Frederick Douglass for three years. Nowadays, it's very popular with the affluent and political class, serving as a weekend getaway for many politicians from D.C.. After all, the Beltway is only about two and a half hours away. Guests can enjoy overnight accommodation in 78 rooms and suites (from eleven categories), many of which have their own balcony.
The furnishing style is a mix of modern and 19th century American. Worries from everyday life seem to melt away with the landscape, as the large outdoor area provides an omnipresent view of the Miles River. If your clients are lucky, they might even spot dolphins! Improve their chances by taking out a boat or sailing ship from the current fleet of seven. Captain Jason Pinter, Waterfront Director, ensures that everyone gets the right charter tour – as captain or guest. Arrivals by boat are also possible of course. If it's links over lakes, polish up the irons and tee off at Steve Dye's Links Golf Course, which opened in 2018 and is included at the Inn at Perry Cabin. The Stars restaurant serves up culinary highlights from the Eastern Shores, and private dining is also possible right on the water. Don't forget to treat your clients to a relaxing time in the elegant Spa at Perry Cabin!
Trade Contact: Katherine Saad-Loman, Director of Sales & Marketing
The Oaks, Easton
Maryland
Another typical East Coast hotel dream: The Oaks is located directly on the water and was only reopened as a hotel in May 2023 after a major renovation. Before that, it was only used as an event location. The boutique inn has just eleven rooms and four brand new cottages, which are lined up along the large and extremely well-kept lawn. All are furnished in light cream tones and the decor subtly hints at the maritime surroundings of the Chesapeake Bay. If clients want a bathtub in their room, book one of the cottages or a suite. Incidentally, events are still very popular at The Oaks, especially weddings, which can be celebrated directly on the hotel's own pier. In bad weather, the pier can be enclosed, and the cottages are very popular as a styling room for the bride. Pro Tip: Anyone who wants to celebrate a wedding at The Oaks must buy out the entire Inn.
The large outdoor area has fire pits both large and small, and the property also has a tiny beach and two boats, which can be used to reach larger beaches along the Miles River. St. Michaels, the town just across the water, makes for a nice and extremely picturesque excursion. You can get there either with the hotel shuttle or the hotel's own bicycles. If clients don't feel the Gilmore Girl vibes in St. Michaels, it's their own fault! Guests will not find any big chain stores, as everything is very local. The in-house restaurant, The Oak Room, is only open on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Alternatively, guests can dine in style at the Michelin-starred restaurant Bas Rouge in Easton – which has just won the James Beard Award – or the more casual but equally sensational Ruse in The Wildset Hotel in St. Michaels.
Trade Contact: Stephanie Winter, Director of Sales – Weddings, Corporate, & Events
Keswick Hall, Charlottesville
Virginia
Calling all golfers and wine fans! Keswick Hall, a huge manor house dating back to 1912, is located very close to various wineries, and the golf course is conveniently on the grounds. This member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World was renovated in 2021 for more than 100 million US dollars – and it still shows. The 80 rooms, four suites, and public areas look as good as new. The accommodation also boasts modern panels for lighting and air conditioning – a dream come true for anyone who is tired of fumbling with light switches in hotels. Good to know: The entry-level High Floor King Room category measures at least 45 square meters (484sq. ft.) and has a walk-in closet. When guests enter the former Orient Express Hotel, they immediately sense the vibe of the chic design as well as the many paintings and sculptures by local artists.
Keswick Hall is about two hours from Washington, D.C., making it a popular weekend destination for the capital's elite. The 18-hole golf course is a big part of that, but the cool Horizon Pool (picture 2) and the restaurant Marigold by Jean-Georges (picture 4) have their own pull. This celebrity chef has a Michelin star to his name and has developed the menu at Marigold. Jean-Georges Vongerichten also comes to Virginia several times a year to take the reins himself. The Marigold is also an eye-catcher in other ways though: the lighting concept, for example, is the same as that found in the Louvre in Paris. The spa, located in a separate building next door, is of course also part of the hotel. However, only guests who have booked a treatment have access there.
Trade Contact: Spencer Hux, Director of Sales
Salamander, Middleburg
Virginia
If your clients are looking for country life in style, consider sending them to Middleburg. This small town in the U.S. state of Virginia is home to the elegant Salamander Middleburg resort from the Salamander Collection. Due to its proximity to Washington, D.C. – Dulles Airport is only about 30min away – your clients will be among the high society of the Capital Region here. Thanks to its many awards, the hotel is also known and loved far beyond Virginia's borders, especially by horse lovers. The Equestrian Center is located on the 137-hectare (339-acre) grounds, which are bordered by the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. Guests can book riding lessons and rides, or just come and pet the horses. On some afternoons guests don't even have to leave the hotel, because Cupcake, a mini-horse, comes to the lobby on Fridays and Saturdays at 4 pm to "chat" with guests. Cuteness overload!
In general, the Salamander Middleburg feels like a high-end country estate. The interior has that nostalgic and stately feel to it, but it's only eleven years old. If your clients like to get lost in details, this is the place for them, as equestrian themes permeate the property. For example, the room numbers are on stylized riding caps and the bedspread is adorned with the bit of a bridle. A similar decorative element can be found above the bathtub in my rather spacious King Estate Room, the second-lowest category of the 187 rooms, 17 of which are suites. Good to know: Most of the rooms have balconies, but they are completely open and offer no privacy whatsoever. The resort also includes the 2,100 square meter (22, 604sq. ft.) spa with 14 treatment rooms, and Harrimans Grill – the heart of Salamander's gourmet, which also serves as a breakfast restaurant.
Trade Contact: Doug Camp, Director of Sales & Marketing
Insider Tips
Champagne Sunset Sail
Ahoy, Selina II! A very private sailing tour on board the 98-year-old wooden ship is a true highlight, especially at sunset. The Selina II sails from St. Michaels in the U.S. state of Maryland and has room for six guests. Guests who book the Champagne Sunset Sail Tour are served chilled bubbles in a glass with a fantastic sunset in a 360-degree panorama. On top of that, Captain Iris shares her tall tales from the sea, hailing as the fourth generation to hoist the sails of the Selina II. By the way: prep your clients for a little adventure – in addition to the champagne, Captain Iris likes to catch a strong wind and feel the spray of the sea when the old lady surges forth through the waves.
Contact: Captain Iris Clarke von Sail Selina
Georgetown Food Tour
Put on those sneakers and off they go! The Georgetown Food Tour by DC Metro Food Tours is the right place for anyone who likes to immerse themselves in history (and a bit of gossip). The good news is that no one has to go home hungry since the walking tour includes four stops with lots of tasty treats. One possible stop is Flavio Restaurant DC, which serves sensational gnocchi. Also super-delicious? Tacos filled with Maryland blue crabs at the Mexican restaurant El Centro. In between the food breaks, guests will walk through Georgetown with lots of stories from their guide. If they want to be really entertained, ask for guide Wayne Kehoe, who has tons of knowledge about the capital.
Contact: Team DC Metro Food Tours
Wine & Chocolate Tasting
Southwest Mountains Vineyards (SMV) is fairly hidden in the hills around Keswick. The winery has only been producing wine since 2017, making it one of the absolute youngsters in the up-and-coming Virginia wine scene. The rustic, yet chic tasting room was only opened in October and offers cozy corners inside and out for tasting their fantastic wines. SMV also offers special tastings, such as the pairing of chocolate and fine wines. The winery has even entered into a partnership for this with Gearhart's Finest Chocolates from Charlottesville. Participants can choose among three wine-chocolate boxes and are then guided through the tasting with lots of info and tips.
Contact: Tyler Wagner, Hospitality Manager
Let's ask the Industry: What makes the Capital Region a good destination for luxury travelers?
"In addition to many historical sites, national parks with glamping options, and upscale shopping centers and beaches, the region also offers a wide range of cultural and gastronomic attractions. As far as demand goes, there is certainly still room for improvement. This region is still not that well-known and mainly appeals to repeat visitors. Nevertheless, it is worth recommending lesser-known areas to clients, as the U.S. is an extremely diverse country with many different influences and spectacular nature. The unknown often holds unexpected beauty! The Capital Region can also be recommended in combination with a classic city trip to New York City. A tour like this appeals to clients who want to experience a little more and appreciate a region steeped in history. Virginia's wine region is exciting for fans of fine wines, and the Capital Region also has a lot to offer when it comes to hotels. We have already received a lot of good feedback from clients. For example, the Rosewood and the Four Seasons in Washington, D.C. are worth mentioning."
Christian Brockhoff, Vladi Private Islands
In a Nutshell
This is your time to shine! Anyone who recommends the Capital Region to their clients can score points in many ways, but above all they can do one thing: surprise them! The fact that Virginia is a mecca for wine enthusiasts is still almost unknown outside the U.S.. Maryland goes sorely underestimated with its seafood highlights all along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. There is virtually no reason not to go there. Bonus: Washington-Dulles Airport is so centrally located that the biggest highlights of the Capital Region can be reached within a three-hour radius.
Author: Cathrin Lührs