All of the details of the new Mandarin Oriental in D.C. exude a feeling of luxury, simplicity, and a hint of Eastern influence. Opened earlier this year, the 400 guestrooms and elegant spa are located next to the Washington Channel, and just a few blocks away from the Capital’s Mall, where most of the museums and monuments are located. The only disadvantage at this time is that there are not many cafes or restaurants nearby; from what I’ve heard, they just started trying to commercialize this area.
I was most impressed by the calming effects the neutral colored furniture, carpeting, and draping in my room; just what I needed during my weekend getaway. The complimentary Feng Shui book from the hotel offered further advice on how I could achieve this yin/yang balance in my own home. Another detail that sets the Mandarin Oriental apart from other hotels are the well lit, yet not glaring lights used in the hallways. As a previous "road warrior," I know that there’s nothing more reassuring than a well-lit, welcoming hallway to stroll through to reach my room. The spacious bathroom was a treat. Long tub and a square, 2-sided glass standing shower; the only key toiletry missing was bath salt or bath oil. . .
A large, 8,800 square foot spa is located on the bottom floor, along with a gym and heated lap pool (4 ft deep) enclosed by so many windows that you almost feel like you are outdoors. Folded white cotton robes and fresh orchids adorn each lounge chair and magazines and bottled water are also available. The full gym is adjacent to the pool and spa area, and hold classes in Hatha Yoga three times a week. Although use of the gym with free weights, cardio equipment, gym balls, and the like are complimentary, classes and the spa steam room, etc. are not. Unfortunately, I did not have the time nor the funds to check out the Spa, but I certainly perused the list of spa treatments available and fantasized about what I would like. . . the holistic back, face, and scalp massage with hot stones ($300/2hr treatment), Ayurvedic foot therapy ($150/50 min) for my tired, tourist feet, and throw in an Age Defyer Facial for an hour and 20 minutes ($225). A pedicure and manicure at the end of that all would set me back another $105. For personalized treatment packages, a Time Ritual ™ is what you need; it is a 2 or 3 hours treatment to "restore one’s natural state of equilibrium, and attend to your body’s needs for that day." Sounds interesting . . .
A few extra days at the hotel would have been lovely to check out the Gallery, featuring changing Smithsonian Institute exhibits, Café MoZU, a café serving meals and afternoon tea, and the Empress Lounge that features live music.