From the living room to the guest rooms, iconic DC hotspot to reveal new look in 2019.
WASHINGTON, DC – Talk about capital gains. W Washington DC, the closest hotel to The White House, announced plans for a head-turning, rooftop to room renovation which will be revealed in 2019. The $50 million project, led by architecture and interior design firm Studio GAIA alongside the W brand’s award-winning design team, will inject bold new cutting-edge design into the historic Beaux Arts building that has stood at the center of history since 1917. From the Living Room (W’s see and be seen lobby) to all 317 guest rooms and suites as well as the legendary POV rooftop bar with unparalleled views of the city, the new look will mix modern design with playful, only-at-W elements that pay homage to the city’s past and present.
“W Washington DC has become a place where the powers that be come to play, a destination all its own in the nation’s stunning capital,” said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “While the building itself is rooted in rich history, the W experience is about innovation and this revamp is the latest example of how we are keeping our existing hotels fresh while in the midst of great global growth.”
Power Plays
From the moment guests arrive, they will be transported thanks to a mesmerizing waterfall that celebrates the city’s many iconic memorials. From there, guests will arrive in the Living Room which will feature a seemingly endless mirror, honoring the Reflecting Pool of The Lincoln Memorial. Already one of the best places in the city to see and be seen, the Living Room will expand its offerings and offer more live music and DJs every night of the week. With fresco art reminiscent of the Capitol dome and lobbyist symbols on the archways, the Living Room will also feature private, partially glassed-in areas for intimate gatherings and whisper-worthy, off-the-record conversations.
Knock, Knock
The hotel’s 317 guest rooms include 23 Marvelous suites, seven WOW suites, and an Extreme WOW (the brand’s take on the Presidential) Suite. From glass, boutique window-style closets to modular seating for lounging that transforms into additional bedding for (surprise?) plus ones, the entire in-room experience of W Washington DC will be reimagined. New bathrooms will show off an open-flow concept, including glassed-in showers flooded with natural light alongside dramatic vanities, brightly lit for getting glamorous or suiting up. All guest rooms will feature custom decor with playful references to local history, including a minibar that mimics the angles of the Washington Monument.
The Extreme WOW Suite will be the new home away from home for rock stars and rock star politicos alike. Following the total renovation of the 1,176-square-foot suite, the E-WOW will earn its name with a one-ofa-kind look including a floor-to-ceiling graphic mural by world-renowned artist Amit Greenberg; a sliding door with cryptic lettering (inspired by the Kryptos sculpture of the CIA); and mirrored ceilings that capture the astounding views of the National Mall and monuments below. W has replaced the traditional hotel dining room table with a sleek, full-size towering bar for in-room entertaining so guests can help themselves to a nightcap or an all-out cocktail party. The one-bedroom, 1.5-bath suite also adjoins with its neighboring room, providing additional bedrooms for a full entourage (or an entourage of security detail).
Tastes of The Town
The corner of 15th and Pennsylvania will soon be home to DC’s newest culinary adventures with two signature restaurants by Executive Chef Barry Koslow. The ground floor restaurant will extend from the Living Room, showcasing an innovative approach to local flavors over shared plates and curated cocktails served in an open-kitchen concept. After dinner, guests can descend into an intimate new speakeasy with an attached beer garden patio on Pennsylvania Avenue, a respite from the hustle and bustle of downtown during sizzling DC summer nights.
An Entirely New POV
Long regarded as the destination for Washington’s power set, POV, the hotel’s iconic rooftop bar and lounge ushered in a new era of nightlife in the city when it first opened in the summer of 2009. For nearly a decade, guests and locals have mingled and sipped, mixing business with pleasure and transitioning between the two against some of the best skyline views in the capital. The renovation of the #Instaworthy DC spot will infuse design elements inspired by the city’s Metro in a new, Brutalist-inspired design with floor-to-ceiling glass leading to the Terrace, opening the space to the city sights year-round. The POV Lounge will be transformed into an indoor-outdoor oasis, with accordion-style windows that will open to bring guests direct access to sweeping views of the Washington Monument – the ideal spot for a humblebrag selfie.
Meet Me at the W
The hotel’s 12,000 square feet of ultra-modern meeting and event space will be reimagined including the Great Room which will feature new, angled LED ceiling lights with changeable colors to match any theme; a built-in bar for guests to order cocktails without stepping too far away from the dance floor; and custom carpeting that evokes a map of the city’s streets. Ideal for power meetings or power couple weddings, the Great Room comes with in-house event or wedding planners that can bring any company’s or couple’s vision to life.
“As a trendsetting brand, this renovation will allow W Washington DC to be at the forefront of design and hospitality,” said Meade Atkeson, General Manager. “Undergoing a monumental change like this during the building’s historical centennial is a testament to the legacy of our hotel and the W brand that both boldly embrace change. We look forward to bringing a new, exciting vision of this hotel to life.”
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She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
