Willard Hotel DC is an important piece of Washington DC history. I was invited by Fadra Nally and the Traveling Mom team to visit the hidden gem in the heart of DC. I have lived in this area for a very long time but this was my first time visiting this famous hotel, and I cannot wait to go back for another visit. Each space in the hotel was more beautiful than the next. The Willard Hotel is in the most optimal location, right in the heart of DC, walking distance to all the popular attractions. We got a full tour of the hotel and I honestly felt like a princess, being introduced to her new castle. On our tour we saw many guest rooms as well as a former senator who tried to step into our elevator. I encourage you to book a visit to see the magic for yourself. And don’t be afraid to bring your children with you, this month an amazing new family experience started, and I am sure that it will keep your kids quite happy!
The guest rooms are all so elegant. The Willard Hotel is known as the “Residence of the Presidents”, as almost all of the last 35 Presidents have stayed or visited the Willard. If you are planning to attend the 2017 Presidential Inauguration you are not too early to book your stay. Call 202-628-9100 to make your reservations.
The Willard has many cool spaces for guests to enjoy and one of those is the Round Robin Bar. Since Abraham Lincoln was President, the Round Robin Bar has been serving the politicians and socialites in DC. As you can see and hear in this video above, Henry Clay introduced the Mint Julep to Washington DC in this bar. It has since become the signature cocktail. If you plan a visit and have the time, check out some of the portraits located on the walls of the bar, you might see Woodrow Wilson, John Philip Sousa, Buffalo Bill Cody, Calvin Coolidge, Mark Twain, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Charles Dickens and Abraham Lincoln. The Lincoln family lived at the Willard Hotel for the two weeks before his inauguration and he held staff meetings in the hotel lobby. When Abraham Lincoln received his first paycheck, he used it to pay his bill at the Willard, how cool is that?
Look at this bathtub view! This luxurious tub is part of the Jenny Lind Bridal Suite, a dream come true, right? The rest of the suite is equally amazing, with a cherry blossom tile shower across from this bath. This suite is exquisite!
If you are visiting, make spend some time at the luxurious Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, located right inside the hotel. Get relaxed and ready for a night out on the town at this incredibly popular DC spa.
Cafe du Parc is one of the best al fresco restaurants in DC. Here you will find a fusion of traditional French food in a modern atmosphere, where locally grown produce and culinary creativity are highlighted. They serve breakfast, lunch, brunch, dinner, dessert and the cutest Kid’s menu I have ever seen (smiley tomato soup, broccoli trees with butter, and a make your own brownie ice cream sundae are just a few examples).
Do you need a place to stay in Washington DC? This hotel is really catering to families and making your stay as easy as possible. So what exactly will make the Willard Hotel experience different for your family from all other hotels?
- Ask for what you need in advance or when you get there: Chargers, diapers, birthday card signed by the staff, child proofed room, workout clothes, books, games or videos for the kids. You name it, the Willard can probably get it for you.
- Book the Family Package: July 2016 is the first month for the Family Program. Cookies for up to 2 kids upon arrival, complimentary valet parking (which can easily cost you $40/day in downtown DC), daily breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children, and a complimentary DC guidebook to enjoy optimal sightseeing.
- Kid Concierge Service: You will have a pre-arrival checklist and you will be checked in by Brian, the Children’s Concierge Specialist. You will receive a Millie Mile Adventure Map (an interactive google map). There are also weekly Willard History tours available and kid friendly restaurant options. The Willard also has Museum partnerships with Madame Tussauds, the National Zoo, and the Smithsonian Carousel that Brian can help you with.
- Treats and Treasures: There will be a treasure chest full of games, flashcards and rainy day activities. There will also be a special children’s amenity program to recognize even the youngest guests.
What are you waiting for? Book your Family Package at the Willard today and have a great time in the Nation’s Capital.
The Willard Hotel is beautiful and I can definitely get the royalty vibe by looking at your photos. It’s refreshing that a beautiful hotel like this is kid friendly and even has a kid concierge service.
You would not imagine that the Willard would be kid friendly, but they are! The Willard really wants to have more family guests and their Kid Concierge and gorgeous accomodations should do the trick! Thanks for stopping by.
Oh my gosh. We want to do DC in the Fall or maybe next Spring. If we stayed here I’d never want to leave the room!
You really must stay at the Willard. You will have the best time! So much to do in DC and most of our museums are free.
It’s nice that a fancy hotel like this one is striving to be so family friendly. I also love that you can request a child-proof room.
It is so refreshing to see a hotel that cares about families. When my kids were little I travelled with tons of child proofing items because I could never find a hotel that cared about this sort of thing. I love so many things about the Willard.
Wow, I can see why anyone would feel like royalty after looking at these photos. Everything is luxury and made to feel like a person is being pampered.
I felt like a princess who turned into a pumpkin on the way home after visiting. We won’t talk about the fact that we also got lost on the Metro and since we were talking and looking at photos from the day we went 2 hours out of our way.
I can tell by just looking at the lobby at this place would definitely make you feel like royalty. I would love to check this place out.
The lobby is stunning! The flowers are changed a few times a week and are always matching whatever holiday or season is current. The ceiling of the lobby has all the states depicted and it is such a fun place to hang out while you wait for your room or wait to go touring on your visit.
Wow!How cool would it be to stay where the presidents have stayed? And to drink something where the presidents have drank?
There is so much history in this hotel. I am sure you would see many famous people while you stay here. It is truly a hidden gem in DC.
You’ll definitely be pampered at Willard Hotel. They have wide and elegant facilities and the have nice view too.
The facilities are amazing. You have gorgeous views no matter where you look. It is worth a visit if you find yourself in DC!
Looks like a royal destination, love the decor!
It really is a royal and historic landmark!
The Willard Hotel seems so lovely. One of my best friends lives in DC so I’ll definitely have to check out this hotel the next time I’m down there for a visit.
Yes, even if you just walk through the lobby, it is so majestic!
What a beautiful hotel! The royal vibes is definitely there. That kid concierge is a brilliant idea! I love seeing how hotels go above and beyond to provide guests with excellent services 🙂
Every hotel should really have a kid concierge! Traveling with young children is hard enough, and you are bound to forget something you need at home! I love that the Willard is thinking about all these possibilities.
The Willard look so gorgeous, I would love to stay there!!! so many great places for pictures ands such a stunning area!
Bella, you could take the most beautiful photos at the Willard!! If you are ever in DC you must stay there.
You know DC is on BB’s bucket list right?? The hotel is Elegant Excellence and wouldn’t that truly be a lifetime memory to stay there?! Between the history,location, and service, looks like The Willard is where Babushka should book that bucket item. Gracias for the intro.
BB I am so glad DC is on your bucket list! You will have the most fabulous time at the Willard. So much to see and do in Washington, you will have a blast!
Woah! That hotel is amazing! I would love to stay there! Looks so comfortable and welcoming.
Everyone was so welcoming and accomodating. You must visit if you come to DC!
DC is not the place I would think to go for a luxury vacation so it’s really nice to know a gem like this one! Thanks for sharing and I’ll have to keep my eye out!
Dc is an awesome place to visit, full of history, free museums and beautiful monuments.
Wow, this place is gorgeous! I would love to stay there a weekend. I’m not far from there, so I’ll have to check it out someday! How are the rates?
I think the rates are very reasonable for the amazing accommodations and luxury service you will receive!
Okay I have to save this if I ever end up to Washington DC, looks absolutely stunning!
♥: Jasmin N
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I hope you can visit one day!
I visited DC last summer but didn’t stay at the Willard. Looking at your pics I wish I had though!! Next time, for sure!!
You know how much fun DC is, so you will have to come back and stay at the Willard next time!
I am ready to book my vacation for D.C. today. The Willard Hotel is exquisite. The view of the Washington Monument took my breath away. It looks like the perfect hotel for a getaway for my husband and me.
I hope you have a great trip!!
This is such a beautiful hotel! I don’t have children but the amenities targeted at kids seem amazing.
It is rare for a luxury hotel like this to encourage families to stay there!
I was born and raised in the Washington, D.C. metro area and there’s still so many things I have seen–thankfully, this isn’t one of them. The Willard is such a beautiful location. I’ve attended a few events there and always am so impressed by the decor and ambiance.
The decor and ambiance of the Willard is really one of a kind! I am so glad that I was able to visit this amazing hotel.
WOW! what a great hotel. It would be so relaxing. I’m far from that hotel but i think if time will allow me i would love to visit that place.
DC is such a great place to visit. I hope you can plan a trip here one day.
This hotel looks awesome! The view from the bathroom is my fave!!
I totally agree! The view is amazing and really one of a kind.
This hotel is BEAUTIFUL! I can’t believe this gem is in DC. I have to visit one day.
Yes, you really must visit soon!
What a fun experience! it looks gorgeous and those mint juleps sound amazing right about now!
The mint juleps were amazing! Fresh mint is so good in cocktails and dessert.
The WIllard Hotel looks and sounds a amazing! I would like to visit it someday with my family.
I hope you can visit one day with your family!
This looks like a great place to stay indeed. I would love to stay here when we go to Washington D.C. where we may be going soon. The bathroom view is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing this awesome place.
I am so glad you will consider the Willard for your visit to DC! You will not be disappointed in this hotel at all. Thanks for visiting!
We love the Willard!!! My family lives in DC but these are such wonderful tips for families visiting the area! It can be so overwhelming, I know this post will really help some folks out!
Isn’t the Willard amazing? Oh my, I am closing my eyes and imagining that I am back there now.
Loved the room!! Would love to go there!!
I agree with you. The Willard hotel has the most amazing rooms!
Beautiful hotel!! Would love to go here one day!! Great photos
Thank you. I hope you can visit the Willard someday soon.
looks super luxurious! I want to visit someday.
I hope you get a chance to visit one day!
I lived in Alexandria for over 10 years and never visited the Willard. I’m glad I go back to visit on a regular basis and I will be adding this gorgeous hotel to my list of places to go. Thanks for introducing it.
Awesome! I hope you have a lovely visit!