Hotel Review with Photos: Conrad Washington DC is a Sleek, Art-Filled Haven in the Heart of the Capital (June 2023)
The all-new Conrad Washington, DC offers a well-timed shot of high design and discreet luxury in the nation’s capital.
Hotel Review with Photos: Conrad Washington DC (June 2023)
Highs: Thoughtful room layouts packed with name-brand design, a noteworthy rooftop and a deeply approachable staff.
Lows: Expensive parking. A somewhat distracted team left some requests unanswered.
Verdict: In a city where understated elegance reguarly engage in conversations with grand theatricality, the Conrad Washington, DC fits right in.
The Room to Get: Corner King with Sakura Club access.
The Conrad Washington DC Hotel Architecture and Art
Exterior of Conrad Washington, DC Hotel
The Conrad Washington DC has the fortune of being one of the newest ground-up hotel constructions in the city. While the United States’ capital has no shortage of deeply historic hotels, the demand of luxury buildings with modern convenience is very high. Presented with the opportunity to build a modern luxury hotel in an alpha city, Conrad went all out. The development team tapped Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron (responsible for icons such as New York City’s Jenga Tower and Lebanon’s Beirut Terraces) to serve design consultant and brought in Houston-based Rottet Studio, led by architect Lauren Rottet, as interior designer.
This pairing ensured a dramatic execution with an architectural story rich enough to suit this important locale. The result is a ten-story, reflective glass-clad tower with strategic angled setbacks that serve as both series of height-denying, depth-defying optical illusions to passerby but also insurance for permanent views from guest rooms fully outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows. Exterior public areas include discreet terraces and rooftops.
The ground floor is occupied by the entry to the hotel along with the world’s most secure Chanel location (we were escorted through two sets of doors with two guards) along with a large Tiffany & Co store with glowing Tiffany Blue columns serving as our beacon to return at night. There is also an onsite parking garage. Curved glass on the ground floor offers visual interest and is a refreshing contrast to the surrounding area (primarily brick and concrete).
Inside, the furniture, material choices, and even the space planning itself offer subtle allusions to the hotel’s location, calling to mind early American traditions. It may come as some surprise, but the ultra-practical approach of early American design suits the modern minimalism of Conrad Washington DC remarkably well. It’s not cosplay nor is it direct reference, but rather a whisper and breath, and it is only here and there.
Untitled by Landon Metz. Dye on Canvas. 94”H x 75.2”W
More present is the art collection found around the hotel, with works of all sizes and mediums dotting the campus and many by local artists. Centering on the principles of The Washington Color School (which championed what is now known as color field painting) the curatorial initiative is unique to this Conrad property.
Among the highlights is a monumental untitled work by New York City-based Landon Metz. Situated at a bright corner and staged on two axes, the work is activated by its staging, where the shadowy shapes toy with the colors of the sky above, the movement of the clouds outside, and sea of spotty marble around.
An important body of commissioned work comes from Washington DC native Matthew Langley, whose acrylic on paper works dot the campus and offer a vertical color exploration within a variety of unpredictable but soothing hues.
John Cole (another Washington DC native) employs photography and magazine spines and pages to offer another take on vertical strips of color. The very inclusion of artwork Full Bleed II clearly demonstrates how far-reaching the curatorial mission at the Conrad Washington DC really was. The work strongly reminds one of the magical Jim Lambie ZOBOP installations (1999). Many rooms are filled with photography works, while suites enjoy additional commissioned work and original pieces.
For guests or visitors, the result of the curatorial effort is a livable museum that can become either a giant game of art world hide-and-seek or an endless series of pleasant artistic surprises.
The Conrad Washington DC Hotel Arrival and Public Areas
With a well lit, covered arrival area and motor court situated off New York Avenue, Conrad guests can enjoy a sense of security and discretion from the moment they arrive. When we rolled up, the Conrad arrival staff, hobnobbing near the Valet desk, were all smiles but definitely wanted to know what our business was for being there.
Arrival at Conrad Washington, DC Hotel
Before I could shift the car into park, a bellhop was retrieving my luggages and welcoming me to the hotel. It turned out he’d be by our side all the way to the room, where he would offer a brief tour of some of the features in the space. It was refreshing to have a newly-familiar face pop up a few times during our stay.
Another soon-to-be-familiar face was the doorman, who’d lean on the button to hold the door of the hotel open and greet guests coming and going.
While there is a small reception desk on the ground floor, the principle lobby of the Conrad Washington, DC is actually on the 3rd floor, accessible by a small bank of elevators. The guests rooms, however, are served by a completed separate bank of elevators. This dance of getting up and around would have been confusing without the help of the bellhop.
Reception area at Conrad Washington, DC Hotel
Check-in was quick and the receptionist was thorough in describing the guest amenities of the hotel. I had another guest arriving later and assigning him a room key was simple. The Conrad is a Hilton property, so any points accrued during the stay are awarded to the Hilton Honors loyalty program.
Keycard and check-in documents at Conrad Washington, DC
Good to Know.
The Conrad Washington, DC doesn’t have a spa or pool facility, but it has a complete fitness suite which is stocked with fresh fruit and water, as well as top-quality equipment for cardio, weightlifting, yoga, and aerobics sessions.
Lobby of Conrad Washington, DC Hotel
The star of the public area is the lobby itself, but it’s not the first area you encounter once you reach the third floor. Access to the lobby is from a small threshold just off the elevator bank. This minor movement pumps the wow factor up to an incredible degree once you do enter the lobby.
Staircase at Conrad Washington, DC
Lobby at Conrad Washington, DC.
With the building arranged in a giant “X”, the lobby manifests as both a meeting place and a point of crossing, stretching out along two planes. Sofas selected by the lead interior designer Rottet Studio echo the softly curving, light-toned wooden walls which climb over nine stories. Bathed in gentle light afforded by over a dozen huge, perfectly round skylights above, the lobby’s light shifts during the day, ranging from a gauzy, general illumination to shafted channels of sunlight in later hours. By night, a huge moon serves as a beacon and visual counter to the sinewy balconies of the floors above.
Once on upper floors (accessed by a keycard), you encounter wide, quiet hallways with high ceilings and low plaster half-walls topped in blond wood and sleek, warm backlighting. There is a palpable sense of spaciousness and sleek luxury.
We didn’t explore the rest of the public areas, but we know there are a selection of conference rooms and grand ballrooms that can be rented and personalized to suit many types of events. During our visit, a global medical conference was taking place and using several conference spaces.
View from the ninth floor, Conrad Washington DC.
Peering over the half wall reveals that each floor is not perfectly aligned, offering sneaking, nearly-voyeuristic glimpses of the activities below. It is a certain type of mystery and romance added to an architectural concept that is otherwise fairly typical in hotels.
Hallway at Conrad Washington DC.
Some aspects of the public areas feel downright yacht-like, with incredibly precise engineering, great finishes, and intelligent use of materials. Neutral carpet muffles sound and contrasts with the click-clack of the marble floor of the lobby. Sensorially, being even a single floor higher feels like being a world away.
The Conrad Washington DC Hotel Guest Rooms and Experience
Entry to a guest room at the Conrad Washington DC.
Before stepping foot in the room, you can sense a modern affair awaits, with Do Not Disturb and Service door hangs eliminated in exchange for push-button indicators, accessed from within the room. Accessibility was at the forefront of concerns at the Conrad Washington DC. Room numbers and other pieces of communication are rendered in Braille for hard-of-seeing guests.
We stayed in the Corner King room, positioned on the ninth floor, facing west toward CityCenterDC Park. The Corner King room is a master class in space planning, turning an otherwise complicated space into a functional and elegant place to relax.
Corner King room at Conrad Washington, DC.
Starting at 459 square feet, a true foyer greets guests as they enter this room, giving a moment of discretion and privacy before continuing into the space. Flattering lighting and soft carpet offer a sense of relaxation. Perhaps a missed opportunity was the addition of a sliding door between the main area and the foyer, but this is no dealbreaker as plenty of privacy is still afforded. With the bed positioned far into the room, we never heard noise in the hallway. Further, heavily glazed windows kept street noise at bay.
Corner King room at Conrad Washington, DC.
Through a threshold, you’re greeted with a sweeping wall of windows with electronically-controlled sheers and blackout curtains. The combination of raw concrete columns, floor-to-ceiling glass, and the thick fabric of the curtains, so rarely found in this city, is a thoroughly contemporary moment. Without the view of the city beckoning, you might forget you’re in DC altogether.
Corner King room at Conrad Washington, DC.
The King-sized bed is dressed in 100% cotton sateen, four-hundred thread count linens in crisp white by Frette for Conrad, as part of an ongoing partnership between Hilton’s luxury brands and the venerable fabric house.
Bedding by Frette in Corner King room at Conrad Washington, DC.
Though we neglected to check the mattress brand, it is likely a custom mattress sourced from Serta, known to be a favored supplier for Hilton properties.
Corner King room at Conrad Washington, DC.
Much of the furniture found in the room is custom by BERMANFALK.
Corner King room at Conrad Washington, DC.
Across the room, opening the pairs of sleek French doors reveal large clothing closets with hangers and a luggage rack. With a functional dresser below the TV and some hidden storage near the table, the room had no shortage of places to put things and it is clear the space is ideal for longer stays where completely unpacking might make sense. We did not find an ironing board, but no doubt one could be supplied.
Corner King room closet at Conrad Washington, DC.
A refreshment hub containing a cooler and coffee service lurks behind another door. The service features water bottles, a Nespresso machine with a selection of espressos, a variety of high-quality tea sachets provided by Tealeaves, and delicate Rosenthal china (both espresso and tea cups). The electric kettle is powered at all times, so preparing tea is a matter of pouring water over the sachet. Bottled water was stocked daily, but tap water in Washington DC is suitable for regular consumption.
Corner King room closet at Conrad Washington, DC.
As a demonstration of the attention paid to the smallest of details, glassware is plentiful but also varied, and with champagne flutes from Riedel and distinctive water tumblers from Nude Glassware.
Corner King room at Conrad Washington, DC.
Moving away from the wall of storage, a sculptural, parabolic table rendered in marble serves as the arbiter between “productive” and “non-productive” areas of the room. The table, among the largest I’ve found in a hotel room, nearly floats above the ground and has tapered edges, offering an impossible lightness. Anchored to a low shelf that also contains some storage, the table can serve as a desk or a dining table. A svelte black strip of lamp curves over the table, offering focused light.
Table in the Corner King room at Conrad Washington DC
On that topic, lighting around the room tends to veer toward the theatrical, enabled by bedside controls attuned to different needs, including “nightlight”, “read”, “relax”, and more. Discreet light in the coffers of the ceiling and under the bathroom vanity are unexpected but deeply elegant and practical.
Remove lighting control at Conrad Washington, DC.
The control center by the bed also controls the sheers and drapes at the touch of a button. The drapes are very good at keeping light out, ensuring the potential for deep rest late into the day.
Corner King room at Conrad Washington, DC.
In terms of audio, visual, and connectivity capabilities, Conrad Washington, DC offers plenty of outlets around the room, including intentionally positioned USB and three-prong connections at the bedsides. WiFi is available for free, and the base offering is plenty fast enough for video calls and streaming. An ethernet cable for a secured connection is available near the table.
Conrad Washington DC Hotel Corner King View
View from a Corner Room at Conrad Washington DC.
The views from the Corner King room are ideal, especially if you’re positioned on the scenic CityCenter Park. But even if you’re not, views in all directions are generally protected thanks to the podium-style position between several streets and the aforementioned architectural features. The streets and colors outside are dynamic places day and night, but sunsets are particularly special.
View from a Corner Room at Conrad Washington DC.
Night view from a Corner Room at Conrad Washington DC.
GOOD TO KNOW
Guests can rest in comfort knowing the public cannot see into rooms thanks to a special reflective glazing applied to the glass of the building.
Conrad Washington DC Corner King Bathroom
Corner King bathroom at Conrad Washington, DC.
A rare find, a windowed bathroom brings take-it-for-granted luxury to a hotel room in a way few other features can’t. Real sensations of relaxation come from the Corner King’s large bathroom with its floor-to-ceiling windows. With the reflective glazing on glass, there is no risk for outside observers getting views. Even if that remains a concern, sheers and drapes can be drawn.
Corner King bathroom at Conrad Washington, DC.
Beyond the view, the bathroom is lavishly outfitted, which we now know is part and parcel for the true Conrad experience. In terms of finishes and soft qualities, the bathroom features dual vanities with Waterworks fixtures and excellent water pressure in the shower and sink. The toilet is hidden behind a frosted door. There is no bidet.
Corner King bathroom at Conrad Washington, DC.
Though there is no tub, the standing shower is cavernous and features a unique half-moon standing space as well as a rain head and handheld sprayer (both of which can be activated simultaneously!). Luxurious hygiene products are supplied by Byredo. Shaving kits, available on request, are provided by Gilchrist & Soames. Good quality towels in a variety of sizes were plentiful.
Shower in the Corner King bathroom at Conrad Washington, DC.
Waking up and stepping into a bright bathroom really set the day in a positive motion. It felt great to have Washington, DC lie in front of us, almost begging us to step out.
Corner King room view at Conrad Washington, DC.
The Conrad Washington DC Hotel Service and Amenities
Within the room, plenty of small details abound including items for comfort such as robes and slippers, but also more services such as complimentary shoe shine service, paid laundry, classic room service provided by Estuary, as well as a unique after hours personal beverage cart featuring everything from Champagne and cocktail mixers to juices and snacks.
Unique to Conrad Washington, DC is the Sakura Club, which is an extremely elevated take on the “lounge floor” concept that some brands offer. Taking over the penthouse floor of the building, the Sakura Club is open 24 hours, and staffed from 6:30am-10pm. It offers the following meals complimentary to guests with access:
Breakfast: 6:30-10:30am
Lunch: Noon-2pm
Dinner: 5-8:30pm
Along with unique dishes that change daily, the club is known to have a particularly encompassing Japanese whisky selection. While we didn’t personally visit the Sakura Club, it’s known to be a favorite feature of other guests who have reviewed the hotel.
GOOD TO KNOW
Elevated status within the Hilton Honors loyalty program does not guarantee access to the Sakura Club. You must book into a room offering club access.
The Sakura Club Room, the Sakura Club Studio Suite, Diplomat Suite, Park View One Bedroom Suite, and Presidential Suite all provide Sakura Club Lounge access. You can also add-on Sakura Club access to most other rooms.
Available to all guests, the gym is open 24 hours with keycard access. It is fully-featured and offers a view over CityCenterDC. It is regularly stocked with water bottles and fruit and features a variety of exercise equipment for all types of work outs.
Fitness Center at Conrad Washington, DC.
There is also a business center and conference rooms. The business center offers computers as well as access to a printer, but the staff can also print things for you or dispatch mail as needed.
Conrad Washington, DC Staff and Support
Conrad Washington, DC.
Our experience with staff was satisfactory. We got to know some familiar faces quickly, such as the doorman and bellhop. Sadly, requests by phone were not always accomplished in a timely manner, if at all. We made small requests, including a need for a shaving kit and turndown service as soon as possible. The shaving kit arrived as a toothbrush. The staff member apologized and returned not long later with the correct item. Unfortunately, the turndown service was never accomplished. Aside from this, all staff- from the restaurants to the front desk- were incredibly patient and friendly. The staff was able to accommodate an additional hour for check out (normally noon). The bellhop was able to hold luggage until we wanted to leave (after some shopping and lunch). The bill was forwarded to my email without issue.
The best part of the staff was the late night team at the concierge desk on the first floor. They were in great spirits as we rolled in from dinner and dancing around two AM. They cracked jokes and sent us off to bed.
Conrad Washington, DC Dining and Drinks
Though you’re in the center of the nation’s capital, Conrad Washington, DC has plenty to offer in terms of on-site dining and lounging. As mentioned, the guest-only, access-only Sakura Club serves meals each day. In addition, there is Estuary, situated on the third floor and offering both indoor and outdoor seating. Sourcing ingredients from the Chesapeake Bay region, Estuary offers a seasonal menu that highlights the bounty of the entire watershed, including not just seafood, but the plants and land animals that bolster the distinct flavors of Mid-Atlantic cuisine.
Estuary Restaurant, Washington, DC.
We enjoyed a robust breakfast in a uniquely contemporary casual setting, where the open-air kitchen puts preparation on full display. Other diners included hotel guests as well visitors looking for a late breakfast. To note: the cottage-fried potatoes are fantastic, offering a crumbly, slightly-burnt taste that somehow also melts in your mouth.
Estuary Restaurant, Washington, DC.
Conrad Washington DC also offers occasional culinary and mixology events. For example, the hotel is celebrating National Tequila Day with Casa del Sol, offering exclusive tasting flights and snacks at Summit, the rooftop bar and lounge with unparalleled views of Downtown DC, the US Capitol, and the Washington Monument.
Combining an upscale, relaxed atmosphere and forward-thinking offerings, Summit is a great place to have an evening-starting cocktail or earlier nightcap (it closes at 10PM). While it’s closer to chic cocktail party than BBQ, the scene is light and enthusiastic with stunning views that expand in all directions thanks to a careful play against Washington DC’s strict building height rules.
GOOD TO KNOW
If you’re in need of a very high-profile dinner spot in DC, there is really only one choice: Cafe Milano. With one location in Abu Dhabi and the other in Washington DC’s own Georgetown, Cafe Milano has been the place to see and be seen for over thirty years. Reservations recommended, but Conrad’s concierge can likely snag a spot last minute.
Lobby bar at Conrad Washington, DC
Finally, there is a circular lobby bar that really gets moving around 6pm but in the meantime offers a fairly relaxing daytime respite.
The Conrad Washington DC Hotel Location
The Conrad Washington DC is located at 950 New York Ave NW, about an 8 minute walk from the Gallery Place Chinatown Metro Station and an 18-20 minute walk to the Smithsonian Natural History Museum and the National Mall.
From a zoomed out perspective, the Conrad Washington DC sits in the relative center of the Nation’s capital, with the lively Penn Quarter to the southeast, Downtown Washington DC to the west, and the National Mall further south. The immediate neighborhood is CityCenterDC, a sleek and walkable collection of apartments, high-end shops, and gourmet restaurants that is buzzing with activity most days. Among weekly events (including regular live music), flower sellers and food carts dot the pedestrian areas.
Conrad Washington DC’s special gift is its prominent position at the intersection of New York Avenue NW, I Street NW, and 10th Street NW. This perch, with the triangular CityCenterDC Park just ahead, affords guests unobstructed views down New York Avenue NW ending at the White House as well as I street NW, which zooms off toward Foggy Bottom and Georgetown.
View from Conrad Washington, DC Hotel
Practically, being at this intersection makes getting around Washington DC very easy, with many of its more prominent attractions in walking or driving distance. A 15-minute walk can put you on the steps of the National Mall and its many museums. In the other direction, the White House and the shoulder-rubbing dining of Downtown Washington DC awaits. The diversity and all night partying of U Street is just up the delightfully dynamic 14th street.
In our case, we set out for Georgetown for some antique shopping and dining before ending the night in the bars and clubs of U Street. Ubers and Taxis are safe and plentiful in Washington, DC.
Lobby at Conrad Washington DC
Conrad Washington DC features 360 rooms, a third floor lounge, bar, and restaurant. It offers two outdoor terraces, a grand ballroom and conservatory ballroom. It offers multiple meeting and conference rooms as well Estuary and Summit as dining and drink options. Sakura Club access is available. Room prices fluxtuate seasonally. Learn more and reserve accommodation here.
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