Situated on the charming Southwest waterfront, Salamander Washington DC is the ideal stay for travelers who want their serenity but enjoy knowing they’re close enough to some of the biggest attractions in the nation’s capital.
Taking over for the Mandarin Oriental back in fall 2022, Salamander put its stamp on the 373-room hotel by ensuring the same diverse, communal feel the brand demonstrates at its other renowned properties also resonates here. By the time a full suite refresh, rotunda lobby update and club lounge reopening are completed in 2024, the Jefferson Memorial and The Wharf mixed-use corridor won’t be the only distinctive landmarks in the area.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- Towering nine stories above the water, the hotel’s neoclassical architecture reflects the original plans intended for Washington, dating back to the 1700s. And with a limestone façade and ornate columns, it stands out against nearby government buildings.
- The sizable rooms and suites have custom-built furniture, deep-soaking tubs and touch-pad lighting controls. Many afford unbeatable views of the waterfront, Jefferson Memorial and cherry blossoms, if you happen to travel at the right time to catch sight of these precious buds.
- While appetites whet for the arrival of wunderkind chef Kwame Onwuachi’s signature restaurant in 2024, the hotel is proud to offer The Salamander Grille, an eatery serving a host of breakfast and dinner options done with executive chef Marco Fossati’s globally inspired touch.
- At 10,000 square feet, Salamander Spa is one of the city’s largest spas. Book the Revitalized Treatment, a session that includes a dry brush exfoliation, a 24k gold-infused scrub and a relaxing massage for those in town for business or a busy day of sightseeing. Even if you can’t fit in a service, hotel guests can use the fitness center and indoor pool for free.
- For a respite from the crowds that gather in D.C. on the weekends, reserve a spot for afternoon tea at the Lounge, where you’ll find finger sandwiches, scones and a selection of sweets every Saturday and Sunday.
Things to Know
- Salamander’s activity calendar is quite robust. Whether it’s a D.C. music festival or buzzy sporting event, the hotel often finds a way to tie in a themed afternoon tea, live entertainment or some other cultural activation.
- The Salamander Gem Car is a charming electric shuttle that’s available for complimentary drop-off to the National Mall area and other nearby attractions.
- This is the only luxury hotel on the Tidal Basin. For locals, this means the hotel is an intimate getaway set apart from the hubbub of the city. For tourists, it’s an easy walk to the Smithsonian museums and monuments.
- The property plays host to one of the D.C. area’s largest event spaces, a 4,000-square-foot lawn that overlooks the water.
Getting There
Salamander Washington DC
