Inside the Willard InterContinental D.C.: Post-Renovation Review

The Willard InterContinental has long stood as one of Washington, D.C.’s most storied luxury hotels. A city landmark since 1818, it has earned the nickname “the residence of Presidents” thanks to its proximity to the White House and its long roster of notable guests. Abraham Lincoln stayed here on the eve of his inauguration, and Calvin Coolidge took his second presidential oath of office within its walls. Writers and cultural figures have also left their mark, from Mark Twain and Charles Dickens to Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman. Julia Ward Howe penned “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” during a stay at the hotel, and decades later, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. worked on his “I Have a Dream” speech here.

That deep sense of history remains central to the Willard’s identity, even after a recent top-to-bottom restoration of all 335 rooms and suites. The renovation modernized the hotel without erasing its past, adding modern comfort while honoring the hotel’s legacy. The design leans into what Twain once called the hotel’s “theatrical potential,” seen today in crystal chandeliers, ornate crown moldings, rich jewel tones, elegant drapery, hardwood floors, and custom wool rugs—elements that preserve the Willard’s sense of grandeur while bringing it firmly into the present.

We visited the Willard recently to experience the property firsthand, and this is our honest review.

Location

*Washington Monument View from one bedroom suite*

Located just one block from the White House, the Willard makes an ideal base for exploring Washington, D.C. The National Mall is steps away, putting many of the city’s top museums and landmarks within easy walking distance, including the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum, and several iconic monuments.

For those arriving by car, 24-hour valet parking is available, with overnight valet service priced at $78 and unrestricted in-and-out privileges. Hourly parking options are also offered. If you prefer public transportation, Metro Center station is a short walk from the hotel and provides convenient access to the Blue, Orange, Red, and Silver lines.

Beyond the sights, the surrounding neighborhood offers plenty of restaurants, bars, and shopping to explore.

Rooms

Guest rooms at the Willard follow a pied-à-terre concept, designed to feel more like a private residence than a traditional hotel room. A fresh, neutral palette accented with soft blue tones creates a calm retreat from the energy of downtown. In total, the hotel offers 335 accommodations, including 69 suites and 14 signature suites. The newly restored signature suites are named after notable former guests, with each space reflecting the spirit of its namesake through tailored design details and custom murals. The Eleanor Roosevelt Suite, for example, features artwork inspired by her love of gardening and the 1943 White House Victory Garden.

Sitting room in one bedroom suite at Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C

We stayed in a newly renovated One-Bedroom Suite, where everything felt brand new. Ranging from 800 to 1,000 square feet, these spacious suites include a separate living room with a four-person dining table, two full bathrooms, and a private bedroom with a king bed. Our suite offered incredible views of the Washington Monument from both the living room and bedroom, a highlight that immediately set the tone for the stay.

Modern conveniences are thoughtfully integrated throughout the space, including an in-room Nespresso machine and charging points at both the desk and bedside tables, along with a wireless charging station. Heavy drapery added to the room’s elegant feel while providing excellent blackout coverage for sleeping in, and the pillow-top bed was exceptionally comfortable. Having two full bathrooms (stocked with full-size Byredo bath products) in the suite was a great perk that made getting ready to go out for the day much faster.

For nights when you’d rather stay in, the in-room TVs offer more than 90 channels, including HBO and Cinemax.

Dining

Willard InterContinental Restaurant — *Credit: Willard InterContinental*

Café du Parc serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, with brunch offered on weekends. Drawing inspiration from the Willard’s Beaux-Arts architecture and Pierre L’Enfant’s French-influenced vision for Washington, D.C., the brasserie presents classic French cuisine with a modern sensibility. In the colder months, the café’s rich, decadent hot chocolate is a must-order. Just off the main dining room, Le Café offers a more casual option for coffee and light bites throughout the day, along with dessert and cocktails in the evening.

For a more private dining experience, the Pershing Private Dining Room accommodates up to 45 guests seated or 75 for a reception-style event. In-room dining is also available daily from 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

The Willard’s traditional Afternoon Tea is served in the elegant Peacock Alley, one of the hotel’s most iconic spaces, or delivered directly to your suite for a quieter experience.

In the evening, the historic Round Robin Bar comes alive. Nicknamed the “Oval Office of Bars” for its circular design and influential clientele, it has been a popular gathering place since 1847. Order the bar’s signature mint julep and light bites to start or end your night out.

Spa and Wellness

The Willard’s fitness center is spacious, well equipped, and surprisingly quiet. We used it twice during our stay and never encountered another guest. Located on the second floor and accessed through the spa, the gym features Peloton bikes, LifeFitness treadmills with virtual scenic running programs that make indoor running far less boring, Technogym cardio machines, a full selection of free weights, TRX equipment, exercise balls, along with a sauna and steam room. The fitness center is open 24 hours a day, and an on-site personal trainer is available by advance appointment.

Adjacent to the gym, the Willard Spa offers a calm, restorative escape from the city. The spa’s menu includes signature treatments such as the Willard Presidential Body Experience, a multi-step ritual combining aromatherapy, exfoliation, customized massage techniques, and an invigorating scalp treatment designed for total relaxation.

Service and Extras

In room treats at Willard InterContinental

The Willard offers concierge service via text, making it easy to get quick answers without picking up the phone. One evening, for example, we returned to find a surprise turndown treat of champagne and macarons. A quick text to the concierge let us confirm the ingredients right away. Service throughout the hotel felt consistently warm and polished. One morning, while juggling coffees and breakfast on the way back to our room, a doorman noticed and rushed ahead to call the elevator and press our floor. The main hotel front desk was equally professional. When we asked about a late checkout, the associate was happy to accommodate our travel schedule and immediately reissued keys valid through the new checkout time—a small detail, but one that’s often overlooked at hotels causing annoyance when you go out the morning of checkout and have to come back down because your key has stopped working.

The Willard’s concierge team is part of Les Clefs d’Or, the prestigious international association of professional hotel concierges. They can assist with everything from restaurant recommendations and attraction bookings to transportation arrangements and special requests.

Wondering how much to tip your concierge? Read our Hotel Concierge Etiquette guide.

The hotel is also family-friendly, with a children’s program available for guests 11 and under. Amenities include cribs, strollers, and microwaves upon request, along with an on-site children’s library where kids can “check out” a book using a special Willard Library card. Younger guests can also earn “duck bucks” during their stay, which can be redeemed at Le Café for a treat.

Pets weighing 40 pounds or less are welcome at the Willard, subject to a $200 non-refundable cleaning fee.