Hotel
The Hay-Adams
A 1928 luxury hotel facing Lafayette Square and the White House, with a fine-dining restaurant, a well-known bar and a rooftop with city views.
Willard InterContinental Washington
The historic grand hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue where Lincoln stayed before his inauguration, with the Round Robin Bar, a spa and afternoon tea.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic grand hotel
- Area
- Downtown, Washington DC, United States
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Official site
- washington.intercontinental.com
Good to know
- AAA Four Diamond
- The Willard Spa
- Fitness centre
- Round Robin Bar
- Café du Parc
- Afternoon tea in Peacock Alley
- Pet-friendly options
Why we recommend it
The Willard InterContinental is one of Washington's great historic hotels and has played a part in American history for more than 150 years. Henry Willard combined a row of houses on the site into Willard's Hotel in 1847, and the present twelve-storey Beaux-Arts building, designed by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, opened in 1901. It stands at 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, close to the White House.
The stories are part of the experience. Abraham Lincoln was brought to the hotel secretly in February 1861 because of threats against his life and stayed until his inauguration. Julia Ward Howe wrote the words of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" here in 1861, and Martin Luther King Jr. finished his "I Have a Dream" speech in his room before the March on Washington in 1963. The hotel likes to say that the word "lobbyist" came from people waiting for Ulysses S. Grant in its lobby, although historians doubt it.
The Willard closed in 1968 and stood empty until it was restored and reopened in 1986. Today it is independently owned and operated by IHG Hotels and Resorts, and it is rated AAA Four Diamond. Rooms range from Classic and Premium rooms, some with views, to a series of suites up to the Presidential Suites.
Food and drink are varied. The hotel's restaurants and bars include the Round Robin Bar, Café du Parc and Le Café, and afternoon tea is served in Peacock Alley. There is also The Willard Spa and a fitness centre. The hotel welcomes pets and offers a pet package.
The Willard suits history lovers, couples and business travellers who want a central base with a sense of occasion. Families will find it convenient for the National Mall, which is a short walk south. Book early for spring and for major events, and look at the offers page for packages.
The hotel is a short walk from the White House, the National Mall and the museums of Penn Quarter. Old Ebbitt Grill and the Hay-Adams are both a few minutes away on foot, and Metro stations are close by in the downtown area.
Willard InterContinental Washington FAQs
Where is the Willard InterContinental?
At 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, close to the White House.
Is the Willard historic?
Yes. A hotel has stood on the site since 1847, and the current building opened in 1901.
Did Abraham Lincoln stay at the Willard?
Yes. He stayed there from February 1861 until his inauguration on 4 March.
Is there a spa?
Yes. The Willard Spa and a fitness centre are on site.
Can I have afternoon tea there?
Yes. Afternoon tea is served in Peacock Alley.
What bars and restaurants are there?
The Round Robin Bar, Café du Parc and Le Café.
Is the hotel pet-friendly?
Yes. The hotel has a pets page and a pet getaway package.
What is its rating?
The hotel is AAA Four Diamond rated.