Hotel check: Park Hyatt Washington

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Walk past the large American flag hanging outside the Park Hyatt and into the lobby, and you’ll notice two large glass boxes on either side of you, each with photographs of Washington’s famous cherry trees in bloom enlarged and laminated between panes of glass.

It’s an arresting piece of art and a suitable introduction to this fabulously stylish hotel, which manages to be uncluttered yet constantly interesting. A few steps down, and the reception desks are of dark walnut with a large Sony Vaio on each for check-in. On the wall behind is a backdrop of what looks like hemp, dyed red and sewn together in a kind of rural nod to American history and somewhat reminiscent of Jasper John’s painting of the US flag.

WHERE IS IT? On 24th and M Streets, NW Washington. The Fairmont, Westin Grand, Four Seasons and Marriott are all within easy walking distance, and Georgetown is six blocks to the west.

HOW MANY ROOMS? 215 rooms including 19 suites, ranging from 38 sqm to 152 sqm.

ROOM FACILITIES The most common rooms are in the Park Deluxe category, and are a massive 57 sqm in size, and seem even larger because of the minimalist furnishings and clever use of lighting; but try finding a plug and the only ones visible are by the workdesk. There are wooden blinds instead of curtains in the bathroom, which is more like a spa (making up a third of the room area in the Deluxe rooms) and includes a dark limestone rain shower, a large bathtub and toiletries by “artisan perfumer” Blaise Mautin. An antique chequerboard is on one side of a revolving piece of wood in the middle of the wall which separates the work area from the bedroom, with a television on the other allowing you to watch in bed or in the work area. Beds have Frette linens and down duvets and there are photography books on the coffee table, emphasising a particular type of East Coast American aesthetic. Both the wifi and wired internet connection is very fast and there is a good- sized workdesk and a personal safe large enough to fit a laptop. Included in the price are free local calls, and an Audi A8 L car service (upon availability) between 7-11am.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS These are all on the ground floor, and walking from reception you come first to the new Tea Cellar, which features more than 50 rare and limited production, single-estate teas from China, Japan, Sri Lanka and the Himalayas. They range in price from US$5-US$300 per pot, so make sure to read the menu carefully before ordering (or showing off…). Next is the 60-seat lounge and bar area, which serves breakfast, lunch and evening meals, and features wine by the glass including Caymus Special Select 2005 (US$50) or Opus One Meritage 2003 (US$55), though prices start at US$9. There is also a cheese expert on hand to guide you through the “artisan cheese menu”.
The Park Hyatt was refurbished in 2006 at a cost of US$24 million, and the money is all on show. In this lounge, there are some elevated glass booths with walnut tables and Windsor-style Cod-Rib wooden seats in them, perfect for breakfast meetings where you want to have an undisturbed conversation.

Lastly, there is the Blue Duck Tavern, which sounds like it’s going to be awful, but is the opposite, being both designer and comfortable, with a huge seasonal menu, an open kitchen and wood-burning oven, along with Quaker-style wooden furniture and stainless-steel wine racks. There is also a private tasting room and a chef’s table, which seats 12.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES The hotel can accommodate up to 300 delegates for events in its Park Ballroom and has five private boardrooms, as well as an executive boardroom with a circular marble table seating 15. The facilities are open 24 hours a day and there is a technology concierge on hand to answer queries and an on-site audio-visual specialist.

LEISURE FACILITIES There’s a good-sized gym open 24 hours a day, and a swimming pool, but no spa, although there are arrangements with one next door to the hotel.

VERDICT Absolutely first class. The staff are excellent, the rooms enormous and the design pleasing to the eye, but the Park Hyatt is the opposite of many designer hotels in that it gives a real sense of being in Washington. Highly recommended.

PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in March started from US$628 (£316) for a Park King room. (24-hour cancellation.)

CONTACT 24 and M Streets, Washington DC; tel +1 202 789 1234; parkhyattwashington.com.

Tom Otley