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    InterContinental The Willard Washington D.C

    4.0 (411 reviews)
    PriceyHotels
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    Updated over 3 months ago

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    Austin G.

    One of the most storied hotels in Washington, D.C. is the Willard Hotel. In a city where everyone describes locations being "steps away from The White House," the Willard has been literal steps from The White House since the early 19th century. Presidents like President-elect Abraham Lincoln stayed here as well as Mark Twain, Walt Whitman, and Emily Dickinson. MLK edited the final version of his "I Have A Dream" speech from the lobby, where the term "lobbyists" was coined decades before. Many, many, many stories emerge from the Willard. (A small museum inside tells these stories and more.) My wife, eight-year-old daughter and I stayed here one night as a birthday staycation. Here's our experience. 1) Check-In: It's very easy. At the grand reception desk, we had room keys within minutes. Parking is harder to find in the area, but not impossible on the street. If you're okay spending $78 a night, there's a parking garage with valet service. When we walked into our room, there was a welcome spread of snacks, wine, and Honest Kids juice for my daughter. 2) Rooms: Each floor has suites named after famous figures like Frederick Douglass and Eleanor Roosevelt. Our room was 844 and it came with a living room, a little kitchen, two bathrooms, and a bedroom with two queen sized beds. Everything was very comfortable and nice. 3) Amenities: There's a gym and spa on the second floor, a famous bar, a grand lobby, breakfast at Cafe du Parc and more. Nearby are many sites like the World War I Memorial, the Milken Institute, and more.

    Peacock art
    Ashley J.

    I stayed at the Willard InterContinental for 4 nights and had a wonderful experience from start to finish. I arrived early in the morning from a red-eye and booked a Classic Room, 1 King Bed, which far exceeded my expectations. The room was extremely spacious -- what many hotels would call a junior suite -- with a comfortable couch and coffee table, a chair with ottoman, and a small dining table. A lovely welcome card greeted me along with a fresh fruit assortment, macarons, and large bottles of still and sparkling water, all complimentary. Each day, the staff replenished water bottles and left dark chocolate squares with turndown service, which was such a nice touch. The room decor blends classic elegance with a few modern upgrades. Some of the lighting fixtures and cabinetry show their age, and the elevators feel a bit dated as well, but that adds to the charm of staying in a historic property. At the same time, there are thoughtful updates like the cordless phone charger, reliable Wi-Fi, and high-quality bath products that keep the experience modern and comfortable. With my booking amenities fee, I received a $20 daily dining credit, which was a nice perk. There's also a spa credit, though treatments are on the pricier side ($150-$200+). I ordered in-room dining one night (the Willard Burger (medium) with steamed vegetables) and it was fresh, flavorful, and generous in portion size. Thanks to Sabrina for making the order seamless via text and ensuring it was perfectly timed for when I got back to my room. Kimberly at reception was equally great, making both check-in and check-out effortless and welcoming. The five-star service really shines here. My only small suggestion would be to expand the in-room bathroom amenities. They had the basics (soap, cotton pads, Q-tips, and shower cap), but it would be nice to see items like razors, toothbrushes, or makeup wipes, which other luxury hotels sometimes include. That said, the shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and robes were all top quality. Overall, the Willard delivers the perfect mix of history, comfort, and service. Thank you to the entire team for making my D.C. trip so special!

    Afternoon tea
    Clara S.

    First off, the hotel lobby is truly beautiful. We had an afternoon tea event in the Crystal room. Service was eh-- not too attentive (didn't change the setup when new people came) but I guess we were a big group. - Scone: 100/10 (buttery and soft) - Sandwiches: 8/10 - Tarts: 10/10 - Cakes: 10/10

    Victoria B.

    I was previously a fan of the afternoon tea here and had visited several times in the past. Unfortunately, I will not return. I'm frankly insulted by their staff here. During my most recent experience here, we opted for the unlimited champagne option and our server only filled our glass about half way because he didn't want to wait for the bubbles to subside. This led to us never receiving a full glass of champagne except one time when another person stopped by to refill. One time. Our glass was actually empty quite a few times, with us waiting over 20 minutes for our server to come back. Nevertheless, we didn't make a big deal about it, and paid our check before we left. When we were leaving, we were asked by a manager how everything was, and I mentioned that the glasses of champagne weren't poured properly. I told her that I wasn't looking for any type of compensation since we both already paid each $200+ bill, I just wanted to talk to them about how the server poured the champagne. I had already planned to return in the future regardless, because I love afternoon tea. She told me she would let someone know and they would give me a call. We then stepped into the Round Robin bar for a drink before leaving. My friend was driving later in the evening, so she got a mocktail. When I stepped away to go to the bathroom, a manager came by and paid for a round of drinks, which was a surprise. Again, we didn't not ask for this, but it was nice. The next day, I received a call from the tea room manager. He said he had to talk to his manager and call me back. He never did. When I finally called back to speak with him, he proceeded to insult me by insinuating that I was lying about the situation and tell me that we had 3 servers the whole time we were there (we did not) and that my friend and I had consumed 2.5 bottles of champagne (for only two people). That was not even remotely possible because 1) I cannot consume that much, so we both would have been wasted and sick, and 2) My friend was driving later and only had a few glasses. I was truly flabbergasted and disgusted by this lie. Where did this information even come from? Anyway, I'm truly insulted and disgusted by Willard at this point. I love afternoon tea and go often, not only here, but in every country I travel that offers it. I will not be returning here.I was previously a fan of the afternoon tea hear and had visited several times on the past. Unfortunately, I will not return. I'm frankly insulted by their staff here. During my month recent experience here, we opted for the unlimited champagne option and our server only filled our glass about half way because he didn't want to wait for the bubbles to subside. This led to us never receiving a full glass of champagne except one time when another person stopped by to refill. One time. Our glass was actually empty quite a few times, with us waiting over 20 minutes for our server to come back. Nevertheless, we didn't make a big deal about it, and paid our check before we left. When we were leaving, we were asked by a manager how everything was, and I mentioned that the glasses of champagne weren't poured properly. I told her that I wasn't looking for any type of compensation, I just wanted to talk to them about how the server poured the champagne. I had already planned to return in the future regardless, because I love afternoon tea. She told me she would let someone know and they would give me a call. We then stepped into the Round Robin bar for a drink before leaving. My friend was driving later in the evening, so she got a mocktail. When I stepped away to go to the bathroom, a manager came by and paid for a round of drinks, which was a surprise. Again, we didn't not ask for this, but it was nice. The next day, I received a call from manager of the tea room manager. He said he had to talk to his manager and call me back. He never did. When I finally called back to speak with him, he proceeded to insult me by insinuating that I was lying about the situation and told me that we had 3 servers the whole time we were there (we did not) and that my friend and I had consumed 2.5 bottles of champagne (for only two people). That was not even remotely possible because 1) I cannot consume that much, so we both would have been wasted and sick, and 2) My friend was driving later and only had a few glasses. I was truly flabbergasted and disgusted by this lie. Where did this information even come from? And lastly, if I was expecting any type of compensation, I would have said something BEFORE I paid the bill. I simply wanted to give them feedback, but was insulted instead. Anyway, I'm truly insulted and disgusted by Willard at this point. I love afternoon tea and go often, not only here, but in every country I travel that offers it. I will not be returning here just to be insulted after paying $200+ (per person).

    Jeff A.

    Outstanding hotel in the heart of everything you want to see in DC. We stayed for 6 days for an anniversary trip in a Junior Suite, and we were so pleased we selected The Willard. The American Express benefits make staying even more special with a breakfast package, early check-in, and late check-out, along with a credit to spend wherever you wish. We chose to enjoy drinks in the Round Robin Bar nightly, which is a cozy bar with awesome bartenders. Everything about our stay exceeded our expectations

    Rachel S.

    Went all the way to DC to grab French onion soup and some cocktails to be disappointed that The Round Robin Bar wasn't opened on Friday afternoon like years past. Still walked around and saw the pretty views inside of peacock alley and the gingerbread house (pictured) but would have loved to enjoy the yummy food and drinks the Willard has to offer!

    Exterior decorations!
    Keith H.

    The Willard Intercontinental Hotel is an institution in Washington DC! It's located near the White House and the Washington Monument, as well as many excellent retail and dining options. It is one of those grand historic sites that cannot be matched in modern times. It has hosted many notable literary and political figures. In fact it has its own small museum on site dedicated to its past. One knows what kind of establishment it is when one enters the cathedral-like lobby. The ceiling of this room features seals of the fifty states surrounding its light fixtures. From the lobby extends the famous Peacock Row, which is a majorly impressive hallway, and is where High Tea is served. This is a formal event, and is well attended on a daily basis. In spite of this being a historic building, the rooms have been nicely updated, and WiFi is prevalent through the structure. It also has Café du Parc and the Round Robin Bar, both of which share a menu and are both notable in themselves. I was fortunate to get upgraded to a mini-suite with a priceless view of the Washington Monument. The rooms are comfortable and the staff excellent. They even come do a turn down service in the evening for you bedding. That's a level of service you don't see much anymore.

    Cupcake
    Christine L.

    In a new town and will choose 1 place to experience the afternoon tea scene here. Chose the Intercontinental. The food is 4 of 5-the desserts are fabulous and it feels like all the attention was to the sweets because the sandwiches are boring and ordinary. The scones are wonderful. Yes they will give you clotted cream with various jams. The tea menu is extraordinary and I really couldn't narrow it down but after a couple minutes I chose their signature blend (black tea). I'm not a fan of bergamot oil but this tea was fragrant and tasty. I must of drank 2 pots. My companion chose the Willard Black Blend that uses Chinese teas as base. I liked his more than mine that I wanted to purchase this tea to bring home as a gift. Alas they didn't offer that blend to sell only black cherry and signature blend (maybe some herbal one too but don't care to remember ugh) but Kevin our waiter gave us some loose leaf into a small bag (bless his heart). He was a great attentive waiter. The establishment gave us a birthday cupcake and the harpist played happy birthday. Kevin gave me a free glass of birthday champagne. Just a beautiful fall day outside to walk into a lovely historic establishment for tea. Companion and I kept talking and talking that they politely gestured that we could take our tea cup to the couch in the back (which we did) since they had to get ready for the 230pm crowd. The ambiance is nice to stay and keep the conversation going lol.

    Jessica A.

    I came here for afternoon tea to celebrate a friend's birthday. I loved every moment of it! There were four of us, so they brought us enough pastries for the group, and we ordered from the standard menu. We each got our own tea along with a glass of champagne (which is an additional $15). It has a very classy ambiance with a lady playing the harp in the background.

    High tea with sparkling apple juice, blini, caviar, and so many good things to eat!
    Susan S.

    The tea service is savory sandwiches, deviled eggs; then scones with jams and Devonshire cream, and finally petit fours and truffles. Delicious!

    Holli G.

    I had afternoon tea here today with a friend and it was a great experience! Everything was delicious but I especially loved the deviled egg, turkey mousse sandwich, and scones! The harpist was a really nice addition as well. All of the servers were professional and friendly!

    Thanksgiving buffet.

    Thanksgiving brunch very nice expensive definitely for a special occasion. Come hungry, lots and lots of food.

    Paula C.

    The Willard Hotel is one stop I knew we had to make during our trip due to the history that took place within these walls. Whether you stay here or have a drink here I highly recommend! There's just something about being and sitting where others of power came before! Here's the background - The Willard Hotel is a storied Washington landmark located across the street from the White House south lawn. Because of its prime location, it has attracted scores of notable guests over the years including Abraham Lincoln, Mark Twain, Walt Whitman and Charles Dickens. In the book "Lincoln's Boys," author Joshua Zeitz recalls that during the 1860s "Willard's was a modern wonder, with 150 guest rooms, lecture and meeting halls, and a massive bar and dining room where hundreds of patrons gorged themselves daily on fish, oysters, venison and good champagne." Before the explosion of Washington's nightlife in recent years, the Willard was one of the power centers for the political class of movers and shakers. Before moving into the White House, Abe Lincoln hunkered down at the Willard with his private detective to sniff out any assassination attempts. During President Grant's administration, local lore has it that the president spent so much time drinking brandy in the lobby that favor-seekers started staking it out to get access to him, popularizing the term "lobbyist" in the United States. In contrast to its modern-day image of class and respectability, the area around the Willard was once a raucous neighborhood known as Hooker's Division. A newspaper clipping from the 1890s explains that "During the Civil War it was occupied by the camp of General Hooker ... since then it has become the plague spot of Washington, a center of vice, liquor-selling, and prostitution." The lobbyists who hung out there peddled in alcohol and sex, not campaign donations. The original hotel dates to 1816 and was actually an interconnected amalgamation of rowhouses. The present-day 12-story structure was built in 1901 and was an early example of skyscraper construction in Washington. Its engineering drew on the steel-framing concepts developed decades earlier in Chicago and New York. A fire in 1922 sent Vice President Calvin Coolidge and several senators fleeing, but thanks to the steel skeleton the damage was repairable. Forty years later, Martin Luther King Jr. rented out a room and put the finishing touches on his "I Have A Dream" speech before delivering it at the nearby Lincoln Memorial.

    1BR Suite - Butler's Pantry w Refrigerator

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    8 months ago

    The Willard sets the standard for a 5-star hotel. The best staff in the world. An amazing historic building and the best possible location.

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    The hotel is lively but we've been waiting NINE HOURS to have engineering fix a fire alarm chirping in our suite

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    InterContinental The Willard Washington D.C Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - InterContinental The Willard Washington D.C

    Does the valet require/expect a tip? If so, what is normal, reasonable?

    Hello, Michael. While extending a tip to the valet is a kind gesture, please know it is not expected nor required. Should you choose to tip, the amount is based on your personal preference.

    Is this a good viewing place for the fireworks on the 4th of July?

    Sorta kinda, we stayed here and walked a few blocks to the mall to view the fireworks, but I'm sure you can see them well from the hotel itself!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - InterContinental The Willard Washington D.C

    Many past and president world leaders stay at the Willard for it's history and proximity to the White House.

    Mentioned in 66 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    From check in to check out everything was smooth. Our room, though small, did not feel cramped…read more Everything was clean and tidy. Too bad stored blankets were unavailable for sleepers wanting more warmth than their traveling companions. We had to make a second request for one. May I also suggest providing more than one bar of mini soap bars. It's such a minuscule cost item but would obviate having to repeatedly move the precious one bar from sink to shower. We found the valet staff particularly helpful especially when navigating awkward arrivals and parking needs of our personal guests. Sean was a prince. He supervised an otherwise complicated set of logistics with competence and gentlemanly grace. Another shout out to the manager ( sou?) of the breakfast dining. We watched him rigorously oversee staff and guests while occasionally stepping in when helpful. His leadership is likely responsible for the professionalism of said staff. This is in direct contrast to the staff of the Willard across the street where we took the first breakfast of our stay. We were dismayed to have to endure extremely loud staff socializing, boisterous laughter and downright flirting. This type of behavior would have been unacceptable at the JWMarriott. This experience alone confirms our future choice of Marriott over Willard for annual DC visits.

    The location of this JW Marriott is stellar! We could walk to almost all the sites or pick up the…read moreOld Town Trolley that they provided credits to take and get a free shuttle to the monuments and Smithsonian Museums. Upon welcome we received free Trolley tickets for one day and some food credits, probably based on our Bonvoy Status (we travel all the time). The price for a room I guess because of the multiple conventions in the place was excessive. I think for a room, not a suite, it would have ben $750 per night during the week. I thought that was a lot so we used points, and the 1st night they had not held our King Room for us, and despite being our anniversary, we had to sleep in a double room and move the next day. Unfortunately, the double room was quiet, and the King Room had an adjoining door and we heard every little thing from the room next door. I would put this down one point, but the service, staffing and helpful Concierge made this place really nice for us.

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    An absolutely incredible experience from the moment we arrived. The attention to detail and…read morecommitment to service is evident with every staff member you encounter. Karim at the front door started off the experience, all smiles and never let me open my own door. The hotel itself is immaculate, very beautifully decorated and very well located. The staff at Estuary absolutely stole the show though, we must say. We are a family of 4 and were celebrating my daughters 8th birthday trip. From the second we met Asia and Shawnae at the host stand we were made to feel like family! Their warmth, love for the children and willingness to do anything to make their stay enjoyable was so genuine and greatly appreciated! Asia in particular went above in beyond any way she possibly could. She spent time with us, offered suggestions, and left us feeling like we have family here at the Conrad. Cory and Will made great drinks, always smiled, always remembered us and for that we are thankful. At breakfast we had the team of Kevin and Sandra and they also were amazing. Very attentive, did anything they could to make the kids smile, the service was always on point. Crystal at the front desk came up to the room and decorated for our daughters birthday, brought her a gift bag and absolutely made her feel special on her special day! In totality, we came with no expectations and left with every one of them being exceeded! This Conrad is amazing, the best one we've stayed at and honestly a hotel is only as good as the people that make it what it is. The staff here is remarkable, they deserve the regnition and offer their genuine touch openly and willingly any time they can.

    Our stay at the Conrad Washington, DC was one of the most meaningful hotel experiences I've ever…read morehad--not just for me, but as a parent. Traveling can be exhausting, and during our stay, my son Colin often went down to the bar and restaurant on his own in the evenings and mornings. What stood out to me wasn't just the quality of the food or service--it was how the staff treated him. Every single time, he was met with kindness, respect, and genuine warmth. He ordered his meals, sat comfortably, enjoyed his time, and never once felt awkward or out of place. The staff made sure he had what he needed, checked in on him naturally, and created an environment where he felt completely at ease. As a parent, that level of care is something you never forget. For me, the experience was just as special. Corey, the bartender, was exceptional. Each evening, he made sure I had exactly what I wanted, when I wanted it, and engaged in thoughtful, easy conversation that made the space feel welcoming and safe. It wasn't just service--it was connection, and it made a long, tiring trip feel restorative. This hotel doesn't just deliver luxury--it delivers humanity. The staff understands how to read people, how to make guests feel comfortable, and how to create an atmosphere where everyone feels like they belong. I've stayed in many beautiful hotels, but this experience stands apart because of how we were treated as people. Thank you to the entire team--and especially Corey--for making this such a memorable stay. We will absolutely be back.

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    Loved everything about this hotel! I recently stayed here…read morewhile working a conference. The room was spacious with a full kitchenette. The bed was comfy and the bathroom was also a nice size. They had a restaurant onsite with good food and drinks! Also there was a free continental breakfast in a separate area which I took full advantage of. The hotel also had a business center which was convenient. And most importantly, the staff were all amazing. Everyone I spoke with was helpful and kind. I would definitely recommend staying here.

    I would agree with the other reviews that this property is located in an accessible part of…read moredowntown DC. Most tourist attractions are a short uber ride away. There is a CVS store that is located in the same building so that's convenient if you're traveling light and need to pick up some toiletries. Room was simple and had all the basics. Full kitchen with all the essentials -- full fridge, microwave, stove, plates, bowls, eating utensils, etc. so ideal for guests who have an extended stay. Had a corner suite (room 411) so it was a bit more spacious but the view was unusual -- my view was directly of a conference room for a company next door. Hilarious to open up the curtains to see 15 people convening in the conference room. Front desk staff were nice. Bought a couple of Voss waters from their mini mart next to the front desk @ $12 plus tax each.

    InterContinental The Willard Washington D.C - hotels - Updated May 2026

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