Willard InterContinental Washington - District of Columbia - Historic Downtown Hotel at Center of Capitol

The Willard InterContinental Washington is located at 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in downtown Washington at the historic Penn Quarter amidst several historic theaters and some of the museums of the Smithsonian Institution like the National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum. It is located only a half mile from the White House, approximately 1 mile from the Capitol Building. The Metro Center Metrorail Station is just steps away from the hotel.

There are 332 Guest Rooms in all, (40 of which are Suites), on the twelve floors of the hotel. There are also 17 venues for meetings and events.

Each of the hotel rooms comes with basic amenities that include high speed internet access, complimentary shoeshine service and a complimentary daily newspaper.

Hotel staff members speak ten languages other than English in order to be able to cater to international guests.

Pets are admitted for a fee while working animals for people with disabilities are welcomed with no charge. Thirteen rooms meet accessibility standards.

Parking is available from the hotel for a separate charge. All hotel parking is valet serviced.

The hotel is named for Henry Willard, who bought the building in 1850. It had already served to board guests since it was built in 1816. In the 80's the Willard complex was expanded to include a series of shops and office spaces adjoining the hotel. In its history the hotel has been home to presidents and celebrities. In 1860 it housed the first Japanese delegation to ever visit the United States.

Walt Whitman, Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, Mae West and Harry Houdini have been among the guests of this hotel.

The Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa is located on the second floor of the Willard InterContinental Washington. The Spa offers a diversity of massage options, aromatherapy, facial and body treatments by appointments. The Spa has a boutique of facial and body products and also sells gift certificates for its services.

Thursday through Saturday, from 2:30-5:30 PM, Tea is served in Peacock Alley at elegant tables amidst marble columns. A Sunday Brunch from 11 AM-2 PM is served here as well.

For mealtime dining in the hotel there is European and American style cuisines at the oak paneled, two-story Willard Room for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Light fare is available at the Round Robin Bar from 12 PM - 11 PM though it is closed on Sundays.

At the Willard InterContinental Washington, the Cafy du Parc is found located on the walkway from the hotel to Pennsylvania Avenue. The Cafy serves coffee and herbal teas. It offers French cuisine, pastries and sandwiches and is open for three meals a day.

Events and meeting spaces range in size from 25 ft to 19,995ft? with a maximum capacity for 600 guests in the ballroom, beneath crystal chandeliers. Murals adorn the walls.

The Willard InterContinental Washington is part of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts which was first formed in 1946.