So many achievements, so much sacrifice, a wealth of discoveries and a monument to each. Seeing those memorials, recognising the endeavours and acknowledging the effect on your life, wherever you may be from, is the inspirational pleasure of a visit to Washington DC.
It is probably much more about seeing than doing, unless that is, you are about to change the world, but when you feel like leaving the serious thoughts behind there are theatres, entertainments and plenty of pretty places to take a stroll.
Arena Stage - 20 Minutes walk/0.9 Miles or 14.5 Km Arena Stage offers a focus on theatre of the Americas, with a deep-rooted support of strong art. Productions vary from epic dramas to grand musicals, the theatre’s criteria is quality.
National Theatre - 5 Minutes/1.5 Miles or 2.3 Km This theatre has been in existence for over 160 years, an historic venue reputedly with its own ghost. Performances feature national tours of Broadway favourites.
Basketball & Hockey - 5 Minutes/1.5 Miles or 2.4 Km Verizon Center is a brand new 20,000 seat stadium and host to NBA’s Washington Wizards, the NHL’s Washington Capitals, the WNBA’s Washington Mystics & the Georgetown Hoyas men’s basketball team. A trip to a live game is always an exciting event.
Baseball - 10 Minutes/3.6 Miles or 2.8 Km RFK Stadium is the host to the Washington Nationals, Washington DC’s newest baseball team. Baseball is America’s pastime and there is nothing better than a baseball game in the summertime.
Waterside Promenade - 5 Minutes walk/Less than 1 Mile or 1.6 Km Just outside the hotel is the Southwestern Waterfront, enjoy a peaceful stroll past the yachts and houseboats or visit one of the many seafood restaurants. Beyond the promenade is a seafood market where the day’s catch is sold from floating barges.
The National Mall - 10 Minutes walk/Less than 1 Mile or 1.6 Km This is a two mile long, green mall with stately views towards the US Capitol. Bordered on each side by museums and national monuments it is a very pleasant space to relax in between sightseeing; time to contemplate those achievements.
Things to See
The White House - 5 Minutes/1.5 Miles or 2.4 Km The White House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue has been home to the President of the United States for over 200 years. Guided tours are available through your congressman or senators office. Tour the house and see the various renovations and additions which have been made with each president.
Monuments & Memorials - 60 Minutes Self Guided Tour A country that is proud to honor achievement, and not just the achievement that is worthy of note the monuments themselves invariably have a moving or interesting history. Visit the concierge for a map of the prestigious monuments and memorials, all within walking distance to the hotel.
Arlington Cemetery - 7 Minutes/3 Miles or 6 Km This is more than a cemetery it is a record of history, of America’s wars, heroes, and explorers where people come to pay their respects and no doubt take inspiration. Here are graves for World War II Medal of honor recipients, the Tomb of the Unknowns and the final resting place for John F Kennedy.
Smithsonian Institution - 10 Minutes walk/Less than 1 Mile or 1.6 Km Set up by James Smithson as an ‘establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge’. Today there are 18 museums and galleries with so many artifacts that only 1% of it is ever on display. Quite simply, it’s the biggest museum complex in the world.
U.S. Capitol - 5 Minutes/1 Mile or 1.6 Km This impressive building has housed the meeting chambers of the House of Representatives and the Senate for two centuries, it is the hub of American policy making. Tours allow you to eavesdrop on a committee hearing, watch the floor action or take the Capitol Subway with its open cars connecting all three buildings.
Mount Vernon - 25 Minutes/15 Miles or 24 Km The beautifully situated estate of George Washington is an 18th century self contained plantation and farm, overlooking the Potomac River. Originally run by a workforce of 316 slaves, it produced quality wool, grew flax and hemp and incorporated textile production for linen, cloth and rope.
Fashion Center at Pentagon City - 6 Minutes/3 Miles or 4.8 Km A shopping mall on four levels housing more than 170 stores including Nordstrom and Macy’s; the usual high street fare such as Banana Republic and inevitably a Starbucks. Open Mon. - Sat. 10am - 9:30pm and Sun. 11am - 6pm.
Mazza Galleria - 20-25 Minutes/7 Miles or 11 Km Mazza Galleria encompasses fashion, fine dining and cinema. On the first and second level you can find Neiman Marcus and a flagship Saks Fifth Avenue Men's Store. Throughout the complex are outlets for numerous upmarket brands.
Tysons Corner Center - 24 Minutes/15 Miles or 24 Km The largest shopping mall in the city and the 10th largest in the entire USA, housing over 250 stores and restaurants. It features five department stores alone: Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Hecht's, Lord & Taylor, and L L Bean.
Downtown Department stores - 4 Minutes/1.5 Miles or 2.4 Km Macys is the last department store in downtown Washington. This mid-priced store offers all the best brands in apparel, accessories, shoes, cosmetics, gifts and home furnishings.
Where to Dine
CityZen - At the Hotel Designed by Tony Chi in warm colors incorporating natural elements, with its twenty foot ceiling and open kitchen, the restaurant is exemplary of one of the world’s most celebrated design visionaries. This is one of Washington elite’s first choice for fine evening dining and entertainment. Advance reservations are recommended.
Café MoZU - At the Hotel Café MoZU is our own all day dining restaurant with an Asian-inspired menu and spectacular views of the Washington Channel and the Potomac Tidal Basin.
Old Ebbitt Grill - 4 Minutes/1.5 Miles or 2.4 Km Old Ebbitt Grill is a frequent haunt for the politically powerful, just steps from The White House and museums in downtown Washington. Established in 1856, it maintains that old feel with a male club atmosphere in the bar and dark paneling in the restauran
Café Milano - 11 Minutes/4 Miles or 6.4 Km A complex of rooms offering differing styles from rustic to elegant. Café Milano provides a versatile dining experience whether you want a plate of calamari or a four course fine dinner. The cuisine is based on the regions of northern and southern Italy.
Kinkead’s - 7 Minutes/2 Miles or 3.2 Km Features fresh seafood in an American brassiere-style with a 220-seat restaurant and a 40 seat bar and lounge area with nightly piano entertainment.
Michel Richard’s Citronelle - 9 Minutes/3 Miles or 4.8 Km Michel Richard is a pioneer of the French California cuisine. Like most confident chefs Michel leaves the kitchen on display from the elegant and contemporary dining room.
