The fact that the face of the city features in daily news bulletins, numerous thrillers and television dramas, brings a unique sense of familiarity. Then you see all those sites in reality, from the Lincoln Memorial to the White House and the drama of the moment can make a surprisingly deep impression.

A city of monuments to power, achievement and discovery, this is the fascination of Washington, from the graves of the unknown soldier and space challenger crew to the eighteen superb museums of the Smithsonian Institution, holding a wealth of history and knowledge. A visit to Washington will be informative, inspiring and of significant importance.

Mandarin Oriental is the only hotel located in such proximity to the main sites, looking right over the Tidal Basin, the Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument. We are literally at the heart of 'the pulse of the world'. For more information about these sites and for travel further afield, visit our pages on Things to do and see and Getting around.