The facts you need to know should you be pressed for time and need to make a dash to the bank or pick up a gift. And if you need any further assistance be assured that our concierge is always there at your service.

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Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time GMT -5 hours

Language

English is the official language of the United States however a variety of European and Asian languages are spoken by many of our staff who are always willing to assist.

Currency

USD is the local currency found in the following denominations: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100. You can exchange currency at either a bank or private currency exchange store. Exchange rates vary between different banks & stores and additional charges may apply. There is also an ATM machine in the lobby area from which you can withdraw cash using most international bank cards.

Electrical Standard

Local voltage is 110 to 120 volts AC.

Shopping Hours

Monday to Saturday: 10:00am to 9:30pm Sunday: 11:00 to 6:00pm

Banking Hours

Monday to Friday: 9:00am to 5:00 pm Saturday: 9:00aam to 12noon Sunday: Closed

Shopping

For a selection of Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC gifts, gourmet coffee & pastry as well as sundry and news stand items, visit the hotel gift shop Silk Road located on the lobby level. Silk Road is open from 6am - 6pm (Monday – Friday) and 7am - 7pm (Saturday and Sunday). Please dial +1 (202) 787 6698 to reach Silk Road.

The lobby level features luxury vitrine displays from world renowned boutiques. Each item is available for purchase. The hotel would be delighted to arrange complimentary transportation to any of the designer boutiques currently being featured. Please touch ‘Concierge’ on your telephone or dial +1 (202) 787 6170 with any questions on these items or to arrange a private viewing in your hotel room.

For information on additional area shopping please touch ‘Concierge’ on your telephone or dial +1 (202) 787 6170.

Medical

George Washington University Hospital is 2.6 miles, 7 minutes drive from Mandarin Oriental, Washington. Phone number is +1 (202) 715 4000.

Banking

Three convenient banking facilites are located in and around the hotel. Bank of America located at 401 M Street SW CitiBank located at 435 11th St NW Wachovia located at 600 Maryland Ave SW

Tips on Tipping

It is customary to tip all service staff. Generally 15% for waiting staff, 20% if the service was exceptional; give hairdressers and cab drivers approximately 15%. Give a dollar per bag to the bellhop or someone carrying your luggage.

Public Holidays

Public HolidayDate
New Year’s DayJanuary 1, 2009
Martin Luther King Jr's BirthdayJanuary 19, 2009
President's DayFebruary 16, 2009
Ash Wednesday February 25, 2009
St. Patrick's DayMarch 17, 2009
Passover April 9, 2009
Good FridayApril 10, 2009
EasterApril 12, 2009
Mother's DayMay 10, 2009
Memorial DayMay 25, 2009
Father's DayJune 21, 2009
Independence DayJuly 4, 2009
Labor DaySeptember 7, 2009
Rosh HashanahSeptember 19, 2009
Yom KippurSeptember 28, 2009
Columbus DayOctober 12, 2009
Veteran's DayNovember 11, 2009
Thanksgiving DayNovember 26, 2009
Christmas DayDecember 25, 2009