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 immediate necessities please visit our lobby shop which carries a variety of items from pharmaceuticals to gifts. From our hotel to the Shops at Georgetown Park it is a 10 minutes drive and to the Fashion Center at Pentagon City it is 3 miles, 6 minutes by taxi.

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 HolidaysDate
New Year’s DayJanuary 1, 2008
Martin Luther King Jr's BirthdayJanuary 21, 2008
Ash WednesdayFebruary 6, 2008
President's DayFebruary 18, 2008
St. Patrick's DayMarch 17, 2008
Good FridayMarch 21, 2008
Easter SundayMarch 23, 2008
PassoverApril 20-27, 2008
Mother's DayMay 11, 2008
Memorial DayMay 25, 2008
Father's DayJune 15, 2008
Independence DayJuly 4, 2008
Labor DaySeptember 1, 2008
Yom KippurOctober 9, 2008
Rosh HashanahSeptember 30, 2008
Columbus DayOctober 13, 2008
Veteran's DayNovember 11, 2008
Thanksgiving DayNovember 27, 2008
Christmas DayDecember 25, 2008