Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time GMT -5 hours
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.
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 Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1, 2009 |
| Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday | January 19, 2009 |
| President's Day | February 16, 2009 |
| Ash Wednesday | February 25, 2009 |
| St. Patrick's Day | March 17, 2009 |
| Passover | April 9, 2009 |
| Good Friday | April 10, 2009 |
| Easter | April 12, 2009 |
| Mother's Day | May 10, 2009 |
| Memorial Day | May 25, 2009 |
| Father's Day | June 21, 2009 |
| Independence Day | July 4, 2009 |
| Labor Day | September 7, 2009 |
| Rosh Hashanah | September 19, 2009 |
| Yom Kippur | September 28, 2009 |
| Columbus Day | October 12, 2009 |
| Veteran's Day | November 11, 2009 |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26, 2009 |
| Christmas Day | December 25, 2009 |