The St. Regis Washington, D.C. is a historic luxury hotel at 923 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20006, also listed as 923 Black Lives Matter Plaza NW, in Downtown near Lafayette Square. Opened in 1926 as the Carlton Hotel, this Washington institution attracts travelers for its Italian Renaissance architecture, formal afternoon tea, Mediterranean dining, and suite butler service. Its location puts the White House neighborhood within an easy walk while keeping business meetings, museums, and evening plans close at hand.
What to Expect at The St. Regis Washington, D.C.
Developer Harry Wardman commissioned architect Mihran Mesrobian to design the Carlton, whose Renaissance-inspired exterior gives way to an ornate lobby with decorative ceilings, chandeliers, and polished stone. The atmosphere is residential and ceremonial rather than minimalist. Superior, Deluxe, and Grand Luxe rooms suit shorter stays; suites provide more space for entertaining or separating work from sleep. Couples celebrating an occasion may prefer a suite with St. Regis Butler Service, while business travelers benefit from the central address, concierge assistance, and meeting facilities.
Alhambra is the hotel’s principal restaurant, drawing on Mediterranean cooking and the culinary connections between southern Spain and the eastern Mediterranean. Seasonal menus make it better suited to an unhurried dinner than a quick sightseeing stop. The St. Regis Bar offers cocktails, including the property’s Chesapeake-inspired Capitol Mary, alongside the brand’s Champagne tradition. Afternoon tea brings tiered pastries, savory bites, and tea service into the hotel’s formal setting. Vegetarian needs and food allergies should be discussed when booking, particularly for tea; individual dishes and dietary preparations change with the menu.
- 1926 Carlton heritage: Mesrobian’s architecture anchors the hotel in Washington’s early twentieth-century hospitality history.
- St. Regis Butler Service: Suite guests can arrange personal assistance, including packing and unpacking support.
- Alhambra dining: Mediterranean flavors provide an on-site option for business meals or a celebratory dinner.
- Afternoon tea: A seated service pairs tea with pastries and savory selections in elegant surroundings.
- Champagne sabering: The signature evening ritual adds a theatrical pause before cocktails or dinner; ask the concierge for the day’s timing.
The St. Regis Washington, D.C. at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 923 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20006; also listed as 923 Black Lives Matter Plaza NW |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown, near Lafayette Square and the White House |
| Operating Hours | Hotel reception: 24 hours daily; check-in from 4 p.m.; checkout by noon. Restaurant, bar, and tea hours vary. |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$$ luxury accommodation; nightly rates vary by date and room category. Dining, tea, and valet parking cost extra. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2 to 3 nights; 1.5 to 2 hours for afternoon tea |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | McPherson Square: Blue, Orange, and Silver lines; Farragut North: Red Line. Paid valet parking available. |
| Official Website & Phone | Official hotel website and reservations; +1 202-638-2626 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve rooms early around major federal events, spring cherry-blossom travel, and graduation weekends. Book afternoon tea separately rather than assuming a room reservation includes a table; dinner reservations are also sensible for weekend evenings. Smart-casual clothing fits the restaurant and bar, with dressier attire appropriate for tea or celebrations. Bring a credit card for the hotel’s incidental authorization. A fitness center supports a regular workout, but this is not a pool-centered resort. Ask the concierge about restaurant bookings, transfers, and current neighborhood access restrictions.
McPherson Square station is roughly five minutes away on foot; Farragut North is about ten minutes away. Drivers should use the hotel’s valet instructions because downtown curb access can change during official events. The hotel has accessible entrances, elevators, and adapted guest rooms; reserve the required bathroom configuration directly. Lafayette Square is about five minutes away, St. John’s Episcopal Church is closer still, and the Renwick Gallery is approximately ten minutes away. These short walks work well between meetings, though security closures can alter pedestrian routes around the White House.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the hotel open, and when should I visit?
The hotel operates year-round with a 24-hour front desk. Check-in begins at 4 p.m.; arrive earlier to leave luggage, then return for tea or the evening Champagne ritual.
How much does it cost, and are reservations necessary?
This is a $$$$ hotel, with rates changing by season, room category, and demand. Reserve accommodation, afternoon tea, and popular dinner times through the hotel; meals and parking are separate expenses.
How long should I stay?
Two to three nights allow time for the White House area and Smithsonian museums without rushing. Nonresidents should allow 90 minutes to two hours for afternoon tea or dinner.
Is the hotel suitable for wheelchair users and families?
Elevators and accessible guest rooms support wheelchair stays; request specific shower, bed, and transfer arrangements before booking. Families can ask about connecting accommodation, while suites offer useful extra living space.
When planning your Washington D.C. travel guide or comparing verified hotels and wedding venue in Washington D.C., pair this stop with standout local spots including Nina May, The Yards, Smithsonian National Museum of American History, and The Hay-Adams (0.2 km away).
