Why the Lodge Washington is ditching the W brand name and embracing its history

Jonathan Swift is correct however all over again: Everything outdated is new again, this time at the Hotel Washington.

The historic resort, with the renowned rooftop patio that overlooks the White Home and the Washington Monument, was relaunched past thirty day period immediately after a ten years as the uber-hip W. It was trendy, it was loud, and it was a teensy little bit pretentious, if we’re remaining trustworthy. But, now, the unique identify is again, alongside with a renewed emphasis on the hotel’s 106-yr-previous tale — which consists of Ziegfeld Follies dancers, drunk Shriners, presidents, movie stars and Elvis.

“I like to say there are a lot of accommodations in D.C.,” claims typical manager Stephane Vogel, “but there’s only 1 Resort Washington.”

Which is a polite way of declaring: When you have been all around for additional than a century in the nation’s money — a town of tradition, electrical power and affect — you really don’t need to worry far too much about being hip. Primarily these times, when sustainability and authenticity are staying reembraced.

Truth of the matter is, this town is sometimes great but generally historic. Vogel arrived in Washington 23 yrs in the past amid the explosion of artsy, boutique accommodations — which, like lots of dining places, are white-scorching for a year or two, then vanish. In 2021, the W was marketed to the Schulte Hospitality Team, which straight away reclaimed the famous title. Vogel came onboard past 12 months, established to de-hip the lodge and spotlight its long background.

There is a delicate line between respecting the earlier and dwelling in it — most inns are not literal museums. The trick is attaining some thing that looks timeless without having feeling compelled, an aesthetic that several of the grand outdated European accommodations have mastered.

The Beaux-Arts constructing, opened on May 22, 1917, sits a single block from the White Dwelling — earning it the simple preference for anyone viewing the president. VIP attendees have provided Duke Ellington, John Wayne, Will Rogers and Tom Cruise. The cast of the

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