D.C.’s Best Suites: The Mandarin Oriental’s Jefferson Suite

SOUTHWEST -- Visitors to the District in-town this weekend for the National Cherry Blossom Festival can have the perfect pied-à-terre, for the much sought after 'peak bloom' period, as the Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C. just days ago announced the addition of a new signature luxury suite with sweeping views of the Tidal Basin.

Named 'The Jefferson Suite', after the eponymous, nearby memorial, the 1,900-squarefoot space is designed for extended stay guests, with a warm and relaxing feel more akin to a second home than a hotel.

That is if your second home boasted a bevy of opulent amenities and overlooked everything from the Washington Marina to the Martin Luther King and Jefferson Memorials to even the Pentagon.

The two-bedroom corner suite boasts a full kitchen, dining room, sitting area, and den and occupies a prime location on the Mandarin's fourth floor.

The space used to serve as the hotel general manager's residence, but has since underwent a thorough renovation, with the introduction of a new soothing palette of taupe, brown, and neutral tones accented by subtle Asian touches.

As part of the Mandarin's 'Tai Pan' signature line of luxury suites (others include 'The Ambassador Suite' and 'The Presidential Suite'), The Jefferson Suite comes with a variety of exclusive privileges, such as a dedicated concierge, expedited arrival and departure experiences, and a private Club Lounge that offers complimentary evening hors d'oeuvres and free-flow house wines and beers.

Beyond providing top-level luxuries, however, The Jefferson Suite is also a balance of both comfort and function. A full kitchen comes equipped with glassware and flatware for every occasion and there's a cabinet crowded with crisp linen napkins that are laundered daily (no paper napkins here!).

The Mandarin Oriental's famed level of personal service is also ever present. From the handwritten welcome note that you're presented with at check-in to the personalized bottles of wine with which the suite comes pre-stocked to the vase overflowing with irresistible jelly beans, it's easy for guests to feel more like family than travelers.

A present day Thomas Jefferson might even have a hard time returning to Monticello after a stay here.