What it's truly like to stay at Rosewood Washington, D.C.

Visitors, dignitaries, and politicians have a range of ultraluxury hotels to choose from when they visit Washington, D.C. But which one stands out above the rest?

I was eager to experience Rosewood Washington, D.C. during a recent trip to the U.S. capital, especially after enjoying a stay earlier this year at the more leisurely Rosewood Phuket in Thailand. How does this luxury brand transition from the serene beaches of paradise to the heart of political power? You heard it here first: It’s just as splendid as you would anticipate.

Although the ambiance of Rosewood's D.C. location is vastly different from that of its Thai counterpart, there are clear similarities in the anticipatory service and meticulous attention to detail that keep guests returning to the brand.

Experience Rosewood Washington, D.C.

Rosewood Washington, D.C. is conveniently located just a 15-minute drive from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). This charming brownstone features only 49 guest rooms and suites, along with eight townhouses for those who want to indulge and truly feel at home in the Georgetown area. The hotel is positioned along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, perfect for a scenic morning stroll for those eager to kickstart their day with some exercise. It's tucked away on a quiet side street off Georgetown's lively M Street, providing easy access to one of D.C.'s most vibrant neighborhoods without the chaos.

For runners or anyone seeking a leisurely walk with beautiful views, it’s just a few blocks south to reach the Potomac River shoreline in minutes.

Checking In

I arrived at Rosewood Washington, D.C. on a late Sunday afternoon and was warmly welcomed by a porter who took my luggage and escorted me to the intimate check-in area. The hotel's signature residential-style ambiance was immediately evident; rather than a traditional lobby, it felt like a series of smaller rooms. The main foyer had a cozy seating area, while the check-in was marked by just two podiums near a small bank of elevators. Adjacent to this was a charming library complete with seating and a fireplace.

The staff was welcoming and promptly assisted me in securing a dinner reservation at Cut by Wolfgang Puck (more on that later) before I headed upstairs to my premier corner king room. Though the check-in area felt snug, the hotel's limited number of rooms likely helps avoid congestion during check-in and checkout.

Cost and Booking for Rosewood Washington, D.C.

During my stay in a premier corner king room, I enjoyed a complimentary night alongside a special media rate, but the standard rate for this room starts at $782 per night through the fall. Guests can book directly with Rosewood and should look out for special offers and seasonal rates.

Alternatively, those who hold The Platinum Card® from American Express can make reservations through the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts platform, where they can benefit from elite perks such as noon check-in, upgrades based on availability, daily breakfast, guaranteed late checkout, and a $100 food-and-beverage credit for use on-site.

Accommodations at Rosewood Washington, D.C.

The entrance to my premier corner king room was set in a quiet vestibule, slightly distanced from the main corridor on the fifth floor. The hotel's design features neutral tones enhanced with playful elements, like the vibrant portrait of Abraham Lincoln displayed just outside my room.

Inside, I was welcomed by a spacious, tastefully appointed room that exuded luxury without being pretentious. The mirrored canopy king bed was the room's centerpiece, complemented by a cozy seating area that offered views of the river.

Couples staying together will find ample storage space in the dark wood built-in cabinetry located in the guest room foyer, along with thoughtful extras like bathrobes, slippers, and a safe for securing valuables.

The room featured a spacious workstation, ideal for taking work calls and enjoying breakfast on my first morning. In-room dining is provided by Cut downstairs, offering access to the full restaurant menu. The complimentary Wi-Fi was fast enough for Zoom meetings, and I appreciated the small touches, such as electrical outlets cleverly integrated into the drawers of each bedside nightstand.

Guests could access hotel information and in-room dining menus through QR codes displayed on the large TV, with complimentary tea and Nespresso coffee also provided. The minibar on the TV stand included alcoholic drinks and snacks available for purchase.

The spacious bathroom boasted a standalone soaking tub, a vanity table for final touches before heading out, and a glass-enclosed rainfall shower. Wall-mounted Diptyque products were provided in the shower, while a rack beside the bathtub held bath salts and a tube of Diptyque body wash, perfect for creating bubble baths.

Housekeeping services, offered twice daily, ensured the room remained immaculate during my stay. I discovered thoughtful amenities, such as a microfiber towel placed next to my laptop one day, and on my final night, Rosewood-branded plastic bags provided at turndown for storing liquids in my carry-on for my flight home.

The king-size bed featured a combination of both firm and plush pillows along with luxurious Garnier-Thiebaut linens, ensuring a comfortable night's sleep. A bedside touch panel allowed me to control the lighting and drapes, enhancing my slumber with blackout shades for total darkness.

Dining options at Rosewood Washington, DC

The cuisine at Rosewood Washington, D.C. is both delightful and pricey—but this is ultraluxury, after all!

Cut Above, the hotel's rooftop bar and lounge, offers a selection of wines, cocktails, and light bites. One afternoon, while trying to channel my inner socialite, I caught up with a former colleague there. A glass of rosé cost $19—not the cheapest, but not the highest I've seen in a D.C. hotel either, and the stunning view justifies the splurge. The tented seating gives it a more intimate vibe compared to your typical rooftop bar.

Dining at Cut downstairs was a different story, as it was all too easy to exceed the $100 mark. However, don’t let the prices scare you off; this place is fantastic for impressing guests during special occasions, especially with such delicious offerings.

The softly lit restaurant is segmented into a lounge, a spacious bar, and an open kitchen that flows into the dining area. The intimate banquettes and secluded seating areas create a secretive atmosphere, ideal for romance, hushed conversations, or simply relaxing with a book while savoring multiple dinner courses.

I took the friendly waiter’s suggestion to begin with bluefin tuna sashimi ($38) followed by half a grilled Amish chicken ($38), topped with chimichurri and served on a bed of greens. I also opted for a bread basket ($12) and grilled asparagus ($17). The drink prices were slightly higher than upstairs, with a martini costing $30 and a glass of Oregon pinot noir at $25.

The service was pleasant and not at all overbearing, providing useful recommendations for breakfast from Cut the following morning. The food was vibrant and significantly above a typical hotel restaurant's offerings, with the seafood and steaks clearly being the highlights. I chose to skip the latter, feeling that the $38 chicken was already stretching my expense report; it was deliciously juicy and crispy, proving that Wolfgang Puck could rival Ina Garten in the roast chicken game.

Since I had an early work commitment the next day, I opted for room service from Cut, eager to try the full menu they had been promoting. A number of Rosewood staff recommended the egg white frittata with sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese ($26), so I ordered that along with a side of bacon ($12), an iced americano ($8), and some freshly squeezed grapefruit juice ($12). While you could find more budget-friendly options nearby in Georgetown, the meal was delivered promptly (in under 30 minutes), and it was both hearty and delicious—exactly what I needed to kickstart my Monday morning.

On my second night at the Rosewood, I enjoyed dinner out but returned to Cut for my last breakfast before checking out. The avocado toast ($21) with a poached egg was a delightful highlight to start the day on a sunny note. While Cut seemed to attract more guests at dinner, it also hosted a few power breakfast meetings. During my quieter Sunday afternoon visit to Cut Above with a friend, I noticed it was lively on the Monday night of my stay—but it still provided a relaxing spot for a nightcap before bed.

Amenities and activities available at Rosewood Washington, DC

Guests at Rosewood Washington, D.C. will find plenty to engage in, though it may not offer the same spaciousness as some of the brand's other global locations. While I didn't treat myself to one, in-room spa services can be arranged. There's also a compact fitness center located on the rooftop level alongside Cut Above, equipped with a Peloton bike, a Peloton treadmill, an air bike, free weights, and various medicine balls. For those seeking fresh air during workouts, a small deck is available outside the gym for stretching or practicing yoga.

The true highlight of wellness on the top floor is Rosewood's infinity pool, open throughout the day and boasting stunning views of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Potomac River, and the Washington Monument. A built-in fireplace lends a touch of luxury to the sleek, dark stone pool area, enhancing its upscale, political ambiance. During the day and into the early evening, the doors open to let guests enjoy the outdoor splashes, but they are closed overnight.

For those eager to relax with a book outdoors or soak up some sun, there's a spacious deck just beyond the pool area, equipped with lounge chairs and umbrellas. Back on the ground floor, the hotel offers complimentary bikes for guests to explore the city and its many sights.

Insider tips for staying at Rosewood Washington, DC

Here are a few additional insights and essential information to consider before your trip to Rosewood Washington, D.C.:

• Be aware of peak travel seasons in Washington, D.C. Political events, college graduations, and move-in weeks can significantly inflate already high nightly rates.
• While dining at Cut is a treat, expect it to be on the pricier side. Relish your meal, but don't forget to explore the diverse dining options in the surrounding area, which offer a wider range of price points.
• Georgetown University, The Watergate Hotel, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts are the closest attractions, all within a pleasant walking distance. For landmarks like the White House and Washington Monument, plan for at least a 30-minute stroll or consider taking an Uber or Lyft.
• For convenient access to Rosewood Washington, D.C. from either of the main airports, taxis and ride-hailing services are the best options. The Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro station is the nearest subway stop, approximately an 18-minute walk from the hotel.

Accessibility

Rosewood Washington, D.C. is committed to providing an ultraluxury experience that is accessible to everyone. The hotel features accessible entrances, allowing easy access from the lobby to guest rooms. Superior king guest rooms are available with roll-in showers and grab bars. Rooms on the second through fifth floors are marked with etched and Braille numbers, while corridors across these floors are equipped with visual and audible alarms.

Hotel elevators come with etched and Braille signage. Public restrooms on the main floor are wheelchair accessible and also feature etched and Braille signage. Access to Cut, Cut Above, and the fitness center is designed to be navigable for all guests.

Bottom line

While many envision a lavish escape to a Rosewood resort in picturesque locales, Rosewood Washington, D.C. stands out as a premier choice among city hotels, showcasing the brand's commitment to ultraluxury.

With a limited number of rooms, the staff feels more like friends welcoming you into their Georgetown home for a few days. Of course, those friends might charge a premium for food and drinks, but you'll find similar or higher tabs at far less impressive hotels across Washington, D.C.

Access to power and prestige doesn't come without a price, but the privacy, elegance, and charm of Rosewood make the nightly rates justifiable.