David KrisoVisiting Washington, DC, the nation’s capital, is an experience like no other. For first-time visitors, it is the experience of a lifetime. From world-famous monuments and memorials, to world-renowned museums, notable attractions, and award-winning local restaurants, Washington, DC has it all. Nothing comes close to a destination as grand as the nation’s capital. Whether visiting for business or pleasure, there’s always a hotel property that provides the opportunity to all the city has to offer, with just a step outside the door. The Capital Hilton is the hotel that all visitors must keep atop their “A list”. Upon entry to the hotel’s lobby, it’s a hotel that makes every visitor feel at home.
The Capital Hilton originally opened its doors on January 18th, 1943 as the Hotel Statler. During its earlier years, it hosted inaugural balls and presidential interviews. It has been visited by presidents since Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency. Despite its historical nature, for what principal reasons should visitors consider the Capital Hilton? Every great hotel boasts a fine reputation. It’s all in the earned grades.
5)) Proximity to Metro subway: The Capital Hilton is blessed with not one but two Metro subway stations. Upon arrival in Washington, DC, visitors have the choice of taking the Metro blue line from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), or the silver line from Dulles International Airport (IAD). Whether arriving from DCA or IAD, they can disembark at McPherson Square. The McPherson Square Metro subway station is located one block south of the Capital Hilton. Should visitors be arriving by train (Amtrak) at Union Station, they can take the Metro red line directly from Union Station to Farragut North. The Farragut North Metro subway station is located on the corner of 17th Street NW, less than two blocks west of the Capital Hilton. Having instant access to transportation is a must in Washington, DC. By staying at the Capital Hilton, visitors are blessed with the two best Metro subway stations. This earns the Capital Hilton an irrefutable A+.
4) Adjacency to area attractions (including Smithsonian and memorials): What makes any visit to Washington, DC an unforgettable experience is the immediate immersion with history. History is at every corner. The Capital Hilton is located on the corner of 16th Street NW and K Street NW. It is adjacent to many area attractions. Straight down 16th Street NW is the White House. From outside the hotel, visitors can easily see the the White House’s north portico. Neighboring attractions are McPherson Square and Franklin Park. McPherson Square is named for Major General James B. McPherson, a leader of the Union Army during the American Civil War. He is depicted on the equestrian statue in the center of the park. The five-acre Franklin Park is among the largest squares Washington, DC, and therefore provides a unique opportunity to serve the community and enhance urban living. Throughout the Civil War, Union troops camped in Franklin Park. A statue commemorating Commodore John Barry stands on the west side of the park. Aside from the White House, notable attractions such as the Smithsonian museums, the National Mall and the Washington Monument are just a twenty-minute walk away. The Smithsonian museums, the National Mall, and Washington Monument can also be reached via the Metro subway on the orange, blue, and silver lines. The Capital Hilton earns an A- for being connected to city history.
3) Proximity to local restaurants: When anyone visits Washington, DC it is always vital to have a selection of nearby popular local restaurants. It should be on every would-be visitor’s must-have list. The Capital Hilton is surrounded by a plethora of popular local restaurants, from moderate type to upscale. Just to name a few, The Cheesecake Factory is located on the corner of 15th Street NW and H Street. The Park at 14th is located on the corner of 14th Street NW and K Street NW. The American restaurant, Georgia Brown’s, is located near the corner of 15th Street NW and I Street NW. For steakhouse afficionados, Bobby Van’s Steakhouse is located on 15th Street NW between I and H Streets NW, while Del Frisco’s Steakhouse is just nearby on I Street NW, between 9th and 10th Streets NW. Whatever DC visitors’ taste buds are longing for, the Capital Hilton provides for being the perfect home base. A hotel surrounded by a wide variety of local restaurants is a must-have for DC visitors. A blessing as big as this earns the Capital Hilton a well-deserved A.
2) Newly renovated!: In Spring 2024, the Capital Hilton underwent a multi-million dollar thirteen-month renovation. The mass renovation included its 559 rooms and chic guest areas. The renovation also aimed to celebrate grandeur, glamour, and geometric form. Layering art deco design with the hotel’s brutalist architecture, each of the guest rooms weaves original design with the modern elements needed for today’s travelers. When a guest opens the door and sets foot in the rooms, he/she is immersed within the hotel’s original design, awe-inspiring art deco, and brutalist architecture. Surrounded by that feeling, they know they feel like home. It’s that “I don’t want to get out of bed” feeling, or “I can’t wait to jump in the shower” feeling, or at best “I can’t wait to make myself some instant coffee”, feeling. Renovations are always a must. They place every hotel in a fresh and modern state. Having been masterfully renovated, the Capital Hilton gets a much deserved A.
1) Overall hotel atmosphere: Every hotel is known for its many great characteristics. When it comes to nightly rates, Hilton is known for being relatively cheaper than Marriott. When it comes to the Capital Hilton in particular, the overall hotel atmosphere is tremendously splendid. From the painless check-in experience, to the waiting staff at the North Gate Cafe, to getting a friendly “Hello” from every member of the hotel staff, this speaks volumes. Being treated like royalty by the front desk, to being treated like gold by the North Gate Cafe dining staff, to being greeted with a smile at the Statler Lounge bar, to being welcomed back with a friendly face and a courteous “Can I assist you with anything?”, puts an exclamation mark on an unforgettable hotel experience. The overall hotel atmosphere means everything in the world of the avid traveler. The overall hotel atmosphere, predominantly, is the “x factor” in every avid traveler’s experience. The Capital Hilton’s overall hotel atmosphere is indeed a gem. The Capital Hilton deserves an A+ for being atop its game.
Visiting Washington, DC is an experience like no other. It is no different than visiting Walt Disney World for the first time. Washington, DC is the model city for modern hospitality. Candidly, the Capital Hilton is a fine example of that experience. It is in close proximity to two Metro subway stations. It is a quick walking distance from area attractions including the Smithsonian museums, the National Mall, and the White House. Appetite-inviting local restaurants are within just a few blocks distance. Not to be outdone, the breakfast buffet and overall service at the North Gate Cafe are phenomenal. To the interest of new guests, the Capital Hilton is newly renovated, showcasing a fresh and brightened look to maintain its neighborhood icon-like flavor. Further, its recent multi-million dollar renovation adds a whole new layer of value to a DC visitor’s hotel experience. Just like the White House, the Capital Hilton is a neighborhood gem with history at its doorstep. It’s overall hotel atmosphere is exceptional. It is a place where all visitors feel valued. With all attributes considered, the Capital Hilton is nowhere shy of ‘monumental’.
