The Hay-Adams Hotel, a boutique hotel stays true to its motto, hospitality without borders. It is currently rated by travel writers as one of the best hotels in the world. A woman who used to live in the hotel is reported to haunt the fourth floor!

A woman by the name of Clover Adams is said to be the Hay-Adams Hotel’s eternal guest. Clover is the nickname of Marion Hooper Adams, once a hotel guest who was married to Henry Adams. Clover Adams was an artistic photographer who took her own life by ingesting one of the chemicals used for developing photographs. However, some people say that she was murdered. No one knows for sure how she died. It is reported that the clover was suffering from depression and her beloved father, a doctor, recently died shortly before she committed suicide.

After Clover’s death, her husband destroyed all her things, including her photographs and papers. It is rumored that Henry has a mistress. Henry and Clover are buried together under a monument called “Grief”.

Guests and employees report that Clover is most active during the first two weeks of December, which is also the anniversary of her death. Staff have reported doors mysteriously opening and closing on their own, radios turning on and off, a woman crying softly and disembodied voices. Some housekeepers have also experienced being hugged by an unseen presence.

History

The Hay-Adams Hotel is named after the two prominent owners of a mansion which stood in the hotel’s property before, John Hay and Henry Adams. John Hay was once the private assistant of then-president Abraham Lincoln and Henry Adams was an author and a descendant of two US presidents.

Harry Wardman, a Washington developer, constructed the Italian Renaissance style hotel. The hotel was designed by Mirhan Mesrobian. The hotel cost $900,000 to build and it featured a wide array of architectural features that are still there today.

The hotel opened in 1928 and it quickly became prominent among the rich and famous. Some of the hotel’s popular guests are Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh, and Ethel Barrymore. In 2001, the hotel was closed for a renovation and it reopened in 2002, restored stunningly with the help of acclaimed Washington designer, Thomas Pheasant. Over the years, the hotel has maintained its reputation as one of the best destinations to go to.

About

The hotel has five types of rooms for guests to choose from. The White House view room is named aptly because it has a direct and unobstructed view of the White House. These luxury rooms are located on the top floor and are available with either one king bed or two double beds. Some rooms even have French doors and a small balcony.

St. John’s church view room features a scenic view of the historic St. John’s church. They are also available with one king bed or to double beds. Interior view rooms have courtyard views and they can come with queen-sized beds or two double beds. The Lafayette park view room has a scenic view of Lafayette Park which is located just right in front of the White House. These rooms come with one king bed or two double beds.

Lastly, the Executive studio has a small sitting area with coffee tables. These rooms have additional space which can either be used for relaxation or work. Executive Studios have one queen bed, as well as pull-out sofas for additional guests.

Guests can experience elegant luxury dining in the Lafayette Room, long considered as the venue for power dining for Washington’s elite. Guests can also have cocktails in the Off the Record Bar. Indeed, there are many options to indulge your tastes and mood.

Features

  • Nightly turn-down service
  • Exclusive Asprey toiletries
  • Goose down duvets and pillows
  • Italian bed linens
  • 37” flat HD television
  • In-room safe
  • Portable hairdryer
  • High-speed wireless internet service
  • Bose CD music system

Things to Do

Washington D.C., the nation’s capital, has a lot of great things to offer to visitors. Guests should start their tour of the city with the Smithsonian Institution Building. It has a wide range of national treasures ranging from art to space exploration. An IMAX movie at the National Air and Space Museum and the National History Museum is also a must-see.

The National Monuments and Memorials are also best seen at night when they are illuminated and less crowded. Washington D.C. also has a good share of restaurants. Palm Court restaurant is one of AAA’s four-diamond award-winning restaurants. It serves contemporary American cuisine using fresh and local ingredients. Beacon Bar and Grill serves the best steaks in the city. Shoppers will also be delighted with all the shopping choices and places in the city

Room Tariff

  • Superior rooms start at $475
  • Executive studio rooms start at $625

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