The elegant hotal building with a limestone facade designed by architect Mihran Mesrobian had 257 rooms when it opened in 1926.
are but a few of the distinctive, strikingly contemporary, interior color palettes that distinguish the St. Regis, the newly renovated historic landmark hotel with the iconic Italianate exterior, which is thriving again as a hospitality and lifestyle trendsetting destination.
Located at 923 Sixteenth Street, just two blocks from the White House, the St. Regis is one of Washington’s best addresses, which has long been a favorite among discerning hospitality seekers, including statesmen and politicians, business leaders and celebrities, as well as royalty from around the world. In the center of the capital’s dynamic political, cultural and social life, this is a revered destination with a decidedly colorful history. It opened as the Carlton Hotel in 1926 with grand pianos in every suite and, uniquely, it’s where the first demonstration of color television was presented in 1949 by CBS in what is today the Astor Ballroom. It was officially designated a Washington Historical Landmark in 1964. It became the St. Regis in 1999. And, earlier this year, following an extensive and meticulous 16-month restoration, this cherished landmark entered an exciting new era marked by radiant hues, thanks to the creative vision of the interior design firm of Sills Huniford.
The New York-based team of James Huniford and Stephen Sills directed the redesign of the hotel’s interiors and achieved dramatic public spaces and sophisticated guestrooms and suites. The design duo harmoniously married the classic with the contemporary, emphasizing elegance and luxury in custom furniture and fabrics. The stunning guest accommodations evoke residential sensibilities, each in radiant living color. The original design features include a carved console built into the wall that holds the flat screen television and also disguises the closet, mini bar, and safe.
Guests enjoy the signature amenities, including wireless internet, 32-inch LCD television, DVD player, as well as such soothing comforts as Pratesi linens and Remede Spa products. As ultimate expressions in bespoke luxury, the bathrooms have custom brass fixtures and are artfully detailed with mosaic tiles.
In the lobby, illustrating the designer' minimalist approach, s sunburst mirror on the mantle lends modern flair.
These spaces include the lobby, ballroom, and the Astor Terrace, which is a newly designed outdoor terrace for entertaining up to 200, the only exterior space of its kind in the city. It contributes to the European feel of the building.
On the ground level, Sills Huniford took inspiration from the building’s landmarked, elaborately hand-carved wood ceiling that was completely restored with new paint and gold leafing. Arguably the St. Regis most outstanding architectural feature, the ceiling, is reminiscent of those found in Italian palazzos. The designers rightfully chose colors and furnishings not to compete with the ceiling but rather direct the eye upwards. Complementing the richly detailed ceiling, at the arched windows fluid lavender sheers bring warm light into the lobby during the day and also serve to transform the space with a deep glow at sunset. Throughout, custom furniture mingles with antiques and original artwork, enhancing the deep history of the building. Overall the result is a fresh and bright modern aesthetic.
To underscore the commitment to create extraordinary experiences for guests, the St. Regis has introduced Adour, a restaurant offering an innovative interpretation of the cuisine of Alain Ducasse, one of the world’s most celebrated chefs. Adour, in fact, was named after the river in southwest France where Ducasse was born. The Michelin-starred chef says his ambition “is to bring a different approach to paring wine and food” and, indeed, his French-American menu features an elegant cuisine of rich textures and new flavors complemented by a diverse range of wines.
Designed by acclaimed architect David Rockwell and the talented Rockwell Group, Adour is set in a bold color scheme of black, silver, brown, cream, and gold, mixing rich textures to create a lush, warm environment. Rockwell conceived three recessed dining alcoves where he installed gold-flecked glass spheres suspended on bronze cables. At each end of the main dining room, there are elegant floor-to-ceiling wine vaults. Rockwell continued the modern air into the adjacent bar, a space where design elements such as old wooden panels painted black, contrasting gold details, and dark grey marble lend glamour and chic.
The reinvented St. Regis wins hands down as a destination for a luxe lifestyle experience and a fantastic escape from the everyday pressures. This landmark with a storied past continues to make history. The customized guest services have become legendary. It’s the first hotel to offer butlers equipped with wireless handheld devices so that all guests can e-mail instructions from any location to their personal butler. Now this is what songwriter Irving Berlin might have called “puttin’ on the St. Regis.”
John Francisco Andreu is a Contributing Editor for ChesapeakeHome.
Contact:
The St. Regis, Washington, DC: stregis.com or 202-638-2626
