By Michael McCarthy By Michael McCarthy | March 19, 2021 | Stay, Travel,
The Riggs Suite at the new Riggs hotel in Penn Quarter.
Whether it’s for a cherry blossom-inspired stay or simply to embrace a spring weekend close to home, here are four of our favorite spots for essential R&R.
1. Riggs Washington, DC
Riggs, now one of the most breathtaking properties in the city, opened shortly before the pandemic hit last year—which means the hotel, located in the heart of Penn Quarter, is still undiscovered by many Washingtonians. Don’t let the warmer months pass without visiting, because the attractions are endless—including exceptional design, Café Riggs, the Silver Lyan bar and the Riggs Rooftop. The latter is an enclosed rooftop terrace with stunning views of the neighborhood. Enjoy the Spring Fling package, which includes use of bespoke Priority bikes, welcome drinks upon arrival, dinner in Café Riggs, in-room Champagne, valet parking, and early check-in and late checkout. From $409 per night, 900 F St. NW, 202.638.1800, riggsdc.com
The chic lounge at the new Viceroy.
2. Viceroy Washington, DC
Last fall, Logan Circle welcomed the boutique Viceroy Washington DC, the first foray for the brand in the region. The 14th Street corridor is the perfect spot for a hotel whose first statement is a massive mural by local artist Brandon Hill, co-founder of No Kings Collective. Guests of the 178-room property will love the year-round outdoor space featuring seating nooks, fire pits and treats from BPM Coffee & Wine. The Cherry Blossom Package includes 10% off of the best available rate along with a sweet bottle of rosé. From $186, 1430 Rhode Island Ave. NW, 202.742.3100, viceroyhotelsandresorts.com
Views of the Tidal Basin from a Mandarin Oriental suite
3. Mandarin Oriental, Washington, DC
This spring, get a front-row seat to the cherry blossoms—literally. The Southwest property sits along the Tidal Basin, giving guests exceptional views of Mother Nature dressed in pink. The property’s Cherry Blossom package includes afternoon tea for two created by the hotel’s pastry chef, Claus Olsen, with a collection of sweets; overnight valet parking; and guaranteed late checkout. Specially selected guest room or suite, with cherry blossom views, from $486 per night (minimum two-night stay), 1330 Maryland Ave. SW, 202.554.8588, mandarinoriental.com/washington
Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore offers a Spring Break on the Harbor package
4. Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore
Charm City’s Four Seasons offers a new Spring Break on the Harbor package that focuses on family fun and includes deluxe accommodations (plus a discount for a second room for the kids), a $100 daily breakfast credit, valet parking, two movies with special film nights and family-oriented welcome amenities. The hotel’s spa also offers the Cherry Blossom Ritual. The 120-minute treatment begins with the cleansing of dead skin cells using wild cherry bark, sea salt, cherry blossom and brown sugar—all combined to exfoliate and promote softer skin. The treatment continues with a full-body exfoliation and application of shea butter melt infused with the fragrance of cherry blossom, ylang ylang, black pepper, lavender and vanilla. The service concludes with an Indian head massage, which eliminates tension and provides a sense of healing and balance. Spring Break on the Harbor package, March 12-April 5, from $600 per night (minimum two-night stay); Cherry Blossom Ritual, $350, 200 International Drive, Baltimore, 410.576.5800, fourseasons.com/baltimore
Photography by: courtesy of Riggs Washington, DC; courtesy of brands;