One of the blessings (and curses) of living in Washington, DC is that there is SO MUCH TO DO. Really, I am puzzled when I hear someone who lives in this city complain about boredom. We have free museums, monuments, great restaurants, and the list goes on. However, all the action can leave you a bit worn down. When there’s no time for a vacation, sometimes one has to reward itself with a bit of R&R. I recently took the morning off and treated myself to spa and lunch at the beautiful Willard Intercontinental. All about my experience:
Red Door Spa: The Red Door by Elizabeth Arden at Willard Intercontinental is the perfect place to a midday escape. The spa is collocated with the fitness center of the hotel if you’re motivated to get a workout before your treatment. From facials to massages, it also has a wide selection of treatments available. I had the pregnancy massage which was exactly what I needed with my hectic travel schedule. It was nice to have a calming massage and transition to the relaxation room with a cup of tea and catch up on magazine reading. Check out their treatment list here.
Cafe du Parc: One of the things I love about The Willard Intercontinental is their Cafe du Parc. With its blue umbrellas and french patio furniture, it transports you back to Paris. After working an appetite after my massage, I headed over to Cafe du Parc for lunch. The highlight was Maine lobster bisque. The soup is poured before you on a bed of lump pieces of lobster… delicious! I was there on a warm fall day. It was nice to sit at the patio and just take in the city, do a little people watching and be alone with my thoughts.
I loved the vibe at Cafe du Parc so much I returned a few weeks later for their Champagne Day celebration in which they served a selection of crepes paired with Moet Champagne. Having to forgo Champagne, I indulged in the delicious crepes… paired with a latte. Sadly, my latte had a pesky fly in it. When I informed the waiter (for the record, I wasn’t there on media mode for the crepes), he quickly escalated it to the manager and they resolved the issue in a matter of minutes with the director of food and beverage coming to personally apologize and ask us if we needed anything else. No matter what restaurant or hotel you go to, things are bound to fail from time to time. My barometer is how the staff reacts. Must say, I was very impressed with the service.
The Verdict: After treating yourself to spa and lunch, take a walk around the National Mall, take a peek at the White House, located just steps from the hotel. The Willard Intercontinental is a beautiful property right in the heart of DC. Whether you’re there for a massage or staying as a guest, I am sure you’ll be impressed, especially with the service.
