Established in 1818, the Willard InterContinental is a must-stop destination for any traveler, especially for the history buffs. The grandiose hotel comes with a special blend of historic charm, high-touch service, and a great location. This will all take you back to the gilded age of travel.
Check out our list of the best credit card bonuses here.
Read below to see why this is one of the best 5-star offerings in the capital city.
Featured Travel Credit Card
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Style
The Willard is steeped in history. This is where several presidents have frequented, where Martin Luther King Jr, finished his “I Have a Dream” speech, where the term “lobbyist” was coined by Ulysses S. Grant. and where Senator Henry Clay introduced the mint julep outside of Kentucky. With their historical theme, the hotel’s decor is old-world ornate, with marble pillars, coffered ceilings, heavy wood furniture, lush plants, and lots of gold trimmings.
Rooms
All 335 rooms and suites here are decorated with a unique blend of contemporary luxury and historic charm. This showcases the prime views of either the Pennsylvania Avenue, the White House, or downtown. Staying in the 550-square-foot Willard Room features hues of ivory, navy, and cool grey, with gold accents. The bathroom comes with a walk-in marble shower, and Agraria bath products. The layout of the room is very comfortable Simmons luxury mattress, designed for InterContinental Hotels only.
Facilities
With around 20,000 square feet of gorgeous ballrooms and meeting spaces, The Willard is a popular place to reserve events, hosting around 100 weddings every year. Additionally, the hotel offers a 24-hour fitness center with the latest TechnoGym equipment, an outdoor relaxation terrace, a business center, and some retail shops.
All of their guests have access to complimentary daily newspapers, shoe shining service, and Tesla chauffeur service.
Food & Drink
You can be spoiled for choice when it comes to dining and drinking at The Willard. They have breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Cafe du Parc for some French bistro fare. Or, you can plan for the great afternoon tea at Peacock Ally. Visit the famous Round Robin Bar for some classic cocktails and light bites. We recommend the aforementioned mint julep, which is the bar’s signature drink.
Even though it’s not really part of the hotel, guests are able to dine at the neighboring Occidental Grill & Seafood and charge the meal to their room.
Service
With the rich and powerful often coming back to this hotel, you expect exceptional service and won’t be disappointed. The seasoned, international staff at The Willard, are super friendly and helpful, especially the Les Clef d’Or concierge.
Location
The Willard is in the prime location for leisure travelers in “old downtown” which is across the street from the White House and adjacent to the Metro Center. The National Mall is a 6 minute walk away. However, be warned that the area gets pretty desolate after nine-to-fivers go home for the day.
Address: 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, D.C.
Earn Free Nights with IHG Rewards Club Points
Sign up for IHG Rewards Club to earn free nights at Willard InterContinental. The fastest way for you to earn points is with their co-branded credit cards.
 The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers 4 free nights (each Free Night valued at up to 40,000 points) after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. You'll earn: • Up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts • 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. • 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases This card offers several perks that you'll sure enjoy like: an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts (plus, enjoy a reward night when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay) And as long as you're a cardmember, you'll have Platinum Elite status. You'll get Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card. There is an annual fee of $99. |
 The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card offers 100,000 Bonus Points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. You'll earn: • Up to 17 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts • 3 points per $1 spent on purchases on monthly bills, at gas stations, and restaurants. • 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases This card has no annual fee or foreign transaction fees. Member FDIC |
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Conclusion
Overall, staying at The Willard InterContinental is hosted by some uber-WIPs, and every corner you turn the hotel has a story to tell. This is a great place for people who love history. Plus, some of the highlights include a French restaurant, historic bar, state-of-the-art gyms, and great service. Additionally, it won’t set you back as much as the nearby Hay-Adams or The Jefferson.
Sign up for the IHG Rewards Club to earn free nights at Willard InterContinental.
