From legendary service to the Obamas' favourite steakhouse: Why the Four Seasons in Washington is a magnet for celebrities and DC's political elite
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With luxurious guest rooms, legendary service and the Obamas' favourite steakhouse, it's no wonder Washington's Four Seasons is a magnet for DC's biggest movers and shakers, celebrities and foreign dignitaries.
The five-star hotel in trendy Georgetown proves that you don't have to go to Capitol Hill to see the country's political heavyweights up close.
On any given day it's not unusual to spot leading politicians meeting over breakfast at Seasons or a butter-bathed New York strip at Bourbon Steak to discuss the future of the US.
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Four Seasons Washington, DC's premier rooms boast king beds and spacious bathrooms with walk-in showers and a deep soaking tub
US President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama have celebrated multiple anniversaries at Bourbon Steak
It's the kind of place you would expect to spot Frank Underwood, if he existed.
Instead there's a chance hotel guests and other visitors may spot US President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama (or their security detail, at least), who have celebrated multiple wedding anniversaries in a private room at one of the capital's top steakhouses and hangouts.
There's a reason Bourbon Steak is the Obamas' preferred steakhouse – the food and attention to detail are phenomenal and do not disappoint.
Despite dining for one I went with the usual service that is afforded to duos or groups – starting with heavenly black truffle dinner rolls that were slightly crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside.
With butter-poached beef and poultry Bourbon Steak is the vision of award-winning chef and restaurateur Michael Mina
Four Seasons Washington, DC is tastefully decorated, with 1,650 pieces of original art scattered throughout its two wings
The freshly-baked rolls were so delicious that I left the hotel with two in my suitcase the following morning, and devoured both after popping them into the oven upon my return to London.
The rolls were followed by French fries with three different seasonings and three different dipping sauces, and a squash bisque with apple and chestnuts – the perfect remedy after a chilly February day spent exploring the National Mall.
After that it was time for the main – a mouth-watering 12oz New York strip cooked to perfection (medium rare), alongside the best Brussels sprouts I have ever tasted (apologies to my wife), with a creamy mix of ricotta cheese and hazelnuts.
Somehow, I managed to save room for a stack of profiteroles with peanut butter mousse, marshmallow and banana caramel.
The $18,500-a-night royal suite has bullet-resistant glass, a private entrance and a furnished outdoor terrace with a dining area
Washington's only five-star, five-diamond hotel is a short walk to plenty of high-end shops and restaurants in trendy Georgetown
This was my first stay at a Four Seasons hotel and before I arrived a friend went to great lengths to explain that the service and luxury are almost second to none.
They weren't kidding.
At nearly every stage of my stay I was pampered by attentive staff who are the perfect complement to the classic feel at one of Washington's most exclusive hotels.
My premier room had soft colour schemes with a king bed, small couch, flat-screen TV, generous work station and a spacious bathroom boasting a granite top double sink vanity, walk-in shower and a large, deep soaking bathtub.
While they may not boast the same integrated technology as other high-end hotels – such as touch control lighting or curtains, for example – staff assured me that the rooms are set for an upgrade starting in the first quarter of 2016.
This presidential suite boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and can be configured to 1,600 square feet with two full bathrooms
Seasons is an upscale 'power breakfast' spot where's it's common to find lawmakers before they head to Capitol Hill for the day
One area that has undergone a $1million overhaul is Seasons, an upscale 'power breakfast' spot where's it's common to find lawmakers before they head to the Hill.
With an all-you-can-eat menu and bottomless mimosas and Prosecco, the Sunday brunch is a steal at just $80 a head.
I ate here twice in the middle of the week, opting for freshly squeezed orange juice, traditional eggs benedict, buttermilk pancakes (it was Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day), and a selection of fresh fruit.
Located on the lower level of the hotel, the food is just as satisfying and the service is just as spot on as Bourbon Steak, its bigger sibling upstairs.
This one-bedroom presidential suite can be configured as a two- or three-bedroom suite with the addition of connecting rooms
The Lounge at Bourbon Steak boasts a marble-top bar, leather topped tables and ceilings, custom tables and leather-framed mirrors
For those who are interested in seeing historic sights, the hotel is not far from the White House and National Mall
With 1,650 pieces of original art scattered throughout its two wings, Four Seasons Washington, DC is the only five-star, five-diamond hotel in the capital.
The 35-year-old hotel also boasts a spa, fitness centre and pool, and it is a short walk to plenty of high-end shops and restaurants in Georgetown.
In the other direction, it's just a short cab ride or roughly 25-minute walk to the White House and National Mall.
That means the foreign politicians and dignitaries who spend the night in its five presidential suites or the $18,500-a-night royal suite, which has bullet-resistant glass and a private entrance, don't have far to go for meetings that aren't held over a 'power breakfast' or juicy steak downstairs.
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