Breathtaking vistas of the water and city monuments serve as an enticing backdrop to the Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC.

The residential-looking hotel is the first thing the community and visitors see upon entering the district from the 14th Street Bridge, providing a dramatic new skyline.

As part of the Portals development project, at the juncture of the Potomac Tidal Basin and Washington Channel, it is the only hotel in the city to boast this scenic waterfront vantage point.

Built in the French style while reflecting the city's iconic neoclassical architecture, the nine-story, 400-room hotel is located on Maryland Avenue, S.W., between 12th and 14th Streets, and follows the original L'Enfant Plan for Washington created in the late 1700's. The hotel's architecture features a limestone façade, with columns, cornices and ornate bay and portal windows topped by a metal mansard roof. These elements complement the materials and color palette while reinforcing the hotel's residential character and serving as a contrast to the adjacent corporate and federal office buildings. Viewed from the waterfront, the green-roofed building's silhouette curves away from the property line for acoustical and visual privacy, while at the same time allowing stunning views of the Jefferson Memorial, Tidal Basin and other Washington landmarks.

To create further unity with the neighborhood, an existing bridge adjacent to the hotel has been converted to a pedestrian promenade over Maine Avenue, S.W., linking the project with the marina and the city's famed cherry trees along the Washington Tidal Basin. It is the only public walkway that links the National Mall to the waterfront.

Lobby and Public Areas

From the main entrance of the hotel on Maryland Avenue SW, a two-story glass vestibule allows a striking first impression of the lobby rotunda, which measures 35 feet in diameter. This grand area was inspired by the work of John Russell Pope, designer of the Jefferson Memorial and National Gallery of Art. The lobby features columns of American walnut capped by American white oak with a medallion centered in the flooring beneath the rotunda of Emperador light and dark marbles with Amarillo yellow marble. Visible from the lobby are picturesque views overlooking a terraced garden in the foreground with the Tidal Basin beyond. Asian artwork is nestled into the wall niches behind the finely crafted reception and concierge desks, including a set of contemporary Mandarin jackets of sewn pearls by well-known fiber artist John Riis.

A multi-terraced garden seen through the lobby fuses Eastern and Western garden design. At the entrance, the garden features a formal terrace composed of beautifully cut limestone with an ancient Chinese pattern. A lawn area, perfect for small weddings, is complemented by a full array of Asian trees and plants including Japanese Red Pine, Pagoda, Fullmoon Japanese Maple, and Chinese Elm among others. Azaleas, Hydrangea and Peony provide further color.

The hotel's two restaurants were creatd by one of the world's most celebrated design visionaries, Tony Chi.

CityZen: The award-winning AAA Five Diamond restaurant under the direction of Executive Chef Eric Ziebold, offers modern American cuisine. Brace yourself for an entirely sensory experience to enjoy modern American cuisine coupled with flair, style and timeless sophistication. Visit Zen Bar and choose from some of the city's finest martinis served in hand-blown stemware, or select from the over 700 wine options meticulously chosen by sommelier Andrew Myers. Relax in the restaurant's lounge, where a large collection of single malt whiskeys and never-ending list of exotic concoctions are available.

Ziebold's cuisine has garnered both local and national acclaim. Most recently, Chef Ziebold was named "Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic" at the James Beard Foundation Awards in June 2008, earning one of the most prestigious culinary awards in the United States. Additionally, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington named Chef Ziebold "Chef of the Year 2008." CityZen was named one of "the 100 best farm-to-table restaurants in America" by Gourmet in October 2007.

Sou'Wester: Headlined by Executive Chef Eric Ziebold, and executed by Chef de Cuisine Rachael Harriman, this newly reimagined restaurant features American cuisine in a bustling space boasting a waterfront view and an approachable price point. Sou'Wester, which means strong winds hailing from the southwest, captures the essence of the restaurant.

Having worked together at the French Laundry in Yountville, California, Per Se in New York City, and CityZen in D.C., Chefs Ziebold and Harriman make an efficient and natural team, complementing each other's styles and tastes in the kitchen. Their menu reads with a Southern lilt and features traditional as well as interpretive takes on classics such as Chicken and Dumplings, Braised Rabbit Leg with Creamed Grits and Sauteed Perch with Old Bay Chowder.

Lunch guests can also enjoy dishes such as Shoat Rillette with Pickled Green Tomatoes, Maryland Blue Crab with Mango and Avocado and Sauteed Pork Belly and Pickled Watermelon Rind, as well as an array of sandwiches served with housemade piccalilli. The lunch menu also offers soup & salad and soup & sandwich combinations to cater to busy professionals and tourists on the go. The extensive dinner menu will have a varied selection of hot and cold appetizers, seafood, meats and seasonal specials, including appetizers like Chesapeake Bay Rockfish Ceviche and Poached Egg with Creamed Grits & Sweetbreads, as well as entrees such as Blackened Bluefish with Cajun Rice and Fried Chicken with Coleslaw. Not to be missed will be comforting side dishes like Beer Battered Onion Rings, Hush Puppies with Honey Butter, and Sou'Wester Tater Tots.

Pastry Chef Amanda Cook, who has presided over the desserts at CityZen for over three years, is also responsible for designing Sou'Wester's sweet offerings, which include wide selection of ice creams and sorbets, as well as treats such as warm and crispy Fried Apple Pie and a homey Carrot Cake. Sou'Wester also serves an extensive breakfast menu that includes omelettes, pancakes, waffles and a selection of fresh fruit juices and smoothies. Carlton McCoy, an Advanced Level Sommelier, who most recently served as captain at CityZen, has been tapped to head the beverage program for Sou'Wester, which is made up of affordably priced wines by the glass, an all-American craft beer list and an original cocktail menu with libations based around fruit, herb and spiced nectars.

Empress Lounge: A sunken enclave and an inviting escape from the city, Empress Lounge offers signature martinis, cocktails, wines, champagnes, sakes, cognacs and teas. On the weekends, DC's top jazz vocalists are showcased from 8pm to midnight.

The main focal point of the Lobby and Empress Lounge is the playful painting "Empress Dowager over DC." Chinese Artist Zhong-Yang Huang was commissioned to do a Washington, DC interpretation of his piece "Above The Forbidden City" that depicts the Last Empress of China flying over Beijing, China. Indulge your sweet tooth with a selection of artistically crafted cakes, cremes and tarts and mouth-watering scones. The desserts are accompanied by an international menu of rare teas and coffee blends.

GUEST ROOMS & SUITES: Guestrooms and suites delight visitors with décor marrying Asian elegance with stylish traditional touches, set against the hotel's signature water and district views. Several layouts are made possible by the unique shape of the building, with guestrooms measuring between 400 to 700 square feet. The design is in keeping with the elements of Feng Shui. For example, the location of the mirror does not face the entry door thereby ensuring good luck is not reflected out of the room. And circular forms draw good luck into the guestrooms. The color palette in most guestrooms is burnt orange and pale green.

On the eighth and ninth floor are the hotel's Mandarin accommodations, which feature a rich red, burgundy and beige color scheme along with flat panel televisions with HDTV. Nightstand lamps throughout are a contemporary Japanese lantern design and artwork is a mixture of Western and Asian. Replica pieces from the Smithsonian Freer Gallery and Sackler Gallery are contrasted with work from contemporary American artists. The television rests on a piece inspired by a Japanese chest or “tansu,� that is commonly used in Northeast Asia, distinct for its simplicity of shape and material. Over each bed is a unique tapestry, a western concept for dressing the walls but using hand-woven Thai silk panels.

All accommodations feature luxurious Fili D'Oro linens, customized furnishings, high-speed Internet access, three dual-line phones with voicemail, flat screen televisions and lavish marble bathrooms, many with views from generous soaking tubs.

With 3,500 square feet, the three-bedroom Presidential Suite offers the height of luxury. Panoramic views from floor-to-ceiling windows stretch from Georgetown to Old Town offering vistas of The National Cathedral, Lincoln Memorial, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, among other historical landmarks. Guests enter through a vestibule into a double height living room. A kitchen and dining room are situated off the living room on the right, and a media room is on the left. The master bedroom is located through the media room, and includes a walk-in closet and exercise area. The master bath features a windowed infinity-edge tub and separate spa shower. A second mini-suite bedroom also is located off the media room. And the third bedroom is located off the dining room.

Fifty-two additional spacious suites, ranging from 600 to 1,200 square feet, feature a variety of configurations and amenities

THE SPA: Recognized as the only Mobil 4 Star in the metropolitan area, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental offers eight treatment rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness center with Technogym equipment featuring individual television screens and headphones, heated indoor 50-foot lap pool and a sundeck overlooking Washington marina and the Potomac River.

A dramatic marble onyx wall sculpture greets guests, symbolizing the ancient bond between Mother Earth and the individual. The artwork's peaceful energy is conducive to meditation and tranquility. The ceiling features a copper overlay, chosen for its significance in mineral therapies; copper is believed to enhance well-being and positive energy. The flowing silk-draped walkway is meant to evoke the rising sun and the beginning of the spa journey.

Signature Time Rituals are designed to restore one's natural state of equilibrium, and are performed in harmonious stages: welcome, purify, nurture, balance and bliss. In addition, a full array of spa services including massages, wraps, body scrubs, facials and other specialized treatments are available. Among the specialties are Ocean and Earth Body Wraps with skin brushing, body exfoliation, personally chosen aromatherapy oil, enveloping body wrap and mind-calming Oriental head massage; and Chakra Balancing with Hot Stones.

Monuments & Memorials: The capital's main landmarks are all within a short walk of the hotel.

Smithsonian Institution: Set up by James Smithson as an 'establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.' Today there are 18 museums and galleries with so many artifacts that only 1% of it is ever on display. Quite simply, it's the biggest museum complex in the world. Location - approx. 10 Minutes walk/Less than 1 Mile or 1.6 Km

U.S. Capitol: This impressive building has housed the meeting chambers of the House of Representatives and the Senate for two centuries, it is the hub of American policy making. Tours allow you to eavesdrop on a committee hearing, watch the floor action or take the Capitol Subway with its open cars connecting all three buildings. Location - approx. 5 Minutes/1 Mile or 1.6 Km

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum This internationally acclaimed museum covers the history of the Holocaust in a chronological exhibition over three floors. There are artifacts, films, photos, and oral histories. Open daily 10 am - 5:30 pm. Location - approx. 10 Minutes walk/Less than 1 Mile or 1.6 Km

The White House: The White House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue has been home to the President of the United States for over 200 years. Guided tours are available through your congressman or senators office. Tour the house and see the various renovations and additions which have been made with each president. Location - 1.5 Miles or 2.4 Km

The Pentagon: Home to the US department of defense, this structure was built during the second world war. Location - 3.4 Miles or 5.5 Km

Arlington Cemetery: This is more than a cemetery it is a record of history, of America's wars, heroes, and explorers where people come to pay their respects and no doubt take inspiration. Here are graves for World War II Medal of honor recipients, the Tomb of the Unknowns and the final resting place for John F Kennedy. Location - 3 Miles or 6 Km

Mount Vernon: The beautifully situated estate of George Washington is an 18th century self contained plantation and farm, overlooking the Potomac River. Originally run by a workforce of 316 slaves, it produced quality wool, grew flax and hemp and incorporated textile production for linen, cloth and rope. Location - 15 Miles or 24 Km

Arena Stage: Arena Stage offers a focus on theatre of the Americas, with a deep-rooted support of strong art. Productions vary from epic dramas to grand musicals, the theatre's criteria is quality. Location - approx. 20 Minutes walk/0.9 Miles or 14.5 Km

DAR Constitution Hall: A stately building created in 1929, now a performance venue for symphony concerts, ballets and some theatre. Location - 1.5 Miles or 2.3 Km

National Theatre: This theatre has been in existence for over 160 years, an historic venue reputedly with its own ghost. Performances feature national tours of Broadway favourites. Location - 1.5 Miles or 2.3 Km

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: Six theatres form the Nation's performing arts center. Productions span all the arts and include performances from many international companies. Location - 4 Miles or 6 Km

Basketball & Hockey: Verizon Center is a brand new 20,000 seat stadium and host to NBA's Washington Wizards, the NHL's Washington Capitals, the WNBA's Washington Mystics & the Georgetown Hoyas men's basketball team. A trip to a live game is always an exciting event. Location - 1.5 Miles or 2.4 Km

Baseball: Nationals Park is the host to the Washington Nationals, Washington DC's newest baseball team. Baseball is America's pastime and there is nothing better than a baseball game in the summertime. Location - 1.7 Miles or 2.8 Km

Waterside Promenade: Just outside the hotel is the Southwestern Waterfront, enjoy a peaceful stroll past the yachts and houseboats or visit one of the many seafood restaurants. Beyond the promenade is a seafood market where the day's catch is sold from floating barges. Location - approx. 5 Minutes walk/Less than 1 Mile or 1.6 Km

The National Mall: This is a two mile long, green mall with stately views towards the US Capitol. Bordered on each side by museums and national monuments it is a very pleasant space to relax in between sightseeing; time to contemplate those achievements. Location - approx. 10 Minutes walk/Less than 1 Mile or 1.6 Km

SHOPPING

The Shops at Georgetown Park: Probably the most pleasant shopping option, given the historic prettiness of Georgetown itself. A large multiple shopping center houses over 100 shops and boutiques. Location - 4 Miles or 6 Km

Fashion Center at Pentagon City: A shopping mall on four levels housing more than 170 stores including Nordstrom and Macy's; the usual high street fare such as Banana Republic and inevitably a Starbucks. Location - 3 Miles or 4.8 Km

Mazza Galleria: Mazza Galleria encompasses fashion, fine dining and cinema. On the first and second level you can find Neiman Marcus and a flagship Saks Fifth Avenue Men's Store. Throughout the complex are outlets for numerous upmarket brands. Location - 7 Miles or 11 Km

Tysons Corner Center: The largest shopping mall in the city and the 10th largest in the entire USA, housing over 250 stores and restaurants. It features five department stores alone: Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Hecht's, Lord & Taylor, and L L Bean. Location - 15 Miles or 24 Km