Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. has completed a restoration of its 335 accommodations, including 69 suites and 14 signature suites. Led by Parker-Torres Design, the project honors the hotel’s legacy while offering a refreshed guest experience. The work draws on the property’s 200-year history, referencing what Mark Twain once called its “Theatrical Potential” through dramatic design elements and historic inspiration.
“Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. is an American institution that has stood at the forefront of history for more than 200 years. It is our hope that this thoughtful, years-long restoration pays homage to the extraordinary individuals who have shaped the nation, whose spirits echo through our halls and continue to shape the modern-day guest experience,” said Markus Platzer, general manager of Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. “We look forward to delivering extraordinary experiences for the next 200 years and beyond.”
“Drawing inspiration from the hotel’s illustrious past, marked by visits from world leaders, dignitaries, and U.S. presidents, the newly reimagined spaces pay homage to Willard’s enduring role in American history. The design blends timeless elegance with modern luxury, offering guests a refined experience steeped in tradition and sophistication,” said Jessica Puliti, senior lead designer, and Miriam Torres, principal, of Parker Torres Design.
The six Oval Suites feature murals themed around notable historic figures, particularly women. The Eleanor Roosevelt Suite includes a mural inspired by the 1943 White House Victory Garden and the iris, her favorite flower. The Julia Ward Howe Suite honors her stay at the hotel in 1861 when she wrote “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” The Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Suite features black roses, referencing Bethune-Cookman College and the students she called her “Black Roses.”
Four specialty suites pay tribute to Helen Hayes, Jenny Lind, Martin Luther King Jr., and Henry Augustus Willard. The King Suite includes a mural of Georgia peaches. King finalized his “I Have a Dream” speech in the hotel lobby before delivering it in 1963.
Presidential Suites have also been restored, including those named for Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and Theodore Roosevelt. Each suite features silk draperies, quartzite stone, and wool rugs.
The hotel also introduced “Incredible Occasions,” a customizable experience program for events. Offerings include a Mint Julep Masterclass and a Tea Experience reflecting the hotel’s tradition of Afternoon Tea since the 1920s.
