Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. has unveiled its collection of 335 restored accommodations, including 69 suites and 14 signature suites. Led by Parker-Torres Design, the project draws inspiration from the hotel’s legacy as a backdrop to several pivotal moments in American history.
A landmark since 1818, this restoration honors the legacy of Willard InterContinental while introducing an immersive guest experience where history comes alive. The restored signature suites pay tribute to historic figures, several of whom are pioneering women whose legacies continue to inspire. Many of these individuals were not only guests but also witnessed or participated in defining moments within the hotel that helped shape the nation’s cultural narrative.
Each signature suite reflects the spirit of its namesake, with design elements and custom murals inspired by their stories and contributions. Guestrooms have been thoughtfully reimagined through a pied-à-terre concept, offering luxurious retreats that retain the comfort and familiarity of a private residence in the heart of Washington, D.C.
The six restored Oval Suites predominantly honor pioneering female figures, with standout suites including Eleanor Roosevelt, Julia Ward Howe, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, Frederick Douglass and John Adams. Each of these suites features a mural as its focal point, unified by floral themes that capture the essence of these individuals.
For instance, the Eleanor Roosevelt Suite honors the “First Lady of the World” with a mural inspired by her love of gardening and the 1943 White House Victory Garden, incorporating her favorite flower, the iris. The Julia Ward Howe Suite commemorates her stay at Willard in 1861, during which she wrote “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Its mural pays tribute to her first volume of poetry, “Passion-Flowers.” The Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Suite features a mural of black roses, symbolizing the students of Bethune-Cookman College—the institution she founded in 1904 to empower African-Americans through education. She affectionately referred to her students as her “Black Roses.”
Continuing the theme of celebrating remarkable legacies, the four reintroduced specialty suites pay tribute to individuals whose contributions have shaped culture, society and the history of Willard InterContinental. Suites such as Helen Hayes, Jenny Lind, Martin Luther King Jr. and Henry Augustus Willard reflect their namesakes through curated design elements.
The Helen Hayes Suite is a nod to the “First Lady of American Theater” with a mural that praises her lifelong dedication to the arts. Similarly, the bi-level Jenny Lind Suite, a favorite for weddings and bridal occasions, now welcomes its guests with voluminous draperies and embroidered details reminiscent of the opera gown worn by the “Swedish Nightingale.” The Martin Luther King Jr. Suite features a mural of Georgia peaches, symbolizing the home state of Dr. King. His profound connection to Willard includes finalizing his “I Have a Dream” speech in the hotel lobby before delivering it in 1963. The Henry Augustus Willard Suite commemorates the hotel’s founder with a mural that reflects the origins of Willard and honors the vision of the man who established one of Washington, D.C.’s most legendary institutions.
Homing in on its legacy as the “Residence of Presidents” and located just moments from the White House, Willard InterContinental has thoughtfully restored its four presidential suites. These include the Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and Theodore Roosevelt Suites. The suites showcase presidential portraits alongside rich materials such as silk draperies, quartzite stone, wood floors and wool rugs.
Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, Willard InterContinental has unveiled a selection of exclusive experiences that can be tailored to enhance any occasion. Highlights include an Incredible Mint Julep Masterclass, celebrating the hotel’s signature beverage, and an Incredible Tea Experience, honoring its storied tradition of Afternoon Tea dating back to the 1920s.
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