Renovated Black-owned luxury hotel opens in Washington, D.C.’s trendiest neighborhood

Following a year-long multimillion-dollar renovation, Salamander Washington, D.C., formerly known as the Mandarin Oriental Washington, D.C., has undergone a remarkable transformation. The property now boasts upgraded guest rooms, stunning communal spaces, and a soon-to-be-unveiled luxurious two-story spa and sensational restaurant.

Under the leadership of Salamander Collection Founder and CEO Sheila Johnson, who acquired the property in late 2022, the project aims to bring the same level of opulence as her Forbes Five-Star-rated Salamander Middleburg. “My vision is that Salamander DC mirrors the mystique, graceful simplicity, and comfortable luxury of the Middleburg property but in an urban setting,” Johnson stated.

Upon entering the property, guests are greeted by an impressive collection of artworks, including a bas-relief installation by Art Space NYC that highlights iconic landmarks such as the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.

Recently, Johnson introduced a new offering, which she describes as a way to “savor and enjoy the distinct characteristics of both D.C.-area hotels.”