Luxury hotel group Salamander Hotels & Resorts and private equity firm Henderson Park have teamed up to purchase and rebrand a former Mandarin Oriental site in Washington DC, USA.

Under new ownership and Salamander’s management, the 373-room property will undergo an all-encompassing enhancement program that will be carefully executed so as not to interrupt business.

Comprehensive overhaul

Program highlights for the rebranding to Salamander Washington DC include a renovation of the hotel’s suites including the three-bedroom Presidential Suite with sweeping views of the Potomac River, the remodelling and reopening of the club lounge as the Monument Club., re-concepting and redesign of its signature restaurant and grand lobby lounge, and activation of the hotel’s outdoor spaces which overlook DC’s waterfront.

Other strands include a glamorous transformation of the hotel’s rotunda lobby, and the re-programming and re-naming of the lobby bar as an inviting, community space. For the signature restaurant, the hotel is working with a noted chef to reposition it, with a projected springtime opening. A patisserie will also be added on the main level for grab-and-go items featuring freshly baked items from the property’s pastry shop.

Every guestroom will receive new, regionally inspired artwork, including photography personally taken by Salamander founder Sheila Johnson. Additionally, the spa will undergo an expansion to become a Salamander Spa. including more treatment rooms and a street-level entrance.

Relaxed and refined

Johnson said: “Salamander Washington DC is already a grand luxury hotel and we intend to introduce the warm and inviting feeling that guests enjoy at other Salamander properties. Together with Henderson Park, we will create a gathering place for the community in a relaxing and refined setting.”

Nick Weber, founding partner of Henderson Park, added: “Our investment into this hotel is driven by a recognition of both its distinguished reputation as an established luxury property in the US capital as well as the significant long-term potential that we believe it offers. Through partnering with Salamander, a premium luxury hospitality brand, we will reposition this elegant property and further enhance its allure for business and leisure guests alike, and also fully capitalise on its striking riverside location amidst all of the city’s major attractions.”

Salamander Washington DC joins the company’s collection of iconic properties in storied destinations, including Charleston, Aspen, Tampa Bay, Jamaica and Anguilla. Aspen Meadows By Salamander is also currently undergoing refurbishment.

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