History & Renovation

Washington, DC's Jewel of Historic Hotels

In 1923, the nation had a new president in Calvin Coolidge, and Washington, DC welcomed a new luxury residential building: The Jefferson Apartment, a Beaux Arts design by Jules Henri de Sibour that was the address of choice for savvy Washingtonians. 1955 saw the apartment’s conversion into a hotel, and The Jefferson was born.

The combined creative forces of some of the world’s finest architectural, design and construction firms brought Washington, DC’s venerable and beloved Jefferson hotel into the 21st Century with a makeover that is both distinctly European and Washingtonian in style and features an abundance of rich, historical influences of the hotel’s namesake, Thomas Jefferson.

The top-to-bottom, two-year renovation infuses modern-day elegance and convenience into the stately and magnificent Beaux Arts framework. Careful restoration of the large, original lobby skylight accompanied such important renovations as a state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen, a sleek and elegant spa and three new, sumptuously-appointed specialty suites. Intimate areas for dining, entertaining, conducting business or simply relaxing at the end of the day are interspersed throughout the hotel’s public spaces. Private dining and function rooms, together with the hotel’s focus on impeccable service, set the scene for memorable events of all kinds.

Today, The Jefferson’s sizeable collection of antiques, period artwork and original, signed documents coexist alongside the best of modern-day amenities, encouraging our guests to escape the fast pace of the modern world or connect with it as they choose.

With a guest list that reads like a Who’s Who of political and social circles, The Jefferson established a reputation as Washington, DC’s most discerning hotel, known for its attention to detail, exceptional service and exquisite interiors filled with European and American antiques and Jeffersonian artifacts.

The Renovation
In August 2009, The Jefferson re-emerged as the capital’s finest small historic hotel. The top-to-bottom renovation included:

• Upgrades to all 99 guestrooms, the common areas, meeting space, and restaurants
• The addition of three specialty suites
• The exciting discovery of a magnificent 1923 skylight in the lobby. Covered for decades, it now allows natural light to stream into the lobby at the entryway to Plume, the hotel's fine dining restaurant.
• Beloved antiques, period artifacts, documents signed by Thomas Jefferson and vintage books once again grace the guest rooms and public spaces.

We look forward to welcoming you to the hotel soon.