The National Cherry Blossom Festival brings hordes of visitors from around the world to the nation’s capital as the town gets bathed in pink. This year’s festival will take place in Washington, DC, between March 20 and April 14, 2024.
Peak bloom—when 70% of the blossoms on the more than 2500 Yoshino cherry trees around the Tidal Basin have opened—is expected between March 23 and March 26.
Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons of the year, a picture-perfect time for a getaway or staycation for those living in the DC metro area. Many hotels, at a range of price points, offer seasonal, cherry blossom-themed overnight packages, bespoke culinary experiences, unique cocktails, special amenities, and cherry blossom tours for visitors.
Here is a sampling of these offerings. Be sure to check the respective hotel websites for additional information, booking availability, and other details.
Willard InterContinental Washington DC
At the landmark Willard InterContinental Washington, DC, guests are greeted with pink and white blooms in the hotel’s palatial Beau-Arts lobby soon after they walk in the door.
Afternoon Tea has been a tradition in Peacock Alley since the 20s. During Cherry Blossom season, Executive Chef Gyo Santa and Pastry Chef Sbri Uzun offer a seasonal menu of sweet and savory delights, including the Willards’ signature freshly baked vanilla scones.
At the Round Robin Bar, one of the most historic in the District, guests can expect cherry blossom-themed cocktails.
Rosewood Washington DC
The five-star Rosewood, Washington, D.C. is located in the heart of Georgetown. Bordered by the historic C & O Canal, the hotel is just two blocks from the redeveloped waterfront area along the Potomac. It sits on a quaint street lined with architecturally eye-grabbing row houses.
Guests staying at the property during peak cherry blossom season (March 20 to April 14) will be able to book a Cherry Blossom Package that includes a two-day stay in the hotel’s Royal Suite, a cherry blossom-themed welcome amenity, the opportunity to take professional photos with the blossoms, a private city tour and more.
Hamilton Hotel
Open since 1922, the Hamilton Hotel is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Some of the specialty suites at the property are co-curated with HBO to provide an immersive experience of the city’s history.
From March 15th through April 30th, the space usually occupied by the Barbieri Lobby Bar is transformed into Hanami, a pop-up bar serving cherry blossom-inspired cocktails and small plates. Drinks are infused with floral notes and seasonal ingredients to celebrate spring flavors. The intimate space has only 14 seats.
Watergate Hotel
Located along the banks of the Potomac, the storied five-star Watergate Hotel couples retro glam with modern amenities. Even the classic staff uniforms were created by Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant.
Bookable from March 15, the hotel is offering a Spring Package that includes a private charter boat tour and complimentary cherry blossom amenity. The hotel’s entrance is tastefully decorated for the occasion and menu items at “The Next Whiskey Bar” and “Kingbird” are cherry blossom-inspired. The hotel will also feature a themed live art exhibition with works from over 10 international artists curated by the NYC/DC based Victor Gallery.
InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf
One way to avoid the crowds at the Tidal Basin is to head to The Wharf, a sustainable waterfront neighborhood surrounded by landmarks and transportation options. The InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf, one of four hotels in the area, is the newest addition to this reimagined neighborhood.
Between March 17th and April 14th, the hotel is offering a Springtime Bloom package complete with in-room Kodak cameras, a map of the cherry blossoms, daily breakfast for two, one-hour free bike rental, complimentary spring cocktails, and more.
YOTEL Washington DC
Yotel properties offer a playful feel in a high-tech, compact space. YOTEL Washington DC is located next to Capitol Hill, about a 10-minute walk from Union Station.
The YOTEL in Bloom Package for two, available from March 20 to April 14, includes roundtrip car service to see the famed cherry trees at the Tidal Basin, homemade cherry blossom scones upon arrival, and breakfast and a candlelight dinner at the hotel restaurant, Art and Soul.
Conrad Washington, DC
Conrad Washington, DC, part of the Hilton family of hotels, is located in the heart of downtown DC at CityCenter, only a short walk to the White House. The hotel’s chief concierge, Jeffrey Morgan, is president of the Washington Area Concierge Association and a member of Les Clef d’Or.
Morgan has curated an over-the-top Cherry Blossom Celebration Package, which includes a photo shoot with DC photographer Ana Isabel; His & Hers rose gold jewelry from David Yurman; a $1,000 gift card for a private shopping experience at Hugo Boss and Scanlan Theodore; a four-course Cherry Blossom-inspired dinner for two (with wine pairings) at the hotel’s restaurant Estuary; access to the hotel’s Sakura Club, which offers daily gourmet breakfast, dinner, as well as a Japanese Whiskey Tasting; and a bespoke picnic basket with sparkling rose for guests to enjoy around the Tidal Basin. Bookable from March 14 to April 30, the special package is priced at $8000 per night with a two-night minimum.
Although expected to last up to 10 days, predicting peak bloom can be tricky because of changing weather.
Follow the Washington D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival’s Bloom Watch.
