Washington’s most storied hotel just made cherry blossom season a whole lot more interesting.
History, Harpists, and Haute Tea on Pennsylvania Avenue
Willard InterContinental Washington DC sits steps from the Tidal Basin and the National Mall — the two most celebrated cherry blossom viewing corridors in the world — and this spring, the hotel has turned the season into a full sensory program. The Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea returns to Peacock Alley and the Willard Tea Room now through April 26, with live harp by Kristen Jepperson, specialty blends like The Willard Cherry Blossom Blend and White Peony Silver Needle, and a menu running from Smoked Salmon Sushi Rolls and Lobster Tartlets to Matcha Lavender Roulade and Mango Ube Basket. Reserve your seat — seatings fill fast!
Masaoki Bar Brings Omakase History to the Lobby
The hotel’s newest offering, Masaoki Bar, is a pop-up sushi and sake experience tucked inside the Lincoln Library, named for Chief Ambassador Shinmi Masaoki — who led Japan’s first diplomatic delegation to the US in 1860 and stayed at the Willard. Available Fridays through Sundays, now through April 26, guests can walk in for nigiri, specialty rolls like the Sakura Roll with rainbow tobiko and truffle mayo, and curated sakes from 4 to 9 pm. The Blossoms and Diplomacy package adds a History Concierge Tour and $166 Spa credit for stays through May 2. Round it all out with a 60-minute Cherry Blossom Radiance Facial at the newly reimagined Willard Spa — spring in DC has never looked better!
The Washington Lobbyist keeps readers ahead of every DC season worth celebrating. Book your Willard experience before the blossoms peak.
Willard InterContinental Washington DC. 1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004. Phone: (202) 628-9100. Average Room Rate: $400–$700/night seasonal. Afternoon Tea: $105/adult | $120 with champagne | $65/child.
