In the July 2011 Issue
Serious Parties
Washington Hotels Excel at Catering to Superlative Events
by Jacob Comenetz
Photo: The Fairmont Washington, D.C.
As a capital city of international import, it's only fitting that Washington, D.C., hosts more than its fair share of larger-than-life luminaries, political and otherwise. And the city's venerable hotels, famous destinations in their own right, are well-versed in what it takes to satisfy their singular demands, especially when it comes to hosting big-time events.
From political fundraising and charity dinners, to galas honoring world leaders, to multicultural weddings with hundreds of guests, the events that top Washington hotels host are as outstanding as the clientele they serve. To get a sense of what goes on behind the scenes to produce some of the largest, most exceptional events, The Washington Diplomat talked to catering directors at three leading hotels: the Fairmont and Ritz-Carlton, both in the West End, and the Washington Hilton in Dupont Circle.
Upward Trajectory
Ridership Rises at Area Airports, But Turbulence May Lie Ahead
by Lois Kapila
Photo: Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
For the first time since 2007, all Washington area airports saw a growth in ridership in 2010, a reflection of the area's general economic health and of specific gains at its three major airports. But this year, rising oil prices may make for a bumpier ride.
Reagan National in D.C. served 18.1 million passengers in 2010, a 3.1 percent increase over 2009, while Washington Dulles International in Virginia served 23.7 million passengers in 2010, a 2.3 percent increase on 2009 figures.
But the biggest jump was at Baltimore-Washington International Marshall Airport (BWI) in Maryland, one of only two major U.S. airports to show growth in 2009. In 2010, BWI set an annual passenger record, with 21.9 millions riders — a 4.7 percent increase on the previous year.
Driving the growth, according to BWI spokesman Jonathan Dean, is "the strength of the region. The Washington-Baltimore region remains attractive to airlines due to the strength and growth in this market."
In the April 2011 Issue
Roof With a View
At Select Washington Hotels, Rooftops Become Hotspots
by Rachael Bade
Between the White House, Capitol Hill and the monuments on the National Mall, Washington, D.C., is considered one of the most awe-inspiring cities in the United States — not just politically but visually. Yet the view from the ground isn't the only perspective in town.
So when sauntering past the giant marble memorial of Abe Lincoln or kayaking to the Jefferson Memorial gets old, there's always another angle from which to appreciate the city's monumental landscape: Check it out from above.
The District's hotel rooftops offer some of the most breathtaking and picturesque views of the city — postcard-worthy and picture-perfect for visitors and locals alike. They're all the more special because there's really only a handful of places in the city that can be considered genuine rooftop destinations.
Read more...
Baltic Beauty
Among Region's Many Charms: Its Resilience
by Anna Gawel
Cobblestone streets meander along magnificently preserved old town squares that exude medieval grandeur. Elsewhere, Art Nouveau and Baroque architecture and imposing gothic cathedrals mingle with tiny Wi-Fi-connected cafés that offer an ideal perch from which to soak in centuries of history and culture. Beyond the city centers lie beaches and lakes, lush forests and quaint villages — with a few castles and palaces thrown in for good measure. But the landscape, while impressive, isn't the most striking feature. Rather, it's the fierce national pride among the people, tinged with an equally fierce kinship with the West.
The beauty of the three Baltic states — Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania — is no longer a hidden gem. Tourists have been flocking to these picturesque countries ever since they emerged from Soviet control exactly 20 years ago (the United States never formally recognized the World War II-era Soviet takeover, which in part accounts for the enduring admiration toward Americans).