With the pandemic slowly diminishing control, the hotel industry has made its comeback and swiftly gained more notice than anyone could have expected. After over a year of staying at home, people are ready to visit new places again, and hotels across the world are ready to help make that happen.
As travelers begin their ventures again, Forbes Travel Guide commemorated the most outstanding hotels, restaurants, and spas through their 2022 Star Awards. To find the best of the best, Forbes Travel Guide had their incognito inspectors stay at each hotel for three days and two nights, posing as ordinary guests. With seventy-five percent of a hotel’s rating determined by service and twenty-five percent by the quality of facilities, only 323 hotels in the world received a five-star rating, three of which are located in the Northern Virginia area.
Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC
This Washington DC hotel has been a local and global favorite for more than a quarter century. Located at the entrance of Georgetown, the Four Seasons is about a mile from the White House, making it close to many of DC’s main attractions. The hotel is home to Michelin-starred chef Michael Mina and his internationally renowned Bourbon Steak restaurant, along with a revitalizing spa that specializes in results-oriented treatments. Not to mention the 222 rooms starting at 385 square feet that will surely allow for the ultimate comfortable stay while in the nation’s capital. 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Salamander Resort & Spa
If you’re visiting the historic town of Middleburg, the Salamander Resort & Spa offers the best spa treatments, an elegant culinary experience, and a luscious backdrop. The resort rests on 340-acres enclosed by the Blue Ridge Mountains, verdant vineyards, and horse farms. If you want to make your stay truly relaxing, the 23,000-square-foot spa offers 14 treatment rooms and a private outdoor courtyard with a heated pool. For those interested in a livelier stay, you can visit their 22-stall horse barn for a trail ride, or take a drive to the 50 wineries all within a one-hour drive from the resort. As a bonus, the Salamander is the only hotel of the three to be health-security verified from Forbes, giving their customers a sense of repose knowing the resort has completed and maintained numerous global health security standards. 500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg, Virginia
The Inn at Little Washington
This charming 23-room inn may be smaller than the others, but it is certainly nothing short of luxurious, and you are sure to be treated as royalty during your stay. With Forbes deeming it “Virginia’s country escape for foodies,” eleven rooms being named after famous culinary chefs, and its restaurant the first and only 3-star Michelin restaurant in the Washington DC metropolitan area, it’s evident this is the place to stay for any food lover. Apart from the marvel that is their gourmet restaurant, the surrounding areas also provide opportunities for hiking, antiquing, wine tasting, and even hot air ballooning. 309 Middle St., Washington, Virginia
Feature image courtesy Salamander Resort & Spa
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