The recent renovation of the Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square has transformed the hotel in a celebration of the bonds between America’s and France’s capitals: its vision of chic is a blend of styles inspired by Paris and Washington D.C. In a play on the juxtaposition of these two very different worlds, the establishment is an ode to the elegance of two iconic fashion figures: Jacqueline Kennedy and Marie Antoinette. The transformation was managed by the CBT Boston design team.
Every detail is mixed and matched to create an Art Deco atmosphere with shades of black and white captured by light touches of green in a style typical of Paris in the 1920s.
As guests enter the lobby, they will see an imposing statue as well as a large baroque style bench seat that captures the grace of both the Château de Versailles’ green gardens and the White House’s Green Room.
The 237 rooms have also been refurbished and feature a soft, stylish cosmopolitan-chic setting inspired by both great cultural capitals. The Prestige Suites feature an incredible chaise lounge reminiscent of the White House’s Blue Room, as well as a blue duvet cover inspired by the sublime “French Blue,” or “Blue Diamond of the French Crown” which was the largest diamond of this color ever found to this day, and belonged to Marie Antoinette.
This tone also inspired Jacqueline Kennedy. The former First Lady’s presence is felt throughout the hotel, where guests will find her most famous quotations as well as her unparalleled sense of vintage fashion in the corridors, elevators and the library.
All photos: © Abaca Corporate/Bob Coscarelli