Venue Spotlight: The Hay-Adams

Last week I had a really great opportunity to visit wedding and event guru Beatrice Kustarz at The Hay-Adams hotel in downtown Washington, DC. This hotel was built in 1928 by Harry Wardman on the former site of John Hay's and Henry Adams' homes and modeled after Rome's Farnese Palace. It sits directly next to Lafayette Park, on the opposite side of the White House. It's hard to get any more "DC" than that!Pulling in:
While valet is the easiest option, there is ample metered street parking nearby if you're only staying for an hour or two:Simple and classy decor in the lobby:First things first! Beatrice took me up to the Rooftop Terrace, which simply smacks you upside the head with a fantastic view like this:If the White House, Washington Monument, and Lafayette Park aren't enough for you, you can also see a statue of a Revolutionary War hero and the Jackson Place rowhouses where the Decatur House hangs out (far right):On the other side we have St. John's Church, where every president since James Madison has attended either regularly or occasionally. It holds the nickname "The Presidents Church" for this reason and pew #54 has always been reserved for the President and his family. St. John's church was built in 1816 and also features a working bell cast by Paul Revere's son Joseph. Please ignore the photo through the vinyl walls of the tent:You can even see the rooftop terrace of the Old Ebbitt Grill!Wait, did I say something about a tent?? You can hold events on The Hay-Adams' rooftop year-round in all kinds of weather:It's "L"-shape is perfect for ceremonies, cocktail hours, receptions, or even rehearsal dinners:The entire rooftop can hold approximately 200 guests (standing):I just had to share their little phone cubbies. Each hallway has an area like this with a mail chute and a telephone:Beatrice showed me one of their suites, which simply blew me away. The rooms are so elegantly appointed and you feel like you could have just stepped back in time (if it weren't for that hidden plasma tv!):How perfect for a bride and her bridesmaids to get ready?This is the incredible view out the window:The John Hay Room features original wood paneling from the John Hay house and seats up to 150:Beatrice treated me to a lovely luncheon in the Lafayette Room. This sunny room can be rented for weddings and seats about 125:I love their use of dainty sofas instead of chairs at select tables:Downstairs there is a bar called Off the Record, perfect for after parties or casual gatherings:Their bar setup is so classy and speaks of a gentlemen's cigar room:I thoroughly enjoyed my visit at The Hay-Adams and highly recommend to any couple planning a Washington, DC wedding or celebration. Beatrice and her staff are pros at top-notch service and I'm looking forward to working events there in the near future.