Originally built in the 1920s as condominiums, the Washington Marriott Wardman Park draws from its origins with a design that blends the traditional and modern. “Knowing that the hotel was built in that era, amidst a thriving social atmosphere, provided a platform for the inspiration of the design,” says Patricia Miller, vice president, managing principal, and corporate director of hospitality for Dallas-based Leo A Daly. “Design in the Roaring ’20s bridged the gap in the times in both fashion and architecture.”
For the update of the property’s 1,048 guestrooms, 104 suites, and lobby, designers focused on respecting the history of the building while adding contemporary touches. Along with retaining as much of the existing architecture as possible, the team kept all of the original moldings in the corridors for a glamorous pathway to the guestrooms. The refreshed materials also recall the Art Deco period with rich colors, carpets with bold geometric shapes, and ornamental fixtures.
Another inspiration was Perle Mesta, a socialite and political hostess who lived in Wardman Park in the 1940s and was known for the lavish parties she held for the elite society of Washington, DC. “Our design brings back to life her persona of high-class glamour in a time when an invitation to Wardman Park meant a person had reached the posh inner circle of society,” says Miller. “The ultimate goal was to draw from today’s fashion with colors that are classic rather than trendy and create a modern feel for guests.”
This goal aligns with the owner’s request for a design that combines the property’s historical aspects with an up-to-date vision that will last. In addition, a directive was that the suites should have several functions, such as intimate meeting and entertainment spaces, and should coexist alongside upscale guestrooms that make guests feel pampered. “The biggest challenge was creating a guestroom that was comfortable enough to entertain 10 people as well as providing the guest a restful night’s sleep,” Miller says.
To achieve that, easily movable furniture was incorporated—a sofa can split apart into two separate seating groups, and lounge chairs and ottomans can be moved throughout the space. “Groups can create a gathering space that works for them at the moment,” she says. Nesting tables can also expand into cocktail tables, and some rooms include a Murphy bed.
Guestroom furniture is wrapped in faux linen, while a palette of warm gray is interwoven with pops of azure blue on the headboard or pillows. “We wanted to ensure guests from all walks of life were comfortable in each space,” says Miller. White and ivory detailing in the walls and window treatments pairs with the tailored fabrics and the clean-lined furnishings.
“Our favorite part of the design was the integration of the hotel’s social history and the feeling of being transported back into the 1920s,” Miller explains. “The fashion and art deco styling of the era is fascinating and fun to introduce in subtle ways, from simple carpet designs to ornate fixtures in the space.”