In an admittedly obscure location eyeing the Potomac from between the 14th Street and Francis Case bridges, accessible via a narrow road tucked behind the Department of Agriculture, three long blocks from the Smithsonian Castle, this deluxe upstart has worked its way to the top since opening in 2004, but it is an acquired taste—even for Fans (Mandarin Oriental's own brand of loyal repeat guest).
Like every other hotel located south of the Mall, it is a long haul to the action once the sun sets, and those planning a budget will want to set aside a hefty supplement for taxi charges, as there is no shuttle service.
The hotel is part of The Portals, a mixed-use development that is slowly blooming with offices and retail space, dining outlets and a residential tower.
Topped with a Mansard roof, the attractive contemporary 12-story property competes with the best in D.C.—the Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton Washington, Park Hyatt and Fairmont are its peers—though some of the decor is downright cliche, a real disappointment after the glittering debut of its Mandarin
Oriental sib atop New York's Time Warner Tower.
That said, service is outstanding, dining is notable, the spa raises the bar in the city, and the accommodations, especially deluxe units with views of the Potomac, are lavish enough to inspire a sequel to Sleeping Beauty.
The rotunda-style lobby, inspired by the Jefferson Memorial, is brilliantly lit by floor-to-ceiling windows, and the adjacent 2,000-sq-ft art gallery features rotating exhibits. The lobby's use of marble is daunting.
The elegantly appointed Empress Lounge serves afternoon tea and evening aperitifs both indoors and alfresco on the riverside terrace, and hosts live jazz nightly. The Cityzen restaurant has its roots planted in the Napa Valley (French Laundry), offering superlative regional cuisine and fine California wines. Guests can take three meals and afternoon tea at Cafe MoZu against a backdrop of spectacular water views.
Business travelers are served by 34,000 sq 
ft of flexible meeting space that accommodates up to 900 people, as well as a well-equipped business center. The ballroom covers 8,300 sq ft and offers a wireless Internet environment. A 5,000-sq-ft outdoor event lawn overlooks the water.
The 10,500-sq-ft spa incorporates pan-Asian treatments in eight elegant rooms for health and beauty treatments and massage therapies, along with whirlpools, plunges, saunas and an ice fountain.
In the health club, guests burn off calories on state-of-the-art cardiovascular and resistance machines, and free weights. Stationary bikes and cross-trainers feature built-in TV monitors. Personal trainers and instructors in yoga and tai chi are on staff.
The 50-ft heated lap pool with its deck and chaise lounges is festooned by an enormous kite-shaped work of art. A metro station is two blocks away, and the hotel has underground parking. Accommodations are some of the largest in the city, ranging from 400 to 700 sq ft. The building's irregular shape makes for varied layouts. Decor combines traditional and Asian styles in color schemes 
of apple green and persimmon.
All rooms are equipped with three dual-line phones with voice mail and data ports, safes, laptop-battery chargers, minibars, refrigerators and clock radios with CD players. Entertainment centers house flat-screen, high-definition TVs.
Nice extras in the baths are nail clippers and terry kimono-style robes. Mandarin Oriental Club members check in and out on the eighth floor, occupy rooms on the ninth floor, and enjoy access to a club lounge and complimentary breakfast, hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.
Room service never stops. Smoking rooms are on the third floor, and handicapped-accessible rooms are in the mix. Pets are pampered.
This hotel is proving itself to be a top contender here, soaring above the likes of the JW Marriott. The location is the most frequent complaint.
