Located in Lafayette Square across from the White House, The Hay-Adams is one of Washington D.C.’s most revered landmarks. This classic historic hotel in Washington, DC is named after the distinguished residents who previously lived on its site: John Hay, Private Assistant to President Abraham Lincoln and later Secretary of State, and Henry Adams, an acclaimed author and descendant of U.S. Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams.

The site where The Hay-Adams is now located has long been a favorite gathering place in the nation’s capital. In 1884, renowned architect Henry Hobson Richardson designed elaborate, Romanesque homes at 16th and H Streets that became Washington’s leading salons for years. The stimulating discussions of politics, literature, science and art attracted the era’s leading artists, writers and politicians, including sculptor August Saint-Gaudens, Henry James, Theodore Roosevelt and Mark Twain.

Hay, Adams, their wives, Clara and Marian and geologist Clarence King formed a close group of friends who dubbed themselves “The Five of Hearts.” They even had china and letterhead made that featured moniker.

Hay died in 1905, and after Clara died in 1914, ownership of the Hay house passed to their daughter Alice Wadsworth and her husband, Senator James Wadsworth. After Adams died in 1918, the Wadsworths bought his house, which they leased to the Brazilian Embassy.

The Hay-Adams Hotel

Washington developer Harry Wardman bought and razed both homes in 1927. In their place, he constructed an Italian Renaissance-style apartment-hotel designed by architect Mirhan Mesrobian. The 138-room Hay-Adams House cost $900,000. It featured a dazzling array of architectural elements, many of which have been preserved to this day including Doric, Ionic and Corinthian orders, walnut wainscoting and intricate ceiling treatments with Tudor, Elizabethan and Italian motifs. Wood paneling from the Hay residence found a new home in the grand public space now known as the John Hay Room.

The Hay-Adams House opened in 1928 and quickly attracted prominent Washingtonians and elite travelers, including Ethel Barrymore, Amelia Earhart, Sinclair Lewis and Charles Lindbergh. Guests were drawn to the hotel by its unparalleled views of the White House, Lafayette Square and St. John’s Church, as well as such amenities as large suites, kitchens, steam heat, elevators, circulating ice water, and, in 1930, Washington’s first air-conditioned dining room.

Rebirth of a Washington Classic

In 2001, the hotel closed its doors for a major renovation. In the spring of 2002, The Hay-Adams re-emerged, stunningly restored with its unique ambiance enhanced with distinctive luxury features orchestrated by widely acclaimed Washington designer, Thomas Pheasant.

The spirit of hospitality originated by the John Hay and Henry Adams households lives on at The Hay-Adams today. The stability and strength of its management and staff combined with distinctive luxury features create the residence of choice for discriminating visitors and an elegant oasis for the citizens of Washington.

The Hay-Adams has maintained its reputation over the years due to the dedication and sensitivities of its private owners and its dedicated staff.

RENOVATIONS
The Hotel underwent renovations in June 2010 for elevator improvements and roof enhancements. The new roof terrace event space, the "Top of the Hay", was completed in January 2011. The property also closed in October 2001 and reopened in March 2002 after a $20 million renovation.

TOP OF THE HAY (3200 square feet)
This new event space offers coveted panoramic views of Washington's famous landmarks: The White House, Lafayette Park and St. John's Church. Beginning in February 2011, this brand new event space will be available year-round for private functions. The Top of the Hay can accommodate 340 guests for a reception or 200 guests for a seated dinner with dancing.

FITNESS CENTER
Open daily from 5:00am to 10:00pm, located on the second floor. The fitness center includes the following state of the art equipment:

• 2 - Life Stride Engage Treadmill w/ TV monitor and i-pod connector
• Life Fitness Engage Elliptical
• Life Cycle Engage Recumbent
• Hampton Durabell 2.5-25lb Set w/ vert rack
• Life Strength Signature Multi Bench
• Life Strength Dual Adj Pully Trainer
• Spri Pro+ Gym Ball 65CM
• Changing area and shower

Download a printable copy of the History of The Hay-Adams.