Omni Shoreham, Washington DC

At the time, the nation was struggling with Art Deco and Renaissance as an inspiration for construction of new buildings and for the attentions of emerging architects. Architect, Joseph Abel, decided to incorporate both into a building of eight stories. The design elements were cutting edge – fireproofing, an indoor ice rink, and high speed elevators. And to keep up with the furniture demands of the hotel, a virtual furniture ‘factory’ was built in the basement for the hotel’s overwhelming furniture needs.

The Shoreham opened on October 30, 1930. From the start, the Hotel was a venue for the finest in entertainment. Rudy Vallee performed on the first evening the hotel was opened, and there would be many more stars to walk onto the many stages of the hotel over the coming decades. If it was hip, if it was good – you would find it at the Shoreham hotel (the hotel’s name was taken from one built in 1889 by Levi Morton – Vice President under Benjamin Harrison). And with such a legacy, the Shoreham had to produce a roster of the finest entertainers – Benny Goodman, George Kirby, Gordon MacRae, Phyllis Diller, Van Johnson, Milton Berle, Paul Anka, Tony Bennett and Bob Hope were all on one stage at one time or another. There were three stages where nightly entertainment thrilled Washingtonians – the famed ‘Blue Room’, on the ‘Terrace’ and in the ‘Marquee Lounge’.

Politically, the hotel attracted an array of those who lived in the residences within the hotel, and those that lived in the neighborhoods nearby. Franklin Delano Roosevelt had his first Inaugural Ball at the hotel -- special ramps and elevators were installed to meet his needs. During the Truman presidency, Truman himself could often be found playing poker with the Speaker of the House and with the doorkeeper of the House in one of the many suites throughout the building.

The Depression was not good to owner Bralove; his health failed and he passed away. His daughter stayed as a resident in the same rooms within the Shoreham until 1973. The rooms were converted shortly after the death of Bralove’s daughter into multiple suites; it was noted by guests that doors and lights would turn on and off without explanation within some of the same rooms. Maids reported carts moving by themselves and strange noises. Today there is one room known as the “Ghost Suite”, never given to guest unless requested.

The glory days of big name entertainment and politicos are now behind the Shoreham Hotel – now owned by the Omni Group – but there is one area were this hotel is supreme, and that is the spectacular gardens. The gardens offer guests a true respite from the bustle of city life and for a special event, the Gardens at this hotel are a rare treat indeed. The gardens are filled with waterfalls, fountains, gazebos and green lawns that are privately tucked into the edge of Rock Creek. Although the hotel is aged, it is still reminiscent of the past without being worn out by age – embodying the charm of the classic while creating the new.