The Mayflower Hotel: A Century of Elegance and History

The Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C., stands as a paragon of luxury and history. And on February 18, 2025, it celebrated its centennial anniversary. Since opening its doors in 1925, the hotel epitomizes elegance and is a symbol of the city’s storied past. Its historical significance is intertwined with iconic events and distinguished guests, from presidents to celebrities.

Marriott Vacation Club^® is proud to include The Mayflower Hotel in The Marriott Vacation Clubs™ City Collection, a series of urban destinations that capture the vibrant essence of some of the most exciting cities in the world. The iconic hotel is also part of the Marriott Autograph Collection^® Hotels, a series of upscale hotels unlike anything else.

Dubbed “Washington’s second-best address” by former President Harry S. Truman, The Mayflower Hotel has hosted inaugural balls, state dinners, and pivotal political meetings, cementing its place in the annals of American history. It started as early as 1925, when President Calvin Coolidge hosted a charity inaugural ball at the hotel’s famed ballroom. This started a tradition of hosting inaugural events for presidents. And it’s not just presidential events that occurred in the hotel’s famed halls. The rumor mill says it was in Room 776 that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt created the famous phrase “We have nothing to fear but fear itself,” encapsulating the bold spirit that encompasses the hotel’s legacy.

VISITING THE MAYFLOWER

This historic building is a beloved landmark and a can’t miss for history buffs. And you can visit this Washington, D.C., gem without a room reservation. Be among the greats as you stand in the doorway where the GI Bill was drafted and learn about other key historic moments on a guided tour. Led by one of the hotel’s historians, the tour will reveal 100 years’ worth of artifacts and special items that make The Mayflower the landmark we know today. And the best part? The tours are free! They’re held Tuesdays and Thursdays and require a reservation 72 hours in advance.

Don’t worry if your visit to The Mayflower is more on the improvisational side, as there are also self-guided walking tours available.

CELEBRATE THE “OLD-FASHIONED” WAY

Since the hotel is commemorating its 100th anniversary, why not celebrate with a toast? In recognition of this milestone, The Mayflower is offering two celebratory drinks at its Edgar Bar & Kitchen.* Sip on a special-edition bourbon, neat, or enjoy it as part of a delectable cocktail. Or in true celebratory fashion, toast with a signature champagne. Both limited-time options are available at the bar — or purchase a bottle to enjoy at home.

Like the rest of the hotel, Edgar Bar & Kitchen is historic. Named after former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, who dined daily at the restaurant, the menu features the flavors of a traditional American brasserie with drinks and dishes inspired by a century of hotel history.

BE HISTORIC

You, too, can be part of The Mayflower’s history. Use Club Points or Points** to stay in a selection of rooms just for Owners and Members on the seventh floor of The Marriott Vacation Clubs™. Or, trade your Club Points for Marriott Bonvoy^® points and book a stay that way. 

Not an Owner or Member? You can reserve a room on the Marriott Autograph Collection hotel’s website.

Because The Mayflower is so centrally located to D.C.’s most vibrant neighborhoods and activities, the hotel created a variety of self-guided walking tours, from nature walks and murals to can’t-miss holiday showcases. Visit The Mayflower website or contact the on-site concierge to discover the perfect city adventure.

As The Mayflower Hotel commemorates 100 years, it continues to be a beacon of hospitality and a testament to the enduring allure of Washington, D.C. Its legacy is not only in the grandeur of its halls but in the indelible mark it has left on the nation’s capital.

Where to Stay

As part of The Marriott Vacation Clubs™ City Collection, your stay at Marriott Vacation Club® at The Mayflower, Washington, D.C., is a landmark vacation. This historic building, located in the vibrant center of downtown Washington, D.C., is your gateway to the sites, attractions, shopping, and dining of the capital of the United States.