The St. Regis Washington, D.C. is thrilled to announce the celebration of its centennial year, marking 100 years of unparalleled luxury, exquisite service, and captivating elegance in the heart of the nation’s capital. The hotel first opened its doors on October 1, 1926, as the Carlton Hotel, the vision of Washington real estate developer Henry Wardman, who sought to create a sophisticated establishment rivaling Europe’s finest luxury hotels – echoing the ambitions of St. Regis founder John Jacob Astor IV. Throughout its nearly 100-year history, The St. Regis Washington, D.C. has both witnessed and played host to pivotal moments in American political, social, and cultural life, serving locals and travelers exquisite excellence at Washington’s best address. In its milestone year, the hotel is proud to announce its induction to Historic Hotels of America®, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing, celebrating, and promoting the finest historic hotels in the United States. With this honor, The St. Regis Washington, D.C. affirms its status as one of America’s most storied and sophisticated landmark hotels.
“The St. Regis Washington, D.C.’s 100th anniversary represents a century of excellence in hospitality, timeless luxury, and legendary service,” said Alaina Sweeney, General Manager of The St. Regis Washington, D.C. “Our induction into the Historic Hotels of America is a tremendous honor that recognizes the hotel’s place in history. To commemorate the celebration, we are excited to celebrate our legacy with moments of surprise and delight, where meaningful experiences will honor our past and embrace our future.”
To mark the hotel’s opening in 1926, President Calvin Coolidge cut the ribbon and hosted a celebratory luncheon on site. By the late 1930s, the Carlton, located just steps from the White House, had become a center of government activity in America. In August 1941, The Washington Post described its lobby as the epicenter of “New Washington,” where political officials brushed shoulders with Hollywood stars – such as Orson Welles, Burgess Meredith, and Katharine Hepburn – and business leaders, including William S. Paley and Howard Hughes. Hughes maintained a permanent suite at the hotel throughout World War II, offering it free of charge to uniformed servicemen during his absences. On October 7, 1949, the Carlton hosted the first public demonstration of color television, presented by CBS to the FCC. Acquired by the Sheraton Corporation in 1953 and renamed the Sheraton-Carlton, the hotel was designated a Washington historical landmark in 1964 and remained a favored gathering place for presidents, diplomats, and cultural icons, from Robert and Jacqueline Kennedy to Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor. In 1985, legendary “Barber to the Presidents” Milton Pitts celebrated his 20th anniversary at the hotel and famously quipped to longtime customer President Ronald Reagan, “Mr. President, I won’t tell you how to run the country if you don’t tell me how to cut hair.” In 1999, after 73 years as the Carlton Hotel, the property became The St. Regis Washington, D.C., marking the expansion of the brand outside New York.
Leading up to the hotel’s official anniversary on October 1st, 2026, The St. Regis Washington, D.C. invites guests to experience commemorative offerings and exclusive experiences throughout the historic year.
Caroline Astor Rose Garden — This spring, The St. Regis Washington, D.C. will transform its iconic Astor Terrace into a garden oasis inspired by brand matriarch, Mrs. Caroline Astor. Mrs. Astor was the mother of John Jacob Astor IV – who famously founded The St. Regis New York in 1904 – and is remembered as one of the most celebrated hostesses of the Gilded Age. A founding patroness of the St. Regis, Mrs. Astor’s legacy for elegance, style, and flair echoes throughout the brand today. Inspired by Mrs. Astor’s known affinity for florals, and roses in particular, the terrace will transform into a colorful rose garden with a curated collection of blooms. Throughout the garden, guests will discover the American Rose prominently featured, Mrs. Astor’s favorite flower.
Luminaries Sabrage Series — Throughout 2026, the hotel is proud to partner with prominent figures from the worlds of travel, culture, fashion, art, design, and cuisine to saber the hotel into its next century. Taking part in the brand’s iconic evening ritual, each luminary will ceremoniously saber a bottle of Pieper-Heidsieck Champagne as day turns to night. A moment of surprise and delight, the hotel invites guests and travelers to gather in the hotel’s grand lobby each month, honoring the timeless tradition.
America’s 250th — The hotel’s 100th anniversary is serendipitously aligned to the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. In celebration, the hotel will be exploring its legacy playing host to world leaders and foreign dignitaries of the last century.
Culinary Creations —The St. Regis Washington, D.C. will honor its culinary heritage with a collection of bespoke gastronomic experiences, celebrating both its past triumphs and its innovative spirit. Highlights include:
- Centennial Bloody Mary Menu – A tribute to the hotel’s famed signature cocktail, the St. Regis Bar presents a rotating Bloody Mary menu that captures its many iterations of the beloved libation as served at St. Regis properties worldwide.
- Custom Rose Blend Afternoon Tea – Elevating the lobby’s iconic Afternoon Tea service, discover a specially crafted rose blend tea inspired by the Caroline Astor Rose Garden.
- Alhambra Anniversary Menu – Delight in a revived collection of dishes that have been served at the hotel over the last century, blending timeless classics with modern interpretations.
To complete a year of festivities, The St. Regis Washington, D.C. will host a Midnight Supper, evoking years of Gilded Age glamour and honoring Caroline Astor’s legendary tradition of intimate and opulent late-night soirées.
As the hotel celebrates a century of defining luxury in the nation’s capital, The St. Regis Washington, D.C. invites guests, neighbors, and global travelers to participate in a year unlike any other — a homage to the past and a toast to a dazzling new era.
