The Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, housed in the historic Old Post Office Pavilion, is a landmark that has witnessed over a century of American history. Originally built as the Old Post Office and Clock Tower, the structure was completed in 1899 and was the tallest building in Washington, D.C., at the time. Its design, a blend of Romanesque Revival and Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, was meant to symbolize the grandeur and efficiency of the U.S. Postal Service at the turn of the 20th century.
A Grand Beginning & Early Struggles
Despite its striking design and prominent location on Pennsylvania Avenue, the Old Post Office faced an uncertain future almost immediately. The post office operations quickly outgrew the space, and by 1914, many of its functions were relocated. Calls for its demolition persisted throughout the 1930s and 1940s, as newer, more modern government buildings were erected nearby. However, the structure managed to survive due to budget constraints and, later, preservation efforts.
A Resurgence in the Late 20th Century
By the 1970s, the Old Post Office was nearly abandoned and in danger of being torn down. However, the emerging historic preservation movement led to a renewed interest in the building. In 1983, it was redeveloped into a mixed-use space featuring retail shops, restaurants, and offices, with its Clock Tower becoming a popular tourist attraction due to its panoramic views of the city.
Transformation into a Luxury Hotel
In 2013, the U.S. government leased the building to The Trump Organization, which invested $200 million in restoring and transforming it into a luxury hotel, opening in 2016 as the Trump International Hotel Washington, D.C. The renovation preserved the original Beaux-Arts grandeur while incorporating opulent modern elements, making it one of the most prestigious hotels in the city.
During its tenure as a Trump property, the hotel became a social and political hotspot, often frequented by politicians, lobbyists, and dignitaries. However, after Trump left office, the property was put up for sale and was purchased by CGI Merchant Group in 2022 for $375 million. The hotel was subsequently rebranded as the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, officially reopening under the Hilton luxury brand in June 2022.
The Waldorf Astoria Today
Now operated by Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria division, the hotel continues to offer a five-star experience while preserving the historical elegance of the original Old Post Office. The Clock Tower remains open to visitors under the management of the National Park Service, providing one of the best views of Washington, D.C.
The Waldorf Astoria Washington DC stands as a testament to the resilience of historic preservation, having evolved from a nearly forgotten post office to one of the most prestigious addresses in the capital. It bridges the gap between Gilded Age ambition, modern luxury, and political history, embodying the transformation of Washington, D.C., over more than a century.