WASHINGTON, D.C. Davidson Hotel Co. has signed a long-term contract to manage L’Enfant Plaza Hotel in downtown Washington. The 372-key property is the 40th hotel in Davidson’s portfolio and its second in the U.S. capital.
L’Enfant Plaza is owned by The JBG Companies, a developer based in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Ken Finkelstein, JBG’s chief development officer, says Davidson was selected due to its “impressive record” of operating upscale hotels in mixed-used developments. “They also bring the intangible of a similar company culture that meshes very well with our own-two home-grown companies with a tradition of excellence,” Finkelstein says. “We look forward to building on that foundation.”
Designed by famed architect I. M. Pei, the 372-key L’Enfant Plaza is within walking distance of some of Washington’s most popular attractions, including the National Mall, the Smithsonian Castle and the National Air and Space Museum. It features a rooftop pool, fitness center, business center and 21,000 sq, ft. of meeting space. Food and beverage options include the Lobby Lounge and Foggy Brew Pub bars and the award-winning surf and turf restaurant American Grill.
“Washington is one of the most dynamic hotel markets in the country and already is showing signs of leadership as the industry begins to move out of the economic downturn,” said John Belden, Davidson president and CEO. “This marks our second property in the District and our seventh in the D.C.-Virginia-Maryland corridor, so we are thoroughly familiar with the dynamics of this market. It also represents an important milestone for Davidson, the 40th addition to our hotel management portfolio.”