Bill Clinton famously caused a traffic jam with his jogs through Washington DC which probably instigated his construction of a jogging track in the White House. We cannot offer private facilities for each of our guests’ sporting preference but the city can provide you with most.
Tennis
East Potomac Tennis Center is one of the largest tennis centers in Washington with 24 courts both indoor and outdoor. Coaching and ball machines are both available. Please ask our concierge to make a booking for you.
Jogging
We recommend three different circuits and provide a jogging map for your convenience. The first route is around the museums a relatively flat course on the perimeter of the National Mall past many of the Smithsonian Institution museums. The second route is also fairly flat and takes you past the scenic monuments around the Tidal Basin. The third route around ‘the seats of power’ is more hilly.
Swimming
Mandarin Oriental, Washington offers guests a fifty foot indoor swimming pool. Our 50 foot lap pool is heated to an inviting temperature and surrounded by relaxation loungers. Float on your back and view the unusual artwork suspended from the ceiling – it is in the form of a kite and is a witty reference to the famous Smithsonian Kite festival held every year during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Open 6am until 9pm.
Outdoor Activities
Sailing
Annapolis, 30 miles north of Washington is the sailing capital of the US so unsurprisingly there is plenty of sailing available in Washington DC. The nearest marina is the Washington Sailing Marina. Day sailors are available for hire, 14 foot up to 19 foot. A recognized qualification is required, alternatively a written test can be administered at the marina. Please ask the concierge if you would like to book a sail boat.
Fee USD 17 to 19 per hour according to the size of the boat.
Ice Skating at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
An elegant ice-skating experience. Glide across ice to music and view the collection of predominantly modern sculptures. This outdoor ice-skating rink is open mid-November through mid-March, weather permitting.
Fee USD 7.00
Pedal Boats on theTidal Basin
Hire a pedal boat and enjoy a wonderful view of the Jefferson Memorial from the water and the Tidal Basin. This is a particularly beautiful pastime during the cherry blossom season in spring. The boathouse is open from mid-March through mid-October.
Fee USD 8.00
Cycling
Keen cyclists can hire bikes and tour along the Mount Vernon Bike Trail. From hiring the bikes at the Washington Sailing Marina which is 5.2 miles from the hotel. There is a twelve mile ride south right up to the George Washington Mount Vernon estate. Alternatively six miles north and you will be at the Washington Monument. Please ask our concierge to book a bike for you.
Fees from USD 4 per hour to USD 22 per day.
Hiking
Rock Creek is a national park with wonderful green spaces and good hiking along forest trails. Locals come to the park for different activities, to spot coyotes or investigate the civil war remnants or simply just to enjoy the fresh air and peace.
