The Best Sakura Hospitality Experiences That Are Taking Over DC During Cherry Blossom Season

Photo Credit: Steve Heap/Shutterstock.com

It’s officially cherry blossom season in Washington D.C. — which is apparent due to the influx of visitors (1.6 million in 2024 alone!) who descend on the capitol city every year to witness the blossoms bloom. It’s a tradition that’s been going strong since 1912, when Japan gifted the city 3,000 cherry trees as a symbol of friendship — and we’re here for it thanks to the exciting hotel stays, culinary offerings, and innovative cocktail experiences that pop up as a result. Here are the  experiences that you need in your life as the cherry blossoms bloom! And for those who want to really streamline their stays, peak bloom for the blossoms is expected to occur March 28-31, according to the National Park Service. [The best viewing of the cherry blossom trees typically lasts a few days before and after peak bloom begins, although the blossoms can last for up to two weeks under ideal conditions. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is March 20-April 13, with events and hotel deals across the city.]

The Watergate Hotel

Photo Credit: The Watergate Hotel

This year, The Watergate Hotel is offering a one-of-a-kind way to experience the season, which occurs from mid-March to early April, with its Blossom Drive package (starting at $20,000) that includes:

· A two-night stay in the hotel’s pretty and pink Rose Suite featuring plush pink seating and expansive windows overlooking the Potomac and D.C skyline, complete with a special cherry blossom petal themed welcome amenity and two pairs of Petite Plume’s luxe pink silk pajamas (men’s and women’s styles available).

· Rose gold caviar delivery – everyone’s favorite luxury indulgence is elevated with delicate rose gold flecks.

· A tour of the city in a Vintage Mustang Convertible adorned with pink roses and a trunk stocked with a picnic spread and Dom Pérignon Rosé, plus a backseat cascading with vibrant florals for the perfect photo-ready moment.

· An exclusive cherry blossom route as a private driver will chauffer guests through the most scenic cherry blossom spots in the city, including the Tidal Basin and East Potomac Park.

· A Cherry Blossom Bliss Spa Experience at the hotel’s serene Argentta Spa., featuring an 80-minute therapeutic massage using aromatic rose and cherry blossom oils and a refreshing sugar foot scrub. Afterwards, guests can enjoy a glowing 80-minute cherry blossom facial, combining LED therapy and customized techniques for radiant skin and a soothing cup of herbal tea infused with cherry blossom petals to end the wellness experience.

Arlo Washington DC | ART DC

Photo Credit: Arlo Washington DC

ART DC, the rooftop lounge at the new Arlo Washington DC, has created a “Tokyo to Tidal Basin” themed cocktail and food menu paying tribute to the friendship between Japan and DC. Here, there are three themed cocktails:

Sakura Rickey: An elevated take on the classic D.C. highball first introduced in the 1880s at a bar near Capitol Hill. This cocktail blends Roku Gin, preserved cherry blossoms and sparkling sake for a floral, lighter alternative.

Matcha at The Monument: A nod to springtime in DC, this matcha martini-inspired cocktail features Haku Vodka and egg white for a pillowy softness with each sip. A cocktail perfect for toasting to springtime strolls around the historical monuments.

Shogun Half-Smoke: Paying homage to the city’s favorite street food, this bold and smoky liberation combines Toki Japanese Whisky, Illegal Joven Mezcal with charred honey syrup to encapsulate the sweet smokiness of a delicious Half-Smoke link.

There are also dishes inspired by famous local spots that feature Japanese techniques and ingredients, such as the Chesapeake Okonomiyaki, a pancake featuring crab, Old Bay mayo and sherry glaze; Half-Smoke Bao Bun with Rayu mayo, spicy pickles, shisho; Miso-Mumbo Karaage Fried Chicken featuring togarashi dust and house made mumbo sauce; Wharf Seafood Platter with crab claws, oysters, shrimp with old bay cocktail sauce.

Conrad Washington DC

Photo Credit: Conrad Washington DC

Conrad Washington, DC, located in the heart of downtown at CityCenterDC, is offering an unparalleled luxury experience to celebrate this iconic time of year. From its Cherry Blossom Chef Concierge to over-the-top Cherry Blossom Celebration Package, the hotel is providing guests with a front-row seat to the season’s most breathtaking moments.Cherry Blossom Chef Concierge Jeffrey Morgan holds the presidency of the Washington Area Concierge Association and is an esteemed member of Les Clef d’Or, boasting over two decades of expertise in the Washington, DC hospitality scene. In this role, Jeffrey will provide guests with essential insider tips to enhance their enjoyment of Cherry Blossom season in Washington, DC.

Jeffrey curated the hotel’s Cherry Blossom Celebration Package, bookable March 14 – April 30, 2025, and priced at $8,000 per night (two-night minimum), which includes:

● One hour photography session with esteemed DC photographer Ana Isabel, where guests will have the opportunity to pose along DC’s famous Tidal Basin, the focal point of the National Cherry Blossom Festival held each spring.

● His & Hers rose gold jewelry from David Yurman, including a Chatelaine Rose Gold Ring for her and a Rose Gold Bracelet for him.

● $1,000 gift card to use during a private shopping experience at Scanlan Theodore, just in time for their new Spring collection, located just steps from the hotel at CityCenterDC.

● Dinner for two at the hotels’ signature restaurant Estuary, offering a four-course Cherry Blossom-inspired menu with wine pairings.

● Access to the Sakura Club, offering daily gourmet breakfast, dinner, as well as a daily Japanese Whiskey Tasting.

● Personalized picnic basket, with gourmet sandwiches and sparkling rose for guests to enjoy while experiencing the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin.

The hotel is also offering several unique experiences to celebrate cherry blossom season, including:

● St. John Pop-Up Boutique (March 28 – April 1, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM) – Guests can browse the brand’s signature knits, modern tailoring, and sophisticated styles inspired by the beauty of the cherry blossoms in Conrad’s Atrium.

● Parasol Cherry Blossom Art Installation – Created by local architect and artist My Ly, this installation featuring Japanese parasols, pays homage to the historic gift of cherry blossoms from Japan in 1912.

● Signature Kyoto Spring Cocktail – Inspired by the deep-rooted connection between Japan and DC, this seasonal cocktail—crafted with Japanese gin and cherry blossom green tea syrup—will be available at Estuary’s Bar and Lounge starting March 15.

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC

Photo Credit: Waldorf Astoria Washington DC

The Waldorf Astoria Washington DC is offering a Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea this season. Enjoy afternoon tea with blossom-infused bites or signature cocktails like the Cherry Cotton Candy Kiss amidst enchanting floral installations. Plus, for a limited time, book the hotel’s first-ever Full Bloom Suite Retreat, designed in partnership with the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

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