At The Jefferson

In December 1991, I arrived at the hotel in a U-Haul filled with the detritus of my four years at The University of Michigan. I was about to begin a job as an aide to the Chairman of the Bush-Quayle presidential campaign, and my first stop (unfortunately, in a filthy U-Haul) was the Jefferson. A tuxedo-clad butler greeted me and took my bags from the U-Haul into the hotel. It was about 3 a.m. and I was exhausted. I loved that hotel and especially its bar. The bar was dark, with deep red walls and red leather chairs. Sam Donaldson and his crew used to stop in for cocktails following his broadcast. Helen Thomas, the White House correspondent, was there from time to time. The glasses were unusually large, so the drinks were especially strong. And you could smoke! The hotel was a block from the campaign headquarters, so it was easy to spend a lot of time at the Jefferson. When I returned a few years ago for a visit, the staff remembered me by name. None of us mentioned the U-Haul. The Jefferson is now managed by a new luxury hotel group and has reportedly upgraded and rejuvenated the facilities and guest rooms. The Jefferson is located at 1200 16th Street, NW in Washington, DC. For reservations or more information contact 202-347-2200 or visit www.thejeffersonwashingtondc.com.