D.C.’s prestigious Upper Northwest community blends suburban charm and city amenities. Part of the Connecticut Avenue Campus, the area features historic neighborhoods like Woodley Park, upscale shopping, and iconic landmarks like the National Cathedral and the Smithsonian National Zoo.
The 834-room Omni Shoreham Hotel is a campus anchor with a 90-year history of hosting presidents, world leaders, and even The Beatles. Set on 11 acres, it boasts 100,000 square feet of event space across 23 rooms. Its 15,718-square-foot ballroom accommodates 1,500 people for banquets and 3,500 for receptions, while an exhibit hall fits 165 booths. Guests can enjoy a heated resort pool and proximity to Rock Creek National Park for jogging and horseback riding. For smaller gatherings, the 154-room Glover Park Hotel offers three event space options and, in its largest configuration, can host 180 for receptions. Additional guest accommodations in the area include the budget-friendly Days Inn by Wyndham Washington DC/Connecticut Avenue, which offers 155 guest rooms and was renovated in 2024.
The Washington National Cathedral offers stunning spaces for intimate meetings or grand galas with up to 1,600 guests. The onsite Virginia Mae Center provides 30,000 square feet of event space and overnight accommodations for 23. Adjacent venues at the National Cathedral School include Grace Chapel (300 capacity), historic Hearst Hall, and the picturesque Oak Courtyard for cocktails. In McLean Gardens, the McLean Gardens Ballroom accommodates 350 for receptions or 160 for seated events. Lebanese Taverna in Woodley Park, Guapo’s in Tenleytown, and Barcelona Wine Bar in Cathedral Heights offer private dining and diverse menus. The Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Woodley Park offers free admission and more than a dozen unique event spaces. Its largest area, Great Cats Circle, can accommodate up to 2,000 guests; in addition, the entire zoo is available for buyouts of up to 10,000 people
