Sheila Johnson’s Salamander Washington DC, a 373-room hotel acquired for $139 million and relaunched in September 2022, is in talks to rebrand under a Marriott luxury brand while remaining open to guests. Financial terms and a timeline for the transition have not been disclosed.
Sheila Johnson is negotiating with Marriott to rebrand the 373-room Salamander Washington DC under one of Marriott’s luxury brands. The hotel would remain open during the transition, but discussions have not yet yielded details on pricing or a rebranding timeline.
Originally the Mandarin Oriental Washington DC, the property was acquired for $139 million and relaunched in September 2022 as the flagship Salamander Washington DC. Renovations included redesigned guest rooms, expanded spa facilities and the opening of chef Kwame Onwuachi’s restaurant Dōgon, which won acclaim in 2024.
If completed, the rebranding would expand Marriott’s luxury hotel portfolio in a prime Washington DC location near the National Mall and Tidal Basin. The move could enhance Marriott’s presence in the capital and capitalize on the property’s recent upgrades to attract high-end travelers.
