Some rooms will be used for accommodations, and others will be converted into meeting space or offices. All of the delegations will pay the same rate for rooms, said hotel spokeswoman Jennifer S. Girgus. Because of street closings, the hotel is making arrangements to have food delivered as early as possible to avoid potential problems. At the request of delegates, hotel staff members must wear badges emblazoned with their photo and Social Security number so they can be identified by security officers. Hans Bruland, general manager of the Hay-Adams, has stressed to employees the importance of getting to work on time.
Every guest has to be handled with white-glove service.
Delegates will arrive at the hotel to see each of their state flags flying over the entrance. The hotel staff learned that protocol demands that the NATO flag fly higher than its member flags. Hotel spokeswoman Colleen Evans said the delegations shouldn't disrupt other activities in the hotel, which include a conference by the members of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. During the day, they'll all be out to meetings. Despite its distance from downtown, the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Woodley Park is hosting the delegations of Pakistan and Latvia in 50 of its rooms.