After returning from my most recent trip to Beijing (where I stayed at the Park Hyatt), I spent a couple of nights in Washington DC. This wasn't my plan initially, but that's just how my schedule ended up working out. I booked pretty last minute, and for whatever reason virtually everything in the city was…
Continue reading: Review: Grand Hyatt Washington DC
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Just a guess but I think you wanted the Park Hyatt link at the end to go to the Washington DC Park Hyatt review and not the Beijing Park Hyatt review? I could be wrong, it just seems to fit the context better.
Re your view, that's the Secret Service headquarters on the left, and the glossy building on the right is actually a church. Across the street from the Grand Hyatt is the new CityCenterDC complex, with great restaurants and shopping. Check it out on your next visit. The Marriott Marquis is the newest hotel in DC, has one of the nicest club lounges I've ever seen, and is just a few blocks from the Grand Hyatt. It has a beautiful outdoor terrace on the 14th floor. Try it on your next visit. My favorite hotel in DC is also the Park Hyatt, but the Hay Adams is pretty impressive, as is the Mandarin.
I had a truly terrible experience at the Grand Hyatt Washington back in February. At least it was terrible for Hyatt- it represented what I'd expect from a Motel 6. Check-in took 20 minutes. They couldn't deal with the fact that the second night was booked under my wife's name, and ended up making us come back to the front desk the next day to check out/in (same room). The phone in the room was unplugged, and required hours to charge even once I figured this out. The climate control was terribly finicky- too hot or too cold, nothing in between.
The atrium was undergoing renovation at the time, but none of the issues I had were related to that at all. If the location wasn't so darn convenient, I'd certainly never go back there. As is, I might be willing to give them another chance.
Ben, I think I saw my office building in that view out of your window! Again, thanks for a very throrough review!
But were there really not a soul in the Club? or do you ask the people.."excuse me.. can you get out of my shot? I am working here!!" 🙂
You should try the IC Willard on a Virtuoso rate (includes upgrade, breakfast at the excellent restaurant, and $100 F&B credit). It is our favorite hotel in the world, and you can get some great deals on weekends.
@ Juno -- Hahah, was packed during the services, but visited the lounge in the middle of the day when it was empty to take pictures. The tough life of a travel blogger. 😉
I know it's sacrilege to book a hotel not part of one of the major chains, but my favorite hotel in DC is The Jefferson. It may even be my favorite hotel in the US. They are part of Amex FHR.
Another big endorsement for the Jefferson! It's an exquisitely beautiful hotel with one of the most gorgeous bars in the country.
A more economical option is Kimpton's Madera Hotel on beautiful New Hampshire Avenue in DuPont Circle. It's an intimate place with a popular (though mediocre) restaurant. The north facing rooms on the tenth floor have awesome views over Georgetown and the National Cathedral. There's no gym but the front desk use to (don't know if they still do) hand out day passes to the lavish (and super cruisy) Sports Club, which is just a couple of blocks away.
Of course, I am anxiously awaiting the new Trump hotel that is being developed in the historic Old Post Office. I despise the man but the company does know how to successfully manage a hotel.
Likely, many properties were unavailable last week thanks to a week long event called Police Week whereby thousands of law enforcement officers descend upon DC for training, conferences, networking, and partying.
You literally made it days after the last lobby renovation was completed. I live a few blocks away and the Grand Hyatt is solid if a bit nondescript. As Robert mentioned, the Marriott Marquis is a few blocks away and is stunning. A Conrad will be going up between the Grand Hyatt and the Marquis, with ground breaking slated for the fall.
This is by far the worst hotel I have ever had the misfortune to book. Like another commenter, I too stayed in February. Check in and service was abyssmal. Took forever to check in, and the hotel staff was woefully undertrained, fumbling about trying to use the reservation system. The hotel hallways here smell distinctly like a dead vagrant has been left lifeless in the hallways for weeks. The room was dark, musty, and only nominally clean. I will NEVER, EVER go back. Terrible hotel. Agree that the only Hyatt worth staying at iin DC is the Park Hyatt. The mere fact that these two could ever be mentioned in the same sentence is an insult to the Park Hyatt, which is a fantastic property.
@Robert Thanks for the info, interesting how low key actually the building is, just as I would never think the other one is a church!. Useful info on the Marriott, I expect to go to DC for the first time net month and always love the newest hotels.