I am really torn here. I will be traveling to DC for 5 nights between Christmas and New Years just to unwind before 2013 starts. I'll be by myself and as a business owner this is about the only time of year I can get away.
I originally wanted to stay at the Willard due to the history, the Round Robin, awesome lobby and the Scotch bar. Just seems like a really cool place to sit in the lobby and read while sipping on a cocktail. Plus it is close the White House and the Smithsonian where I could just walk.
But I will be booking through AMEX FHR and they a running a really good deal on the Park Hyatt. 4th night is free, rate is $199 and the upgrade to the Premier Park Deluxe is significant.
Whereas the Willard will only let me book more expensive room at $276 and the upgrade from there is minimal. And no free night.
Basically it will make a ~$500 difference in the cost of the stay. Seems like a no brainer but the PH is kinda modern and cold it seems from the pictures, I just don't know if I will enjoy staying here even with the better deal?
Can anyone chime in? Will the PH car service take me to the sites in the morning and pick me up in the evening? I only plan on going out in DC 2 days as I want to stay in the hotel and relax and catch up on some reading and such.
At that rate, the Park Hyatt is the default choice. It's not my favorite hotel in DC by a longshot, but the Premier rooms are nice junior suites (if sparsely furnished) and the food is good. I don't believe the car service does pickup, but it was able to take me to 16 and K a couple of times no problem.
At that rate, the Park Hyatt is the default choice. It's not my favorite hotel in DC by a longshot, but the Premier rooms are nice junior suites (if sparsely furnished) and the food is good. I don't believe the car service does pickup, but it was able to take me to 16 and K a couple of times no problem.
Would you consider other hotels?
Thanks for the feedback, that is how I feel as well. Kinda indifferent but as a deal hunter it's hard to turn my back!
I'd consider other hotels but from my research those are the two that made the most sense. Willard because I really want to experience it and PH because it's a good deal. Others were much more expensive or not on the FHR program, which after owning a AMEX PL for 4 years I feel like I should use sometime soon
Thanks for the feedback, that is how I feel as well. Kinda indifferent but as a deal hunter it's hard to turn my back!
I'd consider other hotels but from my research those are the two that made the most sense. Willard because I really want to experience it and PH because it's a good deal. Others were much more expensive or not on the FHR program, which after owning a AMEX PL for 4 years I feel like I should use sometime soon
What did you have in mind?
-J
There are other threads on the subject, and I imagine one of the moderators will merge this discussion into one of the larger ones, but for now:
I'm partial to the Georgetown Ritz. While it's likely more expensive ($400?) they also are offering a 4th night free. The hotel has extraordinary boutique service to the point where the front desk agent acts as a near personal assistant for any needs you may have. The building, the converted Georgetown incinerator, has a stunning lobby with dramatic windows, ceilings, and a cozy fireplace. They offer complimentary smores and cider and began doing a wine and cheese reception once or twice a week as well. The room decor is less spartan than the Park Hyatt, without being dated. It's also worth noting that you'll get much more space in a suite at the Ritz than a junior suite (both 1 category upgrades which they can likely confirm in advance). The ritz also has a car service which they are very liberal about handing out if you ask.
Having spent two New Years there now, I'll say that there are few nicer things than enjoying a glass of wine by the window in a suite at the Ritz overlooking the adjacent church courtyard covered in snow. Very quaint.
The Ritz is a bit out of budget even with the free night unfortunately. And I am a pretty casual person, I think I'd feel a bit out of place at the Ritz or Four Seasons.
Hay-Adams is as well, even though I'd love a room with a view of the White House there.
Has anyone stayed at both the Willard and PH? Can you relate your experiences with both, pros and cons?
I've stayed at both the Willard and the Park Hyatt and there is no comparison between the two. The Willard isn't a luxury hotel and the PH is. Go for the PH.
The Ritz is a bit out of budget even with the free night unfortunately. And I am a pretty casual person, I think I'd feel a bit out of place at the Ritz or Four Seasons.
Hay-Adams is as well, even though I'd love a room with a view of the White House there.
Has anyone stayed at both the Willard and PH? Can you relate your experiences with both, pros and cons?
Thanks,
-J
I didn't like the Hay-Adams, albeit I was only there for a night. Small rooms, with a huge premium for the view, and indifferent, stuffy service.
If your concerned about the money, why not stay at the PH and have a few drinks at the Willard? Probably the best of both worlds, and you're still sleeping at the better hotel.
If your concerned about the money, why not stay at the PH and have a few drinks at the Willard? Probably the best of both worlds, and you're still sleeping at the better hotel.
That is probably the route I will take, I just can't walk away from the value I am getting out of the PH.
Thanks RichardinSF for your feedback as well. Quick question, being luxury will I be out of place in Jeans and a v-neck t-shirt? Not that I don't mind dressing up, just trying to get a feel for how posh the PH is.
Park Hyatt is pretty informal. Fine in jeans and t-shirt.
I usually stay at the PH in DC and really like it. Staff are very friendly and sincere, even if the service isn't the best. Rooms, esp the second category (not sure what they call it these days) are very nice and comfortable (esp. for the price). Food is very god, and you get $100 credit via FHR. Breakfast excellent, one of the best I've had at a city US hotel.
Health club/pool are pretty bad, but that's the biggest negative of the place.
At $199 a night, go for it. You are unlikely to do better elsewhere.
Thanks for the feedback everyone, I went ahead and booked the Park Hyatt. I called ahead and the front desk said they noted the upgrade.
At ~$160 a night +tax, room upgrade, $100 dining credit which I'll use the Blue Duck Tavern, breakfast every morning and the car service to drop me off around town... I really don't think it could be beat.
Programs: United global services, BA gold, spg gold, hyatt platinum, Amex platinum, FS prefer
Posts: 316
Par Hyatt premier rooms are great. Really nice bathrooms and living area. Not lower category. Also don't face the interior place where trucks deliver at 4:00am onward as noisy. Better off facing the street, but if like quiet the street where you enter the hotel! The resturant is also very good. It is where I stay in DC if not four seasons but that also requires the correct room type IMO.
I've stayed at both the Willard and the Park Hyatt and there is no comparison between the two. The Willard isn't a luxury hotel and the PH is. Go for the PH.
Historical building, elegant décor, central location, attentive service, very nice suites. The Willard is definitely a luxury hotel.
I always enjoy my stay at this property with an atmosphere.
Historical building, elegant décor, central location, attentive service, very nice suites. The Willard is definitely a luxury hotel.
I always enjoy my stay at this property with an atmosphere.
You must have stayed at a different Willard than I did. My suite was weirdly constructed out of two rooms, decor choice was "faded glory," and service was nothing special. Location is good for tourism, however.
Last edited by RichardInSF; Dec 14, 12 at 4:19 pm..
