Stay Report at the W Washington DC
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Came into the city this past weekend for a night stay at the W Washington DC. Arrived in a taxi from Reagan Airport and it was a mess on the roads. Blockades here and there. ON A SATURDAY!!! (I guess it isn't the W's fault that the "nuclear" summit is in town and the hotel is booked to capacity and right next to The Willard, which is all secured and everything (with x-ray machines and metal detectors and all
).
Check-In
Greeted by front desk personnel. Recognized Platinum Status after pulling up my reservation. Asked about upgrades but since the hotel was full, the only upgrade was to a Fabulous View Street (up from a Wonderful.) Didn't quite push for a suite because I didn't think they were BSing about having no suites that night. Was not asked about Platinum amenities but ultimately the 500 amenity points were posted to my account the day after checkout.
Accommodations
Got to my Fabulous Room on the 5th Floor with a perfect view of the Treasury Building across the way. Would have liked a higher floor to see over to the White House and the city. The room seemed small for a fabulous so I can't imagine the Wonderful room. The room had plasma tv, two W-signature beds, white bed frames with intimate lighting, a super comfy single couch and other standard hotel amenities. The bathroom was surprisingly big considering the size of the actual room. The shower was peek-a-boo style so privacy is an issue when traveling with friends.
Restaurant/Bar
Did not try at J&R steakhouse on the first floor. Did go up to POV for the views and drinks. The view on the rooftop lounge was excellent. Sweeping views of the White House on the right, all the way down to the Monument on the left. At night, the lines are long on the lobby floor to get into the special elevator, but as a guest, you can skip the line and get access immediately. Drinks were above average, $12-$15 mixed drinks, $6-7 bottles of beer, and others. The appetizers/tapas were good at $12-$22 a plate. Didn't have reservations so our group stood around the bar area and sat down on a "reserved" table until we were kicked out.
Recreation
Used the fitness center on the ground floor with a decent amount of machines and some weights. No swimming pool at this property. There is a Bliss Spa also on the ground floor.
Whatever/Whenever
Good response on all calls including dinner reservations, shoe shine, extra Bliss bathroom amenities and such. The Acura service was awesome and on-time.
Summary
A great hotel located around a lot of tourist attractions. Lots of restaurants around the area. Metro Center metro stop 3-4 blocks away. Good service throughout. Will stay here again if I'm in the area.