I had planned to stay here for three nights but due to other circumstances this trip ended up being only one night. This was my second stay and similar issues emerged.

First off the Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square is a fantastic hotel, conveniently located a block away from the White House. Check in was welcoming and friendly (unlike on my previous trip). The room (junior suite) was not ready at 11.30 am which was a shame as I had hoped to catch a break before work but they were genuinely full and very busy this week.

Once I got to my room it was more of a suite than a junior suite (though not sure this was an upgrade). Two separate rooms, large living room with HD TV and Bose sound system and huge sofa and chairs. Comfortable working area with reasonable wifi charges ($7.99 for 24hrs). When the staff brought the luggage up they also set up the room (lights etc.) and brought some ice for beverages. The key card holder also included the drinks voucher.

The bedroom was not the biggest but accommodated the fantastic bed well and featured another HD TV. Bathroom was the same as in all the other rooms: tub and walk in shower with lovely L'Occitane en Provence toiletries. Unusually for a Sofitel in the US no fresh flowers in the bathroom.

One thing I don't like about the rooms in the DC Sofitel is that none of the windows open and no matter what the weather you need AC.

What was missing again was the welcome gift, I did not get it on my last trip and nothing materialised on this trip either. I sense a pattern emerging in DC which needs addressing.

Room service was good and rather reasonably priced. The bar is a bit gloomy and can get busy with non hotel guests. In the warm months they have a very pleasant outdoor seating area though service there was very sluggish.

Check out was swift and very helpful. As I had to curtail my trip I raised the question of charging for the whole booking but they immediately assured me that they won't enforce this booking rule.

Overall this is a great hotel (No. 1 on Tripadvisor in DC) but they may want to make A-Club Platinum members feel a bit more special.

Rates can get very high here ($349/night this time) but depending on dates you can get good deals at the DC Sofitel.

A-Club points have posted less then 24hrs after check out.