I'm glad that you had a good stay there Goldorak! I've stayed a few times at this hotel in recent years and like it too, though to me, it is clearly in the "good but not great" category.

Like you, I liked the prestige suites a lot. They are bright and comfortable and large though paradoxically the views from the hotel are pleasant but never "iconic" despite the proximity to some great landmarks. I suspect that you were upgraded to the Prestige suite because (not despite) the hotel being full. I've only been upgraded to that when it was very busy whilst I think that the standard upgrade is to the luxury corner rooms (which are also nice but obviously a lot less special).

I've already expressed my scepticism about the breakfast offering (both in terms of price and quality), the tip policy, and the restaurant food (some good items, some mediocre ones, everything very boring and expensive for what it is) and as you rightly point out, service is hit and miss.

I really like the hotel location, I generally like the service, and it feels more boutique than many of the larger DC hotels. I also like the funky First ladies cocktail list you get with the drink voucher. Beyond that though, I think the food and drink offering is mediocre and overpriced, the resort fee or whatever they want to call it a complete rip off. As is typical with US Sofitels, to me, it feels comfortable and pleasant but not really luxurious,