Feb 19, 2024, 8:49 am
Last edit by: FlyinHawaiian
As of February 2024:
Closest open entrance from the hotel to the Metro Center Station is 11th & G Streets.
Active construction (jackhammers and loud banging) on the 12th and 11th floors. Hotel Is booking rooms directly under the construction zone!
Closest open entrance from the hotel to the Metro Center Station is 11th & G Streets.
Active construction (jackhammers and loud banging) on the 12th and 11th floors. Hotel Is booking rooms directly under the construction zone!
Grand Hyatt Washington DC REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
May 30, 2019, 9:38 am
#181
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Platinum, AA Plat Pro, Bonvoy Lifetime Platinum, JetBlue Mosaic 3, Amtrak Select
Posts: 966
Depends on how you define “nice.” I find even new HH and HP properties to be a far lesser experience than a typical full service Hyatt... but hey that’s just one persons opinion.
HH/HP:
1. Cookie cutter boring/cheap architecture and furnishings.
2. Mediocre (at absolute best) breakfast.
3. Less experienced/least trained staff. Mostly franchises.
4. Minimal fitness centers (at most).
5. Cheap toiletries.
6. No real upgraded rooms or basic/minimal suites.
7. No club.
8. Basically a chain restaurant of a hotel (if you like Olive Garden you probably love HH/HP).
Full Service Hyatt:
1. One of kind architecture with much higher quality everything (even if it's older).
2. Full service restaurant(s) and bars w/higher quality food available.
3. Higher end fitness centers and in many cases spa areas.
4. Typically much more experienced and better trained staff. Mostly corporate-run and NOT franchises.
5. Better locations.
6. Higher quality room levels (views, suites, deluxe rooms, etc.)
7. Nicer higher quality toiletries.
I like Full Service - but maybe I'm just a wierdo.
...just off the top of my head.
Everything is YMMV as usual in travel but:
- Both HH Wharf, Hyatt Place National Mall have huge suites available - I have a 100% upgrade rate at the HP National Mall to 1 bed suites (5x in a row).
- HP White house has a great rooftop bar I prefer over the bar options at Grand Hyatt DC
- I believe HP National mall is new - definitely has a way different feeling than a typical HP. Same with HH Wharf. These are not cookie cutter designs, especially the suites at the HP National Mall.
- I prefer the HP White house locations when having meetings on K street... and enjoy HP National mall's proximity to Georgetown and HH Wharf's location... I love spending time in the Wharf area
I would agree with you on breakfast to a point - generally HH/HP breakfasts aren't as good as full service places, but I've found the Grand Hyatt club in DC so crowded for it's relatively small size, that I've more than once been unable to get a place to sit and just end up skipping breakfast there. I've waited on lines at the HP National Mall, but at least the main area is huge to eat + has a great outdoor deck to enjoy.
And of course, I prefer the Park Hyatt DC over all the other options, but that would be too off topic.
And also, I still prefer the Grand Hyatt DC over other non Hyatt DC options and over the Hyatt options in Crystal City / Arlington solely due to the location.
Aug 16, 2019, 10:38 pm
#182
Join Date: Jan 2007
Programs: No single airline or hotel chain is of much use to me anymore.
Posts: 3,279
So now that this nonsense has been in place for a couple months, have people found that they're proactive about honoring no-fee reservations that predate the resort fee or do you have to fight them on it?
Aug 18, 2019, 4:44 pm
#183
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: RDU
Posts: 679
Recent data point (Globalist):
1. Destination fee removed without asking at check out.
2. The cafe bistro or whatever is under renovation. Breakfast is at the Cabinet (at the level below the lobby)
3. Globalist breakfast does NOT include the restaurant
To be more specific on number 3 - at check in (which was a bit of a unique case, but not that unique), I specifically asked where breakfast was. The agent responded that it would be in the restaurant - as they just made my room keys, I assumed they had looked at the computer and actually saw my status. In hindsight, there was no mention of any status or loyalty in our conversation.
Check out agent thanked me for being Globalist, removed the destination fees, and mentioned that the only charges were for room and breakfast. After mentioning the conversation with the check in agent, the breakfast charges were dropped.
1. Destination fee removed without asking at check out.
2. The cafe bistro or whatever is under renovation. Breakfast is at the Cabinet (at the level below the lobby)
3. Globalist breakfast does NOT include the restaurant
To be more specific on number 3 - at check in (which was a bit of a unique case, but not that unique), I specifically asked where breakfast was. The agent responded that it would be in the restaurant - as they just made my room keys, I assumed they had looked at the computer and actually saw my status. In hindsight, there was no mention of any status or loyalty in our conversation.
Check out agent thanked me for being Globalist, removed the destination fees, and mentioned that the only charges were for room and breakfast. After mentioning the conversation with the check in agent, the breakfast charges were dropped.
Aug 18, 2019, 4:53 pm
#184
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,161
Recent data point (Globalist):
1. Destination fee removed without asking at check out.
2. The cafe bistro or whatever is under renovation. Breakfast is at the Cabinet (at the level below the lobby)
3. Globalist breakfast does NOT include the restaurant
To be more specific on number 3 - at check in (which was a bit of a unique case, but not that unique), I specifically asked where breakfast was. The agent responded that it would be in the restaurant - as they just made my room keys, I assumed they had looked at the computer and actually saw my status. In hindsight, there was no mention of any status or loyalty in our conversation.
Check out agent thanked me for being Globalist, removed the destination fees, and mentioned that the only charges were for room and breakfast. After mentioning the conversation with the check in agent, the breakfast charges were dropped.
1. Destination fee removed without asking at check out.
2. The cafe bistro or whatever is under renovation. Breakfast is at the Cabinet (at the level below the lobby)
3. Globalist breakfast does NOT include the restaurant
To be more specific on number 3 - at check in (which was a bit of a unique case, but not that unique), I specifically asked where breakfast was. The agent responded that it would be in the restaurant - as they just made my room keys, I assumed they had looked at the computer and actually saw my status. In hindsight, there was no mention of any status or loyalty in our conversation.
Check out agent thanked me for being Globalist, removed the destination fees, and mentioned that the only charges were for room and breakfast. After mentioning the conversation with the check in agent, the breakfast charges were dropped.
Aug 18, 2019, 5:01 pm
#185
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: RDU
Posts: 679
It was my first time visiting this property. I assume the lounge is on the 12th floor, but I didn't make time to check it out. I asked "where is breakfast" and was supplied "restaurant downstairs". 
If free, given the choice between lounge and restaurant, I'd choose restaurant. Especially with the previous reports about crowding in the lounge and the Dec '18 report that restaurant breakfast was ok.
If free, given the choice between lounge and restaurant, I'd choose restaurant. Especially with the previous reports about crowding in the lounge and the Dec '18 report that restaurant breakfast was ok.
Aug 18, 2019, 5:09 pm
#186
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,161
It was my first time visiting this property. I assume the lounge is on the 12th floor, but I didn't make time to check it out. I asked "where is breakfast" and was supplied "restaurant downstairs".
If free, given the choice between lounge and restaurant, I'd choose restaurant. Especially with the previous reports about crowding in the lounge and the Dec '18 report that restaurant breakfast was ok.
If free, given the choice between lounge and restaurant, I'd choose restaurant. Especially with the previous reports about crowding in the lounge and the Dec '18 report that restaurant breakfast was ok.
Some hotels go above and beyond the Terms and that’s their right - but in this case you knew they had a club (because you read the reviews here), and as an experienced Hyatt Globalist you should have followed the terms and dined there or simply choose Hyatt’s without a lounge.
Last edited by txhyattlvr; Aug 18, 2019 at 5:28 pm
Aug 18, 2019, 5:36 pm
#187
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: RDU
Posts: 679
Truly wish you’d read AND follow the World of Hyatt Terms and Conditions. It’s a simple and easy read.
Some hotels go above and beyond the Terms and that’s their right - but in this case you knew they had a club (because you read the reviews here), and as an experienced Hyatt Globalist you should have followed the terms and dined there (rather than taking advantage of a lowly paid front desk agent to excuse your behavior..)
Aug 22, 2019, 5:41 am
#188
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Nov 7, 2019, 7:23 pm
#189
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: EWR/PHL/BWI
Posts: 4,412
Staying at GH DC now. I do not understand all the negativity about it.
This is a city center business hotel, not the resort like GH Bahamas or GH Kauai. Do not expect the same level of service. Also, it is a Cat-4 or 15,000 hotel. Do not compare it to the high level PH or GH.
The hotel is sold out today. But still scored an Executive suite facing the atrium. I do not hear any noise. There are only 4 suites on most of the floors other than the top 12th floor.
Most of the details of the recent reviews are accurate. It is not perfect. But you get what you paid for....
This is a city center business hotel, not the resort like GH Bahamas or GH Kauai. Do not expect the same level of service. Also, it is a Cat-4 or 15,000 hotel. Do not compare it to the high level PH or GH.
The hotel is sold out today. But still scored an Executive suite facing the atrium. I do not hear any noise. There are only 4 suites on most of the floors other than the top 12th floor.
Most of the details of the recent reviews are accurate. It is not perfect. But you get what you paid for....
Last edited by RedSun; Nov 7, 2019 at 7:47 pm
Nov 8, 2019, 1:31 am
#190
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: PHL
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, AA Gold, FB Gold, ITA Volare Executive
Posts: 3,294
Staying at GH DC now. I do not understand all the negativity about it.
This is a city center business hotel, not the resort like GH Bahamas or GH Kauai. Do not expect the same level of service. Also, it is a Cat-4 or 15,000 hotel. Do not compare it to the high level PH or GH.
The hotel is sold out today. But still scored an Executive suite facing the atrium. I do not hear any noise. There are only 4 suites on most of the floors other than the top 12th floor.
Most of the details of the recent reviews are accurate. It is not perfect. But you get what you paid for....
This is a city center business hotel, not the resort like GH Bahamas or GH Kauai. Do not expect the same level of service. Also, it is a Cat-4 or 15,000 hotel. Do not compare it to the high level PH or GH.
The hotel is sold out today. But still scored an Executive suite facing the atrium. I do not hear any noise. There are only 4 suites on most of the floors other than the top 12th floor.
Most of the details of the recent reviews are accurate. It is not perfect. But you get what you paid for....
But, yeah, the cash prices can make up for some of the other stuff.
Nov 8, 2019, 6:30 am
#191
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: EWR/PHL/BWI
Posts: 4,412
Probably want to try other Hyatt next time. Was at GH DC many years ago and it clearly shows its age....
Nov 9, 2019, 7:37 pm
#192
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: EWR/PHL/BWI
Posts: 4,412
Just like to share my recent experience at GH Washington. It was a good experience. We'll go back again next time we visit DC.
GH Washington DC - Still Very Good
GH Washington DC - Still Very Good
Nov 15, 2019, 6:17 am
#193
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Staying at GH DC now. I do not understand all the negativity about it.
This is a city center business hotel, not the resort like GH Bahamas or GH Kauai. Do not expect the same level of service. Also, it is a Cat-4 or 15,000 hotel. Do not compare it to the high level PH or GH.
The hotel is sold out today. But still scored an Executive suite facing the atrium. I do not hear any noise. There are only 4 suites on most of the floors other than the top 12th floor.
Most of the details of the recent reviews are accurate. It is not perfect. But you get what you paid for....
This is a city center business hotel, not the resort like GH Bahamas or GH Kauai. Do not expect the same level of service. Also, it is a Cat-4 or 15,000 hotel. Do not compare it to the high level PH or GH.
The hotel is sold out today. But still scored an Executive suite facing the atrium. I do not hear any noise. There are only 4 suites on most of the floors other than the top 12th floor.
Most of the details of the recent reviews are accurate. It is not perfect. But you get what you paid for....
Nov 15, 2019, 7:38 am
#194
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: AUS
Programs: BAEC Gold, AA PPro, Hyatt Globalist, Amex Plat
Posts: 7,043
I can think of a few reasons for the negativity. For one, the scam of an urban destination fee. Any hotel no matter how good or how well located that adds on one of those fees or a resort fee is going to leave a sour taste in people's mouths. That and the lounge here is pretty bad.
Regards
Nov 15, 2019, 2:14 pm
#195
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: EWR/PHL/BWI
Posts: 4,412
I can think of a few reasons for the negativity. For one, the scam of an urban destination fee. Any hotel no matter how good or how well located that adds on one of those fees or a resort fee is going to leave a sour taste in people's mouths. That and the lounge here is pretty bad.
As for the lounge, it is not a resort. Do not expect the Grand Club like in Asian countries, Kauai or even Bahamas. It is still better than the properties that do not even get a club lounge.
It is still better than most of the Hilton club lounges I've been to.
A lot people complained about the noise on the atrium side. I did not hear anything and I'm sensitive to night noise. Maybe I just had some lucky days?