IC The Willard Washington Master Thread [merged]
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2003
Location: California
Posts: 185
IC The Willard Washington Master Thread [merged]
This is a long overdue post regarding my stay at the Willard last November as a Royal Ambassador. The Willard is a beautiful historical hotel located right on Pennsylvania close to the Mall. Both the facilities of the hotel and the service were excellent.
We were upgraded to a one bedroom corner suite that must have been over 1,000 square feet (even more than 100 square meters I'd say). Besides two full baths, the suite had two mini-bar refrigerators, a spacious living room and dining area with seating for four. We had booked a discounted daily rate of approximately $200 on the internet, so we were very satisfied with the upgrade.
We were not charged for any drinks taken from the mini-bar (per standard RA program benefits). We did not eat any of the snack items. We were also charged for internet access (I believe somewhere around $15 to $20 per day). We were given a credit each day for breakfast as this was included in our room rate and enjoyed a very impressive room service breakfast both mornings of our stay.
I would highly recommend the Willard. The hotel's public areas are very impressive as are the rooms that might be described as classically luxurious. The bed (mattress and linens) was very comfortable. Finally, the service was top-notch, professional and friendly as well!
We were upgraded to a one bedroom corner suite that must have been over 1,000 square feet (even more than 100 square meters I'd say). Besides two full baths, the suite had two mini-bar refrigerators, a spacious living room and dining area with seating for four. We had booked a discounted daily rate of approximately $200 on the internet, so we were very satisfied with the upgrade.
We were not charged for any drinks taken from the mini-bar (per standard RA program benefits). We did not eat any of the snack items. We were also charged for internet access (I believe somewhere around $15 to $20 per day). We were given a credit each day for breakfast as this was included in our room rate and enjoyed a very impressive room service breakfast both mornings of our stay.
I would highly recommend the Willard. The hotel's public areas are very impressive as are the rooms that might be described as classically luxurious. The bed (mattress and linens) was very comfortable. Finally, the service was top-notch, professional and friendly as well!
#3
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Bay Area, Ca
Posts: 543
We had a wonderful stay at the Willard last April. I was an Ambassador at the time and used a free night cert. The room was very large and the bed was divine. They had stands of cherry blossom branches placed throughout the lobby and lining "Peacock Avenue", an interior promenade. The eponymous restaurant was delightful. I look forward to returning.
You might look into seeing the comedy troupe "The Capitol Steps", a block away on Pennsylvania Ave. in the Reagan building, if they are performing. Very funny bi-partisan political humor.
You might look into seeing the comedy troupe "The Capitol Steps", a block away on Pennsylvania Ave. in the Reagan building, if they are performing. Very funny bi-partisan political humor.
#4
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: High Point, NC, USA
Programs: DL-S,NW-S,*W-P,6C-Pl&RA
Posts: 113
Just returned today from a 3 day weekend at the Willard. Great location and wonderful hotel. Staff was very friendly and prompt.
Upgraded to a large "Willard room" with 2 queen size beds. Fruit plate, chocolate covered cherries and bottled water as welcome amenity.
Internet in the room is now $ 9.95 per 24 hour period, parking is $ 28/overnite.
Had breakfast coupons as part of the room rate and was excellent although for 2 will run $ 50. My son had lunch one day in the coffee shop - nice Caesar salad with chicken.
Used points for 3rd night, ambassador coupon for 2nd and paid for 1st night. Crazy but worked out as cost effective for a personal trip.
will use again for business since location is prime and very comfortable room.
Upgraded to a large "Willard room" with 2 queen size beds. Fruit plate, chocolate covered cherries and bottled water as welcome amenity.
Internet in the room is now $ 9.95 per 24 hour period, parking is $ 28/overnite.
Had breakfast coupons as part of the room rate and was excellent although for 2 will run $ 50. My son had lunch one day in the coffee shop - nice Caesar salad with chicken.
Used points for 3rd night, ambassador coupon for 2nd and paid for 1st night. Crazy but worked out as cost effective for a personal trip.
will use again for business since location is prime and very comfortable room.
#5
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
Internet access should be FREE at any hotel, just like television. Paying $10 a month when there are many ISPs that only charge $10 for a whole month is a rip-off. Get a BlackBerry phone with e-mail or buy a laptop with a wireless card and go to a public area. It beats paying these stupid charges.
If I'm paying $100 or more a night for a room, I expect free internet.
If I'm paying $100 or more a night for a room, I expect free internet.
#6
Join Date: Dec 2004
Programs: DL Skymiles, Priority Club Plat AMB.,HHonors Gold,Amex
Posts: 272
Originally Posted by hockeyinsider
If I'm paying $100 or more a night for a room, I expect free internet.
#7
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
I have a hard time justifying staying at high-end chains, such as the IC, because many of them attempt to rip you off by charging for extras, such as the internet, that should be free.
In my opinion, the IC brand is in a lot of trouble right now. It's losing more properties and many of their exisiting ones cannot compete with other top-end brands.
I have stayed at some really nice HI or HIXs that offer more features than some ICs. I have stayed in the so-called "junior suites" at the IC downtown Toronto and they're nothing special and definitely not worth their rate. I have seen as nice and sometimes nicer rooms at hotels much cheaper.
In my opinion, the IC brand is in a lot of trouble right now. It's losing more properties and many of their exisiting ones cannot compete with other top-end brands.
I have stayed at some really nice HI or HIXs that offer more features than some ICs. I have stayed in the so-called "junior suites" at the IC downtown Toronto and they're nothing special and definitely not worth their rate. I have seen as nice and sometimes nicer rooms at hotels much cheaper.
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,186
Given the new NHL contract you'll have to get used to HIXs cause if you are a player, you'll need to save the $s.
HIXs can provide free internet and other such services because their overheads are low. High end properties, ICs, Conrads, Luxury Collection and the like cost many times more to operate and thus must charge for each individual service provided, even if their nightly room rates at three times those of HIXs.
HIXs can provide free internet and other such services because their overheads are low. High end properties, ICs, Conrads, Luxury Collection and the like cost many times more to operate and thus must charge for each individual service provided, even if their nightly room rates at three times those of HIXs.
#9
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
Originally Posted by Shareholder
Given the new NHL contract you'll have to get used to HIXs cause if you are a player, you'll need to save the $s.
HIXs can provide free internet and other such services because their overheads are low. High end properties, ICs, Conrads, Luxury Collection and the like cost many times more to operate and thus must charge for each individual service provided, even if their nightly room rates at three times those of HIXs.
HIXs can provide free internet and other such services because their overheads are low. High end properties, ICs, Conrads, Luxury Collection and the like cost many times more to operate and thus must charge for each individual service provided, even if their nightly room rates at three times those of HIXs.
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 17,005
As this has drifted on to internet - I'll offer my comments
I guess high-end spots are losing out on phone charges (to cell phones) but still have to provide the telephony infrastructure. Wickedly high-cost internet charges help recoup some costs.
Many business offices appear to be provided under contract, cranking up prices to pay hotel and service provider.
There is some consumer justification in pricing access so high. It keeps iinternet stations free. At a dollar a minute you tend to limit your time at the keyboard. When its free, there's a tendency to drag out the browsing - like the terminal hoggers in airport lounges
I guess high-end spots are losing out on phone charges (to cell phones) but still have to provide the telephony infrastructure. Wickedly high-cost internet charges help recoup some costs.
Many business offices appear to be provided under contract, cranking up prices to pay hotel and service provider.
There is some consumer justification in pricing access so high. It keeps iinternet stations free. At a dollar a minute you tend to limit your time at the keyboard. When its free, there's a tendency to drag out the browsing - like the terminal hoggers in airport lounges
#11
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: ORD MDW
Programs: AA, UA, DL , IHG Plat, Bonvoy Gold - 2009 FT Fantasy Football Champion
Posts: 6,854
Thanks for the nice report on the Willard. I believe in free internet also, but a larger peeve is parking fees.
I can understand that IC's may need to impose a charge but their rates tend to be twice that of nearby facilities.
I can understand that IC's may need to impose a charge but their rates tend to be twice that of nearby facilities.
#13
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: WI
Programs: NW (Plat), PriorityClub (Plat)
Posts: 153
Great Location
In July my spouse and I enjoyed staying at the Willard for our first visit to DC. Proximity to many interesting sites was a great plus. Also enjoyed being able to rely on the train/Metro from the airport so we didn't have to deal with cost and hassle of parking. I echo the earlier positive reviews for this property.