Keyser

i agree....stayed here on a great brg rate last month....i really liked the location....

controller1

I last updated this list in October 2013 but it may be of some help:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/21581926-post167.html

MSPeconomist

Westin Gateway Arlington is about two blocks from the Ballston metro station, which requires a change if you're coming from or going to DCA.

FlyingFrZ

Going to DC for the first time next week was looking to stay at either the W or StR. Any recent thoughts on the two properties?

platbrownguy

Just had a very nice two-night stay at the StR. My take on it is that it's great in a suite, blah in a non-suite. Suite butler service was all very well coordinated -- called the night before to get wake-up call at 8:30, follow up at 8:45, coffee at 8:45, room service breakfast at 9, shined shoes delivered at 9, and not only did everything come when asked, but everyone was on top of it ("see you shortly w/ your shoes, the temperature is 65 and rainy so take your umbrella, here's the newspaper," etc.).

Had booked basic room, upgraded w/ SNAs to Astor Suite, confirmed Your24 9 a.m. check-in, 4 p.m. check-out, and ended up in a St. Regis Suite when the Astor wasn't available at check-in.

Did room service breakfast one day (the $35 Astor omelet is a relative bargain -- loaded with king crab, jumbo lump, and lobster, served with truffled potatoes and bacon -- and big enough to share). Used the platinum breakfast voucher for $38+tax+tip towards breakfast in the restaurant the other day, it was fine.

House car took us to the Kennedy Center around 6:30 one evening (Cadillac XTS, not the S550 advertised on their website, but still a nice free ride). Bellmen promptly brought a couple of amazon 2-hour delivery dropoffs to our room.

All in all, would stay again if SNAs confirm.

paytonc

Westin Alexandria
King St-Old Town (5 blocks)
Blue line/Yellow line

Sheraton Silver Spring
Silver Spring (5 blocks)
Red line

Sheraton Tysons Corner
Spring Hill (3 blocks)
Silver line

Shuttle bus service to Metro, but not really walkable (>1 mi. to station):
Sheraton College Park - Green
Sheraton Rockville - Red
Sheraton Pentagon City - Blue/Yellow
Westin Tysons Corner - Silver
Westin Reston Heights - Silver
Sheraton Reston - Silver

The five BWI and Arundel Mills area hotels offer shuttle buses to the BWI Rail Station, which has frequent, 7-day MARC commuter and Amtrak intercity service to Washington Union Station.

Future Metro silver line stations (2020) will be within walking distance of the Westin Reston Heights, Sheraton Reston, Sheraton Herndon/Dulles Airport, and Westin Washington Dulles.

lcpteck

I usually stay at the Westin Crystal City since the rates are usually cheaper and there's a free shuttle bus to DCA. Metro just across the hotel hence easy access to DC.

FlyingFrZ

Thanks for the review

I ended up booking the W since I'll be traveling solo and don't want to use my SNA's. Also booked my last night at the Sheraton Pentagon City for its proximity to the Pentagon and Arlington Cemetary. Also helps as I have an early morning flight out of DCA.

Will report back my thoughts on both properties

FlyingFrZ

After staying at these properties, I can provide my opinion.

3 nights at the W Washington Hotel were exceptional. As mentioned above, I did not use any SNAs so they only provided me an upgrade to a Spectacular Room. I wasn't bothered since the SPG website didn't show any suites as being available that day. The room was small, but modern and well kept. The view was also nice with the Treasury Building providing a soothing orange glow in the evening
While most choose this hotel for the convenient location, I will be coming back for the phenomenal service. My entire stay, the service was proactive, engaging, and genuinely helpful. From ordering room service off the the in house restaurant menu, to personally escorting me into the rooftop lounge, they raised the bar in terms of service I have experienced at a W property. Unless you are completely put off by W styling, or are traveling as a larger group without a suite, I would highly recommend this DC property.

1 night at the Pentagon City Sheraton was, on the other hand, average. Dated property, but the room was large, clean, and had high ceilings. The hotel also provided me a room on the club level with very nice views of the Pentagon and Air Force Memorial. Being that the hotel was completely booked, the room was not treated as an upgrade, so I appreciated that they provided me a high club level room. The club lounge itself was also convenient for a quick bite or drink. A word of advice for those intending on visiting Arlington Cemetery while staying here. The hotel is close to the back entrance of the cemetery, but that apparently requires military identification to enter, The main public entrance is on the complete other side of the cemetery, requiring a 10min drive. All in all the hotel didn't exceed my expectations, but didn't disappoint either, which is a win in my book for a US low price Sheraton.