As a platinum, also got email (pre checkin) saying they only had the room I booked (Spectacular) available, but would give 500 points for the inconvenience. They are, in fact, totally booked tonight. Unless the room is super tiny I don't really care; if it is one of the smaller ones, maybe see about getting moved tomorrow night.

(Picked the W primarily due to location; W is my least-favorite SPG brand, but it's still good. Since I'm going to be in DC a lot, not sure where I should stay. I've always stayed at the Fairfax, which sometimes has excellent rates; Westin Georgetown also looks nice. But location might win.)

The website isn't clear. Is the front door of the hotel on F Street between 15th and 14th? Thanks

F there is a huge W sign above the entrance.

Thanks. And I have to say had I read all the negative reviews beforehand I would of probably gone with St. Regis instead. Doesn't look like a very friendly, helpful, nor good product. I am bracing myself for the worst.

Thought my SNA cleared and I'm set to enjoy their "Fabulous Suite"

I was just there in early June on a 2 night points+cash stay. My SNA's didn't clear, but the hotel was pretty packed, I'm guessing the suites went to the half dozen or so bachelorette parties that happened to be there that weekend too (even spg.com showed as totally allocated). I was also upgraded to a Fabulous room.

I had relatively limited interactions with staff while I was there. The front desk staff were incredibly nice, but the doormen/security whom are there at night are pretty abrasive, I'm guessing that has to do with the rooftop bar. But their tone typically changed incredibly fast when I showed them my room key in the platinum member sleeve.

But has others have noted, the you can't beat the location, and hit up the rooftop bar around sunset, the view is incredible.

Tip: Bring earplugs if you plan on going to sleep before the rooftop bar closes, it's nightclub loud and I could easily hear the music from my room 3 floors below.

Stayed at W. The entrance is actually right at the CORNER of 15th and F street. Not "between" them, and the W sign is anything but big. It's not small, but small enough to miss it if you don't zoom in at it.

Bellman/Doorman - very helpful and friendly. Valet parking guys are helpful and friendly as well. Spend the $50, you get in-and-out all day and they get your car very fast (never had to wait more than 10 minutes), and they charge you by overnight only.

Counter - SLOWWWWWW, but friendly. Guess they are too chatting and helpful to each guest.

Roof top Bar - again very friendly, we saw the corner seats towards the Whitehouse is open and quickly dash towards it, no problem. Best seat in the house. Food is average but who goes to a bar to expect fine dining anyway, great drinks and relax time.

Room - used the SNA and got a Fabulous Suite. Very spacious. The modern sofa is great for laying down and relax. The stand up chair is too straight for any prolong comfort. Bed is soft but firm enough to not give you aches. Bathroom is nice but the sliding door is cool at first, ignoring after the initial wow factor. You don't get total privacy and people literally have to leave the bedroom if you are using it (my mom-in-law was with us....)

NOT CHILDREN FRIENDLY - they don't despise kids, but they sure make sures to let you know they don't think about them. TV has no kids channels whatsoever, and no pool. Rooftop is age 21 or above only after 7 p.m.

Overall, we've enjoyed our time there, and the location can't be beaten. We stroll around the whitehouse to Washington monument and to the museum blocks. Of course we got tired and took uber back, but if you are the walking type, this hotel you can walk to any major attractions around DC.

Really surprise many people on their website gave them a bad rating for service, I guess I was lucky and spared those bad attitude people.

This hotel is in a great location downtown, and it gets busy on the weekends. I failed to get an upgrade using a SNA, and was allocated a one category upgrade to a Spectacular Room. As others have mentioned, rooms here are super cramped (including the elevators), so I would consider a suite next time I visit. I was tripping over stuff my entire stay. My room was off to the corner, so it was pretty quiet. It was clean and well kept. Desk only had one spare outlet, which was annoying. Shower was waterfall style. WiFi speeds are average.

All the staff I’ve interacted with were incredibly friendly. The gym in the basement is a decent size, with a good variety of machines. Had a paid breakfast in the restaurant downstairs one morning, and the staff seemed a little disorganized. But food arrived quickly and was okay.

The POV bar on the roof of the building has some pretty spectacular views, and is definitely worth checking out. Hotel guests are sent to the front of the line, which was a nice touch. They have a good system for sending people up.

Only real complaint was housekeeping. I requested at 9am that they clean my room by 1pm, which was not done. Overall, I’d say this is a better than average hotel. Location is great, but there are downsides such as room size.

Checking into the W later today on a one-night stay... Can anyone tell me what they do for the Platinum breakfast amenity? I can't seem to find any information about it.

Thanks

According to the Platinum Breakfast thread:

Washington - W Washington: Full buffet breakfast in the Restaurant at Lobby. No made-to-order omelettes.

Not sure how up to date the info is. Do check with them when you check-in.

Inquired about the Platinum breakfast upon checking in... was told that it was "in the restaurant" (Pinea, I would assume), and that we'd be able to order from "selected items, including hot items". Didn't sound like a full buffet. As we knew that we'd be having a late night, and that it was unlikely that we'd be up in time to make it down for breakfast before 10:30 AM, I just ended up opting for the points. So the only info I can provide regarding breakfast is the little bit of info the FD agent gave me.

Recent Reviews - Considering the Hotel
 

Any recent reviews, especially from Platinums. I'm thinking of this hotel, but:
1. I'm worried about the overall low 3.x star review on the SPG site and others;
2. This is going to be a special stay with people visiting, so also considering i.e. the Park Hyatt DC where I've gotten good Hyatt Diamond recognition;
3. I would consider the St. Regis but it doesn't seem to get great reviews here either;
4. My go to hotels are the Hyatt Crystal City and the Sheraton Pentagon City which provide good value and elite recognition. But for this stay given guests, they might appreciate the more central location of downtown DC; where as when I'm on my own I don't mind a $8 Uber and usually I save hundreds of dollars by staying in Arlington; plus a lot of these downtown hotels like I said don't have the best reviews. Examples of elite recognition my go to's provide are full breakfast, they've given me a 6pm checkout, drink coupons, and I like the suites at the Hyatt Crystal City mainly because they have a balcony.
5. Has the W discontinued its car service?
6. Oh and water pressure! I read on one of these reviews this W does not have good water pressure?
7. 2008 rennovation - Has the W rennovated since 2008? I imagine it could be pretty beat up in the rooms if not.
8. Also can anyone contrast the W Hotel to the Hamilton Crown Plaza?

Despite all these caviats, at some point I have to get in a W stay for that promo where you get points for staying at all the brands.

Stayed as Plat 3 weeks ago and had a great time.

SNA upgrade to Fantastic Suite with direct Washington monument view.

Nice Plat breakfast for 2 from special Plat breakfast menu in the new restaurant (continental, oatmeal, pancakes types or buy up to full menu).

Very W'esque atmosphere over the weekends with lots of party people in the building. Enjoyed the atmosphere, and had no noise problems on 6th floor.

Very friendly/competent staff. Decent, smallish Gym. Had no issues with water pressure.

Acura car has been terminated across the brand for a long time, but great location for a very walkable city like DC.

POV Rooftop & Mastercard Program Like FHR
 

Does anyone know if hotel guests are still given priority to enter the rooftop bar/lounge? Also does SPG Plat have any bearing on this if you are a hotel guest or if you are just visiting? I understand this establishment can get very busy & crowded!

Also through the Citi Prestige card there is a mastercard program, which is similar to Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts FHR. The perks include free full breakfast, a $100 food/beverage credit, late checkout, cupcakes on arrival, and upgrade upon availability. The rate for next weekend is about $250-$275 for this Master card package. When I called the Citi Prestige concierge I had to call twice and they weren't very familiar with how to book it but then after much time, they figured out how to book it and these benefits actually show up on my online reservation.

Should I earn points & qualifying nights and elite benefits for this stay even though its booked by this travel agency? It does show my SPG# I am just concerned about rules I see about OTA bookings not qualifying for points, etc.

Right now I would say its between the Willard & the W. I'm traveling with a family member and I think they'd prefer the vibe of the W. I can book the Willard also with Amex FHR which would include i.e. a $100 food/beverage credit.

I'm a little worried though of taking my chances at the W for a battlefield upgrade to a suite without a SNA; though the fantastic suites do show available.

Park Hyatt FYI does not have the room category for my dates for a confirmed suite though they said from 9x5 during the week they could check with the property management to see if they would override the category requirement.

Here right now. Admittedly I’m not your typical w guest; I’m traveling with my wife and 7 year old daughter.

At check in I was told that I’d been upgraded on my award stay. No. I booked that suite!

The staff has been great. Rollaway already in the room which so rarely happens.

We’re in 1001. If you get this room or anything close to it on a weekend don’t take it. I wasn’t told that we’d have a front row seat to the heavy bass music on the rooftop 7ntil 2:00 AM and then treated to the staff sliding tables and chairs around 6:00 AM. It, in a word, sucks.

The plat breakfast benefit of 18 per person is nice. And as I said the staff we’ve spoken to have been pleasant and helpful.

That POV though. Use caution.

do the king rooms here really have king-size beds? seemed small, like a queen. wish i had a tape measure.