I have done a search and come up empty on comments regarding the WASHINGTON MARRIOTT
1221 22ND STREET NW. The Metro Center Marriott and JW Marriott are full for my dates (this weekend and into next week).

From my search, I recognize that everyone loves the Renaissance Mayflower (which has availability), but I always seem to get the 150 square foot room that was converted from the "butler's quarters" whenever I stay at so called historic hotels (though I am now Gold for whatever that is worth these days).

Comments and suggestions on the above property would be appreciated.

I like it! What do you want to know?


BTW, hows the Ottawa Marriott? I would usually stay at the Westin or Sheraton, but... I wondered.

Thanks!

-Mark

[This message has been edited by doc (edited 05-17-2002).]

Thanks Doc. Since this property has been ignored on FT in favour of virtually all other Marriott properties in DC, I was concerned that there may be something inherently wrong with it that would prevent people from even staying there! I am just looking for a classic, predictable Marriott stay with a nice room and a concierge lounge. I am now a Gold and am wondering if I should expect anything.

The Ottawa Marriott is a renovated Radisson. "Predictable" but "not particularly noteworthy" would be appropriate adjectives for this property.

If you can stay across the river, the new Hilton is amazing.

Washington Marriott should give you the predictability you seek. I stay there once a year because it is close to a meeting I attend. They seem to have problems with late night arrivals (I arrived at 2 a.m.) but I don't think my problems were typical.

I don't stay there any more. The last two trips the reception staff were unhelpful to the point of rude. (The final stay there was a reservation mix-up; I had printed confirms that had been mailed; they wouldn't honor quoted rate; etc etc etc)

Sylvia

Nice hotel. Stayed there three weeks ago. Our room was spacious and had the new Marriott bed and bedding (a good imitation of Starwood's Heavenly Bed).

Location is convenient to many NW companies. An easy walk or short cab ride to the restaurants of Georgetown. Numerous other good restaurants within 3-4 blocks. Easy access to Rock Creek Park or the C&O towpath if you are a runner. About a six or seven minute walk to the nearest Metro station.

Only downside: If you will have a car, the parking lot is sometimes full when you return after 9:00 p.m. or so, especially if there is an event at the hotel that draws local residents. And consider a rate that includes parking, because the parking tariff is stiff.

Our room at the Mayflower was spacious enough for us. We are 2 adults with 2 teenagers, so a standard room can seem small after a few days. We were quite comfortable at the Mayflower.

I think most if not all of the DC Metro properties are very good. Marriott's roots are in DC and I don't think JW would tolerate mediocrity in his backyard.

An added advantage to the Washington Marriott is Blackies, just next door. One of Washington's finest steakhouses.

Blackie's was good, but you can't charge your dinner to your room. In the course of inquiring about this anamoly I learned that Blackie's owns the Washington Marriott, but they can't seem to connect the computer at the restaurant to the computer at the hotel.

We stayed at the Marriott Wardman Park last August and found it to be a nice property.

However, my two most vivid recollections are negative.

1) When I went down the hall to grab a soft drink at the Elite member's hospitality room, I was chased out of it by the attendant because I wasn't wearing shoes. I walked back to my room and dutifully donned my shoes (hope I didn't step in you-know-what at the zoo) and returned to get my Pepsi.

2) When I attempted to retrieve my "special free gift" at the Marriott Vacation desk, I was abruptly told by the agent to wait until he was finished with the previous guest (he must have understood that I just wanted the gift and not the sales presentation). I waited and then he reluctantly gave me the gift (one Marriott logo golf ball) after confirming that I didn't want to hear his spiel. BTW, the free gift was promoted as a no-strings-attached, no-consideration gift (i.e. just like the old meanings of "free" and "gift").

It was built as a Holiday Inn (!) before changing to Radisson in the mid-80s.

The Marriott Metro Center in DC was also a Holiday Inn once upon a time.

A huge Thank You to Phil and sbrower for recommending Blackie's restaurant. I was with two of my business colleagues last night and our dinner reservation at another restaurant fell through. Since I know how demanding and picky FTers (like myself) can be, I knew the advice was trustworthy.

The meal and service at Blackie's last night were both Excellent (and I never say that about any steak house, including Morton's and Ruth's Chris). The appetizer (a crab concoction on a bed of avacado was delicious, the salad was good, the salmon was very well prepared and the berry souffle was out of this world. My colleagues enjoyed their meat dishes immensely.

Thank you for a great suggestion. I am now a hero at work!

How about that! The place is famous for steak, yet all of your non-steak items were good. That's really a compliment.

You didn't try to order Salisbury steak, did you?

Bruce