Ritz-Carlton DC Hotel Highlights
Marriott isn’t overly focused on a large Ritz-Carlton footprint. But the Washington, DC area offers four different ones. Two are mall versions, but the unique Georgetown location offers much more – in terms of character and astronomical room rates. The Ritz-Carlton DC Hotel in the West End section of downtown may be the most traditional version in the DMV. Having done the mall thing, I was looking to get back to the conventional, and the Ritz-Carlton DC price was right. At 55k points, I used a 50k free night award and topped off with 5k points for the single night stay. Now, I’ll get into my mixed experience.
The Good
A Beautiful Room
Perhaps what drew me most to the Ritz-Carlton DC Hotel was the contemporary room decor. Viewing the property online, I noticed how unique the rooms looked when compared to so many other Ritz-Carltons I’ve visited. Indeed, my Premiere King Room didn’t disappoint. I enjoyed the blueish-grey (or is it greyish-blue?) headboard’s contrast with the room’s other striking furniture and the mazelike carpet. The room offers plenty of lighting, both natural and from fixtures. The smartly-designed desk area and chest of drawers wastes no space. I enjoyed lounging on the couch, using the small table for my laptop and bottomless coffee while watching the news (this is the closest I get to multi-tasking). I found myself wanting to hang out in my room as much as possible during this stay, something that’s not always the case.
While the main part of the room has been updated, the bathroom’s ornate area is generally maintained. The single vanity sits between the separate tub and shower/powder room space. Long story short, the bathroom is conventional Ritz-Carlton, not necessarily a bad thing.
Stellar Service
Check-in was a delight. Without asking, the front desk agent upgraded me from a Deluxe to a Premiere King Room, a minor but appreciated gesture. Perhaps more importantly, she was able to provide a room upon my early arrival, at about 1:30 pm. Also, the agent volunteered to confirm a 4 pm late checkout due to my Platinum status. I found this refreshing, as so many negotiations on this benefit at stingy Marriott properties end up with no late checkout, or worse – an agent acting like they did me some huge favor for 1 pm. The front desk rep also shared a few perks of the property, which I’ll get into next.
Some Little Things
Known as their “Presidential Cookie Display,” the Ritz-Carlton DC Hotel offers complimentary cookies at 5:30 pm. After a busy day out, I didn’t arrive for my treat until about 6:45, but plenty were still available. Earlier in the day next to the guest elevators, the hotel offered a Hot Toddy station. I enjoyed a small cup and got going. Finally, the property provides complimentary coffee and hot tea daily from 5:30 to 10:30 am. After visiting President Carter in the Capitol Rotunda the day before, I watched the funeral the next morning from my room while running downstairs a few times for the strong-enough coffee.
The Not So Good
Room Shortcomings
While I enjoyed my room overall, I can’t ignore two substantial oversights. The room’s HVAC put off an odd knocking sound any time it ran. That’s not something I expect in a full-service Marriott, let alone a Ritz-Carlton. Second, and perhaps more egregious, my room’s bathtub did not have a hot water knob. That’s right, no handle meant no hot bath for me. Instead, I opted for a perfectly-fine shower.
Few Amenities
The Ritz-Carlton DC Hotel’s standard amenities are uncharacteristically limited. Guests aren’t entitled to inclusive fitness center access as part of paying their room rate. The property touts offering access to the attached Equinox Sports Club, where a guest must pay $15 for a day pass. While the property is upfront about this on their website, I find it remarkably petty to charge an additional fee for a fitness center benefit available at the vast majority of hotels, especially luxury ones. The hotel offers a Club Lounge for those willing to jump through the hoops there (not available on award stays).
Ritz-Carlton DC Hotel Highlights – Conclusion
At checkout when the front desk rep asked about my stay, I matter-of-factly reported the missing bathtub knob and the knocking HVAC. She stood quietly for a few seconds after I mentioned them, seemingly confounded at the oversights. Quickly recovering, she stated she was taking the room out of service for repair and offered me 10k Bonvoy points for the inconvenience. I accepted and thanked her for taking these shortcomings seriously. I received the points in my Bonvoy account within 24 hours.
Bigger picture, for a 50k cert and 5k points, I relaxed in a snappy room, received solid service, and enjoyed a few small refreshments at a downtown Ritz-Carlton property. Viewing that through the lens of the overall Bonvoy program, that’s an easy win for me, albeit not a huge one. I’d probably take this on again while managing my expectations, as always.
Have you stayed at the Ritz-Carlton DC Hotel? How was your experience?
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Looking to do the one that connects to the shopping mall at Pentagon City.
Better yet should just compare rates with the one in Tyson City because the Pentagon one is very costly. But don’t be surprised if both are costly because of the area.
55000 for the add Ritz is a steal. For that rate, I would stay there every time. Regular points price? Doesn’t seem worth it.