Embassy Suites Downtown , Washington, D.C.....The Children's Hour
Written: Jan 06 '09 (Updated Jan 06 '09)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Comfortable suites, excellent location. well-trained staff
Cons: Lots of families- if you are on business, this may be worth thinking about
The Bottom Line: The Embassy Suites Downtown is a solid choice for business or family travel in Washington. Great location.
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| tombarnes's Full Review: Embassy Suites Washington, D.C. |
The Embassy Suites in downtown Washington is in the West End, located between Dupont Circle, Georgetown and downtown Washington. Travelers looking for convenience will certainly find it here. One is within easy walking distance of most attractions. The Metro, while not exactly at your doorstep, is about five blocks away in Dupont Circle or Foggy Bottom.
The Building
Built before the recent explosion of hyperluxe development in the "new" West End, the Embassy Suites is solid, but the building displays no particular outward character. Its solid red brick bulk fits neatly into the streetscape. The neighborhood is mostly quiet, with apartment buildings and offices, though shopping is found in nearby Dupont Circle or Georgetown.
Lobby
True to form, the hotel offers a nine story atrium soaring above a busy central court. As the hotel is nearly always full, the sense of bustle never quite goes away. Fortunately, the staff are up to the task of handling the large volume of guests passing through at any time.
Checking in was easy enough and I didn't encounter any problems. I'd been assigned a room on the third floor. Wanting something a bit above the fray, I requested a room on the ninth floor. The agent quickly found one for me and I was on my way. I stepped into the glass elevator and was on my way. Crunching through the wayward Chex Mix which had found its way to the floor, I watched the atrium fall away below. The crumbs, by the way, had been swept away when I next saw the elevator.
Room
The suite offered a bit more than the usual fare at Embassy Suites, this being one of their newly renovated properties. The color scheme was mostly neutral, but rich tones of brown and gold enlivened the room. Furniture was solid and good looking enough for the grade of indestructibility required for such a heavily trafficked hotel.
The desks came with an Aeron chair and the requisite computer connections. The rooms would be ideal for families, but are well equipped for business travel.
Bath
Well arranged with black marble tiles, the bath also had a fresh look which was a bit better than what you might expect to find at a standard-issue Embassy Suites hotel. Towels and soap etc. were all in order. If anything has been forgotten, ask at the Front Desk and they will replace it for you free of charge. This was an unexpected touch for this sort of hotel.
Dining
This property has a restaurant under separate ownership, the Trattoria Nicole . As you would expect at any Embassy Suites, there is an afternoon cocktail hour and a complimentary buffet breakfast included in your rate. The free goodies are only what you could expect for free....cheapo wine and Chex Mix, a shovelful of hummus and so forth ...Did I complain? Having visited the restaurant on different occasions, I have found it attractive in a neutral way and well managed. The food is not memorable, but one would not expect it to be so.
The usual buffet breakfast was as bountiful as ever. I preferred the omelets (made-to-order) over the scrambled eggs which appeared to come from a carton. There were also waffles, pancakes and so forth.
Pool
The indoor pool is on the first floor, though most guests seem to reach it from the second floor entrance. Its "U" shape may not be ideal for lap swimming, but this is a family-oriented hotel, so its shape and depth are geared accordingly to a younger crowd. I visited during a very busy weekend, so there were lots of children around.
A whirlpoool adjacent to the pool was under repair during my visit, but has since been fixed. The sauna worked reasonably well. The pool is on the first floor, but the entrance is on the second floor. If this does not appear to make senes, it actually improves security in the pool and fitness area. There are no changing rooms, so change before you leave your room.
Gift Shop
A small sundries shop is located in the atrium. I was able to purchase a bathing suit which I'd forgotten to bring. Toothbrushes and toiletries are actually available at the front desk for the asking.
Overall
The Embassy Suites Downtown offers a great location and a solidly good deal for traveling families. Two or three hunderd dollars for a hotel suite in downtown Washington isn't terribly much these days. Considering the value of free breakfast can drinks as well, the value is admirable. This hotel may work for business purposes, especially if you require more space, though the number of children here may be a factor to consider.
The service is solid and the staff really go out of their way to handle guest requests. There is a concierge staff, though the Front Desk seems to field these questions in the evening. For the most part, my questions were handled well. The hotel does not purport to be anything more than it is, so it gets points for being relatively unaffected.
Embassy Suites Downtown
1250 22nd Street,N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037
Tel. 202-857-3388
FAX 202-293-3173
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
tombarnes
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 - Top 200 |
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Member: Thomas Barnes
Location: Fort Lauderdale & Washington, DC
Reviews written: 688
Trusted by: 444 members
About Me:
With Barbara in Miami, 2004
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