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The Westin Grand, Washington D.C.
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: West End
2350 M Street NW
(between N 23rd St & N 24th St)
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 429-0100
2350 M Street NW
(between N 23rd St & N 24th St)
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 429-0100
Biggest Year End Sale Book by 11-10
Visit http://www.starwoodhot... to enjoy more vacation…
Announced 4 days agoMore »
- Nearest Transit:
-
Foggy Bottom|GWU (Blue, Orange)
- Price Range:
-
$$
9 reviews for The Westin Grand, Washington D.C.
4.5
Here's why I loved, loved, loved, this hotel.
+Service was friendly from beginning to end. The front desk, the cleaning staff, the door man, they all greeted me with smiles and a "how can I help." I even found some people from El Salvador at the hotel giving tips on limo services...
+I arrived at 630AM, and was allowed to check into my room early.
+The accommodations aren't fancy, but they do the trick. Soft bed, and a nice sized tub perfect for Epsom salt baths.
+The hotel is located within a 10 minute walk to the Foggy Bottom Metro station, within 2 blocks of a Trader Joe's, within 2 minutes of DuPont circle and Georgetown. CHA CHING BUDGET TRAVELER'S.
+Nice, newly renovated GYM with a fruit bowl out front.
+Daily specials at their restaurant Dusk.
+Wifi is available at a cost.
*Modern amenities include snack bar, liquor bar, and HBO for those True Blood fanatics.
If I were to ding the hotel for anything at all, it would be for the tiny closet and very small pool. I guess people don't go to DC to swim or to stay for a very long time? This hotel is great for business travelers and those wanting to experience DC for the first time. CENTRAL LOCATION and cheaper then the Ritz down the street.
People thought this was:
- Useful (10)
- Funny (7)
- Cool (10)
I love Westin hotels! I really do. However, I don't think that I will return to this location.
The hotel itself was clean. The staff was very friendly. It's within walking distance to the train station (believe me...I walked in the rain towing my luggage behind me...and I still didn't think it was too bad of a walk). Some of the DC attractions-the Mall-are within a short cabs ride away (if you're unable to walk less than a mile). In addition, there are some restaurants nearby which I've tried and are quite yummy.
So what didn't I like?
I've been to other Westin's and I've been blown away by how modern the decor is and just overall clean looking. But when I got up to my room, there was just random stuff that was broken including a bunch of tiles on the wall in the bathroom. Seriously? They couldn't fix that? The room itself was average. Again, I've been to other Westin's across the country and its like this one got the least amount of money in their budget to fix things. Also, some of the rooms are situated in nooks away from the main hallways. Great huh? Nope. All I could hear all night were doors slamming (because the doors didn't shut nicely, they slammed shut).
I was really excited to stay there, but kind of glad that my visit was over. The price was nice but there are other hotels that offer more and are consistent for the same price.
Nice rooms. Clean and modern. Fitness room is a little dated, but they offered good bars and fruit - great after a long workout. Close to George Washington Hospital. Also walking distance to Georgetown. A little walk to the metro, though.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
I was at the WG with my wife who had a meeting there. I went because we have a new baby and I was basically on nursing support.
I could not have asked for a nicer bed or bathroom, and the room was very spacious. The staff was largely helpful, and allowed us to check out very late (4 PM!) because my wife was stuck in her meeting and I'd be forced to roam the streets with 2 small children.
The location is great, halfway between georgetown and where my business keeps an office in DC. It's a great walk to georgetown in the evenings.
People thought this was:
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Staying at the Westin Grand is like dating a sociopath supermodel-very pretty, but its personality sucks.
The Westin Grand is a beautiful hotel situated in the cutest, safest part of DC. It is around the corner from Trader Joe's, so you can stock up on snacks, drinks, and wine during your stay. It's a 5 min walk from the Metro (or a $10 cab ride from Chinatown if you are taking the Bolt Bus like we did). While not within walking distance to the museums, you are not in another hemisphere. You can enjoy the historical experiences of DC without being on top of them, as we would have been if we stayed at the other Westin.
We could not have been more pleased with the room-it was beautiful, clean, and comfortable. The heavenly bed is in my top 5 list of things to buy before I turn 30, and the bathroom was bigger than my NYC apt living room. The lobby is cozy, and the restaurants on site are better than expected hotel food, but expensive if you are not spoiled with 50% off of food & bev like I am.
All of this aside, we were thoroughly horrified at the service. Check-in was fine-the guest services agent was polite and accommodating. We were allowed to check in early, at noon, which was a pleasant surprise. Our room was upgraded to the preferred guest floor (floor 6).
We had no problems on our first day (although we spent no time in the room during the day). Day 2 began a comedy of errors-housekeeping kept barging into our room without knocking. This happened several times throughout the day. This is not the first time I've stayed at a Westin and been barged in on-both times have been when I am less-than-dressed. If they are trying to make a sex tape of me, they should have enough footage by now between our trip to Hawaii and this trip.
Later, we ordered room service around 2:30. When it didn't show up by 3:30, we called (yeah, I know-I should have called after 30 min, but I am a patient person sometimes). Hubs made the call and the woman who answered the phone to take our order answered the second time and her response was "Oh my gosh, I am so sorry. I forgot to put your order in. I'll try to rush it."
Try to rush it? Um, lady. I've got half a lamp in my mouth I'm so hungry. You think you could get that to me NOW? They comped our room service, which would have been nice, except....
Check out on Sunday-we have the privacy sign up on the door. 10:30am, housekeeping tries to get in YET AGAIN-this time I have foiled their plan by employing the deadbolt lock on the door, but c'mon-if there's a privacy sign up on the door and checkout isn't until noon, LEAVE ME ALONE! For christsakes!
Checking out-painless. The GSA comped our room service, which magically appeared on the bill, because whoever forgot to place our order must have early onset dementia-it was there. I was highly annoyed, but not as much as this guy:
There was a severe thunderstorm around 2pm. A gentleman was getting out of a cab in the pouring rain. Four employees are standing at the doors (there is one revolving door to enter in and two side swinging doors to enter in on the sides). 2 doormen, a housekeeper, and a front desk agent are all standing behind the doors watching him get out of the cab and struggle with his luggage. He has 1 big rolling suitcase and 1 large shoulder bag, so he can't get in through the revolving door. He's watching the staff watch him and shouts "What do you guys only work when it's nice out!?" at which point they fumble around like a gaggle of retarded seagulls to open the door, grab an umbrella, and help the man with his bags.
I was laughing hysterically into my Sunday paper at his reaction, but he could not have been more dead on.
If you can afford staying at the Westin and don't mind McDonalds quality customer service, then this is a great hotel choice. However, I think your money could be much better spent at another hotel.
People thought this was:
- Useful (6)
- Funny (6)
- Cool (5)
I love how the drapes hang from the ceiling to the floor. It really made the ceiling feel high.
The bed was fantastic. Soft but firm. Five pillows on the king. Perfect for fort building!
The bathroom was really lovely with the double shower head. The toilet is in a separate little room like a WC, and the door is like a shutter and not a solid door. So if you have someone brushing their teeth by the sink, they can hear all about your business on the pot. This can be embarrassing if you're not really, really good friends who don't mind being thisclose.
If you have a Starwood membership, there is bottled water provided in the room.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
Never stayed at this property, but I wanted to check it out as in the past I'd walked past many times en route to Georgetown.
RANKINGS
Check-in/Check-out [2 out of 5]
The agent was knowledgeable of the property but had a severe attitude, unfortunate for him, as I have been know to adjust many an attitude! I prefer quiet rooms with lots of light on high floors & he assured me that is exactly what I was getting. He even went so far as to tell me he is putting me into a newly renovated room and I would be the first occupant of that room. Although efficient, I rate this category low because of the agents condescending attitude.
Common Areas [5]
The circular lobby is compact and well lit, and has a "refreshment station". The business center and restaurants are all of the lobby.
The hallways are well lit & "look" clean. They have a bowl on the table in front of each elevator on each floor.
Guest Rooms [5]
As indicated I like rooms with lots of light. I was assigned a room that was on a floor that was just released back into inventory and I would be the first new occupant of the room.
I walk in and the room has a new carpet mixed with cigar smell. Strike one. I decide to stay, and give my body a minute to adjust, in case my senses are hypersensitive. So, I lock the door and start my normal room inspection. I pull the curtains back, a low and behold, both the windows have long cracks. Strike two. Remember this is newly renovated room. So I call downstairs and let them know the current room is unacceptable. I am transferred back to the front desk and the same agent that checked me in answers and is apologetic and somewhat humble.
Two minutes later a new key arrived and the front desk agent in training also thought the smell and the broken windows were unacceptable.
The new room, which is also renovated. It has a slightly different layout and the bathroom is configured different. Other than that, the rooms are identical. This room has been back in inventory for a week or two.
Overall First Impression: Very Nice, rooms have a retreat like feel.
Bed: Awesome!
Furniture & Decor: Casual modern. Dcor of the room is soothing and is appropriate for its location and the Westin brand.
Closet Space: One large armoire. The armoire contains, some drawers, safe [which easy accommodates a laptop ] Iron and ironing board. I found it odd that the luggage rack does not fit in the armoire.
TV: Flat panel TV. The channel election was so-so as the new system isn't fully operational.
Lighting: Ample lighting
Workspace: Nice desk, yet small as the coffee maker is there. I moved it to the tv, which gave me more room.
View: View of 24 street and very sunny.
Radio/Audio: Boring clock radio. Starwood needs to upgrade their clocks.
Guest Room Bathrooms [5]
Nice size bathroom with good counter space, but no double vanity.
Sink: Large work surface and good counter space. Enough working space for two people to prepare without bumping into each other.
Shower: Single sized shower with heavnly brand showerhead. Good pressure and water temperature.
Tub: very comfy oversized deep spa tub
Toiletries: Underwhelming Westin heavenly bath products.
Housekeeping N/A
No issues as I only spent one night in the property.
Club Level/Lounge N/A
No
Fitness Center [1]
Medium sized fitness center, decent equipment yet its nearing the end of its life and hopefully the space will be remodeled. This is one of the worse wetin gyms I've seen.
Pool [2]
Very small pool. Think oversized lap pool. If you have kids its not really the place to bring them as I think they would be disappointed.
Business Center [4]
Located off the lobby. PCs have a dedicated printer. The room was never busy when I visited. There is also an ATM machine.
Concierge N/A
Didn't use, but it appears the front desk staff act as the "concierge".
High Speed Wired/Wireless Internet Access [N/A]
Free in the lobby. Wired in rooms for a fee. After renovation the property should be wireless as well.
Parking/Valet [1]
One of the worst experiences upon arrival. The valet area is the size of a postage stamp and the staff was overwhelmed. It was better upon check out but the need to better prepare for the peak periods.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
I first started staying at this hotel when it was simply known as The Grand. A lot has changed over the years and I continue to come back. Why? Location. It's in a relatively quiet and safe part of DC and easy walking distance to decent restaurants around town. I've always liked this hotel - and for me, it's often been the old Westin Fairfax [now just the Fairfax] with it's shabby chic ex-Ritz Carlton furnishings or here. The Fairfax wins out on closeness to Dupont Circle [two blocks] and all that has to offer; but the Grand also has it's neighborhood attributes and is only a seven block walk to Georgetown. Across the street is the Park Hyatt which is nice for drinks in the evening - and as someone mentioned, Trader Joe's isn't far if you need a cheap snack. Service has always been friendly but this hotel also tends to get busloads of tour groups, bands and airline crews so if you hit it at the wrong time, it could be a while until you're dealt with at the check in desk.
People thought this was:
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This is my go-to hotel in DC. The property is better-maintained then your average Westin (some Westin properties have really dropped a bit in quality in the last several years, or at least that has been my experience) -- rooms very clean and well-maintained, good size, nice bathrooms, etc. Some reviewers have had issues with customer service, though I've not had that experience. Everyone at the property was very helpful throughout my (short) stay (and on each of my prior stays, and I have stayed here many times in the last several years). Best of all is the hotel's location -- it's located in a quiet corner of the West End and is easy walking distance from Georgetown, Dupont, Foggy Bottom, and downtown. I can't speak to the quality of the food -- there are plenty of restaurants and cafes close by, so I've always chosen to take a short walk to a nearby spot then to eat in the hotel. In sum, a very safe hotel choice for either business or leisure.
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