AC Hotel Arlington National Landing

The bathroom had hair everywhere, parking costs a ridiculous amount, and the HVAC unit was so noisy all night that I couldn't keep the heat on. There's a lot just around the corner that's free on weekends. The food menu was limited and had nothing for vegans. Service was poor from when I arrived until I left, apart from the nice Black woman serving at the bar. The whole place felt unwelcoming.

I came to visit the Amazon offices, an easy ten-minute walk away, and found the hotel a few minutes from the airport with a Metro station a block away. That made Arlington and Washington DC easy to reach. I had seen a bad review that seemed to be from a disgruntled former employee, so I was wary, but the stay was fine from arrival through the airport shuttle ride out. The desk clerk greeted me right away and, since my room wasn't ready, upgraded me to one that was. Everything was clean and fresh, with no maintenance problems. Dinner and breakfast choices were limited, but the food was tasty and came quickly.

I won't come back because of the cleaning staff on my floor. Twice, she tried to enter my room while the Do Not Disturb sign was on the doorknob, and both times I was undressed or changing. At 5:01 pm, just after checkout time, she banged on the door asking when I was leaving, even though I was already getting ready to go. I felt unsafe, and her behavior was horribly unprofessional. I told management, and they were helpful, but the experience ruined what could have been a nice stay. The room was nicely renovated, and check-in was easy with a professional, helpful gentleman. The lobby and decor were lovely. Breakfast had little variety and was overpriced, so a nearby restaurant seems a better choice at those prices. Parking also costs far too much. Guests should get a different rate. The extra charges felt like nickel-and-diming at a supposedly prestigious brand.

I used to choose this hotel for Crystal City work trips because it's near the Metro, and the staff have been great. The restaurant food is decent, though a bit expensive. But the place has gone downhill since it opened, and I've started booking a better downtown hotel for less. Prices here are high, especially when booking a week ahead. Room quality seems inconsistent: last time they gave me a smaller room than the larger one I'd booked and paid for, then said they couldn't do anything. They should at least have refunded the difference. On my latest visit there were metal shavings around the sink and a fake nail on the floor, so the room clearly wasn't cleaned well, possibly after maintenance. Janice, who seems to be a manager, has emailed several times asking for feedback and offering perks if I refer colleagues, but never replies when I respond. I'm done referring people. I still think this recently remodeled hotel is better than some nearby options, and I really like the AC line. I expect more from it based on other stays, like Reston. Already things seem to be falling apart, which is disappointing. I hope they improve before they lose their regulars.