Hyatt Place Washington DC/Georgetown/West End

We only had a day in Georgetown, but it turned into a lovely city staycation. The hotel is a cozy little luxury spot, and the heated pool was especially welcome on a cold, rainy January evening. Staff were professional and helped us find our way around. The floors and rooms are compact, but they have all the essentials. We came with family and would come back.

I was first made to feel very welcome at check-in. Ritchie signed me up for membership and said breakfast would be free, so I initially left a five-star review. Then after checkout, I was billed for breakfast. When I called to ask about my membership, I was told my rate didn't qualify for free breakfast, but they would waive the charge “this time.” Why offer it as free if my rate isn't eligible, then bill me for it? The way Ritchie welcomed me made the charge feel even more disappointing. Calling it a one-time waiver came across as generosity after the hotel had already misled me. If you stay here and are told breakfast is free, watch for extra charges. Otherwise, it could have been a great stay.

The location is excellent, the rooms are decent, and the woman who checked us in was genuinely friendly and accommodating. After that, the experience went downhill. On Friday we arrived for breakfast at 9:10 AM. The Hyatt app showed service until 9:30, but we were told it was closed. The check-in sheet mentioned breakfast without hours, so I had relied on the app. A minute later, another employee let us and a second confused guest in. The food was still fully stocked, but the coffee had been put away. Staff came in and out to eat while we were there. That's fine in itself, but strange after we'd first been turned away when there was plenty of food to serve everyone. Later, we passed through the lobby and saw a manager loudly arguing with an employee about something that had fallen from his pocket. That wasn't a welcoming atmosphere. My adult son also forgot his room key when he went to our car. He had no ID, and the desk employee gave him a hard time instead of calling our room and asking us to come down. I like the location and the breakfast itself, and this used to be my go-to place in DC. After this trip, though, I wouldn't choose it again. The overall vibe put me off.

No trouble with the room or the water, despite what I'd read from others. The staff were friendly and really helpful. There was a reservation issue, but Tafar (I think) at the front desk took charge and went out of their way to get me checked in quickly. Great place to stay.