The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.

The setting keeps the afternoon tea from feeling quite up to Ritz-Carlton standards. It’s on the hotel’s first floor beside the bar, with no windows, and the decorations are all artificial flowers, which felt less refined. The tea itself was exceptionally good. I tried two kinds and liked both, and the food tasted excellent, like the work of a high-level pastry chef. It meets the standard of a five-star hotel, just not The Ritz-Carlton.

The art is a fun touch, with playful abstract paintings and photos, and the free tea in the lobby and presidential cookie service are nice too. For our anniversary, they left a little treat and a bottle of prosecco after turn down, which was really sweet. It’s an appealing West End location, within easy walking distance of Georgetown or Dupont, though there isn’t much right nearby. This feels like a pretty standard Ritz with some nice DC details. The styling is more modern than the two suburban RCs, but I’d put it a little below RC Georgetown, which is only about a mile away. I wish the lobby had a bit more space, and I don’t like hotels without in-room coffee machines. I had to go down to the lobby first thing in the morning, which isn’t my preferred ritual. Apparently you can request a Nespresso, but I didn’t realize there was no coffee until morning because I assumed it was tucked behind a cupboard or closet. Those are minor gripes about an otherwise very admirable stay.

The rooms were spacious and the accommodations were nice, and the cleaning staff did a great job. Still, my stay was truly disappointing. I chose this hotel because of its reputation and expected more. The low rating is for the rude welcome and the reluctance to fix a simple problem. It seems the standard doesn’t apply at every location. There was a protest while I was checking in, but the staff acted as if nothing was going on. The male staff member didn’t explain the hotel amenities, and despite my specific request for a quiet room away from the protesters, he put me in a room right in front of them. I have video from the room. I called the front desk to ask for a different room. Manager Genaro made it difficult, saying it wasn’t possible until I said I’d have to check into another hotel. His willingness to argue instead of resolve the issue showed poor customer service at the desk. He also refused to give me late checkout, though a woman at the counter was able to approve it. Management sets expectations for employees, and my encounters reflected badly on that.

If you want to feel spoiled, this is the Ritz to choose. The fitness club is the standout club in DC, and Escadare and Zach at reception are the people who take a hotel from great to superb. I’ve stayed at the St Regis in DC, the Ritz in Georgetown, and the Ritz Pentagon City, but this one is another level. It’s my go-to when I’m in DC. I’m a Titanium Marriott Member and have stayed at 30+ hotels this year, most of them in DC. The Ritz on 22nd Street is top notch.