Salamander Washington DC

“Luxury DC experience in a great city location”

I recently had a staycation at the Salamander and it was amazing! I booked through AMEX travel for the stay and booked the spa treatment online directly through the Salamander website. The spa experience was amazing - it is tucked away inside of the hotel and has two levels. I had an early week app… more

I recently had a staycation at the Salamander and it was amazing! I booked through AMEX travel for the stay and booked the spa treatment online directly through the Salamander website. The spa experience was amazing - it is tucked away inside of the hotel and has two levels. I had an early week appointment in the morning and there weren’t many others in the shared spa areas which made for a very relaxing experience. I had the Zen body experience and throughly enjoyed. I also experienced the dry sauna and vitality pool which was very clean and relaxing. The staff frequently cleans the areas and removes towels, etc to keep the areas clean. It was easy to check in and the staff was courteous and honored my AMEX benefits which was nice. I stayed in a king bedroom with waterfront view (upgraded through my AMEX benefits) and the room was bright, airy, and clean. There is 24 hour room service and I ordered a late night pizza and it was delivered within 30 minutes. The water pressure in the bathroom was good in both the shower and tub and the water gets very hot (which I personally enjoy). I did also utilize the gym (new gym equipment and all the machines and accessories for various types of movement and activity) and indoor pool area. The only thing taking away from my experience was the amount of younger guests during my stay (which I know cannot be controlled) however lounging in the pool area was not as relaxing and during breakfast there were younger guests open mouthed coughing in the buffet line and touching the utensils so there were just some food items I did not feel comfortable eating. Overall I had a great stay and would definitely stay again, recommend for out of town guests, or to visit for the spa experience alone. Valet was $86 to park overnight as of 4/7 $$$

less

“Lovely hotel with some outstanding service and some sub par”

Although the hotel staff seemed short-handed,  Senait, Lisa, Elijah and Sabrina are to be highly recommended. We were sad that our deluxe water-view room was not as expected. It was instead a view of a building under construction. Housekeeping did not show one day after we displayed the green se… more

Although the hotel staff seemed short-handed,  Senait, Lisa, Elijah and Sabrina are to be highly recommended. We were sad that our deluxe water-view room was not as expected. It was instead a view of a building under construction. Housekeeping did not show one day after we displayed the green service light, left the room for extended periods four times and called service on the phone twice. Lounge and Cherry Blossom tea were excellent.

less

“not a 5 star”

It is not a five star property as advertised. Rooms are nice, bathrooms great. Amenities were lacking. Minibar in room was not stocked, said to call if you wanted it stocked ?? It could have doubled as a in room fridge but was not turned on. Coffee maker (nice espresso machine) in room did not work… more

It is not a five star property as advertised. Rooms are nice, bathrooms great. Amenities were lacking. Minibar in room was not stocked, said to call if you wanted it stocked ?? It could have doubled as a in room fridge but was not turned on. Coffee maker (nice espresso machine) in room did not work. Informed front desk and just asked for a kettle for tea. Said they would get it to us ‘’right away” but did not get till that evening. So much for breakfast tea. Compounded by the fact that the kettle was broken and did not work. Took down to front desk and they said a replacement would be ‘right up” . Never did get in 2 more days . Only way to get ice was to request from front desk. Did so and 2 hours later still waiting. Toiletries in room were in big containers in shower that anyone prior could have used or abused. Maybe ok for holiday inn but not in a “prestigious “ hotel. The staff themselves were pleasant and friendly but they were frustrated by lack of support by management. The lobby was a mess, lots of people waiting for front desk or other reasons, no organization. The bell staff and valets were very good but was expensive. Drinks at bar were not up to par being poorly made. Breakfast buffet was very good and service was great. I usually don’t do reviews but felt I should in this case. I have stayed in many other 4 or 5 star properties and this just did not live up to its expectations. Nice people but just poor follow up and direction.

less