Mandarin Oriental, Washington, D.C

was in dc last week on business and stayed at this property as the rate was exceptional for the meeting i was attending. the hotel is nice - rooms are okay but not outstanding, although the bathrooms are very nice and spacious. the lobby, restaurant and public areas are quite nice and enjoyed sitting in the lobby lounge for cocktails and the entertainment. had breakfast in the dining room - a buffet which was quite good, but a bit pricey. didn't use the spa as did some of the other commenters, but i did use the gym/fitness room which was less than adequate - not very many machines, light free weights and not very well laid out. in addition, maid service was spotty. the main drawback of the hotel is the location - down by the tidal basin and not particularly convenient to things going on in the city - although if you're on a smithsonian visit the buildings are only a few long blocks away and the smithsonian metro stop is about six blocks from the hotel. on my next visit i think i will stay at the ritz-carlton or perhaps the st regis which is currently closed for renovation as both these properties are better located

I took my 10 year old daughter to her first 'fancy' hotel here and the staff went out of their way to make her feel special. A plate of complimentary chocolates deliverd to our room 'for Nora', a stuffed animal upon check in-this was the type of service we received. Rooms are lovely and more importantly, the bed was firm and very comfortable. The pool was very nice and a nice temperature. The spa services are comparatively expensive, but the steam room is top notch. Though we went in January, the grounds outside look like a lovely place to lounge in the Spring or Fall with the Potomac right there. A wonderful hotel and wonderful service.