Washington, DC: The Willard or The Ritz Carlton
 

I have a weekend in Washington coming up at the end of January. I've narrowed my hotel choices to The Willard or The Ritz Carlton. Price and room category are about the same. Any feedback on either would be appreciated. Thanks!

My first choice would be the Williard. Great ambiance and location. Of the two RC's, I'd choose the one in Georgetown.

The Willard has the better location if you are sightseeing and visiting the Mall, etc.

I'm coming in for a performance at The Kennedy Center.

If your big focus is the KenCen then the Willard would be less convenient...BUT the KenCen thing won't last forever and OVERALL, you might appreciate the Willard's location a bit more.

Another question might be...how much do you care about close-by restaurants, etc., at night? or being close to the Mall, the WH, etc.?

I get in at around 2pm on Saturday, attend the event Saturday night and head home on Sunday morning-- no time for sightseeing.

The Willard hands down.

We did a tour in DC last year, and the tour guide touched upon some of the history of the Willard. It was absolutely fascinating. RC are great properties, but the Willard is on the top of my list when the right price comes along.

I agree with Obxgirl

We stayed at the RC Georgetown recently and felt that it wasn't at the same high level that we normally find at the Ritz. The price was but the carpet was stained and they have a strange check-in procedure. The building and design is very interesting and the location is fantastic if you are planning to do alot in Georgetown.

Birdie..
I had a similar experience at a 5* chain and the carpet was stained so I took a photo so they didn't think I made it up, sent it to the CEO and they gave me a 4 night stay anywhere in the world.
Places like the Ritz, FS, St. Regis and the likes should never have stained carpet or any hotel for that matter.
It is still not to late to complain to the Ritz what you experienced.
Best to you!

ksucat - Thank you. I am surprised I didn't write a letter. My family calls me the letter writer and is always embarrassed when I (politley) complain. I knew I also could have asked for another room but we were anxious to get out on the town. I would recommend that anyone in the neighborhood step into the lobby or bar. It is very cool how they transformed a factory/power plant (??) into a hotel.

Willard...hands down for what you are doing.

Enjoy!

I also liked the location of the Willard and the bar was nice