If you’re looking for the quintessential Ritz-Carlton experience in Washington, D.C., look no further than the Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C. With its elegant, timeless atmosphere, personalized service, posh accommodations, and prime location, this West End gem ticks all the boxes for a luxurious stay.
The hotel prides itself on attentive service from its staff, who are trained to cater to guests’ needs throughout their stay. The accommodations are designed with an eye for sophistication, offering spacious rooms and high-end amenities (like Dyson Air Wraps and second computer monitors) that make your stay exceptional. Situated in the heart of the city, the hotel’s location allows guests to easily explore D.C.’s major attractions.
For those looking to indulge, The Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C. has the option to book rooms on the Club Level, which include access to a private lounge that serves unlimited food and drinks throughout the day.
The Location
There are two Ritz-Carlton properties in Washington, D.C., located just under one mile apart (the other property is in Georgetown). We reviewed the Ritz Carlton on 22nd Street, in the Foggy Bottom/West End neighborhood.
The hotel is close to several Metro stations and is approximately one mile from the National Mall and many iconic D.C. attractions.
It’s also easily accessible from Ronald Regan Washington National Airport (DCA), which is less than a 20-minute drive (or a similar ride on the Metro).
Dining
The Ritz-Carlton offers two distinct restaurant experiences for guests. The first is The Saga, a high-end Spanish restaurant helmed by renowned Chef Enrique Limardo. This establishment features inventive Spanish cuisine with Latin influences and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Saga’s tapas bar is open in the evenings and is a fun place for dinner if you want to try a variety of dishes.
For those seeking a more lounge-like atmosphere, Quadrant Bar & Lounge is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Grab tickets to Quadrant’s frequent live music events for a lively night out.
In addition to its dine-in options, The Ritz-Carlton also offers 24-hour room service for guests.
The Rooms
The rooms at The Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C. are a serene haven from the busy city, providing a tranquil escape in the heart of downtown. Designed with a sophisticated color palette of slate gray and blue hues, complemented by chic accent patterns, bold graphic carpets, and brass accents, these accommodations create a modern yet comfortable ambiance. Cheeky design nods to Washington, D.C., such as an artsy photo of the infamously long escalators in the Metro station and a silhouette portrait of Abraham Lincoln, lend a sense of place and set the rooms apart from a generic hotel experience.
Spacious and stylish, these accommodations offer ample room and thoughtful amenities like dedicated sitting areas and numerous USB ports to ensure a comfortable workspace. For those working remotely, the hotel can even provide the convenience of a second monitor upon request.
I stayed in a spacious 450-square-foot Club Level Deluxe King room room. In addition to a plush king-sized bed topped with Frette linens, the room offered plenty of space to relax, including a couch, a cozy armchair, and a small workspace. The Italian marble bathroom was equally impressive, with a separate soaking tub, shower, and water closet. The bathroom was stocked with full-size Diptique toiletries and even a flat iron in addition to the blow dryer, a rare (but appreciated) hotel amenity.
Service
One of the Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C.’s greatest strengths lies in its expert staff. Each team member exudes attentiveness, friendliness, and a willingness to go above and beyond, ensuring a perfect stay for every guest. Throughout my visit, I was delighted by countless thoughtful touches that elevated the experience. Upon leaving or arriving at the hotel, I was consistently offered chilled bottled water, a welcome reprieve on hot and humid D.C. days. Even more remarkable was the surprise of finding a white chocolate replica of the Washington Monument in my room, a delightful and personal touch that left a lasting impression.
Amenities
Although the Ritz-Carlton doesn’t have its own fitness center, guests can use the attached Equinox Sports Club for a $15 per day fee (the fee is waived for club level guests). This massive multi-level gym is one of the best in D.C., featuring a pool and modern equipment such as Woodway treadmills.
Other amenities include:
- 24-Hour Room Service
- Turndown Service
- Laundry/dry cleaning
- Luxurious robes and slippers
- Free Wifi
- Free coffee and tea
- Complimentary presidential-themed cookies and drinks in the lobby
Club Level
The Club Level adds another layer of luxury to the already elevated Ritz Carlton experience. Club Level guests have access to the Club Lounge, located on the ninth floor. The club lounge is open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. and serves breakfast, lunch, light snacks, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and drinks at various times of the day.
All food and beverages are complimentary. The lounge is well stocked with liquor, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages, including sparkling water, fresh fruit juices, and other snacks.
Club-level guests also receive the following perks:
- Complimentary access to the Equinox Sports Club
- Pressing of two items per day
- Private concierge service
- Complimentary coffee or tea with a wake-up call
My favorite perk was the coffee wake-up call—simply let the front desk know what time you want to be woken up, and someone will knock on your door with coffee and tea. There’s something extra decadent about starting your day with a hot beverage in bed.
The club-level staff is extremely attentive and remembers each guest by name. The dedicated Club concierge reached out to me before my stay to see if I had any requests and was able to arrange for amenities (like an in-room fitness kit, second computer monitor, and Dyson Air Wrap) to be waiting for me in my room upon arrival.
Price and How to Book
Room rates start at around $480 per night, and Club Level rooms start at around $749 per night. Book now on Expedia for the best rates.
Editor’s Note: The Ritz Carlton Washington D.C. hosted the author of this story.
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