Fun Fact: JW Marriott Washington DC is the very first JW Marriott hotel. It opened in February 1984 on Pennsylvania Avenue, as a tribute to the founder of Marriott Corporation.
JW Marriott Washington DC Hotel
Address: 1331 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004
Phone: (202) 393-2000
For work, I often travel to Washington, DC and stay at a Marriott property in the city or in neighboring Bethesda, Maryland or Arlington, Virginia. I’ve checked off the list quite a few DC Marriott properties by spending nights at about a dozen different hotels. I find it very interesting how they all compare to one another. This past trip happened to be my first time staying at the JW Marriott Washington, DC. Usually, the JW is substantially more expensive than other perfectly acceptable (or even better) hotels in the area, but I found a super deal so I needed to check it out!
My DC checklist for a hotel selection:
1. Near Metro Station
2. Executive/Concierge Lounge (if closed, free breakfast on weekends)
3. Within Price Range
4. Gym
This is an excellent location as it is very close to the Metro in a central Downtown DC spot. Many popular tourist attractions, important landmarks, best restaurants, luxury shops, and more are easy to walk to or take a quick Uber cab. This hotel has two main entrances so it makes it very convenient to walk in different directions depending on where you are going to in the city.
As a luxury full service hotel, the JW offers all the amenities one would expect at a property like this one. Some amenities include: Business Center, Meeting/Event Spaces, Full-Sevice FedEx Business Center, Pool and Fitness, Concierge Level, Gift Shops, In-House Starbucks and more.
Upon check in, the front desk manager failed to give any proper upgrades for a Platinum Elite guest (in my opinion). This JW Marriott is one of the few Marriotts that do not offer free breakfast to Platinum Elite members. He assigned a Washington Monument facing premium room with a beautiful view on the Concierge Floor. He assured me that he was giving the best available room. When the lounge is closed on weekends, Platinum members receive the benefit of additional bonus points to their account. Unfortunately, these additional points are not close to the equivalent of a proper breakfast on property. Although the staff was very nice and friendly, I was deeply disappointed in the treatment of a Platinum Elite guest. Honestly, my loyalty to Marriott should give me more than some extra bonus.
I must admit this is the most spectacular view of our nation’s capital skyline. Gorgeous!
The Concierge Lounge opened on Sunday night and Monday morning during my trip. Surprisingly, the lounge was on the smaller side, yet, not very crowded. The Sunday evening service provided an assortment of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres plus salad and desserts. In the morning, the buffet offered the standard lounge breakfast with a few additions–ready-made fresh yogurt parfaits and assorted muffins including Gluten-Free options. The muffins tasted amazing–better than other lounge baked goods!
Restaurants: Award winning Avenue Grill, 1331 Lounge, and Starbucks
Due to the lack of free breakfast and lounge closure, we enjoyed four days filled with my favorite DC restaurants–Central by Michel Richard, The Source by Wolfgang Puck, Blue Duck Tavern, Chef Geoff’s for Happy Hour, and Pi Pizzeria in Chinatown.
Basically, I had to be rolled out of D.C. to catch my flight at DCA. So much food, but SO DELISH!
Overall Experience
Value: Although, I found a reasonable rate for this hotel on the weekend, I do not think this property is a “good value.” Normal rates are $300 and up.
Location: Excellent location.
Safety: Met expectations.
Front Desk/Lobby: Met expectations.
Rooms: Below average. Old and small.
Bedding: Met expectations.
Bathroom: Below expectations. Old and small.
Cleanliness: Maid service and overall cleanliness met expectations.
Food: Met expectations in the lounge. Did not dine at the restaurants on property.
Executive Lounge: Met expectations.
Amenities: Met expectations.
Customer Service: Below Expectaions.
Platinum Experience: Diaster.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.