The Hay-Adams

This historic enclave across from Lafayette Park in Washington, DC was one of the best hotels that I have ever visited. Arrival and departures were seamless as was the food and beverages. Our rooms were spotless with amenities that were luxurious. The staff was professional, kind, and consistent. We loved this place and have already found another reason to return in a couple of months. Off the Record a quaint bar and grill type of eatery were filled was filled with happy servers and great fare.

Lots of hassle and bad news in the first 12 hours: Got a nice room but it was very cold - bout 55 degrees. heat not working. The bellman showing us the room said it was “a bit cool.” 32 degrees out and the system was completely shut down, no digits on the thermostat even. Shown to another, lesser room. Last night, we wrestled with the TV for more than an hour trying to watch Netflix. Used two levels of national phone assistance without success. The service concluded that the hotel’s internet provided was configured wrong with a firewall or something like and that therefore no one here could get any web services on TVs. After that, around 10pm, things went downhill! Preparing for bed and plugging in iPhone and iPad, etc., the special charging/outlet tray on the desk was discovered not to work. There are few outlets in the room, none convenient for charging phones etc., like the special, non-working ones at the desk. Final straw: when I went to call the front desk to get this stuff fixed the next morning, neither phone worked - nada. Got dressed to express irritation and to see if things could be made right tomorrow somehow. Very sorry, could call manager, could send someone up - - but at 10pm and wife in bed trying to get to sleep, it wasn’t the right time. This morning, more of the same. The coffee machine doesn’t work and there is no other coffee until 7am. No free urns in the lobby like $100 a night hotels have. There is a minifridge, but it uses the old trick of jamming it so full of high-cost minibar stuff that nothing can go in it. Terrible. No bottle opener. Everything to separate you from you money, very inconveniently. To be fair, the location is fantastic. And I must say that all the staff have been very nice and welcoming. The pick up at the airport arranged by National Geographic and the Hay Adams was exemplary. Lots of good service, but an old, tired hotel where a lot of technology is wrong and apparently no one notices - staff or guests.

I recently stayed for a few days in January. I love this hotel for its consistently gracious service in addition to the great location, very comfortably appointed rooms, and lovely dining room. My friend and I so appreciated the hot chocolate and warm apple cider that were served in the lobby as we returned each day from our outings in the cold. It's those little touches - and the genuinely thoughtful service of every team member - that keeps me coming back to the Hay Adams whenever I'm in DC.

The attention to detail and the staff’s approach was superb. The hotel suites were well appointed and luxury touches were well done. The hotel also provides a car for airport pick up for a reasonable fee and free transport on a first come basis around the city.

We stayed 4 nights in early November as we toured Washington DC. Selecting a hotel had been difficult, at one point, I had 3 reservations. In the end, I stuck with the Hay-Adams because of its park and stay package, which included a breakfast voucher per day; and valet parking. We had a king bed bedroom, with no special view. The room was great sized, it had ample storage, 2 chairs and a desk with chair. The bed was very confortable, and linens were of quality. The bathroom was a good sized too, with handy bathrobes that were not bulky (satin on the outside and towel line on the inside). Products were great. Every night, there was a turn down. The only downside is that we could hear White house protesters if we stayed in during the day. There was a small fridge but we couldn't really put stuff in it as there were things for purchase there. They do a lot of their facebook and social media publicity on the view of the white house from their rooftop. Over our 4 nights, we had to request 3 times to go up as there were events. So do not expect to have access to the roof if you book a room. It was a bit of bummer for us as the white house's view from the street was also blocked off in anticipation of presidential inauguration in late January. On 2 days, we had breakfast in our room. It was delicious. They do install a table in your room and you get to enjoy a warm breakfast with strong coffee. It felt very luxurious, we loved it. The hotel staff is nice, courteous, helpful. We did interact quite a lot of the doormen as they called taxis for us or provided the hotel's car to get us places in the early mornings. It was quite appreciated. The concierge was quite helpful as well and he did bring us up to the rooftop while chatting about the area and Virginia. Quite a nice man. So overall, I would recommend the Hay Adams while staying in Washington because of its location, service and room quality.