Salamander Washington DC

I went to the one in DC. It was really nice. Onsite parking is $79 a night. They have the only in and out parking versus the other lots nearby. The pool is super cute and spacious. The gym has treadmills, ellipticals, climbers, peloton, weights, etc. the spa looked really nice (didn’t go because I have spa services already booked throughout the month). The onsite restaurant is Dōgon by Chef Kwame. Reservations are hard to get but you can book in advance. They just finished construction last year on the dinning/bar area of the hotel. They are aiming for 5. stars reporting for sites like trip advisor (the one in VA is already identified as 5 star). Online the DC location is 4.5 but the Head of Banquet I was talking to said every department has to operate at 5 stars level. They have a club lounge for club members but the room they have access to was closed. They have their own points systems similar to Marriott Bonvoy but it’s for high end hotels. You have to ask them about it though. It’s close to The Wharf where you will find a slew of restaurants The salamander has a bridge that you can walk over to get to the Wharf. I would recommend that if you drive and are going to the Wharf either walk during the day or uber (it was cold so I Uber’s at night and walked for bunch). The room was very nice. There is a soaking tub no jets but big enough for two. The shower is nice (i would have liked a square rain shower head but there was a circle. The pressure is good and hot. The the sink is single. The mirrors light up. Everything is smart electronics for the lights The bed was really nice. I had a king. Room. That overlooked the marina which was really nice to wake up to each morning I actually went to sleep with the curtains open because you can see the lights from the bridge reflected in the water There is a fridge in the room. No microwave. Free waters. I did do room service one night and that was good and the service was good. Everyone who worked there was really nice I would say Valet and the Bellmen do look for a tip each time they service you. So if the valet goes to get your car - they want a tip and when you drop it off they want a tip So I would say carry cash.

I stayed at Salamander for the inauguration ceremony and the Hotel is five star. The moment i checked in i was greeted by Eskedar the Front office Manager she assured our stay was memorable and comfortable. The rooms are beautiful and spacious the view is outstanding. The bathroom is like a spa. I will definitely be back! Thank you Eskedar and salamander!

We stayed here several times when it was the Mandarin Oriental and it was fabulous. Unfortunately, we will not be returning to the Salamander on our next trip to DC. The lobby and lounge are well appointed and the staff are very friendly but the service was terrible. We had to wait twenty minutes for our drinks and when I opened my napkin it had ketchup (I hoped) smeared all over. When our "homemade" $9.00 focaccia finally arrived it was a super small piece and stale. They kindly took it off our bill and comped our drinks. They must be terribly understaffed as there were maybe 4 to 5 tables. Breakfast was not worth the high prices and again, the wait staff was lovely but service was SLOW. I wish they could get things in order as it's a great location.. five to ten minute walk to the national mall and all the incredible museums. Our room was nice after we upgraded to have more space but that process took almost two hours. I'm not sure if they are awfully understaffed or inexperienced in the hospitality business. The room serve was good and arrived nice and hot. Our bed was comfortable and the bathtub was luxurious.. trying to find some positives here.

Eskedar was very accommodating on my last minute trip and helped me get arranged at the hotel for multiple days. I showed up to the hotel with a recently booked reservation and was able to get accommodations extended even during a busy period.

Eskedar at the front desk elevated service by welcoming us and providing information on the services available in-house. She also took the time to explain to us what upgrade services were available and showed us the different rooms types available on property. She was extremely knowledgeable and her warm welcome and her patience made the world of difference. She elevated her approach to customer service and represented the Salamader in exemplary fashion.