Despite continued improvements, this property remains the weakest link in Hyatt's bold triumvirate in America's capital. Nevertheless, this industrial-strength version of the plusher Grand Hyatt manages to lure lucrative conferences.
If the Washington Court Hotel were better at promoting itself outside of the D.C. metro area, more people would know that it is superior to this exceedingly popular operation on almost all accounts, including offering higher service standards. Senate members can practically skip straight down the Capitol's steps into the hotel's vast public areas and ballrooms. And the busloads of tourists unloading in the lobby aren't worried about the hotel's commercial overtones.
The trademark 11-story atrium absorbs huge crowds like a new sponge drinks water. Banks of escalators, three glass elevators and a hefty registration counter lined with often untrained staff keeps everything flowing smoothly. The conversation areas are well-designed but undersized considering the room count here.
On the atrium floor, the Park Promenade's ersatz patio is separated from milling crowds by a half-wall blooming with artificial plants. Next to it and also separated by a half-wall is a large cocktail lounge with TVs and an open view of the atrium for people-watching.
Two disappointments since the last inspection include the closure of the once-popular Capitol View dining room on the roof—it is now meeting space—and the removal of the billiard table from the bar. The latter used to lure celebrity politicians on recess. Smoking is no longer allowed indoors—Daddy Warbucks would definitely disapprove.
Overlooking the tiny pool and sundeck is the gym, which levies fees. It has a separate room for serious weightlifters. Video monitors direct guests to meeting facilities, including nearly 30 banquet and meeting rooms and two ballrooms that can host 1,800 people, including the new rooftop venue overlooking the capitol. Valets park cars for a charge, and the hotel also has a beauty salon and gift shop.
The fair-sized guest rooms, smaller than those at the Washington Court, show new contemporary decor, with contrasting angular dark-stained furniture, crisp white duvets atop new pillow-top beds, and updated baths. The textured cream-color carpeting and plump armchairs add further comfort.
Appurtenances include minibars, coffeemakers, older TVs (flat-screen models are on order), three phones with voice mail and data ports, excellent workspace with task lighting, and smallish closets with safes, irons and ironing boards.
Large windows allow lots of light to trickle in, but the best views of the capitol must be requested. Rooms ending in -66 and -67 on upper floors are the only ones to survey the Capitol. Otherwise, the oblique street views are uninteresting. Rooms on premium floors feature fax machines and access to the Regency Club Lounge, with a separate business center.
Room service dwindles when restaurants close or when occupancies lower (in summer and during Congressional recesses). Pets are not permitted.
This convention beehive is well-regarded, but individuals and even small groups will want to veto a stay here. If Capitol Hill is a must, opt for the more intimate Phoenix Park or the more conservative Washington Court.
