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    Sofitel Lafayette Square Washington DC

    3.8 (266 reviews)
    PriceyHotels
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    Elevator area

    Hotel is conveniently located in walking distance of all the Smithsonian museums. I was disappointed in the breakfast and service considering the cost and 5 star rating.

    Bedroom
    Jennifer G.

    We stayed here during our visit to washington, d.c. We enjoyed our stay. We requested a late check in and had a smooth and quick check in experience. The room was very comfortable and spacious, and so was the bathroom. Our room was serviced through out or stay without any issues. The hotel is nicely situated within walking distance of many local attractions.

    Elevators in the lobby of the Sofitel
    Karen V.

    We had a great stay at this location. I'd give it 4.5 stars compared to other Sofitel Hotels we've stayed at in different parts of Europe. It's a star above the Sofitel New York in Midtown which wasn't as spacious. The building dates back to 1928, which is why the Sofitel Lafayette Square is considered to be a historic hotel. Accor acquired the office building and renovated it back into a boutique hotel. You can definitely see this in the art deco design of the lobby. I couldn't help but stare up at the grand look of the clocks above the elevators while sitting on the comfy emerald green lounge seating. There are gorgeous 1920's scenes of Paris inside the elevators and around the hotel. The mosaic flooring in the breakfast café was also a nice touch. There is a coffee and tea station in a little parlor type room to the right of the reception area. There are many advantages as a guest. Make sure you review the Urban Experience fee inclusions card for more details. It even includes a guided daily run and yoga classes, as well as a 10% discount on food and beverages at Opaline. We were able to get an upgrade to a luxury corner room. The service here is fantastic. The room was very spacious. The duvet cover was very comfortable and warm. I liked having a Nespresso machine with espresso cups and saucers. The leather furnishings were a bit worn, but clean. We appreciated the use of the robe and slippers provided. Although, my husband was also looking for slippers as well. I'm guessing there's not a need for 2 pairs of slippers. The shower stall is a good size, but I do suggest that they shorten the extension of the shower head during their next remodel. There's not a whole lot of extra room to soap up. The water pressure was very good. It looks like Sofitel switched from Hermes to the Balmain brand of products in their bathroom amenities. It's not as strong of a scent, which is nice. Overall, the room was quiet and comfortable. We enjoyed it! Our breakfast at Opaline was great. We especially loved the coffee. The location of the hotel is perfect. It's close to everything. We wouldn't hesitate to stay here again.

    Wendy H.

    The front desk staffs are super nice and helpful. The room is big and it has both shower and tub. I love the view and the body care set. It smells great and the smell lasts long. Walking distance to many restaurants and the Whitehouse. Highly recommended :)

    Bathroom entrance
    Grace S.

    This is not a 5 star Hotel! The location is the only decent aspect of this hotel. It is located about three mins away from the White House in the heard of DC. Cons: - Old: this place needed a renovation like 15 years ago. They have old school light switches - the ones you flip up and down. The floor boards are worn and dirty. Beds: when you initially walk in you realize the mattresses are so worn that they sink down in the middle where people sleep Room service : does not exist! But at least food delivery services can deliver to your room directly Snacks: no where to even buy snacks on the property Fridge: the "fridge" in the room is a wine cooler and not even able to cook. It is musty and gross. Furniture: worn, old, outdated and ugly Technology: does not exist, basic channels on basic tv Parking: $75 a night Return: nope

    Jeannette M.

    Visiting DC from Jersey. The hotel is located in a great location. Walking distance to many of the museums, restaurants, and DC landmarks. The front desk was friendly and very helpful. The hotel is very quiet. The room and bathroom were clean. Great water pressure in the shower. Many amenities. The room was spacious. King size bed was very comfortable. The only complaint was that the coffee maker didn't work properly. It was a rainy weekend in DC. They had complimentary umbrellas, which was great. They have a restaurant and bar on premises. We didn't try them. Valet attendants are very attentive and quick to retrieve our car. The parking is $65 a night for a regular sized car. We had our car ready in 10 minutes. Nowhere else to park on the street. Check-in and check out were quick.

    Bed
    Rebecca H.

    I had a great stay here. The room was nicely decorated and modern. The bed was clean and comfy. I liked that the bathroom had a separate bathtub from the shower. The lobby area of the hotel was beautiful with lots of green velvet. There are several good restaurants within walking distance but if you didn't feel like venturing out, the restaurant at the hotel is also a good spot.

    Emtrance
    Theodore C.

    The parking is toughest task and getting around the city. The Valet "Million" was instrumental with navigating the area. He was kind and helpful being the first point of contact he provided positive momentum for the stay. The front desk and other staff we pleasant and helpful. Rooms were cool. Free coffee every morning. Location is close to everything.

    Sophia C.

    I expected more for a Sofitel - didn't look at Yelp before booking bc I thought, well it's a Sofitel, it'll be great. As other reviewers said, it's not what I consider a 5 star hotel. It was small and room was not particularly luxurious. Bathroom mirror was peeling and toiletries were "Balmain Paris" which I thought oh it'll be quality - so I used it when I normally use my own toiletries. Later I read the bottle and it's made in China!!! Acckkkkk! Like even a Renaissance which is a 4 star hotel uses Aveda ... c'mon... don't skimp on the toiletries in a "luxury" hotel.... I didn't mind the $65 valet bc I know DC parking is pricey. Location was decent (the reason I booked here) - we were walking distance to the White House, National Mall, all the Memorials. Staff was friendly and the beds/down pillows were very comfortable. Aside from that though, it was not up to the quality of a 5 star hotel.

    Lynda W.

    I enjoyed my 3 night stay at this hotel. The location is perfect for walking to the Smithsonian Museums and the monuments. It is convenient to the Red, Blue and Yellow Metro lines. The bathroom was stocked with Lanvin toiletries which I liked. The rooms are a good size and nicely decorated. The technology is up to date with WiFi working well. The tv had a wide selection of cable channels but no HBO. I was happy to see Google Chromecast on the tv so I could watch my favorite apps and programs cast from my phone. The one significant area I wasn't thrilled with was the check in. My room was not ready when I arrived. The clerk was extremely slow and wasted a lot of my time. I received a call when I could check in and was told that my luggage would be sent to my room. It never arrived so I had to go down and get it myself. It was on the floor behind the front desk and the attendant was conversing with the desk clerk. No offer of help. If I could award half stars, I would grant 3.5 rather than 4.

    Beautiful digs
    Bill S.

    Ooh la la! Walking into Sofitel Lafayette Square, the hotel air smells like a L'Occitane. What a joy it was to stay at this hotel. Knowing what I know about DC, I parked across the street. The hotel valet charges a fortune, mamma didn't raise no dummys! Walking into the lobby and checking in, its very chic. The one thing I noticed, there isn't anything complementary. I saw some hot water but no tea bags? It would of been nice to have a large jug of ice water with lemon slices? Get on that Sofitel, I'm an idea man. This hotel is in a prime location. I left my car in the garage, there was no need for any type of driving during my stay. Restaurants and shopping? All within the area. Public transportation? Boom, very close. Uber pick up, there are two entrances so make sure you tell the driver where you'll be. Walking into our room, its all new. The bathroom looks spotless, there is a tub as well as a standup shower. The bed was soooo comfy and the closets were also large and in charge. Once we put our stuff away and settled in, we went outside to relax on the street patio. I went to Total Wine, bought a cigar and some drinks for my wife and I to indulge before dinner at Joes Crabs across the street. My French-Canadian wife enjoys being greeting in French. That's the allure with the Sofitel Lafayette Square Hotel. Its secret is the high quality bath fixtures, soft sheets and great customer service. If we had more time, I would have liked to dine here but there is too much in the area. I walked a block away and went to Zekes for coffee & breakfast. Whatever your choice may be, you can't go wrong with the Sofitel Lafayette Square hotel.

    Bathroom sink. LAVIN PARIS amenities.
    Annie L.

    Beautiful hotel with an European flair. This hotel is a listed a member of the Historic Hotel of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. I took my husband here for his birthday weekend of August 3rd & 4th. After a red eyed flight from San Francisco, we arrived in DC at 10am and decided to see if we can check in early. A wonderful doorman greeted us and held the door opened for us. Not only were we able to check in early (without a fee!), we were very pleased with the service and swiftness at the counter. Feel free to look at all the plentiful photos that I took of our room below! ROOM: A king size bed, not much of a view. View of a side building. Very clean, modern, tastefully decorated, with lots of space for 2 people. Room included a large bathroom with both a walk in shower and bathtub. LANVIN PARIS Body lotion, Shampoo and Conditioner which smells soo good! The whole room smelled fresh like a fragrance counter. Large bed, plush pillows. 2 complimentary water bottles for us. Coffee maker, flat screen TV. Closet with a safe. Artwork of Paris and the Eiffle Tower (wish our hotel in Paris has half as good as this!) as well as artwork of DC. Sunday morning, I woke up and ordered room service from the restaurant downstairs, Opaline Bar & Brasserie. I ordered scrambled eggs and French Toast. What a treat, breakfast was delicious with 2 small bottles of glass maple syrup (a touch that I only received at Bellagio Las Vegas, glass jams). The best part was the walk ability score to the White House, Museums, Parks, Restaurants, etc. Wonderful stay and would not hesitate to recommend this hotel to anyone!

    Water stains
    Jess G.

    Honestly not the best and not up to Accor standards. My husband and myself came here to celebrate or anniversary. I used a suite upgrade and was excited to come spend time here. Our suite was facing the back of another building with not view at all which made me a little sad. The couch was stained and dirty and there were water spots on the ceiling. Cons: Lousily suite No specials occasion extras Expensive parking (expected in DC) Hot and stuffy bedding No rooftop area Pros: Location Good bar/bartenders Location

    Coffee stand and fridge area

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    We really liked this hotel and the location is nicely located. Had cold water one day for a shower but other then that the room was nice

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    Excellent location, courteous staff and a very clean stay. Pricy but you can find good deals.

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    Page 1 of 7

    Ask the Community - Sofitel Lafayette Square Washington DC

    Is there room with deep soaking tub and also refrigerator in the room?

    Yes and yes. The bathrooms are roomy and amazing. The fridge is small, but tucked in the entertainment center in the living room portion of the suite. Very nice room.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Sofitel Lafayette Square Washington DC

    The hotel is ideally located behind the White House and close to most of the major tourist attractions.

    Mentioned in 58 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    InterContinental The Willard Washington D.C - Main tea area

    InterContinental The Willard Washington D.C

    (411 reviews)

    $$$

    I came here for an Afternoon Tea Etiquette Class and It was beautiful!…read more The interior was gorgeous and elegant! And they also had a cherry blossom tree w/ a bench inside for you to take pictures. They also have a restaurant that does Tea Service at 1pm and 3pm which I recommend my ladies to check out if you haven't already. In regard to parking, they have a parking garage in the basement but It is VALET ONLY. I asked the receptionist and she Indicated that room prices vary depending on the season but on average they are about $700 - $800 per night.

    My husband and I were chasing a Home Alone 2 fantasy. Lost in New York energy, but in DC. Christmas…read morerobes. Snacks packed. Jenny Lind Suite booked. That jetted tub was supposed to earn its keep. The room: genuinely beautiful. The technology: aggressively dated. The vibe: a 90s time capsule, complete with missing doorknobs. There was effort here, but it felt like the hotel was holding its breath, afraid any real investment might trigger the next recession. What they got right: The bellhops were fantastic. Warm, personable, fun. Truly the highlight. Most staff we interacted with were polite and willing to help, which made the gaps elsewhere even more confusing. What they got wrong (beyond the dated room and tech): For a hotel that loudly advertises luxury service, the customer experience fell flat. Outside of the arrival bowl of fruit, nothing felt elevated. Night two, we ordered pizza and planned a cozy Home Alone movie night. The technology made streaming impossible. Fine, cable it is. We called the concierge and asked for two plates. Just two. The answer was a flat no. We were told to walk down to the lobby restaurant and see if they might have plates "to spare." I'm sorry, what? The next morning, room service arrived... with someone else's order. It was corrected, but for a luxury hotel, that kind of miss is surprising. Housekeeping came through, but only halfway. The coffee and minibar were never restocked. In a suite. At a luxury hotel. This is table stakes. At 9:30 PM we stopped by the lobby circle bar. It was immediately clear the bartenders did not want to be there. I get it, service work is hard. Still, opening our interaction by warning us about last call at 11 set a strange tone. By 10:00, one bartender disappeared for 45 minutes. No refills. No check-in. No bill. Breaks are important. Coverage is also important, especially when you're selling a premium experience. Beyond the bellhops, much of the staff felt irritated to be present. Front desk to concierge, the energy was less "historic luxury hotel" and more "counting down the minutes." The hotel was also clearly prioritizing weekend tea and brunch revenue, to the point that the historic lobby was clogged with extra tables and largely unusable for actual hotel guests. Bottom line: this was not a luxury experience, and I would not recommend it. I'm only posting this publicly because I reached out directly to hotel management and never received a response. At that point, a review feels necessary.

    JW Marriott Washington, DC

    JW Marriott Washington, DC

    (493 reviews)

    $$$

    I was here for my child's Scripps bee. Everything about this hotel is stellar from the check-in to…read morethe amenities. Everything is within walking distance. I would definitely come here whenever I visit DC

    From check in to check out everything was smooth. Our room, though small, did not feel cramped…read more Everything was clean and tidy. Too bad stored blankets were unavailable for sleepers wanting more warmth than their traveling companions. We had to make a second request for one. May I also suggest providing more than one bar of mini soap bars. It's such a minuscule cost item but would obviate having to repeatedly move the precious one bar from sink to shower. We found the valet staff particularly helpful especially when navigating awkward arrivals and parking needs of our personal guests. Sean was a prince. He supervised an otherwise complicated set of logistics with competence and gentlemanly grace. Another shout out to the manager ( sou?) of the breakfast dining. We watched him rigorously oversee staff and guests while occasionally stepping in when helpful. His leadership is likely responsible for the professionalism of said staff. This is in direct contrast to the staff of the Willard across the street where we took the first breakfast of our stay. We were dismayed to have to endure extremely loud staff socializing, boisterous laughter and downright flirting. This type of behavior would have been unacceptable at the JWMarriott. This experience alone confirms our future choice of Marriott over Willard for annual DC visits.

    Conrad Washington DC - Sakura Lounge

    Conrad Washington DC

    (183 reviews)

    $$$

    Downtown

    Wonderful service from the first minute to the last. Great food as well. Staff deserve all the…read morecredit for their amazing hospitality.

    Our stay at the Conrad Washington, DC was one of the most meaningful hotel experiences I've ever…read morehad--not just for me, but as a parent. Traveling can be exhausting, and during our stay, my son Colin often went down to the bar and restaurant on his own in the evenings and mornings. What stood out to me wasn't just the quality of the food or service--it was how the staff treated him. Every single time, he was met with kindness, respect, and genuine warmth. He ordered his meals, sat comfortably, enjoyed his time, and never once felt awkward or out of place. The staff made sure he had what he needed, checked in on him naturally, and created an environment where he felt completely at ease. As a parent, that level of care is something you never forget. For me, the experience was just as special. Corey, the bartender, was exceptional. Each evening, he made sure I had exactly what I wanted, when I wanted it, and engaged in thoughtful, easy conversation that made the space feel welcoming and safe. It wasn't just service--it was connection, and it made a long, tiring trip feel restorative. This hotel doesn't just deliver luxury--it delivers humanity. The staff understands how to read people, how to make guests feel comfortable, and how to create an atmosphere where everyone feels like they belong. I've stayed in many beautiful hotels, but this experience stands apart because of how we were treated as people. Thank you to the entire team--and especially Corey--for making this such a memorable stay. We will absolutely be back.

    Waldorf Astoria Washington DC - Exterior

    Waldorf Astoria Washington DC

    (150 reviews)

    $$$

    Federal Triangle

    Had afternoon tea in Peacock Alley of Waldorf Astoria DC. Absolutely gorgeous; the architecture and…read moredecoration. Cherry blossom tree/decor! Live harpist! Service was excellent. Complimentary champagne (Veuve cliquot yellow label) was provided. You get to select one tea and each person gets their own pot. - Picked cherry blossom green tea; enjoyed the floral taste. There was a variety of savory and sweet bites. - My top savory ones: crab beignet & chicken cherryaki - unique/delicious - confit duck was ok, brisket corn roll was my least favorite - Scones: liked the black sesame caramel more than lychee rose (can eat without any jam or curd) - the black sesame scone paired well with the cherry blossom jam/Devonshire cream/yuzu mint curd - Sweets: faves were yuzu strawberry tea cake, hojicha cherry opera torte, & Sakura rice shortbread - matcha tartremet & Sakura yokan were ok The snacks were super filling! Left the hotel feeling super full. I hope to experience another afternoon tea at the Waldorf Astoria!

    Enjoyed a beautiful afternoon tea service here during cherry blossom season to celebrate my…read morebachelorette. The vibes are opulent- the Peacock Alley is located in the grand lobby, which is massive and airy with a glass ceiling overhead to let in tons of natural light. A harpist also set the mood beautifully, but they didn't stay for very long- they maybe stayed about 30 minutes past our 3:30pm tea appointment. Tea services are offered at 12:00 noon and 3:30pm. The central cherry blossom tree is the showstopper, and the main reason I chose the Waldorf for our afternoon tea. I had heard that there are several cherry blossom-themed afternoon teas all over DC that may have better food options, but this was the only one with decor this grand. My main concern was with our seating. I had called ahead of time to ask if they could accommodate my group to have a close seating location close to the cherry blossom tree due to our special occasion. The staff assured me during two separate calls that they would be able to accommodate our request, but upon getting seated, we were seated in the far corner by the bar. It is true that there is a fair view of the cherry blossom tree everywhere in the lobby, but I was disappointed at our far vantage point given the fact that I had called to confirm a close spot to the cherry blossom tree twice in advance. This is because I wanted to originally schedule the premium experience (premium seating, champagne, and fine china), but it was not available to groups larger than 4 and we were a group of 6. The service was otherwise perfectly fine and the portions of food were generous and tasty. We were all definitely full after finishing our savory bites. Our collective favorites were the chicken cherryaki and crab beignet bites, but we all appreciated the diverse offerings. We also had a friend with a peanut allergy dining with us, and they accommodated her easily by separating her pastries onto a separate tiered tray. It looks like the only item with a possible nut allergen was the crab beignet (her version had tofu). Despite the mild issues with seating, the experience was gorgeous. As a cherry blossom lover, I can see myself doing this every time I'm back in town. - Ambiance: 5/5 - Service: 4/5 - Food: 4/5

    Residence Inn by Marriott Washington, DC Downtown - This corner is set up for "elite members" next to the front desk.  Pretty underwhelming.

    Residence Inn by Marriott Washington, DC Downtown

    (143 reviews)

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    Loved everything about this hotel! I recently stayed here…read morewhile working a conference. The room was spacious with a full kitchenette. The bed was comfy and the bathroom was also a nice size. They had a restaurant onsite with good food and drinks! Also there was a free continental breakfast in a separate area which I took full advantage of. The hotel also had a business center which was convenient. And most importantly, the staff were all amazing. Everyone I spoke with was helpful and kind. I would definitely recommend staying here.

    I would agree with the other reviews that this property is located in an accessible part of…read moredowntown DC. Most tourist attractions are a short uber ride away. There is a CVS store that is located in the same building so that's convenient if you're traveling light and need to pick up some toiletries. Room was simple and had all the basics. Full kitchen with all the essentials -- full fridge, microwave, stove, plates, bowls, eating utensils, etc. so ideal for guests who have an extended stay. Had a corner suite (room 411) so it was a bit more spacious but the view was unusual -- my view was directly of a conference room for a company next door. Hilarious to open up the curtains to see 15 people convening in the conference room. Front desk staff were nice. Bought a couple of Voss waters from their mini mart next to the front desk @ $12 plus tax each.

    Sofitel Lafayette Square Washington DC - hotels - Updated July 2026

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