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We booked a staycation here & it was really nice. The front desk service at the hotel was great, prompt and attentive. We received a welcome drink, including beer, wine, or soft beverage. Our room service was nice & timely, the pancakes were the only downfall -- the chicken sausage, banana bread, potatoes, and eggs were all fine. Dogon Restaurant -- We've been to Dogon before and really enjoyed it. This time around there was a delay in receiving our food, so we ordered rolls to try to hold us over. The waiter did show love with offering us drinks for the wait... unfortunately our entree of the jollof rice was not pictured bc we were that hungry by the time it came out I forgot. The jollof was flavorful, the coco bread is a must, and the Ben's bowl was decent. We enjoyed the Hoe Crab as an appetizer better than the Ben's bowl during our first visit. The spa was nice for the day pass of $38, I believe, per person. I saw online that it would have been included for customers that actually stay here, but just be mindful that it's an additional fee if you don't have a service booked. It includes the whirlpool, sauna, and steam room. Only the indoor pool is included with customers that stay without spa services.
I expect the big things from a good hotel, like a comfy bed, clean room, nice lobby. The Salamander gets all that right, but what made my stay were the little things that quietly say, "someone actually thought about this. Give them a raise!" The lobby soundtrack casually bouncing from Chaka Khan to Aaliyah to Frank Ocean like it's my own curated Spotify playlist. Lighted closet bar racks so you can actually see what you packed. A phone holder next to the magnifying mirror in the bathroom (genius for getting-ready multitasking). Bedside light controls so you're not playing gymnastics to turn off the lamp. Then there's Matthew, the bartender, who improvised a "Matthew Cunningham Special" for me that I think included tequila, ginger beer, grenadine, juice, and somehow made it taste like vacation in a glass. The bell staff and front desk were the kind of friendly that feels genuine, not scripted. Add in cozy slippers, a Nespresso machine, a separate soaking tub, and beautiful DC artwork that reminds you how lucky we are to have this city... and suddenly it's the small details doing the heavy lifting. Luxury isn't always loud. Sometimes it's just really, really thoughtful. And after reading Sheila Johnson's book, I left not just impressed with the hotel, but proud of the woman behind it.
The hotel was absolutely beautiful and its location to the wharf and walking trails made this a wonderful stay. Front desk staff doormen concierge and restaurant staff were wonderful. I was attempting to visit the spa and treat a family member to a well deserved retirement gift however the staff was NOT in alignment with the rest of the hotel. Don't go there. For this I would give 4.5 Overall absolutely wonderful hotel.
This review is strictly for the Presidential Afternoon Tea in the lounge. We did not stay at the hotel. Presentation of the tea sandwiches, dessert, and scones were lovely. The food was enjoyable and plentiful. The variety of teas available were very nice and sparkling wine is included. My personal experience with Afternoon Tea service at DC hotels is that service is non-existent. We received a friendly welcome and were brought our beverages and food eventually but that's where service ceased. We attempted to get the attention of a server (they didn't seem to be assigned specific tables) because we were not provided with cream, sugar, or teaspoons with our tea service nor were we asked if we wanted any. Getting these items proved challenging. We had to ask three times for a to-go box. We were not the only table experiencing these issues. Management needs to take a look at the flow of service and provide appropriate training for a streamlined process that is efficient and customer oriented.
The Salamander Hotel is fabulous!! My former office was next door when the hotel was being built and initially named, Mandarin Oriental. Nearby offices were invited to take a tour and it was absolutely lovely then and even better now! My husband surprised me with a few nights here to celebrate my birthday. Top notch service from start to finish! We were thoroughly impressed! Our room faced the Potomac River, with a lovely view of the Jefferson Memorial! Our room was spotless, with a comfortable bed, large television, and a lovely seating area. The bathroom included a huge shower stall and a large soaking tub. Plenty of room for two people to navigate. The closet was pretty fancy and had plenty of room. Whenever you open the door, a light comes on, so you don't have to navigate in the dark. All the lights, throughout the room are operated by a control panel, conveniently located bedside. Room service was impeccable, the staff we encountered were complete professionals and very helpful. The food was delicious and we enjoyed every bit of it. They have a critically acclaimed restaurant/lounge in the hotel, but we didn't get a chance to try it out. Book ahead on Resy, because they're pretty popular. If you enjoy sightseeing and visiting museums, this hotel is located perfectly in the heart of the city. We're from here and the government is shutdown, so no visiting museums or other notable tourist attractions are open. All and all, this was a wonderful and restful getaway in a delightful and classy hotel.
This hotel was great. There was a nice lounge area in the lobby that had great champagne. We had champagne almost every night. Our room was really good, it was a nice setup. Our housekeeper wasn't the best, she didn't pay attention to detail. Our shower gel was empty we had to go to the lobby to get another bottle and not once did the housekeeper try to replace the old bottle with the new one, she left it on the ledge in the tub. When she replaced our coffee she forgot to replace the sugar and creamer so we had to call the front desk. Since this is suppose to be a 5 star resort/hotel - housekeeping didn't demonstrate that. The heated pool and gym was a hit. A nice lounge around the pool where you can relax and maybe read a book. Overall this was a great hotel with an awesome waterfront view. The valet parking was expensive but there was parking on the Street but you have to pay the meter. I would definitely stay at Salamander again.
Great night away! We stayed here and saw a show at the Kennedy Center. The lobby is beautiful and a great place to sit and grab a drink! Our room was lovely with a view of the Wharf and the Jefferson memorial! I enjoyed the marble tub for a luxurious bath! The bed was comfortable but the sheets were a little scratchy. Skio the breakfast buffet- it's convenient but I hate when a nice place serves the powdered eggs! I'd rather fund a cute cafe next time. Would love to go back and visit the spa!
We had a phenomenal time at this beautiful resort. From the exterior to the interior of the resort, every detail was lovely! Our room was beautiful with a water view. We loved the amenities and tech in the rooms! The entire staff was so nice and welcoming. We had never stayed with Salamander Hotels before. Will absolutely recommend these resorts to friends and family. Looking forward to coming back!! The only downside I could see for people is the noise. Hallways were quite noisy. We personally are heavy sleepers and didn't have issues. However, if you are a light sleeper, it might be worth bringing a small sound machine. We loved the complimentary bikes. We do think they were a little hard to ride because of the skinny tires and very uneven streets in DC. We think E-Bikes or maybe just a tire upgrade would be beneficial! Loved the robes and slippers, the rooms were beautiful. Bed was amazing and so comfortable. Great food and room service! We loved it here.
I recently had a staycation at the Salamander and it was amazing! I booked through AMEX travel for the stay and booked the spa treatment online directly through the Salamander website. The spa experience was amazing - it is tucked away inside of the hotel and has two levels. I had an early week appointment in the morning and there weren't many others in the shared spa areas which made for a very relaxing experience. I had the Zen body experience and throughly enjoyed. I also experienced the dry sauna and vitality pool which was very clean and relaxing. The staff frequently cleans the areas and removes towels, etc to keep the areas clean. It was easy to check in and the staff was courteous and honored my AMEX benefits which was nice. I stayed in a king bedroom with waterfront view (upgraded through my AMEX benefits) and the room was bright, airy, and clean. There is 24 hour room service and I ordered a late night pizza and it was delivered within 30 minutes. The water pressure in the bathroom was good in both the shower and tub and the water gets very hot (which I personally enjoy). I did also utilize the gym (new gym equipment and all the machines and accessories for various types of movement and activity) and indoor pool area. The only thing taking away from my experience was the amount of younger guests during my stay (which I know cannot be controlled) however lounging in the pool area was not as relaxing and during breakfast there were younger guests open mouthed coughing in the buffet line and touching the utensils so there were just some food items I did not feel comfortable eating. Overall I had a great stay and would definitely stay again, recommend for out of town guests, or to visit for the spa experience alone. Valet was $86 to park overnight as of 4/7 $$$
The afternoon tea experience definitely wasn't worth the price. Based on the online advertising, you would expect the restaurant area to have some type of holiday decor. The service was not great at all. I had to ask other waiters for assistance because ours rarely checked on us. They ran out of the tea that we wanted and the pasties and sandwiches were mediocre. Gratuity was already included which sucked because the experience wasn't everything I expected.
Bingo! Mandarine Oriental had a major facelift as one would expect when the sophisticated and sleek Salamander property owners swoop in. We've frequented the charming resort in Middleburg so had an idea what this new location could present, and boy it did not disappoint. A city version of luxury, with a beautiful lobby bar, INCREDIBLE restaurant and lush guest rooms. Bonus - they have a spa and it is a must. The massage was a 10/10 however, the waiting area is a bit underwhelming. Probably the only meh moment during our stay. Outside of that, anytime you're considering a staycation, book it at the Salamander!
Not sure why, but I had high hopes for the Spring Afternoon Tea at Salamander, but what I received was deeply disappointing--especially for the $115 price point. It was marketed as a curated, high-end experience, but in reality, it felt like an afterthought in the hotel lounge. To begin, the service was nearly nonexistent. I sat for over 10 minutes before anyone greeted me. I had to ask for water and was given ice water without being asked for a preference--no still, sparkling, or even a simple "what would you like?" No one walked me through the teas or explained any part of the experience. The first tea I ordered--a green tea--was served in a French press with way too many loose leaves, making it incredibly bitter and undrinkable. When I asked to try something else, I was brought a chamomile tea in a pot--with a tea bag. No one explained the teas, the quality, or even acknowledged the difference in presentation. For $115, that is unacceptable. What made matters worse: the food served didn't match the menu. I requested the non-meat/fish/seafood option, and what arrived was completely different--with no explanation or acknowledgment of substitutions. The three-tier tray of treats was mid at best. The lounge itself was loud, with an NBA game playing in the background--not the peaceful, elegant setting expected from afternoon tea. There were even crumbs under the table from previous guests. I asked to speak with a manager, who came over briefly, acted like he cared, and never returned. As a Black-owned luxury hotel, I expected far more care and intentionality. This felt rushed, thoughtless, and overpriced. What was marketed as a refined tea service turned out to be lounge food and basic tea bags dressed up with a premium price tag. One star because I have to put something. Please listen to the reviews about the Afternoon Tea. Save your money. Salamander missed the mark in every way that matters.
Not even close to a 5-Star property. Every position needs retrained in hospitality and managerial oversight. We booked a Marina View One Bedroom Suite for well over $1000 a night for the Cherry Blossom Festival, we were placed in suite 401. The carpet was absolutely filthy, multiple big stains, and it will turn your white socks gray if you walked around without shoes. After seeing the photos ,the front desk clerk said that the room should have never been turned over by housekeeping and a manager would meet us in the room in 30 minutes. 45 minutes later the manager called the room with promises that were never delivered. Front desk would not connect me to a manager so we went to the front desk and demanded a refund and we left as fast as we could. Save yourself aggravation and money by staying anywhere else than here.
If you are looking for an amazing luxurious stay in DC, this is your place. Formally the Mandarin Oriental, it was purchased and rebranded under the Salamander portfolio and an extension of their Middleburg flagshio property. While this location is sometimes a world away from the Middleburg persona and experience, it still maintains the same austerity and could very well be seen as a muse of the former. This is my favorite place to stay whenever I come to town. The customer service is top notch, and the rooms are what I would consider cozy luxury. The bathrooms are amazing, with their marble facade throughout. If you're lucky to land one with a soaking tub, take advantage and ask for some bath salts to enjoy to your experience. Room service is prompt (and yes, they still offer cookies if you ask!) and really provides shows that they take customer service seriously. The pool and spa are probably the stars of the show in my opinion. The pool is amazing and the oerfect temperature. Great for the kids or for swimming laps. You can even just go and enjoy the view and ambiance. It won't disappoint. As this is a premium property, parking is expensive but you get what you pay for. There is usually a taxi that provides service to the neighboring national mall or to the southwest waterfront, but both are also within walking distance. Definitely make a reservation for Dogon while staying here - it's an epicurean experience you won't want to miss. read more
I'm reviewing the afternoon tea. This was a fantastic experience! I really appreciate the commitment to attentive service and adherence to meeting my dietary restrictions. They also gave me sparkling apple cider instead of champagne because I don't drink alcohol. They modified some of the food options to ensure that I didn't get any meat and gave us two separate stands so there wasn't any cross-contamination. The food was better than I expected. I enjoyed the smoked salmon and the tart. All the desserts were good, but the cake they gave me for my birthday was the best. Decadent and rich! The teas were flavorful and refreshing. I enjoyed the black currant tea the most. The scone was the most disappointing item because it was very dry. Yuck. read more
This review is actually for two separate stays at the hotel. One on Memorial Day weekend and other in mid June. The hotel is beautiful and comfortable. The room was clean and up to par for its grade. However the experience at the lounges for dinner and breakfast leaves something to desire. Let's start with the dinner experience. We ordered a number of dishes - a lamb rack and wings, a goat cheesecake and 2 drinks for a party of 2. The food was good but nothing to write home about. I removed a star because of the service. Our main waitress was ok but was way too stretched. What really tipped the scale was when we requested a steak knife, the waiter went to the drawer, picked up a knife then ran his bare fingers along the sides. Alternatively, he could've taken a napkin to do so, minding the hygiene issue of his bare hands. The redeeming factor was the response of the manager - he responded attentively and professionally and that was appreciated. The second experience at the lounge was a breakfast for 4. The service was slow and chaotic. They preferred buffet but we opted for à la carte. In fairness, we were given warning that it might take a little bit of time but we chose it as we were not in a hurry. However the wait time to be seated was super long. They didn't open the marina room for the amount of guests and the lobby was overflowing with both people waiting to be seated and those waiting for check in/check out service. They ended up having to extend breakfast time in order to accommodate the guests. May need to visit staffing and operating hours. read more
2 months ago
We booked a staycation here & it was really nice. The front desk service at the hotel was great, prompt and attentive. We received a welcome drink, including beer, wine, or soft beverage. Our room service was nice & timely, the pancakes were the only downfall -- the chicken sausage, banana bread, potatoes, and eggs were all fine. Dogon Restaurant -- We've been to Dogon before and really enjoyed it. This time around there was a delay in receiving our food, so we ordered rolls to try to hold us over. The waiter did show love with offering us drinks for the wait... unfortunately our entree of the jollof rice was not pictured bc we were that hungry by the time it came out I forgot. The jollof was flavorful, the coco bread is a must, and the Ben's bowl was decent. We enjoyed the Hoe Crab as an appetizer better than the Ben's bowl during our first visit. The spa was nice for the day pass of $38, I believe, per person. I saw online that it would have been included for customers that actually stay here, but just be mindful that it's an additional fee if you don't have a service booked. It includes the whirlpool, sauna, and steam room. Only the indoor pool is included with customers that stay without spa services. read more
I expect the big things from a good hotel, like a comfy bed, clean room, nice lobby. The Salamander gets all that right, but what made my stay were the little things that quietly say, "someone actually thought about this. Give them a raise!" The lobby soundtrack casually bouncing from Chaka Khan to Aaliyah to Frank Ocean like it's my own curated Spotify playlist. Lighted closet bar racks so you can actually see what you packed. A phone holder next to the magnifying mirror in the bathroom (genius for getting-ready multitasking). Bedside light controls so you're not playing gymnastics to turn off the lamp. Then there's Matthew, the bartender, who improvised a "Matthew Cunningham Special" for me that I think included tequila, ginger beer, grenadine, juice, and somehow made it taste like vacation in a glass. The bell staff and front desk were the kind of friendly that feels genuine, not scripted. Add in cozy slippers, a Nespresso machine, a separate soaking tub, and beautiful DC artwork that reminds you how lucky we are to have this city... and suddenly it's the small details doing the heavy lifting. Luxury isn't always loud. Sometimes it's just really, really thoughtful. And after reading Sheila Johnson's book, I left not just impressed with the hotel, but proud of the woman behind it. read more
2 months ago
The hotel was absolutely beautiful and its location to the wharf and walking trails made this a wonderful stay. Front desk staff doormen concierge and restaurant staff were wonderful. I was attempting to visit the spa and treat a family member to a well deserved retirement gift however the staff was NOT in alignment with the rest of the hotel. Don't go there. For this I would give 4.5 Overall absolutely wonderful hotel. read more
This review is strictly for the Presidential Afternoon Tea in the lounge. We did not stay at the hotel. Presentation of the tea sandwiches, dessert, and scones were lovely. The food was enjoyable and plentiful. The variety of teas available were very nice and sparkling wine is included. My personal experience with Afternoon Tea service at DC hotels is that service is non-existent. We received a friendly welcome and were brought our beverages and food eventually but that's where service ceased. We attempted to get the attention of a server (they didn't seem to be assigned specific tables) because we were not provided with cream, sugar, or teaspoons with our tea service nor were we asked if we wanted any. Getting these items proved challenging. We had to ask three times for a to-go box. We were not the only table experiencing these issues. Management needs to take a look at the flow of service and provide appropriate training for a streamlined process that is efficient and customer oriented. read more
2 months ago
The Salamander Hotel is fabulous!! My former office was next door when the hotel was being built and initially named, Mandarin Oriental. Nearby offices were invited to take a tour and it was absolutely lovely then and even better now! My husband surprised me with a few nights here to celebrate my birthday. Top notch service from start to finish! We were thoroughly impressed! Our room faced the Potomac River, with a lovely view of the Jefferson Memorial! Our room was spotless, with a comfortable bed, large television, and a lovely seating area. The bathroom included a huge shower stall and a large soaking tub. Plenty of room for two people to navigate. The closet was pretty fancy and had plenty of room. Whenever you open the door, a light comes on, so you don't have to navigate in the dark. All the lights, throughout the room are operated by a control panel, conveniently located bedside. Room service was impeccable, the staff we encountered were complete professionals and very helpful. The food was delicious and we enjoyed every bit of it. They have a critically acclaimed restaurant/lounge in the hotel, but we didn't get a chance to try it out. Book ahead on Resy, because they're pretty popular. If you enjoy sightseeing and visiting museums, this hotel is located perfectly in the heart of the city. We're from here and the government is shutdown, so no visiting museums or other notable tourist attractions are open. All and all, this was a wonderful and restful getaway in a delightful and classy hotel. read more
9 months ago
This hotel was great. There was a nice lounge area in the lobby that had great champagne. We had champagne almost every night. Our room was really good, it was a nice setup. Our housekeeper wasn't the best, she didn't pay attention to detail. Our shower gel was empty we had to go to the lobby to get another bottle and not once did the housekeeper try to replace the old bottle with the new one, she left it on the ledge in the tub. When she replaced our coffee she forgot to replace the sugar and creamer so we had to call the front desk. Since this is suppose to be a 5 star resort/hotel - housekeeping didn't demonstrate that. The heated pool and gym was a hit. A nice lounge around the pool where you can relax and maybe read a book. Overall this was a great hotel with an awesome waterfront view. The valet parking was expensive but there was parking on the Street but you have to pay the meter. I would definitely stay at Salamander again. read more
Great night away! We stayed here and saw a show at the Kennedy Center. The lobby is beautiful and a great place to sit and grab a drink! Our room was lovely with a view of the Wharf and the Jefferson memorial! I enjoyed the marble tub for a luxurious bath! The bed was comfortable but the sheets were a little scratchy. Skio the breakfast buffet- it's convenient but I hate when a nice place serves the powdered eggs! I'd rather fund a cute cafe next time. Would love to go back and visit the spa! read more
We had a phenomenal time at this beautiful resort. From the exterior to the interior of the resort, every detail was lovely! Our room was beautiful with a water view. We loved the amenities and tech in the rooms! The entire staff was so nice and welcoming. We had never stayed with Salamander Hotels before. Will absolutely recommend these resorts to friends and family. Looking forward to coming back!! The only downside I could see for people is the noise. Hallways were quite noisy. We personally are heavy sleepers and didn't have issues. However, if you are a light sleeper, it might be worth bringing a small sound machine. We loved the complimentary bikes. We do think they were a little hard to ride because of the skinny tires and very uneven streets in DC. We think E-Bikes or maybe just a tire upgrade would be beneficial! Loved the robes and slippers, the rooms were beautiful. Bed was amazing and so comfortable. Great food and room service! We loved it here. read more
4 months ago
I recently had a staycation at the Salamander and it was amazing! I booked through AMEX travel for the stay and booked the spa treatment online directly through the Salamander website. The spa experience was amazing - it is tucked away inside of the hotel and has two levels. I had an early week appointment in the morning and there weren't many others in the shared spa areas which made for a very relaxing experience. I had the Zen body experience and throughly enjoyed. I also experienced the dry sauna and vitality pool which was very clean and relaxing. The staff frequently cleans the areas and removes towels, etc to keep the areas clean. It was easy to check in and the staff was courteous and honored my AMEX benefits which was nice. I stayed in a king bedroom with waterfront view (upgraded through my AMEX benefits) and the room was bright, airy, and clean. There is 24 hour room service and I ordered a late night pizza and it was delivered within 30 minutes. The water pressure in the bathroom was good in both the shower and tub and the water gets very hot (which I personally enjoy). I did also utilize the gym (new gym equipment and all the machines and accessories for various types of movement and activity) and indoor pool area. The only thing taking away from my experience was the amount of younger guests during my stay (which I know cannot be controlled) however lounging in the pool area was not as relaxing and during breakfast there were younger guests open mouthed coughing in the buffet line and touching the utensils so there were just some food items I did not feel comfortable eating. Overall I had a great stay and would definitely stay again, recommend for out of town guests, or to visit for the spa experience alone. Valet was $86 to park overnight as of 4/7 $$$ read more
2 months ago
8 months ago
The afternoon tea experience definitely wasn't worth the price. Based on the online advertising, you would expect the restaurant area to have some type of holiday decor. The service was not great at all. I had to ask other waiters for assistance because ours rarely checked on us. They ran out of the tea that we wanted and the pasties and sandwiches were mediocre. Gratuity was already included which sucked because the experience wasn't everything I expected. read more
Bingo! Mandarine Oriental had a major facelift as one would expect when the sophisticated and sleek Salamander property owners swoop in. We've frequented the charming resort in Middleburg so had an idea what this new location could present, and boy it did not disappoint. A city version of luxury, with a beautiful lobby bar, INCREDIBLE restaurant and lush guest rooms. Bonus - they have a spa and it is a must. The massage was a 10/10 however, the waiting area is a bit underwhelming. Probably the only meh moment during our stay. Outside of that, anytime you're considering a staycation, book it at the Salamander! read more
1 year ago
Not sure why, but I had high hopes for the Spring Afternoon Tea at Salamander, but what I received was deeply disappointing--especially for the $115 price point. It was marketed as a curated, high-end experience, but in reality, it felt like an afterthought in the hotel lounge. To begin, the service was nearly nonexistent. I sat for over 10 minutes before anyone greeted me. I had to ask for water and was given ice water without being asked for a preference--no still, sparkling, or even a simple "what would you like?" No one walked me through the teas or explained any part of the experience. The first tea I ordered--a green tea--was served in a French press with way too many loose leaves, making it incredibly bitter and undrinkable. When I asked to try something else, I was brought a chamomile tea in a pot--with a tea bag. No one explained the teas, the quality, or even acknowledged the difference in presentation. For $115, that is unacceptable. What made matters worse: the food served didn't match the menu. I requested the non-meat/fish/seafood option, and what arrived was completely different--with no explanation or acknowledgment of substitutions. The three-tier tray of treats was mid at best. The lounge itself was loud, with an NBA game playing in the background--not the peaceful, elegant setting expected from afternoon tea. There were even crumbs under the table from previous guests. I asked to speak with a manager, who came over briefly, acted like he cared, and never returned. As a Black-owned luxury hotel, I expected far more care and intentionality. This felt rushed, thoughtless, and overpriced. What was marketed as a refined tea service turned out to be lounge food and basic tea bags dressed up with a premium price tag. One star because I have to put something. Please listen to the reviews about the Afternoon Tea. Save your money. Salamander missed the mark in every way that matters. read more
4 months ago
Not even close to a 5-Star property. Every position needs retrained in hospitality and managerial oversight. We booked a Marina View One Bedroom Suite for well over $1000 a night for the Cherry Blossom Festival, we were placed in suite 401. The carpet was absolutely filthy, multiple big stains, and it will turn your white socks gray if you walked around without shoes. After seeing the photos ,the front desk clerk said that the room should have never been turned over by housekeeping and a manager would meet us in the room in 30 minutes. 45 minutes later the manager called the room with promises that were never delivered. Front desk would not connect me to a manager so we went to the front desk and demanded a refund and we left as fast as we could. Save yourself aggravation and money by staying anywhere else than here. read more
Came here for breakfast/lunch. Arrived at 10:45 and was sat at 10:52. They told us we could order breakfast. Server finally came to take our order at 11:02 and told us we couldn't order breakfast. He had to get the manager involved and finally let us order a bagel and lox. Very simple, you would think. It took exactly 40 minutes to come out, along with the lunch items my brother and his girlfriend ordered. Since when does it take 40 minutes to toast a bagel? Service was not great at all. The servers barely spoke english. Disappointing for a nice hotel, won't be coming back. read more
16 days ago
This is for the salamander bar located in the lobby. I absolutely love the bar and it is my go to place when I am working late to meet up with my colleagues and friends who also frequent there. they even did a surprise for me when they found out it was my birthday. They looked at my ID and took immediate action and it was a total surprise because no one said anything. They just came out with it and it blew me away. This is truly a hidden gem because I know if more people knew about it it would be packed every single night. read more
1 year ago
***Disclaimer: my review is only based off the the High Tea experience*** So, this was my first High Tea experience and overall, it was decent. When you first walk inside the Salamander, you are immediately greeted by the beauty of the establishment. The decor is very chic and cute, in my opinion. Upon my arrival, we were then seated after a short wait and warmly greeted. It, however, took awhile for us to get our hands on some menus. Once our waiter provided the menus, she then came out with the champagne and eventually the tray of all the available options for High Tea. The majority of the options were pretty good, however, there weren't much opportunity for replenishing all or many of the pieces we desired, which was a tad disappointing. We then opted to get the Jasmine Pearls tea, which was enjoyable, however, sugar for the tea just took quite some time to come out. Overall, little inconveniences and the missed opportunity of experiencing more pieces of the things we greatly enjoyed brought this rating to a 3 for me. read more
1 year ago
Needed a quick getaway to relax and recharge the batteries since our beach vacation fell through. What a delightful experience it was, started off with an no fuss early check-in, the a fully pampered Spa experience. I could get used to that! View from the room was stellar. Staff was friendly. Also, just a short walk to The Warf area of DC, which is the hottest area in DC as well as a short walk to the Jefferson Memorial on tbe Tidal Basin. Would highly recommend read more
1 year ago
Just an ok hotel. Depending on your room, you may have great views of the wharf and water. In comparison to other hotels in the area, the Salamander's decor is dated and could use a renovation. No mini bar in the room either. The only pro is Dogōn, which is a beautifully decorated and highly rated restaurant by Chef Kwame. You can find that in the hotel's lobby. read more
A very good.... No I will say a great experience at this establishment during a recent staycay. It is reassuring to see that customer service is alive and well although on life support in many places. I have stayed at more than a few luxury hotels in and around the DC area and Salamander easily is on par and above par of those hotels that fit in this category. Upon entering it was great that when checking in that the staff informed me of the amenities that were included with my stay. Many times I do not get this and although I know what they are it is a bit of a test for me to see if they will be forthcoming with what is included. It might sound small but letting a customer know and ensuring they are afforded the opportunity to use all that they paid for is a big thing for me. The room looked a bit aged as far as the décor selection. If you prefer a more modern and sleek look then this might not be your cup of tea or whatever you decided to pour in your cup. The room was very clean and this is not one of those situations where they clean around objects but they actually cleaned in those areas where people will say who will check behind that. We were on a high floor facing towards the Pentagon and Jefferson Memorial and despite being across from DCA (Reagan) it was very quiet and a great view of the Potomac and Washington Canal was there for you. The breakfast buffet was tasty and before you think that it was food just being kept in warmers too long think again. There is an option to order a la carte but I think the buffet is a better deal. Make sure to visit the omelet station to see some flipping techniques I dare not try at home. If you decided to get some food in the lounge near the bar you will once again have a choice of good food that you can enjoy in your room also. Whoever did the playlist for this hotel needs to be given their props. There is a playroom with old school arcade games (PacMan, Galaga, Rolling Thunder) and I think more adults were in there than kids. I am sad to say that at the moment of writing this review I cannot remember the names of the staff but they left me with good memories of our stay here. read more
2 years ago
This review is ONLY for the tea "Experience" We arrived and were promptly seated which was nice. Our waitress was nice for the one time that we saw her. We received our menus and from there, we expected someone to go over the different types of teas and finger foods with us but that was not the case. We ordered our tea based off of a guessing game and picked away at the finger snacks. For the amount of money they charge, I was really expecting an experience which is not what we received. I could have cut up some sandwiches and at home brewed some tea from my electric kettle if I knew that's what we were getting. The only reason why I am giving it two stars is because we were there to catch up with some out of town friends and we were not rushed to give up our table. We were able to sit and relax for hours without being harassed. read more
Drogon restaurant located inside the Salamander hotel was a treat! My friend and I dined here mid/week for a last night supper. It's a 9 PM reservation? I was surprised that we still had to wait 20 minutes to be seated. Once inside, I realized why. The restaurant is very small and most items appeared to be made to order. We were seated at a small bar height table in the back, near the kitchen. The table was tiny, with just enough room for our food and drinks. I wasn't thrilled about the uncomfortable wooden chairs either, however having a view of the kitchen to watch them work was nice. The food was delicious, but the rice was a bit soft for my liking. Excellent customer service and strong flavors. The folk lighting and modern decor makes it perfect for date night. Small portions, and more on the pricey side. read more
My girls and I checked out Fall Afternoon Tea at Salamander DC. This has been on my radar for a while and I was beyond excited for the experience. Parking was a breeze, if using valet. It's the city, so you can't expect to easily find street parking. The valet was super easy and extremely affordable (as far as valets go). It was $30 and the staff was very friendly and professional. They do accept credit cards, but cash is king. Luckily, there is a ATM inside the hotel if you don't carry cash. Afternoon Tea is held in The Lounge restaurant. We originally were going to get completely dressed up with lace gloves and fascinators lol. Although, we could have, it probably would have been a touch over the top. The Lounge is just a regular space. It's nice and clean, but it's not fancy or a separate space that's designed to create a unique experience. You can certainly dress up, but don't feel pressured to do so. Everything was delicious and the tea was amazing. There was a nice assortment of sweet and savory bites. Volume wise, it wasn't a huge spread, so don't go overly hungry. We ended up ordering a few appetizers to share after the tea. All in all a very delightful afternoon. Definitely an experience you can enjoy with a group or solo. read more
7 months ago
Worst hotel in the DMV! The carpet was nasty, broken elevators, and super loud construction at 9 am. Holiday Inn is your best bet. read more
Very happy with our stay here. Our room had a view of the courtyard with the beautiful blossoming trees. The room itself was spacious, clean and well equipped. Loved having a Nespresso Vertuo in the room! Separate tub and shower and big comfy bed made it a very nice accommodation. Staff were all very friendly and courteous and the lobby and grounds are beautiful. Its also a short walk to the Tidal Basin and Wharf. read more
I walked over to the salamander lounge after visiting the Spy Museum. I only ordered a glass of wine and steak tartare, which was just ok, a bit heavy on the mustard. Service was good and the lounge and bar were pretty busy. The seating at the bar area is poorly set up as ~3 seats are behind the stairwell bannister in the corner. If you're sitting in those seats you have to ask the people sitting further down to get up to let out. read more
4 months ago
11 months ago
I stayed here 09/19-09/21 2025! I absolutely loved my stay! I wanted to support Sheila Johnson. The first black female billionaire. She's the founder of the Salamander Resorts. I checked in and was advised I was upgraded to a Marina suite! The room was AMAZING 10/10! The bedroom was spacious. The views are unmatched and the bathroom was my favorite area. The Marble tub and shower were beautiful! I will definitely be coming back here again! read more
5 months ago
6 months ago
Very, very nice hotel. Was there for a conference with several lovely people. The bell people were the most helpful, especially Nate, Markus, & Farhan. They helped us with everything plus the free rides to the Wharf and the National Mall (which are only about a 15 minute walk away) Great place for events. The meals were great with vegan options read more
3 months ago
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