The Hay-Adams

Truly exceptional experience; a world-class hotel

I stayed with my family at the Hay-Adams for 3 nights and we found it a truly exceptional experience. First, every single staff member was polite and welcoming -- from the doormen to the concierges, front desk, and even the cleaning staff. There was nothing perfunctory about the service; it was delivered with real warmth. I was particularly impressed that every guest is greeted by a member of the concierge staff whenever they enter or leave the hotel. So there is always someone available with a helpful suggestion and to really make you feel at home. The rooms were spacious and perfectly clean. The selection of soap and shampoo was incredible. Room service was reasonably priced. The location is, obviously, iconic. The bar was clearly a happening place, with great decor. Keep an eye out for the unique collection of coasters -- an incentive to have a few drinks to collect a complete set. I have to say we were a bit disappointed with the breakfast in the dining room. That particular room could use some updating, and breakfast wasn't anything to rave about. The portions were a bit small. But that should in no way take anything away from this hotel. I travel extensively, and don't recall ever having been met with such consistently welcoming and kind service. Every staff member is a true gem!

Avoid

Still wondering what is 5-star about this outdated, tiny-rooms, no view place. Our stay at The Hay-Adams was deeply disappointing and fell far short of basic expectations, let alone what you would expect from a property claiming five-star luxury. For the rates they charge, the conditions and service are unacceptable. The building is old, heavily dated, and features cheap fixings. The bathroom is tiny, featuring a cramped round sink with virtually zero counter space to set down any personal items. Furthermore, for a five-star hotel, lacking a proper hot tub and standalone shower is unacceptable. The towels provided are cheap, rough, and feel entirely out of place at this price point. The bathroom ventilation is so old and loud, that I can’t even believe it’s there. No fridge in the room, only a mini bar that will charge you if you move around mini bar items to place your own drinks. The view of the White House was severely misadvertised. To actually see it, you are required to pay an extra $700 on top of an already steep $600-per-night room rate. The acoustic insulation is non-existent. If anyone is staying in the room above you, forget about sleeping—every single footstep and movement carries straight through. The front desk staff was entirely dismissive. After promising to switch our room to resolve our issues, they dragged us through three separate attempts, wasted hours of our time with non-responsive answers, and then finally demanded we pay even more money to fix their mistake. After we went through, not even a complimentary breakfast or really anything. Shocked that this place is more expensive than Four Seasons, St. Regents, and the kind. This is barely a three star hotel (except location of course).

Great hotel and location

Best location in DC and a classic

This one is the best. Heads above the rest!

Our recent stay at The Hay-Adams was, without question, one of the finest hotel experiences our family has ever had. Having stayed at many luxury hotels over the years – as an employee and as a guest - I don't make that statement lightly. This was a return visit for me, but a first for my husband and two boys (ages 11 and 13). They were mostly excited to see the hotel that they knew of from the Netflix hit, “The Residence.” From the moment we arrived until the moment we reluctantly departed, every interaction reflected a level of hospitality that is (unfortunately) increasingly rare. The service was warm, genuine, and effortless. Every member of the staff made us feel incredibly special – like we were their most important guest. It reminded me of luxury service levels from 20+ years ago when standards were higher. Our beautiful room overlooking the White House was simply breathtaking. Seeing the view of the Washington Monument and the White House at dusk was a highlight of our family's trip to Washington, D.C., and one we will never forget. One moment that especially stood out was the hotel's complimentary car service, which graciously drove us to Arlington National Cemetery early one morning on what was probably the hottest day of the year with temps reaching 108 degrees. It was such a thoughtful convenience that allowed us to enjoy our day without worrying about transportation. Breakfast in the dining room was another highlight. The food was outstanding, the service was impeccable, and the elegant setting provided the perfect start to each day of sightseeing. My boys commented that this was their favorite meal of the trip. Throughout our stay, every detail, from the beautifully appointed accommodations to the cookies at the front desk, the attentive housekeeping and the gracious front desk staff, was handled with remarkable care. Luxury can certainly be found in beautiful furnishings and prime locations, but genuine hospitality is much harder to achieve. The Hay-Adams excels at both. Our family left feeling truly cared for and valued. We cannot wait to return and would recommend The Hay-Adams without hesitation to anyone visiting Washington, D.C. If you're looking for a hotel that combines timeless elegance, the perfect D.C. location, and service that exceeds every expectation, this is it.

Beep..beep…beep…beep…beep

If you enjoy the sound of a car alarm blasting incessantly for hours on end, a room overlooking Lafayette Park at the Hay Adams is the place for you. Shortly after I checked into my room, an incessant car sounding alarm blasted repeatedly from outside. Nearly two hours later, I finally called down to inquire as to the situation. The front desk woman told me that it was from an alarm that goes off on a locked restroom in Lafayette Park, but that it usually goes off by 7 pm (another hour) and that I could use a white noise machine to help dampen the sound. Clearly this was a routine complaint, and I was surprised and disappointed that they did not warn me. Once I was away from the beeping my headache receded and I could think clearly again. Upon my return to the hotel I requested a room change. While the beeping stoped, I was concerned that it would start again overnight. The front desk woman was clearly irritated by my request, and showed me to a dark, minuscule interior room measuring about 150 square feet. It had a dreadful smell and I doubt that it had been occupied in weeks. Much to her further annoyance, I declined that room, since the Hay Adams is a large property. Begrudingly, she showed me a decent room with almost no closet space (closet doors for aesthetics but no closets behind the doors. That was anew one for me!). She made it clear that I was inconveniencing her and she intended to punish me for it, so I conceded. The next morning at breakfast I heard people complaining that the beeping had started up again at about 3 am. While disappointed in my eventual room and the inhospitable response of the front desk, I was relieved that I at least got some sleep. As I checked out, a new, morning team was on and there was a new professionalism. I was informed that they were aware of my situation and I would only be charged for the lower room in which I stayed rather than for the higher category which I booked. I was grateful and shocked given how disdainfully I had been treated the night before, so I thanked him and left. A few weeks later, though, it leaves a sour taste in my mouth. I was grateful to him at the time, but in retrospect that is the bare minimum that should have been done. In retrospect, there was only the bare minimum of hospitality or of even fairness, so at my most charitable it can fairly be classified as average for a fading, once elegant hotel.

They anticipated my needs. As an example, there is no ice bucket in the room at check in but I brought drinks for later in the night. When I arrived back at the room in the evening, a bucket of ice was waiting for me even though I hadn't asked for one.

Cons They got rid of their delicious chocolate cheese cake! I was broken hearted because it was fantastic. I also wish Off the Record had colder AC.