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The Hay-Adams: Traveler Reviews

5.0 of 5
16th & H Sts. NW, One Lafayette Square, Washington DC, DC 20006
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Ranked #2 of 126 hotels in Washington DC
Most recent review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 11, 2013
Jacques1941 New York City, New York
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393 reviews from our community

Traveler rating
    298
    58
    17
    11
    9
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Families
92
 
Couples
125
 
Solo
24
 
Business
76
 
Rating summary
  • Location
    5 of 5 stars
  • Sleep Quality
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Service
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Value
    4 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    5 of 5 stars
Date Rating
New York City, New York
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
6 hotel reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
“A perfect long weekend”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 11, 2013

My wife and I took a long weekend in Washington to celebrate our 48th anniversary. We chose the Hay-Adams because we prefer old-fashioned and intimate elegance, rather than modern, more impersonal and interchangeable hotels, even the high-end ones. The Hay-Adams lived up to our expectations completely.

Our room on the fourth floor overlooks Lafayette Park, directly to the White House and the Washington Monument behind it. The view and the downtown location could not be better. Our room itself was spacious and comfortable. It includes all the expected amenities and more -- ranging from an iron and ironing board to a Bose music system, along with fine linens and a down duvet. The wi-fi was free, as it too-often is not, and so was was the shoeshine, available every night. Our room service breakfasts were delicious and sumptuous and served promptly on a wheeled table with food warmer beneath.

When we arrived in the beautiful paneled lobby with a massive floral display, we were warmly greeted and, from then on, most staff addressed us by name. Without exception, from doorman to chambermaid to concierge, everyone was polite, friendly and eager to be helpful.

Although our bathroom was not large, it had every feature one would expect. The turn-down service was meticulous, including a linen mat and slippers at bedside, along with very luxurious bathrobes.

When we called room service and the front desk and housekeeping, our calls were answered not later than the second ring, and the responses to our requests were immediate.

The concierge was knowledgeable and helpful in answering our questions and suggesting things to see.

We had lunch twice at "Off the Record," the downstairs pub at the hotel. The service was excellent, as were our meals. Indeed, the clear fish broth served as the soup du jour one day was as fine an example of simple exquisite cooking as I can imagine.

In sum, the Hay-Adams is, in my opinion, the epitome of old world elegance and personal service, a very rare thing to find nowadays.

Room Tip: Ask for a room overlooking Lafayette Park, the White House and the Washington Monument.
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  • Stayed February 2013, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Washington DC
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
9 hotel reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Beautiful hotel, great service, outstanding location”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 9, 2013

This hotel is in an outstanding location with great views of the White House. The food at the hotel is very good and the staff at the hotel are wonderful. This has to be one of the finest hotels in D.C. IT is pricey but will really make your stay even more memorable.

Easy access to the Metro to get anywhere in D.C. also.

I did not see or use the pool or spa.

Room Tip: Ask for a room with a view of the White House or church across the street from the hotel (the front...
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  • Stayed January 2013, traveled with friends
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hobbs, New Mexico
1 review
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“A weekend in DC with my daughter”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 5, 2013

We just spent a long weekend at The Hay-Adams in DC and it was marvelous. My daughter and I just wanted to relax and spend time together and we couldn't have chosen a better hotel. Our family loves to stay at nice hotels, so I feel like we are a good judge and have seen a lot all over the world. The Hay-Adams was a delight. The service was outstanding. The people were friendly. We truly felt like we were coming home. The food was amazing!!! We ate in the restaurant and also in our room and it was so good. The amenities that were provided were also a delight - just in the way everything was presented. We can't wait to go back.

  • Stayed February 2013, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 4
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
“Amazing hotel and venue!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 5, 2013

There are no words to describe how amazing this hotel is. We used it as our wedding venue this past September. The establishment itself is rich with history and the ambiance is immaculate. Our guests had an amazing evening with outstanding “white glove” service and specialty foods that were prepared just as we requested (hard to find that these days). We worked with a stellar duet of catering managers, Rebecca and Allison, that delivered everything they promised plus 200% more. All elements of the reception were executed to a “T” thanks to Rebecca’s experience and passion to make our wedding stellar. She knows exactly how to make an experience unforgettable. My groom has never smiled so much in his entire life. He absolutely “loved” the place from the moment we took our original tour!

The view at the Top of the Hay is breathtaking as it overlooks the White House and Lafayette Park with the National Monument and Jefferson Memorial in the close distance which all look amazing at sunset. Our guests spent so much time taking in the view and raved about the food and service. We even had a little “midnight snack” for our guests that was prepared perfectly and portions were on point!

When booking a wedding at the Hay Adams, they provide you with a BEAUTIFUL hotel suite for the newlyweds! And this is not just any suite, ours was located on the corner of 16th and H corner of the hotel which allowed us to continue to capture the view of the White House the day after our wedding. Our hotel room also had two small pillows with our initials embroidered on them. A great gift to take with us!

We have also dined in both hotel restaurants and both are great!

I would recommend anyone to this establishment for events, dining, or for the hotel accommodations!

  • Stayed September 2012, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 5
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
New York City, New York
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
9 hotel reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
“This should be the #1 hotel in DC”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 4, 2013

We came to DC for a weekend getaway and booked a two night stay at the Sofitel (based on the Trip Advisor rating).However, after spending the first night we decided to move to the nearby Hay-Adams, and we were very glad we did. The minute you walk into the lobby you immediately see the difference.
The room (we booked a Lafayette Park view king but got upgraded to a junior suite with the same view) was phenomenal. It was large, very nicely decorated, beautiful moulded ceiling, ornamental fireplace, incredibly comfortable bed, working desk, enough lounging space and still plenty of room to move around. The views of the park and the White House were incredible. The bathroom was on the small side, but it was nicely appointed and had all the amenities one expects in the hotel of this calibre, including the most comfortable bath robes I've ever seen in the hotel. Room service (particularly breakfast) was very prompt, both the quality and the presentation of the food were above hotel grade. They accomodated all our special "not on the menu" requests.
Everything was spotless, yet we never saw any of the housekeeping staff. There were chocolates and lip balm left on the bed after the turn-down service.
If I had to nitpick, I'd suggest the the stationary showerhead be replaced with a more modern rain style showerhead. But that did not in any way affect our stay.
Overall, this is an incredible hotel, and we will be happy to stay there during our next visit.

  • Stayed January 2013, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Additional Information about The Hay-Adams

Also Known As:
The Hay-Adams Hotel Washington Dc
The Hay-Adams Hotel
The Hay Adams
Hay Adams Washington Dc
Address: 16th & H Sts. NW, One Lafayette Square, Washington DC, DC 20006
Phone Number:
Region: United States > District of Columbia > Washington DC
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Business Center Fitness Center Free High-Speed Internet Pets Allowed Restaurant Room Service Suites Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
#2 Luxury Hotels in Washington DC
#7 Family Hotels in Washington DC
#19 Romantic Hotels in Washington DC
#20 Business Hotels in Washington DC
Price Range: $$$$
Hotel Class:5 star (5*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
Welcome to Washington's landmark residence of choice for visitors to our nation's capital. The Hay-Adams, a luxury boutique hotel, is as close as you can get to staying at the White House without a personal invitation from the President. Originally designed in the 1920s as a residential hotel, The Hay-Adams carefully emulates the ambiance of a distinguished private mansion on Lafayette Square. The 145-room boutique hotel in Washington, DC features 21 luxury suites with stunning views of Lafayette Park and the White House. All of our guest rooms exhibit the perfect combination of heritage, luxury, contemporary comfort and technology. Ideally situated in Lafayette Square and steps away from many of Washington D.C.'s famous attractions, The Hay-Adams is the premier destination for leisure and business travelers alike. ... more   less 
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