I stayed at this hotel until March 2 for three nights. I truly enjoyed my stay at the hotel. Everything was wonderful--the staff were pleasant and informed; the valet were very helpful as well. The wine reception is a great added touch, especially since my colleague and I were there for a conference and were cooped up all day (and from navigating DC-area traffic when you first check in!).
The rooms were very well appointed and comfortable. The shower head was amazing and the bed quite plush. As a side sleeper, I usually have trouble with mattresses when traveling but I slept very well. I should note that there was a train-like noise in the early morning hours that did wake me up before I wanted to rise. I don't know if this is the metro or something else, but if you're a light sleeper, you can make yourself more comfortable by wearing some ear plugs just in case. I really enjoyed the exercise facilities as well. Everything was clean (critical) and fitness accompaniments were available (like headphones) in case you forgot some things. Unfortunately, I did not get to the spa and definitely plan on making an appointment next time I'm the area. I'll stay at the Lorien again for sure.
I will not ever visit Brabo again, however. My colleague and I were returning from dinner and had picked up dessert along the way, planning to just eat it in our rooms. We entered the hotel area and were actually escorted into Brabo by a very nice concierge. At the restaurant, my colleague ordered dessert and as we waited, I dipped a spoonful of the frozen yogurt I'd been carrying into my mouth. Well, it was as if the hyper-active, rude, Astor-wannabe male bartender was watching me like a hawk because within literally seconds, he came over, pushing his glasses on his nose as if I'd committed the greatest of social sins and told me that outside food was not allowed in the restaurant. First of all, I get that, which is why I promptly closed my yogurt, but we were also in the bar area waiting on a to go order. Not to mention that the female bartender who took the order was exceptionally rude to my colleague as well. When she brought the check over, she asked for the room number, to which my colleague responded that she'd rather just pay then instead of having to spend extra time at checkout. The female bartender said "You can do whatever you want." That experience put a terrible taste in my mouth, thus I won't ever go to Brabo.
Overall, my stay was great, though; the Brabo incident netted the review a very good.
Room Tip: Get a higher floor; try not to get a room with adjoining suites/rooms.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
March 18, 2013
Dear AttractiveNuisance,
I am glad you found our staff to be and helpful and knowledgeable, and that you had the opportunity to enjoy our wine reception; certainly a great way to wind down after a long day of meetings. I was pleased to note you felt at home with our mattress and were able to have a good night’s sleep. I am sorry about the situation that occurred in BRABO. This certainly comes as a surprise, and will be reviewed accordingly with the team.
I hope we will have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future.
Cordially,
Thomas
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