We had a wonderful staycation at MO DC to welcome 2021. The view from our corner room is amazing - overlooking the entire Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial. Afternoon tea was prepared and served in a dedicate way. Amenities included in our package were all great. Staff were very responsive to our requests. Special shout-out to the front-desk team (we talked to Justin and Cristina) for handling our inquiries before and post stay in an attentive and efficient way. Will recommend to those who are looking for a local escape and/or are simply visiting DC.
After 9 months of laying low in our house, with our 2 and 5 year old's, we needed a change of scenery with a pool. After extensive research, we were so fortunate to have discovered the Mandarin Oriental in Washington DC. As a platinum member of rewards programs at two competitors, neither advertised such extensive COVID preventative measures to care for the safety of its guests. We really appreciated the room being vacant for at least 48 hours before arrival. We read a review about this property on Conde Nast Traveler from August 2020 and had several calls with Saida at the front desk, who was amazing! She took over an hour answering our questions, assuring that every request we had could be accommodated (from extra deep cleanings beforehand, reserving private pool sessions, to discussing all the training measures by the staff to assure our level of comfort) We arrived, after a 4 hour drive, welcomed by incredible service, panda bears for our kids, hot towel service, beverage upon arrival, early check in, upgraded room with welcome amenities, and a balcony for that extra airing out of the room. We did a few room service meals, presentations incredible, every dish in shrink wrap, contactless service, etc. Melissa in the Spa Staff at the pool, made our kids so happy, catering to all their needs (finding pool toys of their favorite colors, and coloring books for the car ride home). We are already planning our next visit for Jan/Feb 2021. The Mandarin Oriental team has just earned a new long term customer, one who plans to visit again soon (next time hopefully for a few nights)…
My wife and I spent an incredible night at this extremely well-located hotel. It was a five-star experience from the time we arrived until the time we departed. As a Friend of M.O. we were treated to a complimentary upgrade to a water-view room looking out on the marina, and two amenities. The hotel was following a number of Covid safety protocols which made us feel very safe. Our room was very comfortable and well-appointed. We used room service for both dinner and breakfast, and both meals were delicious and well-portioned. The best part of the visit was the hotel staff, with special shout-outs to Saida Jama at the front desk who checked us in and out while making sure that we had a five-star experience and Duane who was our valet. It was the perfect getaway that we both needed very much. We can't wait to return to this hotel ... possibly for the cherry blossoms in the spring!…
Hello prospective Traveler, I am going to make every attempt to give you a well balanced review of my experience at the Mandarin without coming off as another "disgruntled guest". I apologize in advance for my "wordy" review, as I myself tend to not read lengthy reviews/responses but I hope that you are able to find value in it. Me and my significant other came to the Mandarin for their birthday. We are a both locals who thought it would be a good idea to spend some intimate time together at a 5 star luxury hotel. We assumed that the Mandarin would not only provide us with the experience that we were looking for, but also assumed that of any brand in the city they would be the most cautious as it pertains to the the strict guidelines of cleanliness. We arrived in our humble Honda at around 8pm, and there was no one out-front to greet us. Or instruct on the check-in process. I did not think much of it, because it is cold outside. Nonetheless, I found my way to the front desk to check-in. The staff at the front ( 2 females, and 1 male ) were very welcoming and friendly, we had a nice conversation with regard to a mutual acquaintance that worked at the hotel. The young woman who checked us in was very nice and pleasant. When I told her about the valet situation, she was prompt to retrieve one for us. We proceeded to unload our bags and go to the room. The room itself was nice, and seemed clean and tidy ( RM 847 ). The best parts were the comfy bed, the view of the city, and the bathroom. I would recommend to get a similar room type if you still would like to visit after reading this. Later that night we settled in and had to call the front desk for a few things ( it was late in the night) and the guest services team was prompt and responsive. Particularly Phyllis, I believe she was a house woman. She was very pleasant and accommodating. Later on in the Night, we decided to go to a convenience store a little further away from the Hotel, I figured that we would drive. We called for the car before we headed down per the instructions of the Valet ticket. When we got downstairs we were informed that the Valet was not available at that time of the night, and we would have to get the car ourselves. After being told this myself and my significant other were unapologetically led through the grimy back offices to the garage where our car was located. I was more than perturbed that no one told us this, when we signed up for the valet that cost $60/per night, on top of the room charge of +$346/night. When we returned ( we were gone maybe 45 min) I walked into the property with my significant other to find 3 employees standing at the desk. Evidently, none of them were the valet and I was instructed to to take my car back to the grimy garage. I protested, because I did not think it was fair that we had to do this while staying at a 5-star luxury brand like Mandarin. In addition, even though my significant other was not protesting in anyway. I wanted this time to be as special and serene as possible, given what we have been going through during all that has transpired this year. Nonetheless, we both decided to take the car together, but later realized that we did not know how to get back. We went through the only open door and found no one back in the building. We ultimately decided to go back down to the grimy garage and see if we could walk around. No, we couldn't. Eventually, one of the employees came down to get us. When I got back to the desk, I expressed my displeasure to who seemed to be the Manager on Duty ( His name was Hussein ). Needless, to say was not helpful and was overwhelmingly condescending. I suppose their night audit employees are not as kind as the daytime employees because they may not interact with guest that much. I left that interaction feeling defeated, and frustrated. Our next day was pleasant enough, I didn't want to talk about what happened the previous night because I wanted to make the best of our time together. But, I honestly wanted to leave. We chilled in the room the for the most of the day. We left late in the evening to get food. When we left we asked the staff to change our bedding, and we called for the car. When we got outside the Valet where present, and waiting for guest, so I am not sure what happened when we pulled up. The gentle man at the door asked my why I was waiting. I told him I called for my car. He told me that my ticket was marked with a mark that indicated that I had to get my own car. I looked at my significant other in silence, and they just shook their head. I turned back to the Valet and told Him that that was not correct. He asked me if I was sure, and once I re-assured Him, he went to go get my vehicle. My frustrations were re-ignited. We came back later in the evening, and stop by the desk to ask about the pool. We were hesitant ( due to Covid), but thought it maybe a good idea to go swimming if it wasn't crowded. We were informed that it was closed, no problem we get it. As we were going to our room we found out that it was in fact Open, but you had to make an appointment. At this point we both are starting feel unwelcome, but we were persistent about trying to make the most of it. I was perturbed particularly because I wanted to make my significant other to enjoy the experience. When we got back to the room, we ate dinner ( bought food outside ) next to the the huge window and watched a movie while looking over the city. After dinner, we ran a bath in the awesome tub ( it looks tiny, but we both were able to fit ). After our bath we went to bed early. The room was cleaned while we were out, so we were happy to have a nice fresh looking bed to sleep in. We got up the next morning, and ordered breakfast. I was a bit itchy, but did not think much of it until it became incessant. As were were eating in our favorite spot ( next to the window) I looked over at the bed and found want looked like mold on the sheets. I was furious. When my significant other got up to look at the sheets. We noticed debris in the chair that she was sitting in. We pushed down on the chair, and found that it was dust, dirt and BROKEN GLASS in the crevices of the chair. At this point I am ready to count my losses and go home. I go down to the front desk to check out, and the individual at check out asks me how my stay was. I found it interesting, because I am surprised that the Hussein did not note our reservation or profile with regard to my prior dissatisfaction. Nonetheless, I let the gentleman know what transpired, and His response the most unenthusiastic apology I have ever heard in my life. In hindsight I would have preferred that he did not ask me what happened. I felt embarrassed and foolish for even going out of my way to tell Him. I late found out that He was the Director of Rooms ( Kazuki Shibuya ). He invited me to come back and try again, and I thought "Why would I come back to this place to spend more money after I specifically told you that I did not enjoy my stay". Nonetheless, I obliged His words with respect and kindness and went to get my significant other so we would go home. In conclusion, I feel the Mandarin is overpriced, and is not as nearly as good as other 3-4 star luxury brands in the city ( Kimpton, Hyatt) that you can go to for a third of the price and a 10 times better experience. ( I am doing this from my phone, so I apologize for typos or inconsistencies) DD Yates DDYates@DDYatesinvestments.com…
I decided to take a stay-cation and try MODC for the 1st time. Valet was fine, but check-in was horribly long because the front desk agent ASSUMED I was with the family in front of me and didn't bother to ask. I waited it seemed like forever. Next morning I was awakened from my nap by Room Service asking me how my breakfast was. Irritating. I fell back asleep. Then my doorbell rings from someone from Room Service wanting to pick up my tray. If I was done with it, I would have put it in the hall way. Not sure if I will return.
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