I stayed at the ritz carlton in march for a couple of nights. The service that i recieved from the staff there is the best that ive ever recieved from any place that ive ever been to in my life. they went above and beyond at every possible opportunity to help me as much as they possibly could. it really did make you feel incredibly welcome and waned. i wish i could remember the names of all the staff members that i delt with so that i could mention them all. I will describe one particular person, and im sure that they will know that it is them if they read this, this person was a very tall white, fair haired man who was probably in his late thirtys to early fourtys who was the recpetionist on the night shift on a thursday night in mid march. i wish i could remember what the other staff members looked like so that i could describe them as well.

I was very excited about my last minute trip to Washington and that the conference I was attending had a "special rate" ($498/night) at the Ritz Georgetown. I usually love a Ritz Carlton, but I didn't think this measured up, sad to say. One major exception however, was the staff, who were possibly among the nicest and most professional I have ever encountered, especially the front desk person who check me in and saw me to my room, then said good bye to me by name - impressive. Also, I had to walk from the main building to my annex building to get to my room. The night I was there the staff was offering to make S'mores over an open fire they started as a nice gesture to clients. They were so cute and seemingly excited about the S'mores...very different and made an impression.

I just think I didn't like the rooms that much. They seemed less opulent than a usual Ritz, less refined, too simple. (but the Bulgari toiletries were nice). They were nice, and clean, but just a little spare for my taste. I would also complain about the lack of free wireless in the open areas - what is that about at $500/night?! Quite slow service in the lobby bar too and a glass of basic merlot will set you back $16 - but it is the Ritz. But above Manhattan prices for drinks in a recession seems greedy. I suppose I'd give it another try, but it's obvious I found this an uneven experience. Step up the glamour, Ritz Georgetown! (or lower the prices :-)

The Georgetown Ritz is in a great location - a stone's throw from beautiful Georgetown and right near the C&O Canal.

I had a very compressed schedule and only spent one evening here but would definitely return. The location is fantastic. Hotel is on the canal and is unusual for a Ritz property (which I liked). It has a slightly subterranean feel and you will be hoofing it to your room somewhat but I liked it for privacy. Room was a bonus. Not sure if I was upgraded but I had a large two-room suite with 2 bathrooms. Bed was incredibly comfortable, room service, concierge, and reception very efficient. Wish I'd had a chance to try out the restaurant/bar/lobby area but I was rushed. Gym was okay but really should have had more equipment - my arms were begging for it. I rarely pay much attention to bath products but the Bulgari assortment was pretty, pretty fab. I used to live in the area - my favorite little spot and the best cupcakes you will ever have are at Baked & Wired just a short walk out the front door. Don't miss it!