Omni Shoreham Hotel

The hotel stands out for its grand historic architecture and opulent ambiance, transporting guests to a bygone era of classic luxury. Its extensive gardens and large outdoor pool serve as a serene escape from the city bustle. This makes it an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway, families looking for engaging activities and spacious accommodations, and business travelers attending conferences due to its ample event spaces. Sightseers also benefit from its convenient location near key attractions. Guests consistently praise the exceptional service provided by the staff, who are noted for their kindness and attentiveness. To enhance your stay, consider utilizing the nearby Metro for convenient city exploration, and be prepared for the expensive, valet-only parking, which is a recurring point of feedback.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities that enhance the guest experience, with the massive outdoor pool being a significant highlight, especially during warmer months. Guests appreciate its serene setting, complete with a jacuzzi and surrounding luscious gardens, providing a peaceful escape. A well-equipped fitness center is available, though some noted the sauna was occasionally under repair. For convenience, a coffee shop within the hotel offers quick bites and beverages. However, feedback on the elevators is consistently mixed, with many guests describing them as small, dated, and painfully slow, leading to long wait times. Similarly, Wi-Fi connectivity receives varied comments, with some finding it spotty or requiring a paid upgrade, despite being free for loyalty program members. Families particularly enjoy the dedicated playroom and game room, offering various activities for children.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is generally positive, with many describing rooms as spacious, spotless, and well-maintained. The beds are frequently praised for being very comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, and some rooms offer sweeping city views. Thoughtful amenities like automatic blackout shades and in-room coffee makers are appreciated. However, a notable number of guests found the rooms to be dated, with some experiencing a musty smell or issues with aging bathroom facilities, including slow drains or non-functioning toilets. Noise levels from adjacent rooms, the metro, or loud AC units were also mentioned as disruptive by some. While most reviews highlight cleanliness, a few isolated but severe instances reported finding rooms to be dirty upon arrival, including issues like hair in sinks or even insects. Some guests also noted a lack of counter space in bathrooms or inconveniently placed electrical outlets.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers several dining options, with the main restaurant, Robert's, frequently praised for its delicious food, particularly for brunch, and its beautiful setting. Guests often highlight the quality of the ingredients and the attentive service. The bar and lounge area are also noted for their inviting atmosphere and good cocktails. However, feedback on dining is mixed; while many enjoy the offerings, some guests found the restaurant to be pricey or noted its limited dinner menu and occasional full bookings, making it difficult to secure a table. Breakfast is generally well-regarded for its quality, though guests must pay for it, and some experienced long waits. Room service received criticism for being slow or unavailable at certain times. A few reviews mentioned specific food items being subpar or the general food quality not meeting expectations, with some finding coffee not complimentary.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent location, making it highly convenient for exploring the city. It is situated within easy walking distance of the National Zoo and the vibrant Adams Morgan neighborhood, known for its nightlife and dining options. A significant advantage is its direct proximity to a Metro station, providing quick and effortless access to downtown attractions, museums, and other parts of Washington, D.C. The surrounding area is described as safe, quiet, and residential, with numerous restaurants, shops, and convenience stores like CVS nearby. Guests also appreciate its setting overlooking Rock Creek Park, offering beautiful natural surroundings and running trails. However, a major recurring point of dissatisfaction is the parking situation; it is exclusively valet-only and consistently described as very expensive, with guests frequently reporting long wait times for car retrieval and chaotic service.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel consistently receive high praise, with guests frequently describing them as exceptional, kind, helpful, and attentive. The check-in and check-out processes are generally noted as fast and efficient. Many reviews highlight the professionalism and warmth of various team members, including the front desk, bellhops, and concierge, who are commended for their willingness to go above and beyond, such as providing excellent restaurant recommendations or assisting with lost items. The hotel is also recognized for its effective problem-resolution process, with staff offering upgrades or other gestures to rectify issues. However, some guests reported instances of the hotel appearing understaffed or overwhelmed, leading to slow service, particularly in dining areas. There were also isolated complaints about a lack of initiative or poor communication regarding specific requests, such as housekeeping not consistently replacing amenities or difficulties reaching staff by phone.

Additional Information
The hotel holds significant historic charm, having hosted notable figures and events, which contributes to its unique ambiance. Guests should be aware of a mandatory resort or amenity fee that covers certain services, though some found its value unclear. The hotel is notably pet-friendly, accommodating furry companions, although finding suitable outdoor areas nearby can be a challenge. For families, the hotel offers a variety of engaging kids' activities, including a dedicated craft room and outdoor lawn games, making it a suitable choice for those traveling with children. While the hotel often hosts large conferences and events, which can lead to busy common areas, its lost and found service is highly commended for its efficiency and the staff's dedication in retrieving misplaced items. Some guests noted that basic amenities like in-room microwaves or refrigerators are not standard and may incur an additional charge, and that water bottles are not replenished daily without request.