The Dupont Circle

Check in was a challenge. Being asked to provide proof that my reservation included ‘complimentary’ breakfast wasn’t a good start. Then when I provided the confirmation email, only to be told I have $100 onsite credit, but not complimentary breakfast was disappointing, as they just needed to scroll two lines down on the email to see our reservation confirmed both benefits. So, it was now confirmed my reservation included complimentary breakfast, but not quite ! The confirmation stated COMPLIMENTARY breakfast for two, but the hotel actually provides a $30 per person credit. OK, not a great first impression. As we were leaving the check in desk, we were asked to make sure we checked our bill on check out, as sometimes the ‘breakfast credit’ doesn’t get applied automatically. Our room was very nice, not large, but very comfortable. They pipe ‘aroma’ in to their rooms, which is VERY noticeable when you first enter, but is soon forgotten. The shower/toilet was nicely furnished, with heated floors. Almost everything was very clean except a few corners of tile grout that were dirty and would benefit from being cleaned. The AC & Wifi worked well. The two negatives we experienced in the room were the wooden window shutters which do not block all of the light in the early morning and the TV which had some picture perfect channels and as many that broadcast in 1980’s quality (USA as a example). After our departure we learned there was a button for raising & lowering black out blinds that were behind the shutters 😳 The bed, pillows & linens were excellent. We slept very well until the light started to creep through the wooden shutters. Our reservation was a pre-paid Amex Hotel Collection booking. This included the now infamous ‘complimentary’ breakfast & $100 onsite credit for food/drinks, etc. Using the breakfast allowance it was impossible to order two juices, two hot drink & two dishes, without going over $60, never mind the obligatory 20% service on top of that. It’s $22 for a latte, a tea & two juices, add 20% gratuity & 10% tax, and you’re left with $32 - gratuity & service = $22 to buy two dishes = IMPOSSIBLE. The average price of typical breakfast dishes is $22-$24, unless you’re OK with just a bowl of oatmeal for $14. Not the sort of ‘complimentary’ breakfast I was envisaging. Was this the fault of the hotel or Amex? I don’t know, but the messaging should be ‘breakfast subsidy’ or something similar. The food & service at breakfast was very good, if a little inconsistent. One morning a side of bacon contained six slices, the next morning it was three ? When checking out our bill was incorrect. Instead of our dinner being charged to the room, someone elses’ lunch was charged to our room. We brought this to the attention of the person checking us out and after some investigation they acknowledged the error and issued an adjustment to our account. All charges and adjustments have now cleared our account and the resulting reconciled balance is correct. We were sent a ‘how was your stay’ email by the hotel and completed it with all of the above information. This resulted in a very polite & professional response from the guest relations manager. We’re 50/50 on whether we’d give this hotel another chance, when there are so many great options in DC.

Be sure to verify that charges have not be added to your final account, when checking out for services not received (mini bar,meals etc)

It was lovely to stay at the Dupont. Very friendly and attentive staff, including Paul and the other valet attendants. Good location, easily accessible to the metro and a lot of good restaurants

Somewhat older room amenities, but excellent bed and F&B. Poorly lighted bathroom, room could use a renovation.

Super comfy beds but the super suites are not what is advertised on the website. Showers were amazing!