Salamander Washington DC

The room was clean, though it faced a grey wall of a building so not the most uplifting. The lobby smelled either of fragrance or the really musty smell they were trying to cover it up with. The pool was small but nice but full of kids. The vibe of the restaurant wasn't my thing. Parking was hard for my friend visiting. The location was pretty nice but I did need to drive to most things.

While the rooms were reasonably clean, the overall experience did not align with 5-star expectations. The check-in process was excessively slow. There were lack of communications between management and front-line staff. Furthermore, the property is showing its age and would benefit from a renovation to meet modern luxury standards. Given the caliber of this hotel, I expected a much higher level of service.

Our stay at the Salamander Washington DC was truly exceptional. We were visiting Washington, DC during cherry blossom season and chose this property specifically for its proximity to the Tidal Basin—a decision that made all the difference. The location allowed us to visit the blossoms multiple times throughout the day, capturing them in different lighting conditions, which was a highlight of our trip. The views from the room complemented the experience beautifully. The staff were consistently warm, attentive, and knowledgeable. Their recommendations for nearby attractions and dining options were thoughtful and genuinely enhanced our stay. A special mention to the spa experience—I opted for a grooming session, and the beard shaping was done with great precision and care. Definitely worth trying. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and offered excellent views, contributing to a quiet, restful atmosphere throughout our stay. Overall, it was a relaxing and memorable getaway, and I would highly recommend this hotel—especially during cherry blossom season.

My wife and I had a terrible experience here. Our noon check-in was not available. I waited in long lines at the front desk twice to be told our room was not available. We went to the lounge and waited over 20 minutes to even get a glass of water. The online breakfast menu was not available, only a very mediocre breakfast buffet. The breakfast buffet cost $35 (plus 20% service charge - even though we served ourselves). The overnight parking charge was a ridiculous $86.50... and the valet gave us the wrong car when we checked out. To top it off, when we checked out we were overcharged by over $325 for a one night stay. We stayed at this property previously when it was managed by Mandarin Oriental. The service and quality have markedly declined with the new Salamander management. I definitely will not stay here on my next visit to DC.

This was my first time at The Salamander and I was thrilled how warmly I was greeted and treated by the entire team. I want to recognize Gonzalo Cabrera Patino as going above and beyond making my stay extra special. I'm excited to come back ASAP! Thank you. Warmest regards, Joe Rizzo