THE RITZ-CARLTON, PENTAGON CITY Luxe

"Excellent choice, convenient to downtown DC"

I have stayed at this hotel twice, once before they renovated the lobby and the second time just recently. Before my arrival on my recent stay, there was a problem with the reservation. I called Ritz-Carlton and they transferred me to the hotel directly as it was later in the day. I reached the concierge, who then tried to transfer me to the front desk. I waited on hold for 15 minutes and never reached the front desk. I called back and I think I spoke to the same woman (who I assume was the concierge still) and she offered to see if she could help me. She was able to confirm my reservation for the next night as the reservation had somehow become lost and the confirmation number that I had from an email did not match. I appreciated her help and I assume the front desk was just very busy at that time. Upon arrival, we found the entrance to be in a bit of a state of disrepair as they are doing construction. The valet was very efficient however (parking is $38/night), and check in was also quick. The previous night I had requested a room on a high floor and to have bucket of ice and two champagne glasses in the room. When we got up to the room, everything had been delivered and was nicely presented. The room did not face the Pentagon as it had in my previous visit, but it was fine. On a weekend, rates at this particular Ritz-Carlton are incredibly cheap especially with the AAA rate. Our rate included wireless internet. If this were another more expensive Ritz-Carlton property, my rating would have probably been different but I am basing my rating on the price point of this hotel. The hotel is connected to a fairly large mall with a few nice stores; some might find this very convenient while others looking for more of a resort type feel might find this cheesy. The Ritz at Tysons Corner is the same way; it is connected to a more upscale mall. Very convenient is the Pentagon City metro station, which will whisk you away into DC proper in a matter of about 15-20 minutes. The hotel offers no car service. This Ritz seems to cater more to a business crowd and will not have the ultra-luxury amenities that can be experienced at other (and much more expensive) Ritz-Carlton properties. The pool area is quite nice and also features a steam room and sauna. We had an appetizer and a drink at the lobby bar/restaurant area, both of which were quite good. Service is generally quite good. On my first visit, it seemed they made a point of remembering my name and welcoming me by name when I walked in. This was not so the second time. Also, our package was to include free wireless internet. When I called down to inquire, the lady seemed unfamiliar with this package but promised that we would not be charged, which we were not. A big plus were the Asprey bath amenities. I had these recently at the Hay-Adams as well and they are among my favorite second to Bvlgari. This is certainly a nice hotel with above average service and amenities. It is worth a stay especially when the rates are so competitive. It is also convenient if you do not wish to drive into downtown DC, as the metro is available almost directly outside of the door.

"Amazing Service - Superior Convenience"

I loved this location. The positives far outweigh the negatives. Negatives first: While it is not on the same level of luxe that some other RC locations, it is also about half the price of them and is far nicer than any other hotel I have stayed at for the same price. This is not your location if you are looking for 24/7 heavenly pampering and eden-like surroundings. If you have business in DC or are there for tourism, this is a great location that offers a level of luxury beyond what it costs. That is about it for negatives. On to the good stuff. Hotel: The service here is every bit true RC service, everyone you encounter is well trained and looking to exceed your needs. The staff were great and probably the best overall feature of the location. The on-site restaurant is very good, it opens early for breakfast and stays open late for both dinner and cocktails. Typical high-end hotel restaurant pricing. There is full floor for fitness, with indoor pool, plenty of treadmills, ellipticals and free weights. Men's and women's locker areas with steam rooms and saunas, private showers and fully stocked dressing areas. My room was well appointed and very well maintained. It was not recently renovated yet everything was taken care of from the carpets to the crown moulding. No dirt the corners of the bathroom floor, or dusty areas under the drapes. Location: The location of this property is its secret. It is not downtown, so it might get overlooked by DC travelers, but it should not. The hotel has direct access to one very (very) large shopping mall, one smaller shopping center, and a metro station. There is indirect access to a third shopping center which requires walking outside about 100 feet. If you are travelling in the winter I don't think there is a better arrangement anywhere, you never have to go out into the weather for anything. The metro station (pentagon city station) serves the blue and yellow lines, which are perfect for doing business downtown, visiting the mall, or taking a side trip to Old Town Alexandria. On weekdays you can be anyplace downtown in 15 minutes. All without getting wet or snowed on. The blue and yellow lines both directly serve Reagan National, but if you have more than one suitcase it is going to be worth the $20 to take a cab. If you only have your carry on, definitely take the train. I recommend this RC location highly.

"Delightful staff,great location!"

This was my first stay at and ritz so I had high expectations and they were all met! I had a week long business meeting here and everything was great and this was the consensus from all of us.All were great but the services from "fyvee" and the valet really stood out.I used my rental car quite often and the valet always remembered my preference to have my car running for me when I came out as it was very cold, and always put a fresh water bottle in for me ! Little things like this really make your hotel stand out. Also the waiters went above and beyond to make our many meals/drinks spectacular. Great job ritz, I made this account just to leave this review !

"Exceptional Customer Service"

The welcoming aroma when you first enter the lobby is amazing. We have an annual meeting that takes us to the Ritz in Pentagon City. Without complaint to past years, we found the staff to be exceptionally helpful and friendly during this stay. The service was notable throughout - doormen, bell desk, concierge (Mark), desk, housekeeping and lounge. Sandra and Virginia in the Concierge Lounge were most helpful and courteous allowing us to make the lounge our unofficial meeting place. Maybe we have been visiting this venue too much but it is appreciated as Mark and others remember our names and likes. As a note, I am amazed at the staff that have served us throughout the years with little change. Employee retention speaks volumes of the company.

"Service nonpareil!"

The best service I've experienced in a long, long time. They personalized it without being annoying--can't say enough about the staff and especially the bellhop who took the time to tell us all about the hotel and surrounding area.