Highlights: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington DC

•The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C., is within walking distance to many of Washington’s main attractions, including Georgetown. Nearby shopping and entertainment at M Street and Wisconsin Avenue and Cady’s Alley.

•Classic, elegant décor throughout public spaces and guest accommodations

•Deluxe rooms with feather mattresses and Egyptian cotton bedding, plus large marble bathtub; city or courtyard views. Suites feature dining rooms, some with fireplaces and terrace access.

•Business meeting space accommodates up to 500 as well as meeting rooms for smaller functions. In-room business services include network data ports and PC and fax hook-ups.

•Variety of dining options, from fine dining to casual yet elegant café fare. The newly redesigned Lobby Lounge is WiFi enabled and features live jazz Wednesday through Saturday.

•Polite, professional service

Amenities: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington DC

• 300 rooms, 15 story. Pets accepted, some restrictions; fee. Check-in 3 pm, check-out Noon. High-speed Internet access, wireless Internet access. Two restaurants, bar. Airport transportation available. Business center. Credit cards accepted.

General Impressions: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington DC

Set in the heart of the nation’s capital, The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C., is an ideal retreat for the weekend tourist seeking luxury accommodations within walking distance (or short drives/taxi) to D.C.’s prime cultural attractions, including the Smithsonian, Corcoran Gallery of Art, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. If you’re looking for shopping and entertainment, the hotel is situated near M Street and Wisconsin Avenue--the crossroads of D.C.’s fashionable clothing stores, one-of-a-kind boutiques, trendy restaurants, bars, and clubs.

If you’re seeking a romantic getaway, whether for a honeymoon or to celebrate an anniversary, this hotel offers special suites with complimentary champagne and strawberries, rose petals sprinkled on the bed during evening turndown, and a personal concierge.

For the business traveler, this Mobil Four-Star property boasts one of the most spacious luxury ballrooms in the city for large events and state-of-the-art technology for meetings or smaller functions. During my stay, my guest room featured a data network hub and a reasonably sized desk. When I needed to make photocopies and send faxes, I appreciated that the business center was conveniently located within the hotel.

The hotel may not be the best choice for families traveling with young children. It doesn’t offer a children’s menu for room service or children’s programs. Furthermore, the Sports Club pool doesn’t allow kids under 16, except for a few hours on Sunday and only then if accompanied by an adult. So if you’re traveling with young kids, be sure to bring toys, books, or games to keep them entertained when you’re not out visiting popular nearby attractions.

(+) Classic Ritz-Carlton-- sophisticated décor and well-appointed rooms, prime location for tourists and business travelers
(-) Limited services and amenities for guests traveling with children

Guest Services: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington DC

As for arrival and departure services, I was satisfied with my overall experience. When I arrived, my check-in was prompt and friendly; I genuinely felt like the hotel anticipated my arrival and was happy to have me as a guest. Even though my checkout took longer than expected, the transportation and luggage assistance was seamless--a taxicab with my luggage loaded was waiting for me when I left the hotel.

The housekeeping, concierge, room service, and wait staffs were professional and polite overall, but they lacked a bit of personal touch on certain occasions. I asked the concierge for lunch options and was given only one recommendation. I decided to explore the neighborhood in search of other options and was able to find several delis and cafés nearby that were what I had asked for.

(+) Prompt check-in and luggage assistance upon departure, and polite and professional staff overall
(-) Concierge service did not fully meet request for nearby dining options

Guest Rooms: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington DC

Ritz-Carlton hotels are widely known for offering a refined yet comfortable setting, and the Washington D.C. hotel is no different. The Old World elegance of this 300-room location is evident in the rich woodwork, decorative wall coverings and furniture, and beautiful seasonal flower arrangements throughout. This classic style extended to my guest room, which was decorated in a cranberry and gold motif and had one of the most luxurious and comfortable king-size feather beds I have experienced. My room featured a spacious bathroom -- large enough for two people to comfortably get ready at the same time--and a separate shower and deep marble bathtub.

I stayed in a Deluxe Room, but the hotel offers three types of Suites: Executive Suites (900 square feet) feature a living room with French doors opening to the bedroom; Presidential Suites (1,350 square feet) feature a library with a desk and a dining room that seats up to six people; and The Ritz-Carlton Suite (2,250 square feet) features a fireplace, private terrace access, a jacuzzi tub and shower, and a dining room that seats up to 10. This Suite is the epitome of luxury hotel accommodations. No matter which room style you prefer, you can choose between a city or courtyard view.

For those willing to pay more for additional privacy, the Club Level on the ninth floor, accessible only with an elevator key, offers the Presidential and Executive Suite accommodations. The pampering continues with luscious treats, fanciful sandwiches, and classic dishes presented five times daily on that floor in the exclusive Club Lounge, filled with cozy couches, elegant chairs, and a lighted fireplace. It’s impressive that a Club Concierge is assigned specifically to tend to the requests of guests staying on that floor.

Despite my luxurious accommodations, soundproofing was a minor problem; I could hear voices from the hallway. I would also recommend that light sleepers request a room with a courtyard view to avoid street noise.

(+) Elegant rooms with antique-style furniture, beautiful artwork, and spacious bath area
(-) Request a courtyard-facing room if you’re sensitive to street noise

Facilities & Activities: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington DC

For a daily fee, Ritz-Carlton guests can work out at the adjacent Sports Club/LA, a 100,000-square-foot spa, fitness, and sports center. Don’t expect the same level of service as you do at the hotel since club staff manages the center. But you can get in a good workout or go for a swim in the junior Olympic pool.

No matter what your interest, there are plenty of attractions nearby. Watch a sunset at Washington Harbor, browse through upscale clothing boutiques at The Shops at Georgetown Park, or check out an array of trendy restaurants, bars, and clubs at M Street and Wisconsin Avenue. Those traveling with children can find adventure visiting such attractions as the Smithsonian Museum, the White House, and other national landmarks. Nearby parks like the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park and Rock Creek Park are ideal for families to enjoy walking, bicycling, picnicking, fishing, and playing soccer. Ask the concierge for insider tips on other places to pique your interests.

(+) Conveniently located near numerous attractions, such as shops, museums, parks, nightlife, and monuments

Dining & Lounge: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington DC

The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C., offers three dining options: The Grill, which features creative cuisine and classic dishes like tournedos of Dover sole and offers Sunday brunch with seasonal themes; The Lobby Lounge, a Viennese bistro that offers afternoon tea and European coffee service and doubles as an Internet café; and The Bar, an elegant yet casual atmosphere ideal for before-dinner cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. While each dining area has its unique character and menu, all share the hotel’s refined décor--including the Ritz’s signature cobalt blue glasses--and polite, professional service.

The Grill’s Sunday Champagne brunch is well known locally. I had breakfast (not the Sunday brunch) in The Grill and was impressed with the freshness and quality of my meal, but I would’ve liked to have had a little more personalized attention from my waiter. Overall, for the quality of the food and the atmosphere, The Grill is a sure bet for dining in when staying at the Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C.

For a bit of privacy, I opted for room service for one of my dinners. The room service menu was extensive, and the food was delicious; however, the service could have been a bit more on the friendly side.

(+) Three dining options offer a variety of foods, from hors d’oeuvres to gourmet dishes
(-) Room service and dining room service weren’t as prompt as expected, but delicious food

Business Services: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington DC

I didn’t use the Luggage-less Travel program, but it’s a well-planned amenity for any frequent business traveler who stays three or more times at the hotel. Instead of carrying luggage through security checkpoints or dealing with restrictions about carry-on bags at the airport, you can leave your suits and other personal items at the hotel without a worry. Imagine finding your personal items laid out in your room when you arrive, and your clothes cleaned, pressed, and ready for wear. That’s quite a personal touch with the only fee being hotel laundry/valet charges.

With access to high-speed Internet access, computer and fax hookups, and a large desk, I found it comfortable and convenient to get some of my work done in the guest room. But when I went to the business center on one occasion to send a fax and on another to make copies, I was surprised no hotel staff was on hand to assist me. If you anticipate you will need help at the center, make sure to call ahead to the front desk or concierge.

(+) Guest rooms are well equipped with technology and a desk for business travelers
(-) More staff assistance and written instructions are needed for the hotel’s business center