The instant I stepped foot in the lobby of Hotel Palomar in Washington, D.C., it felt like I was stepping onto the set of the BBC television show, “Hotel Babylon.” Well, maybe there weren’t British accents echoing in the lobby, but the ambiance, décor and hospitality was just what you would expect of a 5 star hotel, like Hotel Babylon.
Due to some thunder and lightning storms at Dulles International our arrival was after midnight. But the greeting my family got by Deidra Gresham and Wendall at the reception area was warm and sunny. We promptly checked in and with hardly any wait at all we were issued our room keys and lifted in one of the elevators to our floor.
Unlike a major chain hotel, which we often frequent when traveling, the rooms at Hotel Palomar are more spacious, something we gladly welcome with our family of 5. We had a room with two double beds and had plenty of room for a rollaway. Our tired family stumbled into bed one-by-one after taking nice hot showers in the nicely appointed bathroom. My kids loved the use of their bathrobes with animal print lapels. There were even nice cozy socks in case you forgot to bring slippers (for a price).
There’s free internet access available in each room, which is a great plus as many hotels charge by the day. My kids are pretty typical and brought their Smartphone’s and laptops which they were able to synch to the network right away and to start Facebooking their friends.
We moved to a suite during the middle of our stay as we wanted to spread out a little more. The suites are big enough so we were not stepping over one another and getting cabin fever – which would have happened if we stayed elsewhere.
The location of the Hotel Palomar is within easy reach of the Metro. Located in Dupont Circle, it is conveniently located near residential neighborhoods as well as the famous Embassy Row. It’s also within easy reach of Georgetown and its many sites including swank art galleries, unique shops and historic sites. There’s plenty to do within walking distance or a quick metro or cab ride to the Smithsonian Mall. One of the best features of staying at this hotel is the many wonderful restaurants nearby including the very scrumptious Scion Restaurant which is directly across the street.
If you make it back to the hotel between 5 and 6 pm, you must check out the hosted wine hour. Savor the fine wines and mingle with some of the other guests from around the world. The other amazing amenity is this hotel is pet friendly. No matter whether you have a cat or dog, big or small, for no extra charge you can call ahead and arrange to bring your pet. A bed, food bowl and treat can be brought up to the room. And while you’re savoring the wine hour, your dogs can take part in the bark bar (pet water bowls) by the front of the hotel. There’s even a walking service and a nearby dog walking park by the hotel. My children would have loved to have brought our Golden Retriever and Labrador. Next visit!
If you choose to have the continental breakfast or full breakfast (check with the front desk to see if they have any specials) at the hotel you won’t be disappointed. When my family travels we love to have a big breakfast before we start our day because we don’t always plan where we’ll have dinner, opting to stumble upon a local eating establishment to savor the local faire (such as at Scion). But if you prefer room service, or hotel dining, Urbana Restaurant within the hotel is a local favorite. Chef John Critchley is reknown for his delectable Mediterranean cuisine.
Within the hotel, when you need a bit of a workout, there is a nice sized pool for swimming laps as well as a fitness center with the latest in exercise equipment. The fitness center is complimentary and open 24/7 (which is a benefit as many other hotels make you pay or are not open all hours of the day).
Upon my very early morning departure, I was greeting just as warmly as when I arrived. I was surprised to be handed a gift bag containing a nice crisp apple and cold bottle of water which helped curb my appetite as I sleepily headed toward my 7 a.m. flight at Dulles International Airport. I was told it was because the newspapers had not arrived yet, so this probable isn’t typical.
If you’re considering a visit to Washington, D.C. for work or pleasure, be sure to check out the Hotel Palomar rather than your usual chain hotel. Or if you are local to D.C., consider Hotel Palomar for your next event, reception or party. It’s convenient and exceptional. You’ll be glad you did considering all of the nice amenities, ambiance and service. Simply outstanding.
Hotel Palomar
2121 P Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20037
877-866-3070
Rating: 5 Stars