Infested with RATS. Yes, you read that correctly. Do not stay here. They are renovating the hotel and said they’ve had a lot of complaints. This once luxurious hotel should shut down until this issue is resolved- surely it’s violating some kind of health code? Avoid at all costs.
mary B
I want to thank the Front Desk Team and Senior Manager John Dawson for your compassionate, efficient help through a very stressful experience of losing my cell phone (It was found!) Additionally the hotel’s meeting rooms were perfect in every way for my conference. Your help is very much appreciated. We look forward to returning. Thanks again!
910lydr
My stay was abruptly ended due to seeing a mouse in my room - on the 10th floor. I am extremely terrified of mice and rats. I managed to go my entire life not seeing a mice and would have never imagined my hotel room being the place I would see one. I have always thought the one thing I should be worried about at hotels is bed bugs, but clearly Renaissance Washington proved me wrong. I have NEVER had such a horrible experience at a hotel. I called down to the front desk and I am not sure whether their response or what happened after was more disappointing. Upon calling down, they did not seem too appalled by the situation. A nonchalant apology was rendered with a suggestion of 25K points, which is not even enough to stay at a Renaissance, to be deposited into my account (points, whether low or not were never deposited). This is beyond unsatisfactory given the situation. The bellhop came up to give me keys to a new room, which by the way wasn’t even an upgraded room to compensate for the traumatic and extremely stressful situation at hand. There was no follow up from the staff or anything to see if I was okay or needed anything. Needless to say I was NOT comfortable staying at a hotel that is supposed to be categorized as distinctive premium, provide exceptional service and be rodent free. After submitting a complaint, STILL NOTHING! I have status, but that should not factor into the level of service I receive for such an incident. So disappointing, especially considering how much business I have given Marriott for years. This lack of response from both Renaissance DC and Marriott is enough for me to consider taking my loyalty to a brand who actually cares, treats me better, and don’t have mice.
Explorer09140106553
I stayed here for the weekend. We were visiting the local museums. I looked at the reviews and called the hotel upon arriving. The directions will take you to the front, but it is only for valet parking. The wonderful concierge showed me where to go to self-parking on K street. It was only around the corner and under the hotel. Self-parking is $36.00 a day or $60 for valet parking. Considering the parking garage is shared, I was fortunate enough to find a park by the elevator. We were assisted with coming in by security who graciously informed us to make sure we secured our belongings and what to watch out for, since we were not from the area. We were checked in with no issue and given information on the surrounding places to eat and order from, if we did not want to leave the hotel to eat. I was already made aware of the renovations at the hotel. We were checked into room 1481. It was the Deluxe Guest Room with two queen beds. The room was wonderful. A plus was no carpet in the room. I traveled with individuals who have allergies, and it was a bonus the hotel does not allow pets unless they are service animals. The absence of a microwave was not a problem for us. We got settled in and was comfortable. We explored for a while but went back to the room. I read the reviews of mice, but hoped they would be wrong. Well, they were not. We had a baby mouse have a marathon in our room. I called the front desk and they apologized and moved us to room 827. There was a convention across the street this past weekend and the hotel was almost full, but they were able to find us a room. We did not see any more mice in our new room, but we kept an eye out just in case. The back elevators were not working due to the renovations, so the front elevators were only operational. I will return to see the new updates. The Deluxe Guest Room was spacious enough for the three of us. No carpet was a plus. Many outlets to use for any of your devices you need to charge. The walk-in shower is large with detachable shower head attachment. The water pressure was perfect. Plenty of space to store your luggage and personal belongings. They also offer conjoining rooms for those who need it. The pillows are very soft, and the mattress was comfortable and pleasing to my lower back. If you are up to it there are stores and restaurants within walking distance. The convention center is directly across the street, so if you happen to need a place in close proximity this is the hotel for you, but hopefully the mice issue will be handled by then.
N1339BNmicheller
This place is being turned into a Westin and is under significant renovation. I was here for 6 nights for a conference (under two different room reservations). I have NEVER seen SO MANY MICE in a hotel before. Ever. The first night I had two mice IN MY ROOM (room 836). They moved me to the 16th floor (room 1610). While I did not see any more mice in my room up on the top floor, my colleague had them in her 14th floor room. Other people were moved up to 16 from the conference for mice in their room. I saw several in the lobby and restaurant area. All the mice. As a an apology for the mice they offered us 5000 Marriott points, which is nothing. The manager also said to me “mice are a DC problem”. No sir, not like this at least. As an aside, the conference rooms were COLD. I travel a lot for work and I’ve never had conference rooms so cold. They were a kind of cold that would put someone into hibernation. I will not be attending the conference next year if it is at this hotel and would advise people to look elsewhere.
61JamesW
dated and under construction. The main entrance is blocked for now. they are starting to renovate the rooms, but the common spaces tend to be a bit old looking. the food at receptions was just OK and the elevators are 1990s type.
jkatz289
Really frustrating experience. Beyond the construction and complete lack of a lobby, there are so many inconveniences, especially at this price point. 1) lack of room service available throughout the day, no lunch options, no early morning breakfast, and limited dinner, 2) Bonvoy chat nearly nonexistent and quite rude… basically had to beg for new towels when room was not cleaned, 3) internet inconsistent and terrible, even at Gold level, needed to turn it off, 4) want a snack bc there isn’t room service? “Market” downstairs inconsistently open with unclear hours, 5) did you want to eat still bc Market is closed and room service required you to pre-order hours ago? You'll be chasing Uber Eats around bc they can't find the entrance bc it, too, is closed. Temporary entrance requires you to carry your luggage down multiple stairs, and is not accessible. Save yourself the hassle and literally stay anywhere else in the city.
Cheketa
Apparently, I hit the room jackpot during my stay. I was in DC for a conference and the Renaissance is located just one block from the Convention Center. Perfect location. The hotel was extremely busy and the check-in process was long. I only deducted from the review because of the time it took to check-in. Yes, there was evidence of renovations in some of the common areas. But, I didn’t hear a sound. Not a peep. I was given a newly renovated room, number 1444. The views were amazing and it was quiet. The bed, linens, and towels were phenomenal. Bathroom fixtures were high quality. There is a shower door. So, no need to worry about water getting all over the bathroom. Sadly, my conference was only 3 days. Oh, how I wanted to extend my stay!
A8383WMlizk
Disappointed. I’m a titanium elite member, so plenty of experience at Marriotts and with travel. When traveling for work, I asked where the gym was, and was promptly informed that theirs is closed for renovations (understandable) and that the gym available doesn’t open til 8am. Doesn’t really work for a business travel who has to actually work during their travel. Many other great Marriott properties in this area, wish I had gone to one of those instead. Also it’s super odd that they offered a private gym (with restrictive hours) instead of using the gym at the other Marriott facility literally across the street.
BeGaz
Attend conference at this hotel. While at conference sessions, someone entered my locked room and took tote bag, backpack, two laptops and various other electronics. Files report with hotel security and DC police. Six hours later, the empty tote bag found in hotel stairwell. All electronics and other items still missing. Clearly there is a security issue at this hotel. Other attendees had items stolen from their rooms too.
This was not a great stay. The systems were down the day we arrived and although I was not a member of the large volleyball group that was there, and despite checking in via the app and getting a mobile key (Titanium member) I had to wait in a line for hours with my two small kids. The next night there was a fire alarm and evacuation at 3 in the morning, and during the entire stay there was very disruptive construction noise. It is very close to a lot of things, but if I could do it again with my family, I would have probably picked somewhere else due to the daily chaos. Breakfast had some nice options, and the coffee/ice cream place a block away is recommended.
Lutz B
One of the worst stays I ever had. The hotel is overdue for renovation for many years. Now the renovation is ongoing, with an unacceptable noise level. Hotel should be closed while so significant works are ongoing. I had a mouse in my room, which I reported to reception. Room wasn‘t changed. But said they would take care off. Next morning I had a mouse in the room again. At check out the front desk manager promised 80.000 Marriot Bonvoy points as a compensation - of which only 50.000 arrived on my account.
115dukew
Stayed at the Renaissance on 3/11. It was confusing due to the renovations. I pulled in and was told to park by the valets in the self service garage before checkin. Parked and went to checkin. Checkin was ok but slow. Requested a room on the 8th floor or Gm higher but was given rooms on the 4th floor. I was never given or offered help by anyone. My king room was clean ( bathroom was tight) and my 2nd room was a handicap room. Had issues eating the garage Saturday evening and had to be let out on Sunday. Staff just wasn’t friendly to me but were friendly and offered assistance to others that had just checked in. Would not return again
FL2045
The hotel is undergoing renovation. So things are a little disorganized.. Perhaps for that reason, the hotel staff were some of the friendliest staff that I have encountered in my travels. Very impressive. I should add the the continental breakfast as wonderful including smoked salmon, hummus and wonderful berries. Top of the line!
669ashlinm
I do not recommend staying at this hotel. They warn you on the website that it is undergoing renovations and there may be construction noise between 9 am and 5 pm, but the days I stayed here noise from workers started before 7 am. And the noise during the day is extremely loud and not intermittent the way they described. They also tell you that there can be temporary water shutdowns, but they only gave about 12 hours of notice about a water shutdown from 10 am to 4 pm, which is an extremely long time. After I arrived and checked in, they still had my room marked my room as unoccupied, so security walked into the room while I was in it trying to take a nap. Finally, the walls are very thin and I could hear basically everything the people in the room next to me were doing or staying. Maybe it will be better once it's done being renovated, but if you have other options you should strongly consider staying elsewhere.
Infested with RATS. Yes, you read that correctly. Do not stay here. They are renovating the hotel and said they’ve had a lot of complaints. This once luxurious hotel should shut down until this issue is resolved- surely it’s violating some kind of health code? Avoid at all costs.
I want to thank the Front Desk Team and Senior Manager John Dawson for your compassionate, efficient help through a very stressful experience of losing my cell phone (It was found!) Additionally the hotel’s meeting rooms were perfect in every way for my conference. Your help is very much appreciated. We look forward to returning. Thanks again!
My stay was abruptly ended due to seeing a mouse in my room - on the 10th floor. I am extremely terrified of mice and rats. I managed to go my entire life not seeing a mice and would have never imagined my hotel room being the place I would see one. I have always thought the one thing I should be worried about at hotels is bed bugs, but clearly Renaissance Washington proved me wrong. I have NEVER had such a horrible experience at a hotel. I called down to the front desk and I am not sure whether their response or what happened after was more disappointing. Upon calling down, they did not seem too appalled by the situation. A nonchalant apology was rendered with a suggestion of 25K points, which is not even enough to stay at a Renaissance, to be deposited into my account (points, whether low or not were never deposited). This is beyond unsatisfactory given the situation. The bellhop came up to give me keys to a new room, which by the way wasn’t even an upgraded room to compensate for the traumatic and extremely stressful situation at hand. There was no follow up from the staff or anything to see if I was okay or needed anything. Needless to say I was NOT comfortable staying at a hotel that is supposed to be categorized as distinctive premium, provide exceptional service and be rodent free. After submitting a complaint, STILL NOTHING! I have status, but that should not factor into the level of service I receive for such an incident. So disappointing, especially considering how much business I have given Marriott for years. This lack of response from both Renaissance DC and Marriott is enough for me to consider taking my loyalty to a brand who actually cares, treats me better, and don’t have mice.
I stayed here for the weekend. We were visiting the local museums. I looked at the reviews and called the hotel upon arriving. The directions will take you to the front, but it is only for valet parking. The wonderful concierge showed me where to go to self-parking on K street. It was only around the corner and under the hotel. Self-parking is $36.00 a day or $60 for valet parking. Considering the parking garage is shared, I was fortunate enough to find a park by the elevator. We were assisted with coming in by security who graciously informed us to make sure we secured our belongings and what to watch out for, since we were not from the area. We were checked in with no issue and given information on the surrounding places to eat and order from, if we did not want to leave the hotel to eat. I was already made aware of the renovations at the hotel. We were checked into room 1481. It was the Deluxe Guest Room with two queen beds. The room was wonderful. A plus was no carpet in the room. I traveled with individuals who have allergies, and it was a bonus the hotel does not allow pets unless they are service animals. The absence of a microwave was not a problem for us. We got settled in and was comfortable. We explored for a while but went back to the room. I read the reviews of mice, but hoped they would be wrong. Well, they were not. We had a baby mouse have a marathon in our room. I called the front desk and they apologized and moved us to room 827. There was a convention across the street this past weekend and the hotel was almost full, but they were able to find us a room. We did not see any more mice in our new room, but we kept an eye out just in case. The back elevators were not working due to the renovations, so the front elevators were only operational. I will return to see the new updates. The Deluxe Guest Room was spacious enough for the three of us. No carpet was a plus. Many outlets to use for any of your devices you need to charge. The walk-in shower is large with detachable shower head attachment. The water pressure was perfect. Plenty of space to store your luggage and personal belongings. They also offer conjoining rooms for those who need it. The pillows are very soft, and the mattress was comfortable and pleasing to my lower back. If you are up to it there are stores and restaurants within walking distance. The convention center is directly across the street, so if you happen to need a place in close proximity this is the hotel for you, but hopefully the mice issue will be handled by then.
This place is being turned into a Westin and is under significant renovation. I was here for 6 nights for a conference (under two different room reservations). I have NEVER seen SO MANY MICE in a hotel before. Ever. The first night I had two mice IN MY ROOM (room 836). They moved me to the 16th floor (room 1610). While I did not see any more mice in my room up on the top floor, my colleague had them in her 14th floor room. Other people were moved up to 16 from the conference for mice in their room. I saw several in the lobby and restaurant area. All the mice. As a an apology for the mice they offered us 5000 Marriott points, which is nothing. The manager also said to me “mice are a DC problem”. No sir, not like this at least. As an aside, the conference rooms were COLD. I travel a lot for work and I’ve never had conference rooms so cold. They were a kind of cold that would put someone into hibernation. I will not be attending the conference next year if it is at this hotel and would advise people to look elsewhere.
dated and under construction. The main entrance is blocked for now. they are starting to renovate the rooms, but the common spaces tend to be a bit old looking. the food at receptions was just OK and the elevators are 1990s type.
Really frustrating experience. Beyond the construction and complete lack of a lobby, there are so many inconveniences, especially at this price point. 1) lack of room service available throughout the day, no lunch options, no early morning breakfast, and limited dinner, 2) Bonvoy chat nearly nonexistent and quite rude… basically had to beg for new towels when room was not cleaned, 3) internet inconsistent and terrible, even at Gold level, needed to turn it off, 4) want a snack bc there isn’t room service? “Market” downstairs inconsistently open with unclear hours, 5) did you want to eat still bc Market is closed and room service required you to pre-order hours ago? You'll be chasing Uber Eats around bc they can't find the entrance bc it, too, is closed. Temporary entrance requires you to carry your luggage down multiple stairs, and is not accessible. Save yourself the hassle and literally stay anywhere else in the city.
Apparently, I hit the room jackpot during my stay. I was in DC for a conference and the Renaissance is located just one block from the Convention Center. Perfect location. The hotel was extremely busy and the check-in process was long. I only deducted from the review because of the time it took to check-in. Yes, there was evidence of renovations in some of the common areas. But, I didn’t hear a sound. Not a peep. I was given a newly renovated room, number 1444. The views were amazing and it was quiet. The bed, linens, and towels were phenomenal. Bathroom fixtures were high quality. There is a shower door. So, no need to worry about water getting all over the bathroom. Sadly, my conference was only 3 days. Oh, how I wanted to extend my stay!
Disappointed. I’m a titanium elite member, so plenty of experience at Marriotts and with travel. When traveling for work, I asked where the gym was, and was promptly informed that theirs is closed for renovations (understandable) and that the gym available doesn’t open til 8am. Doesn’t really work for a business travel who has to actually work during their travel. Many other great Marriott properties in this area, wish I had gone to one of those instead. Also it’s super odd that they offered a private gym (with restrictive hours) instead of using the gym at the other Marriott facility literally across the street.
Attend conference at this hotel. While at conference sessions, someone entered my locked room and took tote bag, backpack, two laptops and various other electronics. Files report with hotel security and DC police. Six hours later, the empty tote bag found in hotel stairwell. All electronics and other items still missing. Clearly there is a security issue at this hotel. Other attendees had items stolen from their rooms too.
Restaurantji Recommends
This was not a great stay. The systems were down the day we arrived and although I was not a member of the large volleyball group that was there, and despite checking in via the app and getting a mobile key (Titanium member) I had to wait in a line for hours with my two small kids. The next night there was a fire alarm and evacuation at 3 in the morning, and during the entire stay there was very disruptive construction noise. It is very close to a lot of things, but if I could do it again with my family, I would have probably picked somewhere else due to the daily chaos. Breakfast had some nice options, and the coffee/ice cream place a block away is recommended.
One of the worst stays I ever had. The hotel is overdue for renovation for many years. Now the renovation is ongoing, with an unacceptable noise level. Hotel should be closed while so significant works are ongoing. I had a mouse in my room, which I reported to reception. Room wasn‘t changed. But said they would take care off. Next morning I had a mouse in the room again. At check out the front desk manager promised 80.000 Marriot Bonvoy points as a compensation - of which only 50.000 arrived on my account.
Stayed at the Renaissance on 3/11. It was confusing due to the renovations. I pulled in and was told to park by the valets in the self service garage before checkin. Parked and went to checkin. Checkin was ok but slow. Requested a room on the 8th floor or Gm higher but was given rooms on the 4th floor. I was never given or offered help by anyone. My king room was clean ( bathroom was tight) and my 2nd room was a handicap room. Had issues eating the garage Saturday evening and had to be let out on Sunday. Staff just wasn’t friendly to me but were friendly and offered assistance to others that had just checked in. Would not return again
The hotel is undergoing renovation. So things are a little disorganized.. Perhaps for that reason, the hotel staff were some of the friendliest staff that I have encountered in my travels. Very impressive. I should add the the continental breakfast as wonderful including smoked salmon, hummus and wonderful berries. Top of the line!
I do not recommend staying at this hotel. They warn you on the website that it is undergoing renovations and there may be construction noise between 9 am and 5 pm, but the days I stayed here noise from workers started before 7 am. And the noise during the day is extremely loud and not intermittent the way they described. They also tell you that there can be temporary water shutdowns, but they only gave about 12 hours of notice about a water shutdown from 10 am to 4 pm, which is an extremely long time. After I arrived and checked in, they still had my room marked my room as unoccupied, so security walked into the room while I was in it trying to take a nap. Finally, the walls are very thin and I could hear basically everything the people in the room next to me were doing or staying. Maybe it will be better once it's done being renovated, but if you have other options you should strongly consider staying elsewhere.