Frommer's Review
This longtime Washington hotel attracts locals as well as hotel guests to its Capital City Club fitness center and full-service day spa. The club fronts on K Street, so you can work your buns off while watching the downtown Washington scene. The club doesn't have a pool but does have 60 pieces of exercise equipment, from Lifecycles to treadmills; facials, massages, and other spa services; and personal trainers. Use of the club is free to certain Hilton HHonors guests and $10 per day ($25 maximum, no matter how long your stay) for all others. The hotel's public spaces offer wireless Internet access for $11 per day.
Located just 2 blocks from the White House, the hotel has hosted 12 presidents since it opened in 1943. President Truman and his wife lived here for a time when the White House was being remodeled, and Bill Clinton interviewed his choices for vice presidential running mate here in the Ambassador Suite. Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, and Winston Churchill have all stayed here. The hotel often hosts political roasts, including the infamous Gridiron Club dinner.
The Hilton's central location attracts tourists and business travelers as well as presidents and royals. Nevertheless, guest rooms don't offer much in the way of character, and service is rather unremarkable. Corner rooms on the 16th Street side are the most spacious and offer the best city views. Business travelers appreciate the Tower's concierge floors (10, 11, 12, and 14) and extensive facilities. A number of suites are available, including three with outdoor patios. A recent renovation upgraded the decor and amenities in the tower rooms and suites; most of the rooms in the upgraded tower are on the high end of the price range given. The hotel marketing director reports that "exciting" renovations are scheduled to be complete in all of the guest rooms by 2008, but he was not at liberty to reveal details, which were still being negotiated at the time of this writing; you might inquire about this when you book your reservation. Always check out the website for best deals, and AAA members, seniors, military, and families should always inquire about discounts.
Facilities: Restaurant (American); bar; 10,000-sq.-ft. health club and spa; concierge (6:30am-11pm); tour and ticket desk; business center; salon; room service (until 1am); massage; same-day laundry service; dry cleaning; concierge floors; ATM w/foreign currency; 13 rooms for those w/limited mobility.
Dining & Entertainment:
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
