Frommer's Review
This is Woodley Park's other really big hotel, although with 834 rooms, the Omni Shoreham is still about 500 short of the behemoth Marriott Wardman Park. And it's all the more appealing for it, since it's not quite so overwhelming as the Marriott. Its design -- wide corridors, vaulted ceilings and archways, and arrangements of pretty sofas and armchairs in the lobby and public spaces -- endows the Shoreham with the air of a grand hotel. The Omni rightfully boasts its status as the city's largest AAA four-diamond hotel, as well as its membership in Historic Hotels of America. Guest rooms evince a certain elegance and they remain twice the size of your average hotel room. A summer 2007 renovation replaced bedding in every guest room with thick pillow-top mattresses and old model televisions with flatscreen versions. The hotel sits on 11 acres overlooking Rock Creek Park and beyond. Its location and the gorgeous landscaping heighten a resort ambience. Insist on a parkside room, if one is available, and the higher up and more central, the better. Though a trifle smaller, these lodgings are quieter and offer those spectacular views -- you can even spot the Washington Monument from some rooms.
With its 22 meeting rooms and seven ballrooms (some of which open to terraces overlooking the park!), the hotel is popular as a meeting and convention venue. Leisure travelers, especially families, appreciate the Shoreham for its large outdoor swimming pool; its proximity to the National Zoo, excellent restaurants, and the Woodley Park-Zoo Metro station; and the immediate access to biking, hiking, and jogging paths through Rock Creek Park. The Omni offers rental bikes, jogging trail maps, a wildlife observation deck, bird charts, hammocks, and assorted other amenities to help you enjoy its park location.
Children receive a goodie bag at check-in that includes coloring books, puzzles, playing cards, postcards, and candy. You can walk to the more hip neighborhoods of Adams-Morgan and Dupont Circle from the hotel; the stroll to Dupont Circle, taking you over the bridge that spans Rock Creek Park, is especially nice (and safe at night, too).
Built in 1930, the Shoreham has been the scene of inaugural balls for every president since FDR. Do you believe in ghosts? Ask about Room no. 870, the haunted suite (available for $3,000 a night).
Facilities: Restaurant (continental; terrace overlooks Rock Creek Park); gourmet carryout; bar/lounge (serves light fare); fitness center and spa w/heated outdoor pool, separate kids' pool, and whirlpool; concierge; travel/sightseeing desk; ATM; business center; shops; 24-hr. room service; massage; same-day laundry service; dry cleaning; children's gifts; 41 rooms for those w/limited mobility, half w/roll-in showers.
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.
