Grand Hyatt Washington DC Review
I stayed four nights at the Grand Hyatt Washington right after the 2020 election and in the midst of COVID. I booked my stay with a Privé agent with a 3rd night free, $100 credit and breakfast included. The total for the four nights was $447 + tax. With the current promotions, I will get three night credits for 2020 and three for 2021 and a total of over 9,000 Hyatt points.
Location
The Grand Hyatt Washington is located about 1/2 a mile from the White House and 1/2 a mile from the National Mall. It is a very central location with easy access to the Metro stop at Metro Center in the heart of DC.
Typically there is direct access to the Metro Center subway station from the Grand Hyatt lobby, but it is currently closed due to COVID. The only entrance that is open to the property is the front/main entrance. The other entrances are boarded up with plywood to mitigate damage from potential rioting.
Check In
I flew in to Reagan National Airport. There is a Metro station attached to the airport. I took the Blue line 9 stops to Metro Center. I arrived at the hotel 11:00pm and had to wait for an employee to unlock the door for me.
The Grand Hyatt Washington, which opened in 1987, is a large atrium style building with 897 rooms. The property was renovated in the mid 2010’s, modernizing the lobby space and removing a large water feature.
Room
I was assigned Room 1224 on the top (12th) floor. When I checked in online, it said I had been upgraded to a 1 King Bed with Club Access (though the Club is closed). However, the room actually had one Queen bed — which is actually the room type I reserved.
As you enter, the bathroom is on the left and a closet and wet bar area is to the right.
As my Privé welcome amenity I was provided a bottle of win and a cheese/fruit plate.
The bed has a wood headboard feature with lights and outlets built in.
The bed faces the TV that sits on top of a dresser. A glass top table sits in the corner. A chair with ottoman sits in front of the window.
I don’t think any of the rooms have any sort of views. Half the rooms face into the atrium and the rooms with outside views just look down on the street and next door buildings.
Bathroom
I found the bathroom to be small by Grand Hyatt standards. I also found it dated and worn. A single vanity sink with very little counter space is next to an industrial style toilet. Shower/tub combo is large but only has a standard shower head.
The bath products are Balmain branded, a step up from the standard June Jacobs you find in most Grand Hyatts. I’m not sure if that is just for the Club level rooms or if all rooms use the upgraded products.
Dining
There are two restaurants at the Grand Hyatt Washington. Cabinet, which appears to be their breakfast buffet, and Crave which is their bar and restaurant. Both care currently closed; though breakfast and dinner can be ordered for guests and picked up at Crave. There is no room service.
Since I had breakfast included in addition to a $100 credit, I ate my breakfast and most dinners at the hotel. The food is pretty generic but reasonably priced. The only problem is if you want an early or late breakfast, lunch or late dinner, you are out of luck.
There is also a Starbucks on the lobby level.
The Grand Club is located on the 12th floor but is also currently closed due to COVID. There would be no views from the Club.
Service
I don’t know the exact occupancy, but I would guess it was under 10% during my stay. The other large Hyatt in Washington, the Hyatt Regency, is currently closed. The staffing was a skeleton crew though housekeeping was offered daily which surprised me slightly due to COVID. Of course you could opt out. There is also a gift shop with limited hours. Everyone I interacted with was very friendly and professional. When I stopped by the front desk to get a bottle of water, the staff offered me a bag full to take to my room. When I had an issue with the HVAC in my room, maintenance was quick to come up to fix it.
Overall
The Grand Hyatt Washington is a large property in a good location. The room feels a bit dated and worn. I was surprised by the small size of the bathroom. I found the service to be very good.
A Thompson hotel just opened in the city that I will probably try next time if the price is right, though it is farther outside of the tourist/business area. There is also a Park Hyatt, but the rates were double the price.
I don’t think anyone would be disappointed or wow-ed by the Grand Hyatt Washington. It is a solid property but overall mostly forgettable which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
