Firstly, the positives:

*The hotel is well located.

Beautiful hotel, great vibe, good food,  amazing beds, comfortable rooms with lots of natural light, incredible location, gorgeous bar/restaurant, I could go on!

While I didn't get to enjoy the neighborhood, it was a great location and something I would definitely consider the next time I am in town and have some personal time to explore.

The hotel is a fantastic venue with a location that can't be beat.

What I liked:
Reception staff is very friendly, 

Location is very nice, not far from anywhere and next door to the White House and less than 20 minutes to the museums.

Overall location and ease of getting around very good, McPherson underground two blocks away makes for easily getting around the city.

We especially enjoy the Old Ebbitt Grille located just 1 1/2 blocks south near the White House.

Good location near lots of interesting attractions.

It was in a very convenient location for walking to the Museum and other tourist sites.

It was close to the White House and the location was excellent.

The location could not have been better and the hotel itself was lovely and the entire staff we encountered were friendly and welcoming.

Comfy beds, clean rooms, extra waters and great location.

The location is perfect for sightseeing, and easy to get to metro station.

First off, this is a really nice hotel, in a perfect location, with beautiful quiet rooms.

Over all good experience and great location.

The hotel's location was ideal for touring the DC area.

Great location (a quick walk to the white house), very clean especially our room totally pristine, super friendly staff, valet was very fast and helpful, just easily a 9/10 I don't see why I would return to DC and stay anywhere else, this is IT.

We chose the hotel and weren’t disappointed in that - the location is outstanding and a mere two blocks from The White House and within easy walking distance of many sights and must see locations.

The hotel is in a great location and looks absolutely beautiful.

The location is perfect….near the White House, short walk to museums, many restaurants to chose from, etc.

Dog friendly even for my Irish setter who is 85 pounds.

I must say that since I'm a dog lover it was nice to see that they accept them at the hotel.

We had a wonderful stay at the Sofitel and were able to being our dog as well (no charge).

No views (luxury and higher have views to a building other side of the street, superior room has a view to a wall and back of another very close building, standard room probably hasn't a window), 

Bathroom toiletries are different brands each so shower will make you smell like a fruit salad, 

They probably don't use a softener when washing towels (or softener is not working), 

All glasses are the cheapest roadside hotel plastic or paper cups.

We found stains on the couch, hair in the bathroom (shower, tub, counters) and the shower was clogged causing bad drainage.

Upon entering the room, there was a powerful smell of weed and incense/candles!

The cushions were soiled on both sides and even flipping them over was futile, because both sides were severely stained.

You could only imagine how the now non-operating restaurant was once lively with people, delicious smells and night life.

Room had a musty smell and bed linens  seemed dirty.

There were several things that quite frankly disappointed: relatively long wait at check out, dirty (filthy) windows, valet parking cost ($50 + $9 tax !!!

Walking into Sofitel Lafayette Square, the hotel air smells like a L'Occitane.

The Sofitel fragrance is very good in the lobby 
If not for the location, I think I would choose another hotel next time

I had to look at these stains every time I opened and closed them. Disgusting.

None of the things I saw in the complaints (perfume smell, hot water, coffee) were apparent.

The elevators smell like grilled peppers.

The only negative was the strong perfume scent they pipe into the lobby,

but this one needs a little more attention and they need to lose the “scent”.

I believe they are going for a scent that resembles something you’d find in nature,

but we're accustomed to not being exposed to cigarette smoke within 15 feet of buildings.

Had to heavily convince them to move someone who had a leaking air conditioner which had caused a wet carpet and subsequent mildewy smell.

the room (1201) had an odd, vaguely unpleasant smell.

however  for example the restaurant was closed on Sunday night so the bar which was previously used by well dressed people was now filled with other tourists and children and smelt strongly of deep fried food.

Having stayed in many Sofitels around the world, and acquired Diamond ALL status along the way, it's fair to say we have good idea of what the Sofitel brand involves.

I selected the Sofitel DC due to its proximity to my meeting and GLAD I did.

On a positive note, the staff we met at Sofitel was great unfortunately, they need new housekeeping or a better manager for that department.

I stayed at the Sofitel in Washington DC (Lafayette Square) from June18th to June 20th 2022.

Sofitel is a great hotel with amazing staff.

One of the highlights of our trip was our stay at Sofitel Hotel.

Hotel Sofitel Lafayette is the place to stay when you are in DC.

Decent one, looking  like the same decor as the Sofitel in NYC or Montreal.

Only blocks away from the White House, and walking distance to the Washington Memorial, Smithsonian museums and about a mile and a half to the Spy Museum, the Sofitel is a gem of a hotel.

The Sofitel is charming and situated in a beautiful part of Washington DC.

We had a very pleasant stay at the Sofitel.

My wife & I have stayed at Sofitel many times when visiting family.

I would recommend either waiting until they re-staff or skipping this Sofitel altogether.

We (4 persons) stayed here for five days, we chosen a great hotel brand as Sofitel

The Sofitel is a pleasant hotel with a number of positives and some negatives.

Highly recommend the Sofitel Washington DC.

On a random road trip around VA we found the Sofltel Washington DC to have amazing rates for a five star hotel, so naturally we booked two nights in a suite.

Since I live in Seattle and this hotel is in Washington DC it is unlikely that has any value for me.

This Hotel centrally located in Washington DC will give a peace of mine during your stay in the US capital.

Dear Sir/Madam

I am a current guest residing at your hotel, Sofitel Washington DC.

but Sofitel in Washington DC is exceptional among the exceptional.

My wife and I stay at the Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square regularly and are most impressed with the service and accommodations.

strongly recommended   if visiting Washington DC .

Most noteworthy to mention was the ability of each individual staff member to create a feeling of "home away from home" amidst even the most hectic days in Washington DC.

As a gift to my parents for their birthday, I planned a trip for them to Washington DC.

As Aussie tourists visiting Washington DC for the first time, we found the city very impressive, easy to navigate, full of amazing sights and monuments and beautiful street scapes.We would love to return someday and will definately stay at this hotel again when we do.

We enjoyed our stay at The Lafayette  whilst visiting Washington DC.

Walking distance to the White House and everything else touristy in Washington DC.

I recently took my granddaughter to Washington DC to celebrate her 10th birthday.

Friendly attentive staff at this Sofitel in Washington DC.

just back from a short business meeting in Washington DC and stayed at the Sofitel.

Stayed for 4 nights at this hotel which is in a great location to access the Washington DC monuments, all within a reasonable walking distance.

*Bottled water in the room - surely this is standard service for room service?

Compulsory 30usd tax including telephone calls,  higher speed internet that most of times doesn't work, 2 X 0,50 cents water bottles, coffee and tea at the lobby, package handling (it was useful for me,

The destination fee is ridiculous though, and includes such "amenities" as ice water with some fruit in it.

One odd thing was about every 5 mins the shower would literally run out of water..completely.. Then start up again.

No water or soap/shampoo in the room, no mini bar.

but it was a bit annoying to be left with hardly any toiletries and have to ask for towels, bottled water and cups to use the coffee machine.

Also, the water wasn’t as hot the second day as it was the first.

but we can hear the plumbing for the entire hotel run through our bathroom, it seems like water running constantly.

I looked behind the desk it was mounted as part of to check it was plugged in and found rubbish including old water bottles that had clearly been there for some time.

we had to request a bathrobe and additional towels
there was not much stocked in rooms upon arrival
we also needed to go to front desk to request water.

It was very inconvenient to get water, you have to ask in the main lobby and if it's busy you'll be waiting.

-The water pressure on the shower was divine!

Water leaked from the ice maker flooding the hall and lobby, blowers blowing dust everywhere when you get off the elevator, etc.

There was no hot water in the bathtub except at night.

We later ordered room service…1 BLT, 1 Ham & Cheese sandwich and two bottles waters = $80.

Only downside to our visit was the bill where we were charged a $25+tax per day for the "guest amenity charge" which, as far as I could fathom, was for Wifi, water in the room, etc.

There are some indications that maintenance staff are not paying close attention: (1) many of the power and USB outlets by the bed and at the desk were not actually powered; (2) the seal on the shower door did not work well, so after using the shower there was water on the floor around the door, which is definitely not a good idea on a slippery marble floor.

With how much the rooms cost and a resort fee, at least include the water in the room ($7) or even the half-sized can of pringles ($10), nevermind the thought of even a pastry selection included for breakfast.

It's within a few minutes walk to The White House and general strip of monuments and museums along 'the mall'.

It's a 2 minute walk to the White House, so pretty much ideal.

Just a few blocks from the hotel you are at the White House.

It’s easy to get to by metro from Union Station and 5 minutes walk from the White House.

Unfortunately lots of fencing remains which limits your access to Lafayette Park, the White House, the Capital and the Supreme Court.

The hotel is in a great location, near The White House.

The location of the hotel is great because it’s close to the White House.

The location is second-to-none, as the White House and Washington Monument are close by.

The hotel location is quite good, not far from the White House and the monument.

It only takes five-min walk to the White House, and 10-min walk to the nearest Macy's.

The location of the hotel is it’s ‘unique selling point’: it is a stone’s throw from The White House in the heart of DC.

Hotel is very pretty- close to The White House and walking distance to museums & monuments.

Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square Hotel

water

smell

location

sofitel

white-house

There was no climate control to speak of, carpets and furniture were worn out, and pretty grungy.

The carpets in the lobby area was in need of a serious clean or better still, replacement.

but smell nasty, feels like you in 18/19 century homes with old smell carpet.

What’s left of the carpets appears to be clean as was the room in general.

Frayed carpets, chipped paintwork, mumsy decor - the rooms here aren't going to win any awards,

The carpet is red so the dirt is somewhat hidden too.

This made me wonder about if carpets, vents and other unseen areas were in the same condition.

Yes, the hotel could use a "refresh" and the carpets in the rooms should be removed and hardwoods put down

The carpets in the halls needed vacuuming the whole stay.

I must say that the hotel seems a bit creepy with the old carpets, small elevators and bumps in the night

This hotel is very old and it definately shows (old worn carpets, curtains & bedding; closet & bathroom doors would not stay closed; very small bathrooms; peeling paint in the hallways; air vents looked to be a century old; there were no sprinklers in the rooms; no ameneties like shampoo, hair dryer, etc).

The carpet i think has at least 100 years old!

This is an old hotel, and the carpet and furniture was somewhat dated,

Pain was chipped, carpets are disgusting.

The room had a retro-vibe, mostly given off by the carpet.

Our room was extremely dated with red carpet and red wallpaper.

however, its not helped by having old, worn dirty carpet and daggy old stye bedspreads.

Enjoy the differences--e.g., the  original-tile bathroom floors, the old wooden doors, the enormous closets (at least in my room)--and ignore the quirks such as slow-draining bathtubs, sink-plug oddities, and worn hall carpets.

Due to its age, outlets in the rooms are not in abundance, so plan accordingly.

Dim lighting from two lamps, only one outlet to charge things, single pane windows that let in cold air and  even on the 5th floor you can hear the busy traffic below.

Several electrical outlets in room did not work.

There was no power points at all in the bathroom and no hair dryer provided.

One of the sockets needed fixing to the skirting board and the air conditioner look disgusting - dirty and in need of replacement.

There was one out let that must have had 4 or 5 things plugged into it.

There were no sockets to use for charging my phone.the air con whired and clunked all night and day.

It is in old hotel, the rooms are small, there’s not a lot of electrical outlets,

2 outlets in room
no outlets in bathroom
dirty tried no to look
only thing going for it price and excellent location, close to every thing
no unit air , central air control by rust rod, piped in by dirty vent

Not to mention the common area, the hair drier didn’t work, the TV wouldn’t turn on, half of the electric plugs didn’t work, etc, etc.

Outlets are few and far between which makes it tough in the technology age and the bathroom doesn’t have an outlet.

my room was small, the furniture was nothing fancy, and power outlets were not convenient.

No where to plug in kettle except in socket at side of bed near floor!

I felt I had to knock it down to 2 stars when I discovered a ton of dust behind my headboard while snaking a wire for my phone charger.

We even tried the outlets in the bathrooms

The plugins don’t hold chargers so phones are not always charged 
Great hot water

though the hallway was cold; obvious signs of a long period of wear and tear, outlets did not hold chargers.

Stayed 3 days, first day , room 306 latch on door broken, need needed paint, moved next door to 302   needs painting everywhere, torn wallpaper, floor sunken floor board carpeted over , toilet seat broken, bathroom sink hot water came out of the cold faucet, cold came out of the hot side,, bathroom vent dirty, had to fix cable tv, chains on door broken or missing,  vent attachment missing, maintance man came up to fix ceiling vent  put duct tape over vent, not enough electrical plugs  ref funkey,restaurant food yuk.

The location is great, you can walk to The White House in 2 minutes, they have a few restaurants in their hotel also.

Excellent location, friendly staff and the room was HUGE.

The location is excellent with walking distance to many sites and close to the DC Circulator stops and to the Metro.

This is a century located hotel in Washington DC which has really nice service and the people were very friendly and supportive.

The location is great, walking distance from everywhere you need.

The most important things for our visit were cost, location, and cleanliness.

Location is excellent and I chose this hotel so I could walk everywhere I had planned.

BUT location is wonderful and the price is right.

Came here on a history trip to DC - amazing location for that to be sure!

If you dont plan on spending much time in the hotel and want a great location, this is perfect.

This place is in an old building and in a perfect location in town.

This was a lovely historic hotel in a fantastic location in Washington DC.

The plus is the location : near everything: National Mall, White house, museums, rsstaurants

Wonderful for a little pet friendly hotel.

we stayed two appaling nights in this junkyard, arrived at reception to be greeted by a woman with a dog.

The employees were very pleasant and we especially liked that they take pets.

But you couldn’t really hear much noise out anyways (I am a light sleeper).

Our window didn't open - it was sealed in with duct tape - and there was garbage on the awning below.

The location is central to downtown so noisy with street traffic at night so I did struggle to get a good nights sleep.

We could hear the people talking in the room next door

Location was noisy (windows not very thick).

We were on the top floor, so no noise complaints.

All night there was a hammering/banging sound outside the room which made it impossible to sleep.

Because as I was rolling up to the gaff I was expecting an Arabian man to run out shouting ‘sh** on my floor $50’.

The bed reminded us of one of those inflatables where one person jumps on and catapults the other far into the sky

Thankfully we only stayed one night and spent very little time in the hotel

The location is excellent and really saves this creaky relic.

The problem is that you can hear everyone else's door slam (and no one knows how not to slam a hotel-room door), you can hear everyone else's toilet flush (and if you're in the shower when one flushes, you'll be scalded), cigarette smoke poured into my bathroom from the "exhaust vent," and in the wee hours of the morning there seemed to be several men who had female visitors and proceeded to "party" audibly.

So forget being out of your room, or finding a quiet corner to read or converse, unless you're willing to pay for the restaurants.

Air conditioning unit was noisy and rattly.

one can literally hear noise from the next room.

The radiator also made very loud dripping sounds that woke me up multiple times throughout the night.

The windows and walls are so thin you can hear all the traffic, sirens, horns, ambulances, firetrucks, and noise from the busy streets below.

but we were unable to turn it off plus with the constant draft coming from the windows the room became freezing very quickly.

but you couldn't hear much traffic considering you're on a main road.

They even let me bring my dog to sit with me while I had a few cocktails.

Harry’s diner down stairs is excellent.

I wouldn’t recommend the eatery, Harry’s.

Having said all that, if you want a essentially located hotel with a lot of good restaurants and walking distance along with sites and is good for families or just couples, this is a very good choice despite the star rating I gave it

And there are tons of restaurants within walking distance as well as easy access to Metro.

There is a bar/restaurant located pretty much in the hotel, which had nice food and decent prices.

Close to a lot of restaurants, fancy or just burgers.

Good restaurants in the area, and felt safe walking at night.

We had easy access to parking, the theater snd restaurants.

Harry's restaurant neon signs at the hotel's corner were warm and welcoming through the night, and were easy to spot upon a short walk from the Metro Center.

There were two restaurants, One on each side of the hotel.

If you're looking for super modern, with gym,pool,sauna,hot tub, room service, be prepared to pay a LOT.

We had a pizza that we left out in the box on top of the mini fridge and didn't have wot worry about putting it in the fridge.

We ate in the attached restaurant, Harry's, and the meal was good.

Hotel close to many DC restaurants and attractions and mass transit.

It is centrally located, walking distance to most tourist attractions and many restaurants.

A huge bonus was both rooms had full baths with a big deep bathtub (needed for soaking each night after all the walking we did daily) with shower and toilet.

In 3 days in DC we walked over 23 miles to see all the monuments and some museums.

This hotel is in a great location, only a short walk to the National Mall or the White House.

Plus, the Warner Theatre is an easy,short walk away.

Spend a few extra dollars and walk a few more blocks.

All in all it was a great place to sleep and be comfortable after a long day walking around.

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