I travel to DC for professional meetings and the company frequently has us stay at the Mandarin Oriental. It is conveniently located near the Smithsonian, Metro stops, and a quick taxi ride form Reagan Airport. In general, this is a luxurious hotel with superb service, including very above average banquet food service. This last stay, however, I experienced a couple of problems worth noting. It was extremely difficult getting the water temperature regulated in the shower/bath, alternating between freezing cold and scalding hot (no in between) unpredictably but frequently. Difficult enough that it made all but the most rapid of showers impossible. No explanation. Usually this hotel attracts a pretty good clientele, but this trip we had excessive noise in the halls at 1-3 AM from adult guests (evidently drunk) shouting and carrying on like a high school prom night. Multiple calls to the front desk from several of my colleagues in rooms on the same floor failed to get the problem resolved. Uncharacteristic of what I have come to expect from several stays at this hotel, and totally unacceptable.

What a wonderful hotel to stay in while visiting Washington DC. Located in the heart of things, just a five minute walk to the Smithsonian Castle or the Jefferson Memorial and just off of I-395. There is a parking garage and plenty of taxis to speed to around town, or the Metro is a short walk away. You will be hard pressed to find anything lacking at this hotel. Friendly, knowledgeable staff are always at hand, ready to serve you. The food was excellent and the lounge is quite relaxing. The Jazz Trio on Friday night was very enjoyable. The rooms are quiet and well appointed--ours was quite large with a whirlpool tub & a large walk-in shower (with real water pressure), lots of marble too. I never had to wait for an elevator, they are always at the ready. The only drawback to staying here is that your wallet will be a bit lighter upon leaving, but then again, you are in the lap of luxury in the heart of DC.

Great hotel with excellent staff. The rooms are really well decorated. The free shoe shine is a fantastic bonus, and they have the most frequent elevators. Never once did I need to wait; press the button and the doors open. The location is not remote. It is easy to walk everywhere, and they have plenty of taxis waiting.

I have stayed here a couple of times on business. The hotel is luxurious with outstanding attentive staff. From the doormen to the front desk the check in process is speedy, friendly and easily accomplished. The rooms are perfect in their decor with huge, well supplied bathrooms. I think I could easily live in this hotel! Oh btw, there's a starbucks across the street.

Only thing I'd change is to have coffee makers in the room!