Hotel Review of the Westin Embassy Row in Washington, D.C.

Having stayed in Washington, D.C. numerous times, I have had the pleasure of visiting myriad hotels. Most trips to the nation's capitol are wonderful, but the hotel you stay in can really make the difference between an average vacation and a great vacation. On one visit in the Summer of 2007, I chose to stay at the Westin Embassy Row in Washington, D.C. I am happy for that decision.

The Westin Embassy Row is located in heart of Washington, D.C. just a few blocks from Dupont Circle. This puts the hotel within short walking distance of all the restaurants and galleries in that area, of which there are many. The Smithsonian Institute is about a 20 minute walk or a short taxi ride away. An entire week long vacation could be spent just searching through the museums of the Smithsonian Institute. I personally recommend the National Gallery of Art. It can compete with most of the second tier art museums in Europe as far as Renaissance paintings go, and has an unbeatable collection of American paintings. Capitol Hill and the Washington Monument are also about a 20 minute walk or a short cab ride away. Make sure you plan in advance if you wish to visit the Capitol building.

Also, the Westin Embassy Row is given that name for a reason. There are many embassies within short walking distance of the hotel. They are all housed in beautiful buildings. It makes for a very nice walk if you want to try to spot all the embassies in the area. Some of the embassies may even be willing to give you a tour of their building if you ask in advance. Indonesia was very accommodating in this respect. Location of the hotel can make or break a vacation, and the Westin Embassy Row is situated in an almost perfect location to get a good taste of the nation's capitol.

The architecture of the hotel fits in with the many embassies located nearby. It has a rather small entrance which opens up into a small lobby. Here the registration desk and concierge are located. It is a more intimate and private building than some of the other larger hotels located in Washington, D.C. My room was surprisingly large for a double. It was more than I expected, especially given the size of the building. It had the trademark Westin very comfortable beds. The bathroom had a large tub/shower, a large mirror and sink countertop, and a regular toilet. The rooms were clean and comfortable. The TV was of average size. The room and overall feel of the hotel was very reminiscent of luxury hotels in large European cities. It was a great experience.

Overall I would recommend this hotel for anyone wishing to stay in Washington, D.C. The luxurious feel along with the great location made for an unbeatable stay. The hotel is currently undergoing renovation, but it is still open. Rooms can be had for around $250-$600 a night.