We expected more from the St. Regis having stayed at these properties in Rome and Monarch Beach. The location is great for business or pleasure, just a few blocks from the White House.
The rooms however are quite small. Our bathroom was cramped and did not even have a tub. The service was just ok. We booked a package and they could not locate it and still had trouble even after we showed them the reservation print-out. That being said, the hotel was just renovated and re-opened in January of '08 so everything is fresh. I much preferred the Sofitel a block away, better rooms and much better service.

We stayed at the St. Regis for one week in March, just one month after the hotel reopened from a one-year major renovation. We are very familiar with this intimate hotel from previous stays in 2005 and 2006.

All the rooms were gutted, and they have new furniture, deluxe beds and Italian bed linens (must be 1000-thread count), completely new bathrooms with natural stone in light greys and tans, rain-head showers, plasma TVs, and I could go on and on. Apparently top designers were involved in the redecoration and it shows.

Best of all, 95% of the staff has returned to the St. Regis, and the ones I spoke had worked anywhere from 15 to 19 years for the hotel. They said they were treated so well that they would never leave. And I think this is the reason the service is so good and the staff is so welcoming. We just love this hotel!

Only one glitch from the renovation. One 79-year old member of our group was assigned to a room with a combination bath/shower (our room just had a huge walk-in shower, and apparently there are rooms with separate showers and baths). Unfortunately, the bath was so deep that stepping into it was very unsafe because there were no grab bars to use. Even middle-aged folks might have difficulty. The hotel has been made aware of this problem and I can't help but think they will address it. Interior designers don't always get it right!

The bar hadn't reopened yet (will be in April) but the food we had there was delicious.

If you want to feel like a queen or king, this is the place!

I adding this as a late entry. I stayed over Fourth July Weekend. The location is excellent as it is right behind the White House. The area is very classy.

When, you enter the hotel, you will be impressed with the decor, style and elegance. If you are not prepared to pay, you may not want to stay at the hotel.

The rooms are nicely decorated and the bed was comfortable. The gym was small, but furnished with modern equipment. I could not get a room with a breakfast rate. The restaurant offered haute cuisine and the food was excellent, but pricey.

The staff is very attentative and were professional.

I would recommend the hotel for any one willing not to be concerned about price. It would be an excellent honeymoon or lover's getaway. If you have a family it may not be the place for you. If you are looking for a weekend of elegance and old style this would be the place for you.