The Hay-Adams

Neat looking old place in a fancy hotel but my issues are as follows:
Cramped and small
Last call on a SATURDAY was 11:30PM and we were ushered out at 12
Sodas are 8oz with no refills
Apparently its a popular place with politicians and the like, but not with this Milwaukee lass.

Amazing experience. Top marks for attention to detail, etiquette, and uniqueness as an establishment. It’s not a chain, it’s not for everyone, but if you want a traditional hotel with amazing views of the White House from your room, there is no better place.

Amazing breakfast! every prepared really nicely. My family and I enjoyed eating here and admiring the beauty and elegance. The works are well trained and very kind.

If I could give 10 stars I would. The Hay Adams roof top restaurant has an stellar reputation when it comes to its hospitality, class, customers service, etiquette and good quality food. We attend with our party the wonderful brunch. The host was delightful, the setting was so nicely designed. We were welcomed by the nice tunes from the pianist and scented bouquets. The latter were beautifully arranged. Our table was near the window and the view was breathtaking. All the staff was very well informed, respectful and around when we had questions. The buffet had various options for everyone to seafood, ribs, French toast, chicken, eggs, breakfast sausages, bacon, petit fours, all delightfulky seasoned and set up.
This buffet was exceptional fully worth the price and we had no problem leaving an appropriate tip. A classy hotel like this did not even added a mandatory gratitude, because it understands that its delivery of services is superb and gratitude will follow. This is a classy restaurant, who’s management is aware how to manage a brunch buffet/​banquet. Other restaurant rookies could learn from these practices. We will be back soon. !

Fancy! I came for a private event in the banquet area near the top floor. There is a private balcony that directly faces the White House and Washington Monument. It’s a very impressive view. I do know that sometimes when there are important White House events, this area may be closed.
In any case, the lobby is beautiful and the top floor area has a small coat check section in addition to the main rectangular room.

My daughter was married recently, with both ceremony and reception at the Hay-​Adams. The entire staff worked together to make sure the wedding came off without a hitch.
Not only was the hotel the perfect, most beautiful venue for the history-​loving couple, but every single person we encountered in the hotel, from the valet parker to the most senior staff, was kind and efficient and patient and friendly and very, very helpful. I almost hated to have to return home.
It was a fairly small wedding (52 people), and Alison Okobi, our primary contact, was so good at coordinating everything that despite not using a wedding planner, I was able to relax and thoroughly enjoy the event myself.
The entire staff at the Hay helped our family create such beautiful memories that my husband and I will certainly turn to the hotel for any future celebratory events.

BEWARE! This hotel is run by thieves! STOLEN FROM US AND THEY CONTINUE TO STEAL! PLUS THE ROOMS ARE BORING LIKE YOU WOULD FIND AT A HOLIDAY INN. They over-​charged us by $ 300 dollars on New Year’s Eve. Scam! Upon clarifying the bill in person, they then changed the amounts to reflect the real costs, we paid and left ONLY to have additional charges placed again about 4 hours later after we had checked out. Of course we are disputing, and now– two weeks later! they have added another $ 40 onto the credit card. Which we are going to pursue as FRAUD. VIEW NOT WORTH IT. THIEVES. I am a frequent user of the American Express Fine Hotels Resorts Program and this is by FAR THE WORST HOTEL EXPERIENCE in my life. I actually am curious to see if I can pursue criminal charges against whoever is charging the credit card. AVOID AT ALL COSTS.

Always a pleasure to be surrounded by all things gracious and comfortably elegant. We’ve enjoyed many festive, and memorable events at The Hay-​Adams over the years and have yet to be disappointed. Just enjoyed their Christmas/​Holiday tea in The Lafayette and again, the experience exceeded our expectations. Staff attentive, pastry made on site by their Pastry Chef so you can imagine how DE-​vine all the goodies were, and the Holiday decorations among the best in the city. Put They Hay-​Adams, and Off the Record Bar, on your must do this Holiday season. Treat yourself or loved ones.

Whenever I am in DC I make sure I go to Hay Adams, amazing hotel and nice restaurant and bar .Just love it .Try their Salmon entrée, very delicious.

I was taken here over the weekend for a short birthday getaway. Our room wasn’t ready right away so they sent us to the hotel bar for a drink on them. The grapefruit margarita is delicious.
The hotel is right across from the White House and the rooftop view is amazing. Every single one of the staff members we encountered were friendly and very helpful. The rooms were very nice and the old architecture was beautiful. The beds are the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in.
Because it was my birthday, the hotel sent a complimentary bottle of champagne and chocolates to our room. What a nice surprise!
Highly recommend!

Overall good experience at hotel. Need to improve waiter service. Waiter staff not to attentive

We attended a wedding reception here and it was simply breathtaking. Not only was the view from the rooftop penthouse spectacular, but the interior was beautiful as well. From the very accommodating service staff, to the swanky bar (get the Elyx mule!), to even the bathrooms — all were top-​notch quality and we felt we were experiencing the best of DC in one historic spot.

Nope… Don’t do it. For the price, you would find better legendary service providing hotels in the near vicinity. I booked the non-​suite highest rate ($ 500+) room thinking that would give me the coveted room with a white house view. Same experience as the other review… It was a deception on the website. The receptionist said no such rooms existed in Summer. Well would have better known if they clarified this earlier. Package included breakfast. Well sorry but breakfast was capped … Whaat? Yes only credit of $ 25 per person. Jesus Is this 21^st century or what? How stupid do they think the consumers are now? Room size is decent but besides the linen, there is nothing impressive. You walk in a St. Regis or Four Seasons and room impresses you. Not here because these folks are the breed that is stuck in past. The bathroom is pitiful. After paying that price, you don’t expect this kind of space. Do yourself a favor and skip this legend.

Probably the best hotel I’ve ever stayed at in the U.S. There’s something about the fact that it is also a boutique hotel that adds to the charm of this exquisite, historic hotel. The building & the accommodations are splendid
What TRULY sets this hotel apart, in my opinion, is the transcendent level of service that the staff bring to the table. I wish I could remember everyone’s name who was so exceptional. Monica (catering), Fran & Eric (concierge), Bertha (housekeeping), Guillermo, Sampson, Kayley… Everyone goes well above and way beyond most 5 star hotels.
Just a couple of small examples. My 10 was in the hall walking between my father & my room (adjacent rooms) & my son was crying. He was just missing his Dad. Bertha happened to be there & swooped in with a very sweet hug for him.
Another day, my son was bored & hungry waiting for me to get ready for breakfast. I asked him, if the restaurant approved, if he’d be comfortable eating by himself. I called down, Monica said no problem. Long story short, Monica, on her personal break time, took my son (I tagged along) up to the 9^th floor to see the most spectacular view of the White House & all the surrounding buildings & monuments. As well, she took us to the Hay-​Adams room and told us about the history of the hotel.
The Hay Adams is a very sophisticated, but they could not have been more sweet and welcoming with me, my father & my son. Much appreciation to everyone there who made our stay so memorable. I do wish that I could remember everyone’s name as you ALL made it much more than even a 5 star hotel. Bravo!

I had the unique experience of attending a private event on the roof top of the Hay Adams for my birthday. You can feel the history in this place. We walked onto the top floor and were immediately drawn to the balcony and the best views of the White House. As the sun set, we all took many shots to remember this amazing moment. I’m allergic to dairy products and the staff was very accompanying. My waiter, upon finding out it was my birthday, brought me a beautiful dessert and flowers! He even sang to me. Overall, it was a special experience that I will likely never have again in my lifetime. I only hope the rest of the hotel is even a fraction as attentive to detail and customer service as the roof top.

Attending a recent American Bankers Association conference in DC this past week, I had the great fortune to be invited to a dinner at the Hay-​Adams hosted by FIS Global. The view of the White House and Washington Monument was superb. The cocktail hour was first class and the jumbo shrimp they served truly was colossal jumbo shrimp, and the other appetizers were amazing. Everything was yummy. Our entrée was filet mignon. The wine was never ending and the speakers (one was Congressman Huizenga from Michigan) were entertaining.
Great networking opportunities and enjoyed meeting new people in the same industry.
Transportation to/​from the Marriott — where the ABA conference was being held — was provided and the entire evening was fabulous.

This place is amazing. I wanted to go because of the restaurants fame but never expected the food to be so amazing. The beet and goat cheese appetizer was so good! Other appetizers were also great. We had the halibut special, which was superb, and also snapper with mushrooms and lentils. Both amazing and perfectly prepared. Excellent service, nice piano music and ambience.

This is a world-​class hotel but you have to pay to play, as it were. It’s across from the White House but in order to secure a room with a WH view, you will pay more. Standard rooms are very clean and nice, but relatively small for the price paid. They don’t offer many specials or packages — they don’t have to — so save up in advance for upgrades before you book. The gem of the hotel is the Top of the Hay rooftop terrace with spectacular views of DC. However, it is almost constantly booked with private events these days. My last two stays, we could not gain access so that I could show my friends one of the best views in the District.
Staff is super friendly and accommodating, rooms are stylish and pleasing, food is exceptional (even room service meals), Sunday brunch is to die for (just go for that even if you can’t stay at the hotel itself), everything about this place hearkens to another time. There’s a hushed, reserved elegance that is a nice change of pace. Great hotel to try for special occasions.

Simple elegance. Fresh flowers and attention to customers. Your stay will be peaceful and tasteful.

STAFF:
For me, this hotel is in the most literal sense, a life saver. Last Sunday, my parents were staying in a suite at The Hay Adams when my father had a heart attack. My mother, frantically picked up the phone, hit the first button she could find, and without her glasses – dialed Room Service. The man on the other end of the phone got the front desk to call an ambulance. The front desk staff rallied (mind you, it’s 2am) and got the paramedics in the room, and my father into an ambulance only 7 minutes after my mom had called room service. He was taken to GW, recovered, and things later took a turn for the worst – landing him in the ICU for 9 days. When we returned to the Hay Adams that night, every staff member was asking how he was – each appeared genuinely concerned and aptly briefed on the circumstances. The staff helped us to extend their stay multiple times, and have been incredibly flexible with our incremental reservation making – we’re currently on day 11 in the Hay Adams. One night my mom and returned around 10pm after a very long and trying day in the ICU with my dad, we found a get-​well card on the bed with the signature of any and all staff we could have possibly come in contact with. I’d specifically like to comment on Kiersten – I cannot imagine my father surviving if she hadn’t been at the front desk that night. During the last 9 days, my boyfriend and I have been staying on the pull out couch to keep my mom company and go back and forth from GWU Hospital. We’re 23, often spotted in the beautiful lobby under-​dressed running downstairs to grab things from our car, or run errands for my mom. Every time we run into staff they are very friendly, strike up conversations, and happily assist us with our frequent valeted-​car needs – despite the fact that we are not their target clientele, and look a little overwhelmed and disorganized by 10pm.
ROOM SERVICE:
Surprisingly good room service. Given our situation, we’ve ordered a lot of it in the last few days. The Club Sandwich, the Fruit Smoothie, the iced tea, the chicken breast, and French fries have all been very consistently good. The only thing that was a letdown were the crab cakes, but frankly I don’t know what I was expecting. The breakfast is also very good. The berry platters, poached eggs, and varied toasts always arrive on-​time, and the right temperature.
ROOMS:
very clean, comfortable, and well-​equipped. The shower and bath tub feel luxurious and the extra hotel-​provided bath accessories are treat (foot scrubbing paddle, bath salts, vitamin infused eye cream).

Sunday brunch Sunday brunch Sunday brunch!!! Included in the brunch price is your choice of an entrée, and then a full buffet with so much variety, and an amazing dessert table. Plus limitless coffee and juices etc. PLUS there’s someone playing lovely piano the whole time. Coming here for brunch is the one time I get to feel super fancy and I love it!

If you could give a hotel ten stars, I would. Imagine a hotel where your every need is catered to– a fan brought in the room, spotless décor, view of the park and White House, treated like a paying customer, not like a bother!
The lobby is small but they have a lovely side seating area to the left of the lobby and up a few stairs. Whether you are a fancy person or just a visitor in need of a room, the staff treats you the same. The house car will drop you off if it is available instead of a taxi.
Love it.

The hotel is very nice. I would probably never go here again though due to it being very pricey for a room with no view. The walls were very thin, to the point where we could hear everything at 1 AM in the hall when people exited the elevator.
Otherwise, the room and bathroom were gorgeous and very luxurious. The staff was friendly and we were able to store our luggage even after checking out. Location wise it is great as you can walk to a lot of things.

I remember it differently.
Mishaps:
— Refused to take zip car since the key is tethered to the car (eventually did)
— Claimed my reservation didn’t exist (they found it)
— Claimed my credit card didn’t work (it did)
— Room was next to fitness center and overlooked dumpsters (provided a new room)
The good:
— Location is great
— The cookies at reception
— Concierge (Mark) was really helpful for brunch recommendations
— Bed was really comfortable
The bad:
— We could hear the TV from the room above us and some disco party music from outside
— No complementary water ($ 6.50!)
— Ton of secret service since church is across the street and it was Easter (not their fault)
I hadn’t been here in a while and when I think back it’s always great memories of staff and bar. This time we were treated as if we didn’t belong there from the moment of pulling into the driveway. Even when they eventually provided a new room they did it in a way that made me not appreciate it — as they actually tried to charge us $ 75 for it, after moving us into it! And all this drama for an 18-​hour stay! Again, location is great but certainly no longer a 5-​star hotel. And certainly not for service.

This is a really nice property located right across the front lawn from the White House.
Excellent, and I mean excellent service. Very comfortable rooks. Plenty of amenities around the property. Space was a little cramped for a conference.
I walked about 5 miles a day including early morning and night. For late fall in the northeast, there were a huge number of homeless people begging on the street, but I always felt safe. Lots of security all over the place.
I would very Highly recommend the property.

Second time I’ve stayed at the Hay-​Adams as an adult and this experience was far different.
Things that were as I recalled — amazing beds and pillows with Frette linens, marble baths and english toiletries, classic neutral clean décor, turn-​down with slippers & pillow treats, attentive but not obsequious staff.
Things that were different — The infamous view was unavailable (unless I paid an upgrade fee). The view was what I remember most — ever since I was a child I loved the roof view here. The roof was constantly occupied by events and we ‘were not allowed to go up’. Eventually we snuck up there, but it wasn’t by any effort of the hotel that we saw the view. Without the view I realized there really isn’t much to this place to make it *so* fantastic (it’s old and wearing with small rooms) — nor did I get that ‘Welcome Home’ feeling as I do at other hotels.
I forgot that the lobby is tiny. Really tiny. You hardly walk out of the porte-​cochere and you’re at the elevators. You can’t sit and have a conversation there without either the desk or the concierge being within earshot.
The rooms are also tiny (and the fitness center is the size of a closet). For a nightly rate that is equivalent to a monthly payment on a Mercedes we had a view directly into the windows of an adjacent office building and of dumpsters (and this was not a priceline or orbitz reservation, the room was booked directly through the hotel at their own published rate). I wasn’t aware rooms with such a pathetic view existed at this hotel. Last time I stayed we paid a similar rate and were in a room facing the White House, which BTW is an AMAZING view. When we asked about a room with a better view it was offered for an additional $ 150/​night, so we know there were empty view rooms.
I would try another 5 star property in the future instead.

The only DC hotel actually facing the White House, «the Hay-​Adams is an architectural wonder,» my friends tell me who stay there. [They are architects.] It is also one of the most discreet and elegant addresses in town, since it houses dignitaries and celebrities throughout the year. Somehow it manages to be warm and intimate — which would have to be a challenge, with all the hot air in DC.
I was here for lunch recently (they had suspended the afternoon tea that day) and was, once again, awed by the hotel’s proximity to 1600 Pennsylvania. When major news stories are happening in DC (elections, inaugurations, etc.) the networks apparently rent rooms on the top floor and broadcast from them, just to get the White House as a backdrop. The lunch salad was very good — too expensive, but very good. No matter: it was the view — and the service — we wanted. And we got both. [Note: the below-​ground bar, Off the Record, is magic. Try to go there even if you can’t afford to stay at the hotel!]