The Westin Washington, DC City Center Rating: 3.5 Pearls

Downtown, Washington, D.C., United States

Book now by phone with Hotels.com – Call 1-800-246-8357

A Double Room

It's a Westin. Translation: It's nice. You won't find innovative design, fun extra touches, or variety in the artwork. But the rooms are clean and comfortable (at 325 square feet, they're spacious but not huge), and have all the Westin signatures -- white-tea-aloe bath products, two-headed showerheads, and the popular "Heavenly" beds. The service is efficient and cordial, but not doting. Indeed, describing the hotel is a lot like describing a Starbucks ("You know, it's a Starbucks ... "), which, incidentally, is another Westin staple: Every room features a coffee machine and several bags of Starbucks brew. This Westin even has a little coffee kiosk (calling it a coffee shop would be an overstatement) in the lobby that "proudly brews Starbucks coffee."

Formerly a Wyndham, the 406-room high-rise was taken over by Starwood Hotels in 2007 and fully renovated. Westin's main theme -- wellness and peace of mind -- is ubiquitous at this branch. The best feature is probably the impressive fitness center, which boasts a large selection of modern equipment as well as some nice bonuses, like a yoga/stretching room and personal TV screens on the cardio machines. To remind guests there's a second room in the back of the fitness center, the sign says, "become one with yourself with our exhilarating equipment to the rear of the gym." Next to the coffee kiosk: "Elevate your sense with a freshly brewed rejuvenating elixir at our Starbucks Kiosk." An elixir, eh? Must be some cup of coffee. The truth is that it's more a gimmick than anything else: With the exception of the ban on smoking throughout the hotel, the wellness theme doesn't manifest itself in a way that will affect your stay at all.

Finally, a few tips:

• If you're in town to sightsee, pick up a Daily Calendar of Special Events at the concierge desk. It has an hour-by-hour lineup of everything happening around the capital every day.

• None of the Westin's rooms have impressive vistas, but the interior-atrium rooms overlooking the lobby at least offer a departure from the typical view of city streets. You don't get as much light as you would in an exterior room, but they're great for quasi-voyeuristic people-watching.

View on a Larger Map

The name is apt -- the Westin is indeed in the city's center. It's located downtown, half a block from Thomas Circle and the National City Christian Church. But on the other side of Thomas Circle, the area straddles two very disparate neighborhoods: the bustling business district and the vibrant, flourishing residential section at 14th Street, near Logan Circle.

• Lafayette Park, a quarter-mile south, could be considered the White House's backyard. It's great for tourist-watching and statue-spotting.
• Head northwest on Massachusetts Avenue (aka "Embassy Row") to reach Dupont Circle.
• Head southeast on Massachusetts to reach the convention center.
• Three different sightseeing companies offer pickups at the Westin 10 times throughout the day.
• Some excellent bars, cafes, and restaurants on P Street, three blocks north
• Two miles to Union Station (the Amtrak and Metro station); 10 minutes by cab, depending on traffic
• Five miles to Reagan National Airport; 10 minutes by cab, depending on traffic
• 25 miles to Dulles International Airport; at least 45 minutes by car