Stayed at this hotel for 4 nights. Fantastic views (we were on the top floor) and absolutely quiet. Room was spacious, well appointed and good options - including DVD, CD, etc. The lobby area is small with options for fine dining or bistro. Bistro food is good but the staff are a little inconsistent (good and bad ones). The fine dining is good, simple and well staffed. As is the front desk staff. Overall, enjoyable hotel, easy access to everything (and walking to most sites and locations as well), subway stop about 5 minute walk away, and well located slightly north of the Whitehouse.

Maybe our expectations were heightened having read all the rave reviews before we left. Or maybe we were just a bit fussy having come directly from more "American" style hotels where the service is slightly slicker. But we couldn't help feeling mildly disappointed with the Sofitel.

Don't get me wrong - the rooms are excellent and are really well equipped. Our room was also very quiet, which given the central location was a real achievement. The bed was comfortable and the aircon worked brilliantly - essential in July/August.

We really liked the bar which was very funky and the food/drinks were really good there. The location can't be beaten as it is right in the centre of everything and only one block from a metro station so you can get everywhere really easily.

The thing we felt let it down slightly was the service. All the staff were really willing but we felt the place was a bit under-staffed by US standards. For example we had lunch in the bar twice. The first time the staff were great but the second (when it was busier but by no means full) we had to ask for menus, then ask to place our order, then ask to pay the bill and left before our table had been cleared - you get the picture...

Breakfast was a similar experience - there didn't really seem to be a system with the result that despite a half empty dining room we had to wait for a table to be cleared both times. This was accomplished by removing items from other tables - explains why we had several items missing from ours.

Tables remained uncleared for extended periods and seemed only to be attended to when someone else arrived and needed to be seated. Again, lots of waiting around for menus, orders to be taken etc. In a word I'd say the service was quite European - a bit laid back and not as slick as you come to expect in the US

I have to say on the plus side the food was always excellent.

We also had a continual problem with the keycards which kept having to be re-cut by reception. Apparently the metal detectors (at practically every attraction in DC) can affect them - although we are regular visitors to DC and haven't had this problem with any other hotel keycards.

I am perhaps being a little over-critical because we got a very good rate and so it worked out excellent value for money. Would I stay there again? Possibly.

I booked this hotel because it came up as the best sub $300 / night Washington Hotel on Trip advisor, but breakfast and internet will take you over this budget. With supper and drinks in the bar, breakfast & internet it cost me $381.28.
I would have stayed two nights, but despite receiving a confirmation email, they lost my booking and moved me to the Willard InterContinental which is definately a better hotel, despite what the other reviewers say!

There is everything to love about this place (unless you need a swim.) I did not eat here but stayed 4 nights (TH-SU) of total comfort and cleanliness and friendliness (great bathroom.) Everything I needed, especially the greatest location two blocks from White House, Old Ebbit Grill, K Street, one block to Metro, fastest-never-waited-elevators. Very Nice - worth whatever you pay (look for deals) and nothing to complain about unless you are a 'never happy' weirdo. I even spared the silly wireless fees by using the free computers in the business center. Keep up the great job, Sofitel DC personnel.