Washington, D.C. has been on our family’s travel wishlist for a long time, so when the chance came to visit, we wanted a hotel that offered both a central location and enough comfort for a five-night stay with teenagers. After plenty of research, we chose the Grand Hyatt Washington – a hotel that promised space, style, and convenience.
We were so happy with our choice, our stay here exceeded our expectations. From beautifully renovated rooms to an outstanding Grand Club lounge, the Grand Hyatt proved the ideal base for our family trip to America’s capital city. Here’s everything you need to know about our stay.
First impressions
Arriving at the Grand Hyatt Washington, the first thing that struck us was the size of the property. The lobby is vast, open, and filled with natural light, thanks to the hotel’s impressive 12-story atrium, grand limestone staircase and its 4,000-pound, waterfall-like chandelier that extends to the lower floor.
Although there were many business people using the hotel, it still had a family feel and catered for children brilliantly. We stayed over Easter weekend, and the hotel had added some lovely seasonal touches, especially for families. Staff were handing out chocolate eggs and Easter-themed cookies in the lobby, and there were bowls of mini eggs dotted around the front desk and at the entrance to the hotels restaurant.
The hotel’s location couldn’t have been better for us. Being within walking distance of the National Mall, Smithsonian museums, and the White House made it perfect for sightseeing, while nearby shops and restaurants at the beautiful City Centre DC gave us plenty of options for evenings when we didn’t want to venture far.
We didn’t use the metro preferring to use Uber or Lyft to get to parts of Washington DC that we couldn’t walk to, however, another cool feature of this hotel was that it’s the only hotel in the city connected directly to the Metro.
There were two gift stores in the lobby which were well-stocked with everything from merchandise to snacks and medicines.
Check-in
Check-in was smooth and friendly. Despite the hotel being busy when we arrived, there were plenty of staff on hand to assist, and we were checked in within minutes.
With our room we had access to the Grand Club Lounge, and the team member checking us in explained the amenities available to us, pointing out where breakfast, evening snacks, and all-day drinks were available. It was a warm, efficient welcome that made a great first impression.
Our Room
For our family, space is key when we travel – and the Grand Hyatt Washington offered the perfect set-up. We stayed in an interconnecting King Room and Double Double Room, which gave us two full bedrooms, two bathrooms, and plenty of room to relax.
The hotel has recently completed an extensive renovation, and the difference is clear from the moment you step inside. The rooms are incredibly spacious at 351-square-foot, bright, airy, and modern, with soft neutral tones, elegant hardwood-style flooring, and marble-topped dining and work areas. It felt luxurious yet really family friendly – exactly what you want for a city break with teenagers.
One feature we really loved was the custom mural above the bed. It subtly blended images of D.C.’s iconic architecture – like the Capitol dome and limestone columns – with cherry blossoms and magnolia blooms, bringing a real sense of place into the room, I really liked this design feature.
The beds in our rooms were big and comfy, it felt like sinking into a cloud every night, so we all slept really well here. Opposite the beds, were large 55-inch smart HDTV, which came complete with streaming services such as Netflix that you could connect to. There was plenty of wardrobe and storage space, and more than what we needed for our short stay here.
The hardwood floors with plush carpet around the beds, lots of soft-warm lighting and comfortable chairs added to the sense of cosiness in the rooms. Added to this it had all the amenities expected of a luxury hotel, such as a hot drinks maker, a safe, air conditioning, free high speed wifi and a mini fridge.
It was also good to see that there were plenty of plugs and USB charging sockets which is super handy if you’ve forgotten to bring a travel adapter to ensure our devices could get charged easily each day along with a spacious desk.
The two bathrooms, finished with belstone tile were clean and stylish. Our bathroom had a large walk-in glass shower and the girls room had a shower over a bath. Having a bathroom each meant mornings were stress-free, and the layout gave us a feeling of space and privacy you don’t always get in a city hotel.
We also appreciated the hotel’s eco-conscious updates, like the wooden room keys and refillable luxury Balmain toiletries in the bathrooms. These small touches showed the hotel’s commitment to sustainability without compromising on luxury.
Throughout our stay, the rooms were a calm, comfortable retreat after busy days sightseeing – a real home away from home in the heart of Washington.
Dining and drinking
The Grand Hyatt Washington offers several dining options on-site, including Cure Bar & Bistro, CABINET, and a Starbucks in the lobby – perfect for quick breakfasts or a coffee before heading out for the day.
Most mornings, we made use of the Grand Club Lounge for breakfast (more on that below), but we did visit Cabinet for breakfast one morning. There was a standard selection of hot and cold items you’d expect plus a wide selection of fresh fruit, cakes, pastries and more. The atmosphere was relaxed and the service was excellent, ideal to set us up for a busy day ahead.
Being located in Penn Quarter meant we had no shortage of other dining options within walking distance. From classic American diners to more upscale restaurants, we found something new to try each evening, and it made the location feel even more convenient.
Grand Club Lounge
One of the real highlights of our stay was access to the Grand Club Lounge on the 12th floor of the hotel.
Open from early morning until late at night, the lounge offered us a perfect place to relax and unwind after busy days exploring this incredible city. Breakfast each morning included a selection of fresh pastries, fruit, yoghurts, cereals, and hot options like scrambled eggs and bacon. It was more than enough to set us up for a day of sightseeing.
In the afternoon, there were snacks available, along with a fully stocked fridge of soft drinks and water along with tea, and coffee making facilities. Come early evening, the lounge served a selection of canapés and light bites, which we found perfect on nights when we didn’t need a full dinner. Our favourite was dessert hour, serving the most delicious cookies and cakes. The staff were incredibly attentive, ensuring that everything was well-stocked and that guests were well looked after.
The Grand Club lounge itself was recently renovated too, and it’s clear a lot of thought has gone into the design and was one of the most impressive club lounges that we have been too. It feels bright and modern, with plenty of comfortable seating and dining areas.
I’m a big fan of hotels with executive lounges as it offers a convenient and comfortable spaces to unwind away from the busier areas of the hotel. Whether catching up on emails or just enjoying a quiet moment with a hot drink, the lounge was a lovely family friendly area to call back, unwind and relax after busy days exploring Washington DC.
Overall
Our five nights at the Grand Hyatt Washington were a perfect base for exploring the capital. The newly renovated rooms offered the space and comfort we needed as a family, while small details like the eco-friendly touches and beautiful design made the stay feel special with the comforts of home.
The hotel’s location made sightseeing easy, the Grand Club Lounge was an excellent added bonus, and the friendly, efficient service throughout made a real impression.
If you’re looking for a central, stylish, and family-friendly hotel in Washington, D.C., we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Grand Hyatt. It’s a hotel that not only meets expectations – it exceeds them, offering thoughtful luxury that works brilliantly for families.
Ready to book?
Prices at the Grand Hyatt Washington DC when booking direct at Hyatt.com start from £166 for a king guest room and £274 for an interconnecting twin family room. As with most hotels in the USA there is also a resort/destination fee to pay of $30.00 a night which includes the following benefits.