Riggs Washington DC — Hotel in Washington

We booked our stay at the Riggs for our anniversary, based off the reviews we assumed our stay would be worth the while. Walking into the room, it didn’t strike me as a “superior king”. I also noticed that the wallpaper didn’t even cover the entire wall. There were also flies in the room. The bathroom was very small as was the shower which didn’t provide much arm room. The bed and pillow quality was that of a 3 star hotel which was very disappointing. Given the cost of the stay, better perks would have been to provide the room amenities such as the mini bar snacks as complimentary. During check in we were informed that our picnic basket (included with the package) would arrive at 11:30a; they also called to verify about 10 mins before that they were on there way to deliver the basket. It took 45 mins for them to deliver the basket. Our package included complimentary cocktails… they gave us regular beer. The picnic food wasn’t that good; I wish the email from the concierge outlined all of the ingredients for the sandwiches. Our package included a complimentary $10 Uber voucher which was nice considering we were partaking in libations and everything we had planned was within a miles radius of the Riggs. That evening when we were scheduling the Uber to a restaurant 0.7 miles we noticed that the Uber fare was almost $20. I feel like the Riggs should research and take note of average ride-share service fees for up to a miles radius at busy times and adjust the voucher to at minimum cover a round trip to make the “perk” beneficial. The next day we ordered breakfast from Cafe Riggs (included in our package) through room service. They informed us that they would deliver breakfast in 20 mins. They proceeded to take 45 mins without an apology. Food is not their specialty, opt to get breakfast elsewhere. We left our half eaten pancakes on the room table giving clear indication that we wanted housekeeping to take care of it. When we returned that evening, it was extremely hard to get to the valet. We called the front desk to ask what we needed to do and they informed us that it is police week and to pull up as usual. There were multiple large law enforcement vehicles blocking the front causing us to have to get out in the middle of the street and alert the valet that we need service, as they couldn’t see us. At check in we should have been informed that police week was happening and what inconveniences that would cause. Returning to the room, we saw that they left the breakfast where we left it, resulting in us having several flies in our room. We left the hotel again returned later that evening. Getting into bed that night, there was a faint stench of urine in our “freshly” changed sheets. I also found it odd that for the price of the stay, room service doesn’t bring up outside food delivery services. Overall, we do not recommend the Riggs Hotel unless the only perk you’re seeking is extremely kind and friendly valet and other workers.

*Update: During checkout we were informed that someone would contact us about our stay. It’s been several days and they have not reached out. It seems that based off newer reviews, they only respond to...

Very disappointing service from server Tina. We came as a party of 5 on a Sunday to have belated birthday celebration of our friend. Hostess presented is with quite unfitting table for our great and occasion so we requested a different sitting, on the booth. Not sure why we weren’t given that place initially since place was empty. Throughout the course of the meal our server Tina made multiple mistakes, showed her attitude, was unprofessional to say the least. To name a few things: We ordered round of cocktails that took over 15 minutes. Never once she acknowledged the long wait or let us now when are they coming. When serving us cocktails she spilled half of my friends martini on the table. She never cleaned the table or offered to replace the drink. I ordered cappuccino. She served it with no sugar or spoon, I had to ask her for it and she when she came back with it 5 minutes later my cappuccino was already cold. Never have I known I had to ask for the sugar and spoon additionally when ordering a coffee... Food took very long time as well and again she never stopped at our table to acknowledge the long wait. We had our last friend joining us later on and she never came first to take her order even she knew kitchen closes soon, we had to waive her. Food was served by singe dishes in different time. It was very awkward and broke the rules of etiquette. She also asked how is the food right after dropping it when I didn’t even had a moment to unroll the silverware. Tina never cleaned dirty plates off the table or send someone to do it . She never asked if we want second round of drinks/dessert/tea or coffee in the end of the meal. She came to our table and asked if we want a check to which we agreed and she already had check in her hands and dropped it, which I considered rude as well. It made us feel unwelcome and that we should leave. She didn’t ask if we would like separate checks or if we would like to split if different ways. Of corse because it would be “too much trouble for her”. I’m attaching the picture of our dirty table, after we paid paid already and were finishing drinks. It should have been cleaned! It was especially disappointing because the place was empty, there were only 1 other table of 6 or so and one table of 2, it was not busy at all. Café Riggs of course presents itself with beautiful ambiance and food was quite good. Hotel is beautiful too, I have stayed there a couple of times on different occasions. However the service from the Café staff did not live up to the high...

If you are looking for a hotel to stay at in Washington, DC, I definitely recommend The Riggs. It's an upscale, modern hotel inside an 1891 former bank building, one of the last remaining Romanesque Revival buildings in the city. It was once the bank of presidents, a place where more than 20 US Presidents (including Abraham Lincoln and Richard Nixon) did their banking. It's also rumored to be built on the site where "Honest Abe’s" assassination was planned. The Ford Theater is right around a corner.

It's kind of daunting when you step into this massive building, knowing it's history. Straight ahead is a restored barrel-vaulted elevator bank. To the right is the reception area with a large L shaped desk, reminiscent of a teller counter. To the left is the lobby, which is also a full service restaurant and bar, Cafe Riggs. It's truly beautiful, with towering ceilings and original marble columns. I really adored all the different choices in seating, from tables to couches, and comfy arm chairs. A short elevator trip downstairs will transport you to the Silver Lyan Cocktail Bar which is located inside of where the bank's enormous vault once stood. The humongous vault door is still there just beckoning you to photograph it. The cocktail bar, was not only exquisite in appearance, but the food and drinks were delicious. The meticulous attention to detail was noticed and appreciated.

Our room was adorable and immaculate, we had a hip suite that was spacious, it included a bedroom and sitting area, with two TVs. The couch pulled out to a full size bed and the king size bed had a swirled flowery fabric headboard that was just beautiful. The mini bar sat on top of a little fridge and safe that were disguised to look like a little vault. The complimentary slippers were also a nice touch.

Of course a beautiful hotel is nothing without great customer service and this place was brimming with it. Everyone on the staff was warm and welcoming and so very friendly. Despite only being there for one night, the bellman that took our bags when we checked in, (Mr. DC as he called himself) knew our name each time we left or entered the hotel. We were celebrating my daughter's birthday and there was complimentary champagne served to us at the Café and the Cocktail Bar. The concierge, Tiffany got us a brunch reservation that we wanted but couldn't get.

The only regret or disappointment that I had about The Riggs was that we weren't able to stay longer. I feel like there was so much more to...