Art and Soul at YOTEL Washington DC — Restaurant in Washington

Extremely disappointing visit. Came here for a friend's birthday, we booked in advance and had a midsized party. When we asked our host to kindly hide the cake we brought and bring it at the end of lunch, we were met with annoyance- it seemed like asking them to light the candles was too much. Fortunately, we were able to shrug it off and continued on. They brought out a complimentary dessert for the bday girl and all was well until the check came. The numbers weren't adding up so we took the time to add up each item manually and found a hidden charge. It was not indicated on the receipt nor was it tax. When we called to inquire about the charge, we spoke to Stacy who took our information and said she would get back to us after making a snide comment about us being from Jersey (??). After not hearing for hours, we called back several times in different intervals to account for the dinner rush. Ultimately we had to go back in person to reach anyone, where we were met with the utmost hostility and disrespect. There was no receptive customer service, she immediately acknowledged ignoring our calls and said to wait an hour to see the refund and implied that we should've stayed home and it was our fault. I was immediately shocked with how combative and rude her manners were, even her hostess acknowledged it was not right. She did not once apologize for the inconvenience of them stealing money and us having to make it right. We went back to get clarity when Stacy began making a scene! We were trying to be understanding and give them the benefit of doubt that it was unintentional however her eye rolls, smirks, blatant disrespect and behavior was unacceptable. I would not recommend this place, it's simply not worth the hassle. The food is average, and if you care to be treated decently, you're better...

I am updating this review because Yotel reached out to me. As of today 9/24/2024 they have refunded my meal as a goodwill gesture and promised a follow up. I asked for a phone call, the response was they are too busy. Hotels are in the Hospitality business. Money is not the solution. It is easy and a buy off. Give them money and they will go away. Call and say " I am sorry this is not our standard of service. How can I make this right? This takes pride and responsibility. And shows they take you and the issue seriously.

It is an interesting concept hotel. Minimalist design. Beds were good. Clean and climate control also good. Huge failures in staffing and training. We called mission control about a blow dryer. Informed that house services would bring one up. House services called a half hour later to explain where it was. You would think. Mission control would know. Then we went and had breakfast in the hotel. I ordered lemon blueberry pancakes off the menu and my girl friend ordered the farmers breakfast. The food came quickly. I got pancakes. I asked where the blueberries where and I was told I ordered lemon pancakes. TOLD. THEY ONLY HAVE LEMON BLUEBERRY ON THE MENU. Treated like it was my fault. Then told the brunch menu and the breakfast menu where different. Total b.s. No apologies and no we will make it right. Either from server or Manager. Cold buffet pancakes. Then we put them on the room to get the $10 discount since our room $340 a night did not come with breakfast. At checkout no discount. Told it's only the day before food not day of. Really. We left dissatisfied. But the person checking is out came out later in the parking lot and apologized. Run away do not stay...

I will preface by saying that a lot of places don't open or are super crowded on a holiday, so we were very grateful that Art and Soul had plenty of tables on the Fourth of July. No reservations needed. We came into the city for brunch and my boyfriend wanted to try Art and Soul because the chef, Art Smith, won a James Beard Award (although not for Art and Soul...for a book) and is considered an expert on Southern cuisine.

That day, I was very much in the mood for pancakes so I ordered the lemon pancakes ($12). My boyfriend ordered the BLT Benedict ($15) with a side of mac and cheese, and our friend ordered the three egg omelet ($14). The pancakes were huge! Three stacked pancakes, maple syrup, and a side of seasonal fruits. Fresh fruits included watermelon, honeydew, pineapple, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries. I fulfilled my craving and got my dosage of five fruits a day. The pancakes were good but I think it's pretty hard for a restaurant of this caliber to mess up pancakes.

My boyfriend enjoyed his BLT Benedict, which came as two poached eggs on some bacon, alongside some watercress and potatoes. It looked really good and unlike some other places that serve up eggs Benedict, the side of watercress was a refreshing and balanced one.

Service was so-so. One of the other servers seemed really energetic and nice, while our server was mostly quiet but efficient. I was a little worried after reading some of the reviews where people got sick, but luckily none of us fell ill afterwards. That would have really ruined the holiday for sure! I'd come back if I'm in the area and need something quick and simple, but I wouldn't actively seek out...