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Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square represents one of the most exclusive locations in the nation's capital. Discover this contemporary downtown Washington DC hotel, situated at the corner of Lafayette Square, bordering the White House. Our downtown DC hotel accommodations occupy an updated historic landmark, first erected in 1880. Celebrate Sofitel's "art de vivre" within this luxury hotel in downtown Washington DC - marked by distinctive style, superb cuisine, and incomparable service.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Accor Hotels.
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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The Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square garners admiration for its cleanliness and charming Parisian-themed atmosphere, offering guests a serene retreat amidst the city bustle. Its location is consistently commended for being central to major attractions, enhancing the convenience factor for visitors. While some guests question the value, pointing out expensive parking and amenities not aligning with its rating, others believe the hotel's location and room quality justify the expense.
The spaciousness and comfort of rooms are acknowledged, though occasional remarks suggest a need for updates. Service quality appears to vary, with instances of both commendations for staff attentiveness and criticisms of unresponsiveness.
Location
Central
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Satisfactory
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A classic city hotel in a very good location very close to the White House. The corner rooms are spacious, service and luggage storage on the day of departure were friendly and problem-free. A good place to explore Washington.
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
As a local, I don’t have too many reasons to go to a hotel, let alone a five-star hotel. But I had a staycation recently at the Sofitel to help boost my Accor status. I’ve been to other Sofitels in Latin America, Europe and NYC, but now I’m actually at the one in my hometown.
The room I was in is a junior suite. The bedroom and living space are cozy with a modern interior. And each space came with a full size TV. The bathroom is well sized but the shower space is a bit small compared to some other showers I’ve been in. That said, the bed was very comfortable and I was always able to sleep well for 3 nights.
Breakfast was with my room. I ordered room service every time and the food came in within 20-30 minutes. It costs $10 each time, which is reasonable, after seeing the reviews of wait times if one came down to Opaline, the in-house restaurant.
The hotel is starting to show its age (about 7 yrs since its last renovation I believe). But the service is still consistent. I hope to return soon and also hope that Accor keeps this hotel as a Sofitel, and not turn it into a Pullman, MGallery, etc because this is the flagship brand. Also there are more luxury hotels that just opened in DC like the Intercontinental at the Wharf and the Conrad in CityCenter, so I hope that refresh happens soon.
Either way, this is a luxury hotel that is near all the main tourist attractions, will be familiar to European and Asian travelers (Accor is the biggest hotel chain in those markets), and Americans, even locals like me should experience this place as well!
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Junior suites are often located near the elevators, especially the bathroom. Thankfully the...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Veronique Stalport, Other at Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square
Responded 4 Dec 2023
Bonjour, Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed and insightful review of your recent staycation at Sofitel Washington DC. We truly appreciate your loyalty as an Accor member and are delighted that you chose our hotel to boost your Accor status. It's wonderful to hear that you found our property to be a hidden gem near the White House and DC's main attractions. We are honored to be your home away from home, even as a local. Your feedback on the junior suite, its cozy and modern interior, and the comfort of the bed is greatly appreciated. We're glad you enjoyed the in-room amenities, including the full-size TV. We appreciate your comments on the breakfast experience and the convenience of room service. We understand the importance of a quick and efficient service, and we're pleased to hear that your orders were delivered promptly. Your observation about the hotel's age is duly noted, and we assure you that we are committed to maintaining our high standards of service. We value your loyalty to the Sofitel brand and share your hope that the hotel continues to be a flagship Sofitel property. We're grateful for your recommendations to fellow travelers, highlighting our proximity to tourist attractions and our appeal to international guests. We look forward to hosting you again soon and appreciate your continued support. Warm regards, Veronique Stalport
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The Sofitel Lafayette Square Hotel in Washington, DC, enjoys an enviable location right in the heart of downtown. Situated near the White House, a host of excellent restaurants, entertainment venues, and commercial buildings, it’s an ideal base for exploring the city, whether for business or leisure. The hotel’s overall ambiance reflects the charm and elegance one would expect from the Sofitel brand, and many of the staff exude the friendliness and helpfulness that elevate the guest experience.
Once in my room, I encountered another frustration: the lighting. Flicking the light switch did nothing to illuminate the space, as each individual light needed to be turned on separately. The most significant inconvenience, though, was the failure of the front desk to provide wake-up calls—despite acknowledging my requests—on two consecutive mornings. For a hotel catering to business travelers, this lapse is especially disappointing and disruptive.
While the bathroom was well-appointed, it would have been a thoughtful touch to include bath salts or bubble bath beside the tub to enhance the luxurious feel of the space.
Despite these shortcomings, the hotel’s location and general service quality make it a compelling option. With a few tweaks—especially ensuring more attentive service at check-in and wake-up call reliability—this Sofitel could shine as brightly as its prestigious address suggests.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2025
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Veronique Stalport, Other at Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear Bart E, Thank you for sharing your thoughts on your recent stay at Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square. We are delighted to hear that you appreciated our prime location and the ambiance of our hotel, as well as the friendliness of our staff. However, we sincerely regret that your experience was marred by the check-in process and the lighting in your room. Your feedback regarding the personal touch at check-in is invaluable. Additionally, we understand how important reliable wake-up calls are for our guests, particularly for those traveling for business. We apologize for the inconvenience this caused during your stay. We appreciate your suggestion regarding the bathroom amenities and will certainly keep this in mind as we strive to enhance our guests' experience. Thank you once again for your feedback. We hope to welcome you back in the future, providing you with the exceptional stay that reflects our esteemed brand. Best regards, Veronique Stalport Director of Operations
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Type of stay: solo, accor platinum member and reservation of a suite (lounge room 1226)
Strong points : - Location - Sofitel type bedding
Weak points : - The breakfast service (prepay with the room) is scandalous. We are only allowed one dish, everything else is extra charged at the end with a note. In no hotel have I seen this (from the smallest to a 5-star palace). I am shocked to have to pay extra when I have already paid. I would have preferred to be charged more at the start than to have to pay again each time, it spoils the stay) - Cleanliness (Suite: ok, elevator: dusty, corridor: ok) - Regarding the loyalty program: no special attention, no attention, no effort was made. It's like I'm not part of the program. (bottle of water never replaced in the room even putting a "tip" in front of the finished water bottle, mini bar completely empty...). Welcome drink (very good) but no appetizer served with it, you have to pay $10 (excl. VAT) for a peanut (once again increase the price of the drink by $2 and include them). So no good feeling (no negative either, it's just bland) It's simple at checkout, I wasn't even asked how my stay went and on the Accor app, it's impossible to rate it. Following up on other comments, it is still a 4* category (room size, suite available, lobby and restaurant) and the rates are appropriate. The big problem comes from the manager who defined this policy. The customer does not feel particularly appreciated. I put 1* to lower the overall rating If the manager wants to discuss it, he has my contact details (Room1226,8-12thMay)
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Review collected in partnership with Accorhotels.com
Date of stay: May 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The hotel was located near the White House, a quick Uber to the sights we wished to see. Hotel staff was friendly, check in easy. We dined one night at the hotel restaurant, Opaline and enjoyed the dinner there, plus we had breakfast in the breakfast cafe one morning and enjoyed the selection and the coffee. The room was nicely appointed and clean. The only negative about the room was the bed - the mattress was bit on the soft side. The valet parking, while convenient, was expensive but in line with the prices for the area at $75.00 per day. And the "Urban Experience Fee" of $30.00 per day seemed like a ruse to get more money from you. I would rather see a flat fee without the "bonus" added in.
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Date of stay: October 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â There are some nice restaurants within walking distance, as well as many coffee shops. The...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Veronique Stalport, Other at Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square
Responded 5 Nov 2024
Dear VaTraveler5, Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed our convenient location, friendly staff, and the dining experience at Opaline. Your feedback regarding the bed's softness, valet parking cost, and the 'Urban Experience Fee' is duly noted. We strive to provide a comfortable stay for all our guests and appreciate your valuable comments. We hope to welcome you back for another pleasant stay at Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square. Warm regards,
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First, there are lots of options to stay in a major city, and the Sofitel has a wonderful location. A few blocks walking to major points of interest but not so remote that you're limited to only what's offered by the hotel itself. The Sofitel has plenty of restaurants, a metro station, and sites like the White House and Ellipse (where the Christmas trees are set up) that provide great convenience. It's also in an area that we had no worries about walking around no matter the time of the day. The second major plus is the staff. They really are welcoming and helpful, wanting to provide a pleasant interaction. Check-in and check-out was a breeze, they handed out umbrellas to help keep guests dry as they headed out, and the bar staff made wonderful cocktails. I was thanked for my loyalty as an Accor Live Limitless member, provided with our welcome beverage tickets, and received a complimentary upgrade to a wonderful, spacious junior suite. The room itself was well laid out, had plenty of outlets, and represented the Sofitel brand well. This was our second excellent stay since September, and we will look to the Sofitel if we ever have future plans in the city that necessitate staying overnight.
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Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Veronique Stalport, Other at Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square
Responded 13 Dec 2023
Bonjour, Thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed and positive review of your recent stay at Sofitel. We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our prime location, offering both proximity to major points of interest and the flexibility to explore beyond the hotel. It's fantastic to know that our surroundings, including the restaurants, metro station, and nearby attractions, added to the convenience of your stay. We're especially grateful for your kind words about our staff from the front desk to the bar. Providing exceptional service is a top priority, and we're delighted that our team's welcoming and helpful attitude made a positive impact on your experience. It's wonderful to hear that you felt valued as an Accor Live Limitless member and that you enjoyed the complimentary upgrade to a spacious junior suite. We appreciate your loyalty, and it warms our hearts to know that this was your second stay with us since September. Your feedback inspires us to continue delivering exceptional experiences, and we'll be eagerly awaiting your return for any future plans in the city. We look forward to welcoming you back to Sofitel soon! Best regards, Veronique Stalport
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Very nice hotel in a great location for walking to many DC attractions. My husband was in town on business and I tagged along. Our room was on the 9th floor - never heard anyone in the other rooms, very comfy bed, spacious room and lovely large bathroom. The bathrobes and slippers along with Balmain bath products were great. Easy walk to restaurants and Starbucks, Wawa, The Mall, Smithsonian, etc. A bit cumbersome to get the streaming service to work in the room - never could get some of the apps to work only Netflix but we made do. The hairdryer was a bit on the cheap side and barely blew air - housekeeping brought a much better replacement. Best hotel towels around! All the valet employees were very helpful. Not much of a view for interior rooms but we were not in room for most of the day.
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Date of stay: November 2022
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Veronique Stalport, Other at Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square
Responded 5 Dec 2022
Bonjour, Thank you for taking the time to share your comments concerning your stay at the Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square. It is thanks to feedback like yours that we can improve what we do and celebrate if we got it right. We are so happy to see that you enjoyed the hotel premium location as well as the room, bathrooms (and its amenities) and staff (especially the valet). We will ensure to share his feedback with team, as this is what we thrive for everyday! We look forward to welcoming you and your husband back next time your travels bring you to the Nation's Capital. The Sofitel Team
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Faithful to the Accor group brands, I booked a 9-day stay with Sofitel with great confidence. Aside from an average experience at the Sofitel in Los Angeles, I have always been very happy with this chain. And then a 5 star in general you have nothing to fear…. Arriving at the hotel in the pouring rain, we were able to manage with the taxi to take our luggage out and pull it towards the doors. No doorman no help nothing. Well it can happen but it's surprising. Reception ok normal always no one for luggage but hey we are used to pulling them so elevator and room. Discovery alone of course, logical for a 5 star right? Rooms ok. Loyal Accor customers we receive vouchers for a welcome drink, 2 vouchers but there are three of us (with our minor son). Tired we go to the hotel restaurant, slow reception, mediocre service and very poor food. That hardly deserves a tip. But it doesn’t matter, we charge you a basic 18% minimum tip. And it’s obligatory, impossible to offer less. The breakfast even worse with horrible coffee (and it's not because of American coffee) and exorbitantly priced dishes always with 18% tip. We had lunch the 3 times (arrival and departure and another time out of spite) otherwise I stayed some time we avoided this pseudo French lunch. For the start it's the same in short as I said they can replace the Sofitel brand with Ibis whenever they want it will shock no one. If this will shock everyone who knows the prices charged at Ibis because obviously if the service is not at the level of a Sofitel the prices are at the level of Fairmont! In short, to be avoided in my opinion. I didn't give a single star thanks and only because of the reception manager Inès who tried to save what she could. Professional and competent, she can be warmly thanked by her management; it is thanks to employees like her that we can still call this hotel half a Sofitel.
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Date of stay: April 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I stayed at this hotel on June 13-14 while on a business trip, primarily because of its proximity to my meeting locations. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and very nicely appointed. I had a chance to get breakfast between meetings, and the weekday hours of 7-11 a.m. sounded very convenient. Sami, the host at the restaurant, offered a warm welcome and made it feel like home. However, two men serving breakfast seemed to be bothered that anyone was in there a whole 40 minutes before 11. The pleasant dim lighting went to full glare at 10:40, a well known signal to get out, and at 10:42 one of them checked if I was ready to pay. I wasn’t. At 10:46, the one who appeared to be more senior explained that I could sit as long as I like but he needs to close the check. Of course, while I generally tip even when there’s automatic gratuity (18%), I chose not to do so this time. True to form, the sidekick who brought back the check and the credit card after running the payment, collected the folder and promptly checked if there was any extra for all their wonderful and courteous service. Unbelievable! Rude and crude.
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
Room Tip:Â Be on the lookout for two gentlemen who might want you in and out of breakfast in a hurry.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Karla Erales, General Manager at Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square
Responded 16 June 2023
Dear Msafiri-USA, We are incredibly grateful for your honest and constructive review. Although it is not the experience either of us wanted you to have during your breakfast at our restaurant, we sincerely appreciate your time as well as the detail regarding the service that was provided. Please accept my sincere apologies and rest assured that we have reviewed and shared this information so that we can address it with our teams. We are always working on training with our staff and your feedback helps us to focus on improvements. I do hope that your travels bring you back this way and that we may have the opportunity to better serve you on your next visit. Please do let us know should you return so that we can ensure a flawless stay and win back your loyalty. Thank you again, Karla
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Sofitel Washington DC is perfectly located in midtown, just round the corner from a metro station with a direct and cheap link to Dulles IAD airport. Check in was quick and easy but the reception staff initially failed to acknowledge our status perks or even our response to their own late check out offer. But after check in, the hotel acknowledged the request and were very accommodating. This is a lovely hotel, traditional decor, friendly staff, and great clean room. Free water every day. Lots of charging points. Breakfast rate includes a large plate, coffee and juice only, but the portions are big, tasty and very attentive service. And ends at midday at weekends, good after late night drinking in the local bars. Luggage storage available on check out and chilled fruit water at reception in the evenings. I would definitely stay here again on a DC visit.
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Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Veronique Stalport, Other at Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square
Responded 6 Feb 2023
Dear Binbag, We very much appreciate your comments regarding your stay at the Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square. We are delighted to read that you had an excellent stay and enjoyed your visit at our hotel. It is always encouraging to learn that guests are satisfied with our service as it is what we strive for every day. We love to read that you enjoyed the hotel decor, room, amenities and Food and Beverage options. We are sorry for the hick up you experience upon arrival. Thank you for your kind feedback, and we hope to see you again soon for another magnifique journey with us. The Sofitel Team
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There are more places to choose from in the Washington DC area.
PRICE RANGE
AU$431 - AU$791 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
sofitel washington dc hotel washington dc, accor washington dc, washington dc sofitel
LOCATION
United StatesDistrict of ColumbiaWashington DCCleveland Park / Downtown
NUMBER OF ROOMS
237
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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