Concierge Collection / Mandarin Oriential???

[pixiec]

Any one had recent experience with the Mandarin Oriential Hotel in Washington, DC? The last post I read was from March of '05. I have read some worrysome post.
Any tips for first timers visiting DC? Our plan is to visit as may Museums as we can pack into to 3 days.
Besides using points for the Disneyland Hotel in 97, this will be the first time we have used points using the Concierge collection not part of Disney. I'm a little

 

[rocketriter]

As many museums as you can pack into 3 days? Yoicks! You can spend 3 days at Aeronautics and Space alone!

Sorry, no experience with the MO.

 

[pbharris4]

We live close to 1 hour south of D.C. I haven't stayed at the MO, but have driven past and it looks like a nice hotel. It seems like it may be a hike to The Mall and it's not too far from the Zoo, but you'd probably have to take a taxi or the Metro to the Zoo. I would wear comfy sneakers because you will do a lot of walking. I know if you go in the Regan building they will check ID and bags, but not sure about the museums. If you plan on going to the Holocaust Museum get there early..there is always a line. Most museums have a cafeteria. My favorite one is the one under the Nat'l Gallery of Art (there's a cascading waterfall inside). I haven't been to the museums in 2-3 years since I had my 2nd DD. But one of my favorite museums there is the Museum of American History with the huge pendulum, the Hall with the president's wives and one of there famous outfits. ANother thing is the HUGE American flag. I believe it used to hang on the wall when you walk in, but it's in bad shape so it's in a room and they are trying to restore it, but you can walk by and see it.

Georgetown has some good shopping and Pentagon City is a pretty cool mall. You can access that by Metro. Have a good trip!

 

[Candace]

Can't help with the MO either, sorry. Be prepared for looong walks between museums. My favorites are the National Gallery of Art, the American History Museum, Natural History, Aerospace Museum. The restaurant underneath the Gallery is also (like the above poster) a favorite of mine for lunch. You didn't say when you are going, but if you can contact one of your state representatives ahead of time, they can arrange tours for you to govt. buildings which would save a lot of time. We did this with the FBI, the Mint, the White House,the Capitol and some other buildings which are used for state meetings which are near the Lincoln Memorial (can't remember the name of the building). Also, try to visit the National Archives. With so little time, you really need to pick out the things you want to do most. It is all so spread out and it takes time to get from one place to the next. The metro system is wonderful and easy to navigate. It is also cheap and very clean. I love visiting DC; it really is a wonderful history lesson! Enjoy!

 

[rombar]

I would go to the website tripadvisor.com check out the reviews of this hotel there.

 

[chop003]

We stayed at Mandarin Oriental the weekend of April 23, 2005. I've read posts that thought it was too far a walk to the Mall. Being from NYC, I found the walk pleasant, 5 to 10 minutes. The room was top scale and the pool was a nice way to unwind at the end of the day. Service was great as with most luxury hotels. I would definitely stay there again.

 

[pixiec]

We (DH, myself and sons, ages 16 and 24) stayed at the MO July 29 thur Aug. 2, using 2 rooms, exchanging DVC points. I have read posts discouraging using exchange points, suggesting renting point and searching elsewhere for a hotel.
Well, in my opinion, it worked out great for us. We would have never paid to stay at a 5 star hotel. We had the points to use and were glad we did!!
It was a dream vacation for us.
True, a little far from the action, but still within walking distance. The rooms were beautiful! And the bathrooms were huge! The beds were VERY comfortable. We found the service to be prompt and everyone we encountered very nice.
No coffee pot in the room, but we were told that we would not find that in a 5 star hotel. They do have free coffee in the lobby from 6 am to 8am. Since I am an early riser, I really enjoyed taking a book down to the lobby while my family slept in and having coffee.
The food was pricey. The hotel is not close to any place to go out and grab a quick inexpensive bite. I came prepared with breakfast stuff, ie... cereals and breakfast muffins. I packed a cooler with yogurts, milk, oj, water, and cokes. We asked where to find the ice-maker and refilled the cooler daily.
Sorry, I just could not justify $20 pp for breakfast for 4 days. We ate one meal on site. About $30 pp, plus tip.
I would not recommend this hotel for families with small children. It is more geared for the business traveler, however we found it to be nice, since we were traveling with older kiddies.