DC: JW Marriott vs Omni Shoreham

[Pete and Tina]

My family (hubby & 7 year old son) will be visiting DC in August and we can't decide between JW Marriott (seems to be in the center of it all) or the Omni Shoreham (looks like a great pool for August). Please let me know pros and cons of each. We will be there for 3 days so we want to stay in the city and these seem to be around the same price for that time. Thank you.

 

[indygirl99]

DH and I just got back from 2 weeks in DC. Got to say we loved the JW. It is right across from the Federal Triangle metro station, 2 blocks from the White House, and across from Freedom Square.

We did not visit the pool so no info there and we have never stayed at the Omni so can't offer anything to compare. But will say in August it will be HOT and a pool is a good way to cool off.

Enjoy your trip. I love DC. Would love to move back but DH is firmly planted in the Pacific Northwest.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

I've never been to the JW Marriott, but I know the Omni well because we had a pool membership there for several years. The pool is lovely with a young child, although the deep end is about 3.5 feet deep. It's like an oasis in the city with beautiful gardens, and you can order food or get a massage there. It's almost never crowded. I bet it would be lovely after a full day walking around the mall.

The location is also nice, it's right by the metro, and walking distance to the zoo and to the National Cathedral if you want to go to either of those places. There are some nice restaurant nearby. There used to be a trolley tour stop nearby, so check and see if there still is.

It is a little farther than the JW Marriott, but in my opinion once you're on the metro going back to the hotel a few more stops don't matter.

 

[MrsToad]

DH and I took the train into DC two summers ago (mid-June) and LOVED the JW Marriott! The location was perfect - great walking access to everything we wanted to see, with the exception of the Postal Museum near the train station, which was a quick Metro ride away. The hotel itself was very pleasant and the staff were professional and pleasant; we will not hesitate to return.

Though this isn't a deciding factor, it was hot when we were there and the JW had fruit/cucumber infused water dispensers in the lobby each day when we returned; since we were somewhat melting from our walk - that water was much welcomed!

 

[Pete and Tina]

Thanks all for your replies- looks like I can't go wrong with either place

 

[shortbun]

Love the Shoreham. Rooms are not huge but are very nice. I would go up one more Metro stop before I walked to the zoo in the heat. Lots of good, small restaurants nearby. Great greenspace. Pool is fab!!!

 

[landresen]

Hi Pete and Tina, I happened to see your post and I worked at the Omni Shoreham for 5 years and I'm very familiar with the JW. You can't go wrong with either hotel but the pool and grounds at the Omni Shoreham Hotel just can't be beat. There is a trolley stop right in front of the hotel which is a great way to explore the city and the metro is only about a block from the hotel and very easy to use. If you read the reviews from families on TripAdvisor you will see that kids fall in love with the Shoreham (and parents too). With Cookies and Milk at turndown, a firepit, hammocks on the grounds, and many other amenities your family will feel like you are at a resort in the city. If you do decide to go with the Omni Shoreham, I would encourage you to reach out Nicole Holmes (nholmes@omnihotels.com) who is the Loyalty Manager at the Omni Shoreham. She will help make sure you have a great experience. Also, don't forget to sign up for Select Guest. The perks like beverage delivery service in the morning and free wifi add alot of value to your stay. If you have any questions about the property please let me know and I'd be happy to answer them!

 

[Pete and Tina]

Hi Landresen- Thank you so much for your reply about the Omni Shoreham - I booked it yesterday - it looked too good to pass up and very family friendly. I did make notations in the comments about my son having a milk allergy so hopefully they can accommodate him at the restaurant, but I will call as it gets closer.