The Henley Park Hotel

“Well located bargain”

This excellently located hotel is a bargain. We stayed there for a long Labor Day weekend. While not "luxurious," the Henley Park is comfortable and clean, attempting to exude the charm of an earlier, more genteel, less hectic era. Our room was smaller (we had a Queen), with a shower-bath combina... more

This excellently located hotel is a bargain. We stayed there for a long Labor Day weekend. While not "luxurious," the Henley Park is comfortable and clean, attempting to exude the charm of an earlier, more genteel, less hectic era. Our room was smaller (we had a Queen), with a shower-bath combination. The bedding was exceptionally comfortable, and maintained very well. The staff was welcoming and helpful.

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“Charming in Many Ways, But Less Than Perfect”

This was a repeat stay at the Henley Park. I would consider going back if the rate is attractive. PROS: Great location, walking distance to many restaurants, and two metro lines. The reservation agent (Derrick?) was very helpful, and coordinated with our travel partner to get us adjacent rooms... more

This was a repeat stay at the Henley Park. I would consider going back if the rate is attractive. PROS: Great location, walking distance to many restaurants, and two metro lines. The reservation agent (Derrick?) was very helpful, and coordinated with our travel partner to get us adjacent rooms. Hint: If you see a good rate grab it, because they change quickly, and are always higher the next time you check. I had to wait two days before making the reservation and it cost me $100 more per night. The bathroom is large and has a real door, not a barn door. And a spacious tub. As a bonus, the tub diverter valve automatically reverts to the tub setting, saving your travelling companion from a surprise spray on their head. A closet with robes, and a low dresser with drawers and shelves. There was plenty of storage, which was a contrast from the Hilton Tapestry Collection hotel we stayed at in the Philadelphia area. There is also a work area with a desk, lamp, and coffeemaker. A good, inexpensive breakfast or lunch is available next door at the West Wing Café, or up the block at Starbucks. The hotel also has a very good restaurant. Our Junior Suite was spacious and nicely furnished. However, there is no refrigerator or microwave. Plenty of electric sockets, and the alarm clock and lamp had USB ports. CONS The staff is friendly, and usually helpful, but there were some communication problems. Some of the staff seem to be native French speakers, possibly from the Carib. For example, I asked the front desk clerk for a late checkout, 1:30 instead of Noon. I got a confused look and was told “checkout is at 12” as if I was asking what time is checkout. I explained that we had a 1:30 ride to the airport and was told “12:15. Maybe 12:20.” It was a Tuesday, and they were not sold out. On the positive side, my wife called, asked to speak to the manager, and got us a 1:00 checkout. I asked for laundry bags, as the maid had not replaced mine. (She also did not take my laundry when I left the bag out with the paperwork, as is done in most hotels. Laundry must be taken down to the front desk). A desk clerk offered to send a bag up: “My wife is sleeping.” “OK, we’ll send it up at 10:00” “I’ll miss today’s laundry service” “OK, I’ll get someone.” She told a staff member that I needed a laundry bag. He disappeared and returned 5 minutes later. He had taken the bags upstairs, knocked and woken up my wife. Note: the laundry got done, and returned to me at 5:30 PM, along with the laundry for a different hotel guest. I delivered their laundry to them. There's more: Not the fault of Henley Park, but I noted on the ticket that there was an oily food stain on the right leg of the pants, above the knee. The stain did not come out. I washed them at home with a pre-treatment and the stain is gone. 1-star for the laundry service. Noise. As others have pointed out, it is noisy. Sirens. Traffic noise. Rooms toward the back of the hotel might be more quiet. For our stay, there was a Confused Citizen sitting on 10th Street every day who shouted stuff every few seconds. Fortunately, his speechmaking seemed to take place between 10 AM and 10 PM. I wish the sirens and honking would limit themselves to those hours. While in D.C., be sure to try Tatte’s Bakery & Café for pastries and coffee drinks.

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