I recently visited the Westin Washington City Center located at 14th and M (near Scott and Logan Circles). I particularly like the Westin brand because of its zen-like design, muted tones and pleasant scent (yes, there is a scent the pump through the HVAC system). Formerly a Wyndham Hotel, the structure still looks like an old Wyndham but the interior and furnishings are more Westin-like. I think this is one of these properties where you either love it or you hate it.
Advantages:
- Location: in the city but not near the more popular areas.
- Accessibility: Metro’s McPherson Square and Farragut North rail stations are about 5 blocks away.
- The largest ballroom, the National Ballroom, is pretty much on its own floor (with the exception of a few small conference rooms) so your private event guests would not be mingling with others in the hotel.
- The National Ballroom is not very ornate and would give you the opportunity to spice it up with colored lighting and other decor and inject your own personality.
Disadvantages:
- Location: in the city but not in a more exciting area. This is a mostly business district and it’s pretty dead at night.
- Accessibility: Metro’s McPherson Square and Farragut North rail stations are about 5 blocks away.
- The hotel structure itself is a bit dated and not as nice as some of the newly constructed Westin hotels since it was converted.
- The ballroom is in the lower level of the hotel and some find this dark.
- The National Ballroom is not very ornate and if you like a very minimalistic look, this would be great. Otherwise, you will need to devote some budget for decor.
- The suites are not huge but does have a separate sitting area. I think the suite would feel crowded with more than 4-5 people.
I had a really bad day with my photos as some were too dark and some where to blurry so I’m showing you the ones that looked good and borrowed some from the hotel’s website.
