Kimpton George Hotel

Small room

I'm honestly surprised this hotel receives anything above a one-star rating. Unfortunately, this was one of the most disappointing stays I've ever had. The only true positive was the location, it's conveniently within walking distance to the Capitol. However, the hotel itself is in serious need of updates. The lobby, hallways, and rooms are dated and worn down. While housekeeping did their best to keep things clean, the room itself needed attention, rusted and loose plumbing in the shower, old and dirty carpeting that really should be replaced, and a TV with very unreliable reception. The included “breakfast” was a small table by the check-in desk with a few yogurt cups and coffee, which fell far short of expectations, especially considering the hotel charges a daily amenity fee. It’s unclear what that fee actually covers, as the amenities provided were minimal at best (one small, partially-used bottle of lotion, for example). One particularly disappointing interaction involved a request for an umbrella for a walk to a restaurant on a rainy day. Our room didn’t have one, so we asked Sydney at the front desk. She insisted there should be one in the room, and when we let her know there wasn’t, she handed us a broken, stained umbrella that didn’t even open. Her response was dismissive and unhelpful when notified that the umbrella didn't work and she stated there were no other umbrellas available. Thankfully, when we found Mark and asked him, he stepped in and kindly provided two working umbrellas for our family. Upon returning them to the front desk, Sydney didn’t acknowledge us at all. Her attitude throughout our stay was curt and unprofessional. On the other hand, Ephram and Mark were wonderful, courteous, helpful, and the only bright spots in terms of service. Overall, this stay did not reflect the quality I’ve come to expect from the Kimpton brand, and I would definitely not return. The rate charged does not align with the condition of the property or the level of service received.

The photos are deceiving. This is NOT a nice hotel and doesn't live up to other Kimpton hotels that I have stayed at from time to time. A friend and I went in for the presidential inauguration. The prices were so jacked up... $1,700 (non refundable rate) a night for two nights , which is crazy, but we booked well in advance, hearing that spots around D.C. fill up quickly for that event. Within 12 hours, I found out that because we were attending one of the balls as VIPs, we would have a room block and special rates at the Washington Hilton. Since we JUST booked it and it was 6 weeks out, I contacted the hotel for a refund. They no doubt would sell out in the weeks leading up to the event. I was told "no" by the front desk and reservations, so I asked that the hotel manager contact me. The manager also said, no. I even asked if I could receive a Kimpton credit as an option if they didn't want to refund payment to my credit card. They refused to do this also. I thought perhaps a manager could act like a manager and do the "right" thing as a courtesy even though it was non-refundable just because of the timing and that they could look to see that I am a repeat Kimpton customer. No go! I am posting this because not only was that crappy but the front desk personnel didn't have any information about the event or recommendations even where to eat. Good Lord. All that the employee did was hand me a poorly copied map of road closures with no explanation. In the evening, the hotel put together some sort of make shift bar on 6' banquet tables through a glass door with liquor bottles and some glasses, manned with a single employee taking payment... so bizarre. This is a bad hotel and a bad Kimpton. The one a short distance away, The Kimpton Monaco is better. However, I am BIG into customer service and being a marketing exec I value that expectations are exceeded or at least met when you compare the images, descriptions and such to what customers receive. That being said, not sure if I will ever stay at another Kimpton and definitely not The George. I even reached out to IHG (IHG Hotels & Resorts) execs who own the Kimpton brand, and none of them bothered to email or phone me back. This place completely failed.

Stayed here for a while for a trial. The bar area is nice but the rooms are small and the hotel is generally average. I have stayed at other Kimotons that I like better. Would probably give this a 3.5 if that existed. It’s in kind of an odd area of town and has a boutique vibe, but there are better hotels that are closer by.

The room was clean and comfortable. The yoga mat was a pleasant surprise. Happy hour with decent wine and coffee in the morning in the lobby. The concierge was also outstanding. While I was waiting to check in there was some issue with a would-be customer, a young man whose many credit cards did not work. The concierge remained polite and calm and the manager, Mr, Ephrem, on seeing the situation and the long line forming, was respectful and professional in how he took over the interaction with the young man and ultimately convinced him to leave, when the young man was showing some resistance. Mr. Ephrem de-escalated the situation quickly and kindly. He was outstanding.