by Bruce Gilbert

Created on: September 08, 2008   Last Updated: September 09, 2008

I recently had a weekend stay at the Marriott Metro Center located in the heart of downtown Washington D.C on 12th street N.W. The purpose of the visit was to specifically attend a Washington Nationals baseball game and this hotel was the perfect location. The Marriott Metro Center is conveniently located within blocks of shopping, restaurants, the Verizon Center, China Town and best of all, this hotel is right next to the Metro Center station which will take you to anywhere you would like in the Metropolitan D.C area. The hotel is somewhat pricey, but the convenience and service cannot be beat.

The hotel itself is not easily visible as you are driving around the streets of downtown D.C. You have to look closely to notice the Marriott logo on the hotels faade. The outside of the hotel is nothing special, but the stone look does fit in quite nicely with the surrounding buildings. Parking by valet in the designated hotel parking deck (which is underground) is $30 but worth it unless you are lucky enough to find a space on the street. We drove around the block twice and didn't see any spots. Even if we did parking on these streets may not be the safest thing. Inside the hotel is very posh and as with other Marriott's I have visited the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. I was a little disappointed not to get a room with a view, but since I had not requested this ahead of time I understand why one would not be available.

The room itself was very nice and clean, two double beds (also available in a one King size bed , t.v ,plenty of closet space, a nice coffee table, coffee pot with coffee, and a roomy bathroom area. One word to the wise, don't drink the bottled water that is sitting above the T.V unless you want additional money charged to your hotel bill.

The hotel has a very nice raw bar called the Regatta Raw bar with an excellent variety of seafood, salads and desserts. I cannot vouch for how good these foods are, since I did not partake in the eating, but they do have excellent drinks and bartender service. There is also a nice looking restaurant , the Metro Grille, but me and my party never had a chance to eat there. I do know that they offer s full service upscale dining experience for dinner and brunch.

Overall, I can highly recommend the Marriott Metro center for location, convenience to D.C attractions and a Metro stop. The hotel also offers the great service known to the Marriott chain, and a clean hotel room with big soft beds and a relaxing environment.

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