Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square

Dupont Circle and Embassy Row, Washington DC

Virgin rating

The hotel

Featuring a certain sense of pizazz throughout as well as numerous contemporary comforts and state-of-the-art facilities, the Sofitel Washington on Lafayette Square provides all the answers to your shopping, sightseeing and entertainment dreams. Head to the Opaline Bar & Brasserie for French-inspired cuisine and a specialty cocktail. All in all this is one Washington postcode that's worthy of your attention and not just because of the White House, the Washington Monument and the National Theatre which are all within a well-aimed stone's throw from the Sofitel's front door.

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Laundry Service
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Close to City Centre

Where is it

Situated on the corner of Lafayette Square bordering the White House and close to numerous downtown sites including Smithsonian museums, war memorials and vast green parks. Transfer time from Dulles International Airport: 35 minutes.

Hotel information

237 rooms and suites on 12 floors. All with air-conditioning, 55” HDTV, Bose© sound system, mini-bar*, coffee maker, separate bath and rain shower, hairdryer and iron and board. Superior Rooms are 370-400 sq ft and have 1 king-size bed or 2 double beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. 

Deluxe Luxury Rooms are 400-450 sq ft and have 1 king-size bed or 2 double beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Junior Suites are 426-475 sq ft and have a separate living area with additional TV, with 1 king-size bed in the bedroom and pullout sofa bed in the living area, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child. 

Opaline Bar & Brasserie (classic French food, seasonal dishes and cocktails, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner). Fitness centre. Concierge. Laundry/dry-cleaning and ironing service*. Complimentary WiFi.

This hotel has a resort fee of $34.79 plus tax per room, per day (payable locally, subject to change)

Urban Experience fee includes the following: 

  • Morning Tea & Coffee in The Lobby 
  • Refreshing Afternoon Beverage in The Lobby 
  • Premium WiFi Access 
  • Morning Guided Runs 
  • Yoga Classes 
  • $10 Movie Credit Per Day (for Platinum ALL Members) 
  • $10 Laundry/Dry Cleaning Credit Per Day

*Denotes local charge.

Please note: one person must be aged 21 years and over in each room at check-in.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (2584)
  • Very good (972)
  • Average (229)
  • Poor (101)
  • Terrible (45)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great location and staff

Mar 27, 2024 one2one Basingstoke, United Kingdom

This was our first time in Washington DC and I had spent many hours trying to decide where to stay. I hit jackpot with The Sofitel the location couldn’t have been better even after a long day walking our feet off around the sites it was never a slog. Also for those journeys further afield the Metro station was just around the corner. We were… Read more
This was our first time in Washington DC and I had spent many hours trying to decide where to stay. I hit jackpot with The Sofitel the location couldn’t have been better even after a long day walking our feet off around the sites it was never a slog. Also for those journeys further afield the Metro station was just around the corner. We were upgraded to a beautiful room and the staff were very accommodating of all my questions. Not all of our luggage managed the journey from Heathrow to DC and the staff helped out with the best places to get emergency supplies until BA played catchup with our bag. Bar staff were great fun and recommended cocktails which suited our palette. All in all a great experience and would have no hesitation in returning both to DC and Sofitel. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Needs attention. Doesn’t feel like a 5 star

Mar 25, 2024 JaredMitchell93 Carmi, Illinois

Carpet was ripped in our room. View was of a heating unit out the window. Walls were all marked up. The hallways and elevators were not clean at all. Wasn’t well maintained. Felt more like a 3 star Hotel
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Bad experience and attitude of frontdesk staffs

Mar 18, 2024 DrArnt_Htoo_Aung Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar

Worst service from an All group facilities. Unfriendly front desk people, not recognizing a member, no complimentary benefits even for a platinum accorplus member. Is it because I booked through Agoda, I am not sure, but even then the repulsive behaviour from the frontdesk made me decide not to go to this hotel again in future.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Anniversary Weekend Away

Mar 5, 2024 SurfFisher78

My wife and I always stay at the Sofitel when we visit DC. It never disappoints. It is a great location, walkable to so many places. Staff is super nice and always available if you need anything. We highly recommend staying at the Sofitel
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Hotel was nice, but staff need training on service

Mar 2, 2024 Hibernia_55 San Francisco, California

I'm a Platinum Accor member and have stayed over 60 days at Sofitels in particular in several cities. I was very disappointed with the attitude of certain staff members when I checked in for my stay. First, it wasn't busy when I checked in; there was one person ahead of me. But when the staff member at the reception desk was finished with the… Read more
I'm a Platinum Accor member and have stayed over 60 days at Sofitels in particular in several cities. I was very disappointed with the attitude of certain staff members when I checked in for my stay. First, it wasn't busy when I checked in; there was one person ahead of me. But when the staff member at the reception desk was finished with the previous customer, she yelled out, "Next!" Not "Welcome to Sofitel, DC, how may I help you?" Instead she asked, "Last name?" I gave her my name. Then she said "Credit card and ID." She handed my ID and card back, along with the room key. It was very unfriendly and helpful service. Not even, "your room is on the third floor, elevators are on the right behind you, " etc. It's not a big deal, but Platinum members are usually welcomed with a free drink card. None of that here. I had to come back down to the lobby to request the card, which another employee helpfully gave me. At other Sofitels, staff have gone out of their way to welcome me, and offer helpful suggestions, such as there's coffee available every morning the in lobby, a description of the hotel amenities, etc. Here, nothing. I might as well have used a touchscreen to check-in. While everyone can have a bad day, I had a sense that this is par for the course for certain employees. It was a very cold and unfriendly stay. I felt like telling the staff member that I have a choice of hotels to stay at, and I've had a more friendly welcome at the DMV. Now, there was one other employee at the desk who ended up being quite helpful and friendly. So it's not a hotel-wide issue. But first impressions are everything. I think a little staff training could go a long way in making customers, especially Accor members, feel welcomed. Again, I have a choice of hotels, and this is the first time at a Sofitel where I felt like I was treated as a burden/hassle, not a customer. Other than that, the hotel is in a nice location, close to the White House. The rooms were spacious and clean, if a bit ordinary. Read less