Sleep (free) in a suite at the St.Regis in Washington DC. Here's the review

I will never tire of repeating that points have a thousand ways to be used, points are not bitcoin or stocks: points accumulate and burn out, because they lose value over time.

One must therefore always try to use them in the best way possible, no matter if it is a first-class flight or a family trip to Ibiza in August. The best conversion is the one that satisfies us.

And this is the story of how I used them for our last night in the historic heart of the USA.

Reservation

In Washington, here we jumped from hotel to hotel, as I always do when I am alone, but also when we travel as a family. Mainly we aimed for the 5-star experiences this city could offer, obviously only if we could book them with points.

We booked our last night at the St. Regis, the hotel that two weeks before our arrival, he had hosted Messi, Lautaro and the entire Argentina national team. for the Copa America. The other hotels where we stayed were: Waldorf Astoria, Conrad e The Washington Hilton (the one where Reagan had been shot). Last night in a Marriott because, thanks to status, I was able to take advantage of the guaranteed 4 p.m. late check-out. Perfect time before going to DCA to catch our flight to New York.

The cash cost of the basic room was about 600$ per night, I used 68k Bonvoy points instead. Points I did not have on my account since I had emptied my piggy bank for the 5 nights spent at the Sheraton in Toronto and that I transferred, in less than 24 hours for free from my Membership Rewards profile.

In addition to this, again thanks to status, I used one of my certificates for the guaranteed upgrade to request to upgrade from a basic room, to a suite and a few days before our arrival I was confirmed and eventually we were housed in a St Regis Suite, an apartment of over 100m2. A room that if booked normally would have cost 1250$ plus tax.

If you do not have Marriott status, but are an American Express Platinum holder, my advice is to book this property through the Fine Hotels & Resorts American Express travel portal and get benefits such as upgrades, late chackout, points and most importantly also a credit to spend at the hotel in addition to free breakfast.

Location

The St. Regis is located just two blocks north of Lafayette Park and the White House.

The exact address is 16th and K streets, but now this street has been renamed Black Lives Matters Place.

La McPherson Square subway station is only a block away and connects the hotel to Reagan National Airport (DCA) nonstop, while for Dulles Airport (IAD) you have to change trains. We, however, given the heat and Heat Warning moved only by Lyft and on foot always looking for the shady side.

Check-in

Things didn't get off to a great start, upon our arrival no porter met us or took care of our luggage, so with 100° fahrenheit I had to unload everything myself and push the trolley inside the hotel.

As soon as we set foot in the hotel, we appreciated the air conditioning and the spectacular lobby.

The reception is in a kind of alcove, hidden by two heavy curtains.

The same applies to the butler, or the butler who can take care of all needs. You can ask them to make restaurant reservations, unpack (or repack) your bags, or which is the best bookstore in town.

Our room was not ready yet, it was only 12 noon when we arrived, so we unpacked and continued our vacation around a very hot DC. Around 3:30 p.m. the email arrived informing us that our room was ready.

All the receptionists we met at the front desk were very attentive and super nice, one even spoke Italian!

Suite

There are only 8 St. Regis Suites, one on each floor, all located in the same spot in the hotel. At the corner of the facility with the double facing both 16th and K streets.

The beleviest rooms are those on the 7th floor, however, we got the one on the 6th floor that adjoined the Presidential Suite. Legend has it that for the past 100 years all American presidents have passed through this hotel, also because we are literally a 5-minute walk from the North Wing of the White House.

I am not ashamed to say that my house is considerably smaller than this suite. A total of 8 windows, one and a half bathrooms, two sofas, a king bed, a desk, two mega TVs, and a dining table for four diners.

Opening the door is an entrance hall with a closet and the "guest bathroom."

The living room is the largest room; 4 more people could easily fit here.

The bedroom is classic, but from a St. Regis it is what you expect, as is everything else in the decor. I really appreciated the marble floor and not the carpeting that decorates other suites in this hotel. Of course it is not the style I like, but this is what is logical to expect from a St. Regis: elegance and tradition.

Generously sized bathroom, marble bathtub and separate shower. I then really appreciated the fact that both toilets in this suite were equipped with a Japanese toilet seat, not the latest generation, but still quite modern.

Great technology in the room, but most importantly the galley absolutely stocked and able to meet the needs of the thirstiest guests

The hotel

The structure is historic, has 182 rooms even though it looks much smaller. The heart is definitely the lobby and the St Regis Bar, two elements that are repeated in all of this sign's facilities.

Beyond that is the Alhambra restaurant and event spaces.

There is a small gymnasium in the basement; it is not very big, but suitable for those who want to keep up the pace while staying at the hotel.

Also available are bicycles, not pedal-assisted, to get around the city. Great idea, but not in these temperatures.

The limousine available to guests

All guests, subject to availability (no reservations can be made) can use the free chauffeur service. Unfortunately, it is not always active and there is a limit as far as where they will take you.

Needless to say, of course we took advantage of the driver and had him take us to Georgetown, an area I absolutely recommend visiting if you spend 2 or 3 days in the city.

Sabrage ceremony at the St. Regis in Washington, D.C.

This is an iconic event that is celebrated, every day, at all St Regis around the world.

They saber a bottle of champagne and toast to the end of the day, a unique tradition that unites all the hotels in this chain and that is a must-attend event for guests, partly because it is free.

Breakfast at the St Regis in Washington

As I have explained in several articles the rules in Marriott hotels are "cumbersome" when it comes to breakfast.

In this case the choice is between free Continental Breakfast, or a la carte menu for a fee.

Let's say we didn't spare ourselves and took several dishes from the menu, and by the end of our stay, this should have been our only expense at the hotel.

Instead, at check-out we were completely discounted 50$ from breakfast.

In conclusion

We are on the level of the Waldorf Astoria, two iconic locations, two top brands. Friendly and attentive staff, with the added bonus of the butler who in St Regis is always a guarantee.

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