Doubletree Hotel Crystal City

This hotel is like walking into an episode of the twilight zone. Upon arrival there is nobody greeting you except an incessantly ringing phone that goes unanswered. Looking everywhere you may or may not discover an elevator that goes nowhere because you need a room key to operate it. After that you look around more and find a skinny escalator with a construction caution sign next to it. An empty floor with no one in sight greets you.closed restaurants, and can still hear the phone ringing. By this time you want to scream. So you call out to see if you are alone. You stand and wait for 15 minutes and a guy appears from a door. No hot water! Horrid! Avoid! Read less

I am a liaison Ambassador to the UN and DC Mayor Appointed Commissioner. I needed to stay close to the Sheraton Hotel which was only about 1 mile away, due to receiving a White House Lifetime Achievement Award at that location. I was inviting another Ambassador who was the head of the Presenting Organization for the White House Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award so that I could show him the beautiful Double Tree Hotel and the marvelous views and impeccable food from the Skydome. I was greeted by Mr. Shikeeb, who was above board professionally, well spoken, warm, friendly, expedient, and extremely accommodating, he paid attention to every little detail spoken and prepared a special accomodations that would cater to me and my special guest that I was hosting for the evening, of course I was in Lieu to impress my guest representing the White House. Surely Mr. shikeeb left no stone unturned, and did not hesitate to check on me and my guests personally several times to maintain a wonderful and memorable experience during my very special celebration and occasion. Upon informing him of the details he placed me with Ms. Denise B., Ms. wonderful as I call her., at the front desk to prepare further accomodations. Ms. Denise has an amazing personality, and is very thorough with details and asks questions that for your specific needs, she goes above any beyond to provide excellent service and to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. She reminds me of the customer service of old, which is hard to find in today's world, she is surely a keeper and deserves a raise. Mr. Shikeeb and Ms. Denise were able to upgrade me as a Gold Member and even went above and beyond. My family have now been bitten with the Double Tree bug and cannot stop talking about the amazing time they had while we stayed at this location. They are ready to come back!! Upon entering my suite, I immediately received a call from Jovana, Manager of the Skydome, Mr. Shikeeb had already reached out to her specifically to get the best accomodations for me and my special guest. Anticipating guests needs would be an understatement as it pertains to Mr. Shikeeb and his team! Ms. Jovana spoke with me and made special arrangements even though the Skydome was booked. She was very warm, friendly, paid great attention to detail, and I was able to tell her some of my old stories and memories of the Skydome becak when it was more of a club/restaurant. We had an amazing conversation, and she ensured me that accomodations would be prepared. She then sent me a reservation confirmation upon ending the call. Once I walked into the Skydome later that evening she gave the best seat/view in the house. The food was scrumptious and surely chef de' cuisines prepared. I had the Crab Crusted Salmon, paired with a Pink Grigio, later I tried a dry Martini, a little dirty, extra olives. The drinks were amazing. Everything was made to perfection and crafted with precision. My server Rupayan was a complete delight! He was very attentive, anticipated my needs, and was able to make some enticing suggestions from the menu, I took his advice and was pleasantly surprised. I will be back to request him again. Ms. Jovana checked on me throughout the duration and even was able to tell me some of the history of the hotel and about the archives, I have a passion for the history of old buildings especially in prestigious locations, such as the pentagon. We had an amazing conversation, and the restaurant itself was a sight to behold, the ambiance, the views, the overall atmosphere, and music was amazing! Surely Mr. Shikeeb, Ms. Jovana, & Ms. Denise must be veterans, because it seems that they all work as one body and know what quality customer service is like the back of their hand. Formerly, post politics, I was in the restaurant/grocery Industry for 17 years. I have worked many places including Ruth Chris, McCormick & Schmidt, and even Managed at Giant Food, and General Managed at the Carolina Kitchen. When I tell you that the service here is still just as amazing as I remembered it from my late 20's, it has not changed at the Double Tree Crystal City, I was pleasantly surprised and was quickly reminded of why this is my favorite hotel of all time, and I travel a lot! People love when a place operates not just as a team, but as a family. I was able to go to the bar and the bartender made delicious drinks and was very presentable and friendly, I felt like this was a secret hideout just to get away from it all. Although I was only to stay one night, I am preparing to come back, and already searching for next time, but this time longer to truly relax and enjoy an extended stay. I have no doubts in my mind, that this will be a favorite of mines for the next years to come. I cannot wait to get back! Thank you to all of you that made my stay enjoyable, and helped me to celebrate such a monumental occasion and special moment on my life. I appreciate all of you, and I look forward to next time!! In World Change,🌍 H.E. Ambassador Tiffany Lancaster DC Mayor's Office - Commissioner #USIDHR US Institute of Diplomacy & Human Rights Read less