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 (2626)
  • Very good (981)
  • Average (236)
  • Poor (103)
  • Terrible (48)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Decent

Jan 27, 2025 dxb_travelsmart Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Stayed for business for 3 nights. Hotel slightly messed up the reservation despite the information provided that it will be an early morning arrival. Room was good and spacious. Breakfast good based on a la carte menu. Location very central just opposite White House.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great Experience

Jan 27, 2025 RedTraveler1999

The front desk was super friendly when my husband and I checked in, plus the lobby was beautiful. The room was comfortable and clean; no complaints. The chocolate cake with lavender ice cream will haunt my dreams it was so good! I plan to stay here again on my next trip to DC.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great location and restaurant/bar, but falls short on detail

Jan 18, 2025 Bart E Metro Manila, Philippines

Stay: January 15–17, 2025 The Sofitel Lafayette Square Hotel in Washington, DC, enjoys an enviable location right in the heart of downtown. Situated near the White House, a host of excellent restaurants, entertainment venues, and commercial buildings, it’s an ideal base for exploring the city, whether for business or leisure. The hotel’s overall… Read more
Stay: January 15–17, 2025 The Sofitel Lafayette Square Hotel in Washington, DC, enjoys an enviable location right in the heart of downtown. Situated near the White House, a host of excellent restaurants, entertainment venues, and commercial buildings, it’s an ideal base for exploring the city, whether for business or leisure. The hotel’s overall ambiance reflects the charm and elegance one would expect from the Sofitel brand, and many of the staff exude the friendliness and helpfulness that elevate the guest experience. However, my stay was a mixed experience. Upon arrival, I was disappointed by the check-in process, which felt impersonal and indifferent. The staff member assisting me could hardly have been more blasé, leaving me with a less-than-warm first impression. Once in my room, I encountered another frustration: the lighting. Flicking the light switch did nothing to illuminate the space, as each individual light needed to be turned on separately. The most significant inconvenience, though, was the failure of the front desk to provide wake-up calls—despite acknowledging my requests—on two consecutive mornings. For a hotel catering to business travelers, this lapse is especially disappointing and disruptive. While the bathroom was well-appointed, it would have been a thoughtful touch to include bath salts or bubble bath beside the tub to enhance the luxurious feel of the space. Despite these shortcomings, the hotel’s location and general service quality make it a compelling option. With a few tweaks—especially ensuring more attentive service at check-in and wake-up call reliability—this Sofitel could shine as brightly as its prestigious address suggests. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating My New Favorite Hotel

Jan 17, 2025 FTW29

My first stay at a Sofitel Hotel and it was amazing. The room was comfortable and actually had enough lighting for you to read a book and appear clearly on Zoom calls.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wonderful stay

Jan 12, 2025 ArkansasKK1 Fayetteville, Arkansas

So pleased with my stay. I was traveling for business and my college-aged son accompanied me. He loved the location, walking everywhere: Smithsonian museums, the Mall, Tidal Basin. My conference was at the Ritz. I preferred the dining at the Sofitel, by far. Breakfasts were delicious with super fresh greens with croque madame. The French Press… Read more
So pleased with my stay. I was traveling for business and my college-aged son accompanied me. He loved the location, walking everywhere: Smithsonian museums, the Mall, Tidal Basin. My conference was at the Ritz. I preferred the dining at the Sofitel, by far. Breakfasts were delicious with super fresh greens with croque madame. The French Press coffee was superb (as other reviewers note). The weeknight happy hour was nice with a good light menu. Service was excellent. St. John’s Episcopal Church is very close and we felt very welcomed as we attended a service. Read less