I've stayed in this hotel for conferences five times and know it well. There is much to like about it. The location is outstanding and the neighborhood is wonderful. Access to Metro is perfect. A lot of the staff (but not all) is well-trained and friendly.
First -- my reason for writing. I'm a Marriott Rewards member and the hotel has NEVER -- not in all four stays -- sent me my bill via email as even the tiniest Fairmont Inn can manage. And I never get my Rewards points credited without going through the "missing points" process on the Marriott web site. So get a bill before you leave and save it.
Second, always remember to ask for specific rooms. Do not under any circumstances accept a room in the Park Tower -- unless and until they renovate it. The rooms are Motel 6 quality, although some have a nice view. They're also in the middle of no where. The Wardman Tower could use some renovations, particularly to its bathrooms, but it's absolutely gorgeous and historical and fun to stay in. The Central Tower rooms are small, but they are modern and, well... central. Particularly for a conference, that central location is helpful. Although I was surprised that the rooms haven't been updated -- or at leas the room I was in -- to the new Marriott bed standard.
Third, roll with the punches at this hotel. The day I checked in, they were cleaning my floor extensively because there had been a fire. For me, no smell and no problems -- but you just expect weirdness at this hotel. The first room they gave me was at least 95 degrees and they couldn't fix it (after two tries). They helped me carry my belongings to my second room -- which hadn't been made up. But then the third try was fine -- that room was acceptable. But I was not upgraded, or even apologized to.
While you might think they'd upgrade you after an experience like that, well, welcome to the Wardman Park -- where there is chaos every day. But you just can't expect service like that at the Wardman Park. At least, however -- they were nice.
If you have a problem -- find an employee and be very, very insistent. They'll help you out. But don't expect perfection or elegant treatment. Stay there because it's convenient, or you have a conference there -- or you get a great rate. If those are your reasons, you'll be satisfied with your stay. There is no other reason to stay at this hotel until they renovate and get better control over the chaos of 1300 rooms in three essentially separate hotels covering a DC hillside, surrounded by conference facilities.
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