HotelChatter

As far as Ritz-Carltons go, this one is probably not considered one of their top-most properties. The lobby area is a bit on the cramped side. The lounge is pretty much right on top of the main entrance. The glitz is at something of a minimum. Is it weird to describe a Ritz-Carlton as "workmanlike"? In the case of this Ritz, it fits. The place is pretty clearly geared towards the business traveler, at least judging from the clientele, which includes me as I have had the pleasure of staying here on business on several occasions.

Still, it would be wrong to lump it in with your Marriotts or Hiltons. The honor bar is full of gourmet snacks. The bathroom counter is made of marble and there is no little sign asking me to be environmentally conscious and re-use my towels. In the morning I can have my choice of the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Washington Post, or any combination thereof sitting outside my door. In the evening I get turn-down service: The drapes are closed, the clock radio is tuned to quiet classical music station, one corner of my bedding has been folded over to facilitate entry, and two small chocolate wafers (one dark, one milk) are placed on my bed stand along with the TV remote.

(By the way, I can't overemphasize how much I like this standard turn down service from the Ritz. It is exactly the same in every Ritz I've stayed in and it has come to be like my wittle blankie from childhood. And to answer your next question: No, it does not give me the urge to curl into the fetal position and suck my thumb. I haven't done that since my twenties.)

Meanwhile, back here in the lounge...There is a well-lit humidor on the other side of the room, which would be enticing if I smoked cigars. A tuxedoed fellow is playing light cocktail lounge classics on the piano in the corner. It's a weekend afternoon, so the business folks are gone, leaving the lounge to the well-appointed middle-aged ladies across from me who are chattering about salons and spas and the trouble communicating with the immigrants in the service industries. Many patrons are taking high tea, served on fine china, with loose leaf tea in strainers. (Tea bags? Heaven forbid!) All accompanied by fresh strawberries and creme. The nearby restrooms have dark wood stalls and genuine cloth hand towels.

You could hang here, is what I'm saying. To quote Ferris Buellar, "It is so choice."

There is also a four story shopping mall attached, should you feel the need to sample the squalor of the real world, but you'll need your room key to get back in -- can't have the rabble traipsing through, now can we? If that's not enough, the DC metro stops right outside, giving you ready access to the rest of the nation's capital (including Reagan Airport, just two stops away).

The only question that remains unanswered is whether the FBI agents offered Monica the Godiva chocolates from the honor bar in exchange for her cooperation. They may try to hush it up, but chocolate smears do not lie.

Related Stories:
·   Ritz Carlton Arlington Reviews [TripAdvisor]

Tags: Hotels

by dzot