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4.5
#37 of 152 hotels in Washington DC
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Conveniently located in the center of the city, we are within walking distance of many of Washington DC's most famous attractions. Blending Oriental elegance with traditional American style, all of our rooms and suites enjoy views over the city or the elegant waterfront. Our restaurants are just as impressive as Washington's glorious architecture surrounding them. With a choice of menus, drinks and settings we offer a range of fabulous luxury dining options. Don't miss to visit our luxurious spa - a tranquil urban oasis with a serene atmosphere and stunning facilities. We also have a range of venues offering space, originality and state-of-the-art technology.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
River View
Park View
Languages Spoken
English, French, Russian, Spanish and 9 more
Location
1330 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington DC, DC 20024
Salamander Washington DC
616 reviews
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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Salamander Washington DC garners praise for its prime location, which guests have called out as perfect for exploring nearby landmarks and the vibrant nightlife at The Wharf. The hotel's ambiance is frequently lauded, creating an elegant and welcoming atmosphere, while the staff's attentive service earns rave reviews.
However, some travelers note the high costs and additional fees detract from the hotel's value, alongside limited amenities like restricted spa hours and an absence of in-room coffee makers. Despite this, the cleanliness and maintenance of the rooms are popular among guests, although a few mention maintenance issues and dated decor.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Luxurious
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Meticulous
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Satisfactory
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This vacation to Washington DC was a first time trip for a week to see all the monuments, museums and important buildings of our nation’s Capitol. I did a lot of research for a top quality hotel with proximity to walk to many of the important tourist sights.
I chose the Salamander based on superior travel ratings, photos and traveler reviews, I wasn’t disappointed. We stayed in a corner water view room with large twin windows overlooking the tidal basin and marina, it was outstanding and worth the extra cost. My wife loved the large soaking tub and I enjoyed the huge tile shower, it was wonderful.
The bathroom was large, tile and granite throughout, it was well lit, with modern fixtures. The room and entire hotel was exceptionally clean, well maintained. The maid service was twice a day, room service meals if you so desired.
All the staff we encountered were friendly, accommodating and checking with us if they could provide any service.
The Salamander isn’t a hotel for you if you’re looking for a budget stay. If however, you are looking for an enjoyable memory that will stay with you as one of the best hotels you’ve ever experienced then the Salamander is an excellent choice.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from M K, General Manager at Salamander Washington DC
Responded 26 Oct 2023
Dear vawan2023, Thank you for sharing such an exceptional review! It was a pleasure to welcome you to the heart of DC, and we’re thrilled you were able to take advantage of all we have to offer. From our luxurious accommodations to our proximity to many historic landmarks and museums, you can always expect an unforgettable DC adventure from the moment you walk through our front doors. Our team will appreciate your kind words for their hospitality and care, and we encourage you to join us for another visit filled with adventure and world-class hospitality in the months ahead. Until next time! Warm regards, Manuel Martinez, Managing Director
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The Salamander Washington is in the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood tucked in a cull-de sac near the tidal basin. My Deluxe 1 bedroom was spacious with seating area embracing a work desk, pull out sofa and armchairs. The room was surrounded with pale blue drapery which added a soft aura to the surroundings while the creamy leather furniture provided a rich textural accent. The bath was marbleized with all the guest spoiling accoutrements. The hotels 2 onsite restaurants earn accolades for their gourmet level cuisine. The Salamander Grill dining experience embraces breakfast and dinner. I enjoyed a Black Sea Bass and Broccolini food fix here. The Lounge offers an impressive food catalog ranging from inventive cocktails, wines, spirits, coffees, teas to an inspired menu. The Salamander Spa boasts 8 private treatment rooms, luxury change rooms and lounges, inviting pools, sauna, and steam room. I opted for a Hot Stone Therapy Massage that relieved some deep seated muscle tension that the hustle and bustle of daily life imposed on me. So, if you are looking for a base of operations in the city...................then try the .............. Salamander Washington........checks all the hospitality boxes.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from M K, General Manager at Salamander Washington DC
Responded 13 Nov 2023
Dear Conny, Greetings from DC! Your glowing review means the world to us, and we’re thrilled to learn of your positive experience. Our well-appointed accommodations are designed with the guest in mind, and it was truly a pleasure to provide you with a luxurious environment in which to enjoy your stay. We’re delighted you were able to sample the variety of culinary offerings we provide, and our team will appreciate your kind words. It would be a joy to welcome you to our convenient location and world-class spa for another fantastic experience in the months ahead. It would be a joy to be your DC base of operations for years to come, and we eagerly await your return. Until then! Warm regards, Manuel Martinez, Managing Director
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We stayed here for our anniversary. Wanted to have a romantic relaxing getaway as our first time away from our newborn. I requested upon arrival to have rose petals and chocolate covered strawberries to be placed on the bed. However this did not happen. So i asked the front desk if they could make that request happen and they said they would take care of it right away. We returned back to the room 90 min later to find nothing. So i asked again if when we returned back from dinner to ensure that was there. We came back to find rose petals but no strawberries. So i called to complain to have everything removed from my bill. Keona answered and said she would ensure everything would be removed but she would make sure the strawberries and a sparkling water would be sent up right away. This happened an hour after we got off the phone. Special thank you to Keona. She helped make our anniversary that much better since no other staff member could help in that regard. The facility itself was clean and elegant and the food was tasty as well. We enjoyed the Middleburg, VA location MUCH more!
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
In many ways, guest service is a lost art form. However, occasionally you will find a place that proves the art form is not lost—it’s simply harder to find. And when you do find that gem, it stands out as a shining star among all others. The Salamander is one of those gems. Living next door, the Salamander is truly part of our neighborhood. From the moment you walk through the doors—no matter if you’re an A-list celebrity, a guest, or a neighbor—the entire team goes above and beyond. From the porters to the lounge staff, everyone always ensures my husband and I as well as our friends and family are welcomed and feel like a part of “the family.” Food and beverage service is delightful (and will only get better with the arrival of Chef Onwuachi!). I appreciate that they continue to grow and evolve by trying new things as the new property finds its way. The atmosphere is pleasant and warm. However, what sets the Salamander apart is its commitment to guest service. They provide some of the best in the business! Individuals always go above and beyond to make sure you feel acknowledged and cared for while you’re there—THEY create the experience! These individuals take pride in what they do and how they do it for guests. You clearly see they support and care for one another—that matters. The wonderful Salamander team does not accept minimum as the norm. They always create no less than an exceptional experience!
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from M K, General Manager at Salamander Washington DC
Responded 21 Aug 2023
Dear M. Kessler-Vaughn, Your recognition of our commitment to exceptional service and care is deeply appreciated. We believe in creating memorable experiences for every guest, and your kind words reinforce our dedication. From a delicious meal in The Lounge to our pleasant and friendly atmosphere, it is truly a joy to offer such worthwhile hospitality and care at the heart of DC. We’re eager to continue exceeding your expectations and creating exceptional moments for everyone that walks through our front doors, and we thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts. We are always striving to improve, and we can’t wait to share Chef Kwame’s new culinary journey. We wish you all the best and hope to see you again soon. Warm regards, Manuel Martinez, Managing Director
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During the summer, I had the pleasure of staying at the Salamander DC. The hotel was a short taxi ride from Union Station. Upon arrival, the staff at the front door greeted us warmly and made us fell “at home”. The lobby had a beautiful, fresh purple floral arrangement in the center. A sight that is no longer seen in many hotels. During check-in, the front desk provided a thoughtful list of activities including discounts at nearby attractions.
We had two king bedded rooms overlooking the Jefferson Memorial and Potomac Tidal Basin. The rooms were well-maintained and spotless, and Housekeeping always gave friendly greetings in the hallways. Each day, we had breakfast in the dining room and in the evening enjoyed refreshments in the lounge. All the service staff were attentive and polite. They even remembered our preferred beverages.
We spent two days sightseeing. The hotel is conveniently located. We took the Metro to the U.S. Botanical Garden and then had lunch at The Wharf. Upon recommendation from Guest Services, we went to an interactive exhibit next door to the hotel called Artechouse. It featured Pixelbloom: Timeless Butterflies. Both my 80 year old Dad and 11 year old Daughter were mesmerized and enjoyed the experience. The next day, we went to the International Spy Museum, which relocated to L’Enfant Plaza. It was rainy that day. The hotel staff truly anticipates your needs. The doorman unexpectedly arranged a complimentary ride with the Hotel’s Gem car and provided us with umbrellas for the short walk back. Later when returning to our room, I was pleasantly surprised again. I found a velcro cord organizer with the Salamander logo. The room attendant noticed my many charging cables and gave me such a thoughtful gift.
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Date of stay: June 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from M K, General Manager at Salamander Washington DC
Responded 23 Aug 2023
Dear Michelle, Thank you for sharing your delightful experience at Salamander DC. We're truly honored to have been part of your summer getaway and to read about the cherished moments you had during your stay. We take pride in creating a welcoming environment from the moment our guests arrive, and our dedicated service professionals will be thrilled by the positive impression they left on you. Our well-appointed accommodations are designed with the guest in mind, and it is a pleasure to provide our guests with true luxury in which to relax and enjoy a stunning view. Our culinary team in The Lounge will appreciate your positive feedback and will be humbled by your appreciation of their efforts. With all there is to see and do just a convenient distance away, there is no shortage of adventure to be had. From The Wharf to the many recommendations of our knowledgeable team, it’s a pleasure to treat our guests to all DC has to offer and to arrange nearby trips in our Gem car. We encourage you to return for another unforgettable stay in the months ahead, and we eagerly await the next opportunity to exceed your expectations. Until then! Warm regards, Manuel Martinez, Managing Director
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The Salamander Hotel is tucked away on a quiet street on the south side of Washington DC, close to The Wharf marina area.
We had to wait over 3 hours for our room, each time the front desk
The hotel is large in scale with an grand lobby that makes an impression when you enter the hotel. The entire staff was friendly and helpful during our stay.
We booked this room through American Express with the possibility of an upgrade upon arrival, if available and were pleasantly surprised when we received a really nice upgrade to a suite, as you can see from the photos and video.
The room was tastefully decorated with high quality furnishings, though the style is a bit old for my taste. The room had a second half bathroom, a large living room with desk, a very large bedroom and a giant primary bathroom. The room faced south with the entire south face filled with windows with a great view of the river, the Wharf, and the Jefferson Memorial.
The bed was really comfortable. The bed linens were of a very high quality along with the pillows, which we ordered additional feather and foam pillows.
The room was really quiet and comfortable. We ordered room service a few times and our items were delivered in a reasonable time by a server that was always helpful and friendly.
The hotel lists itself as a 5-star hotel. I certainly agree with that assessment and as such I will be rating this hotel with 5 stars.
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from M K, General Manager at Salamander Washington DC
Responded 10 Jan 2024
Dear Jeffrey, We sincerely appreciate your perfect rating! Sharing a memorable visit with you brought us immense joy, and we're delighted that you were able to fully enjoy all that we have to offer. Although we regret the initial wait you experienced, we take immense pride in our commitment to going the extra mile for our cherished guests. Your kind words about our team's hospitality and care will certainly brighten their day. Our lavishly appointed accommodations represent just the beginning of the 5-star experience we aim to provide, and the unparalleled view adds to the charm. Our location stands out as one of our many remarkable features, with the Wharf , Jefferson Memorial, and Spy museum the tip of the iceberg in terms of nearby landmarks and museums. We eagerly await another opportunity to impress, and we look forward to seeing you again soon! Warm regards, Manuel Martinez, Managing Director
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From the moment I stepped foot out of my Lyft, the staff greeted and treated me like royalty. The valet gentlemen, bell gentlemen, desk agent, and cleaning staff were VERY polite and professional. They knew my needs before I could ask! I will surely come back again. The rooms were spacious and clean and the water was plentiful!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So, I booked this hotel when it was the Mandarin Oriental, and before I stayed it was taken over by Salamander. Honestly, other than a few slapdash items that said Salamander, you wouldn't have really known based on the "stuff" around that this was anything other than a MO.
That said, check in took 20 minutes, which is way too long for an average Monday evening. The room was fine, though no real ammenities in there (sure there was a robe and some unstamped slippers, but eh), the gym was fine, but no water anywhere on the floor nor any attendant to point out where to put used towels (no basket in the gym or outside area). The TV in my room also said "This room has been checked out" from the minute I arrived until I left. I was able to change to normal channels, but that lack of detail that shouldn't exist at this price range.
One other oddity - when I was going to my room (9th floor), there was a random chair in an otherwise empty hallway that had a different large man sitting in it each time I passed. Not sure if something was going on in one of the rooms or if they were some sort of private security, but it felt weird, to be totally honest.
This is a great hotel location (near the Wharf) and it is unquestionably a really really nice hotel, but there are certainly some growing pains. I'd expect once they fix those, it'll be a really nice place to stay.
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Date of stay: September 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This whole experience at The Salamander was sheer luxury! It is very well located so easy to get to all of the sites. The pillow’s were the best I have ever had at a hotel. Slippers and bathrobes are provided, as are shower gel, shampoo AND conditioner-very rare in my experience of hotels. The staff are wonderful, and can’t do enough for you. The breakfast pancakes are honestly the best we have tasted-and we have tasted alot over the years!! I would highly recommend staying here!
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear anne-mariemcdonogh,
Thank you for asking. Browsing speed Wi-Fi is complimentary when you enroll in our Fans of M.O. guest recognition program. That's not the only benefit you receive through the program. After you enroll and when you book a qualifying rate directly on our web site you may also select other valuable benefits during your stay. These include dining credits, room upgrades, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast and more. Please visit our web site for complete details.
We look forward to hosting you!
Kind regards,
Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC
There are more places to choose from in the Washington DC area.
PRICE RANGE
RÂ 6,691 - RÂ 12,939 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
mandarin oriental, washington d.c. hotel washington dc, mandarin oriental hotel washington dc, mandarin oriental washington dc, mandarin washington dc, washington dc mandarin oriental
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C.
LOCATION
United StatesDistrict of ColumbiaWashington DC
NUMBER OF ROOMS
373
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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SALAMANDER WASHINGTON DC - Hotel Reviews & Price Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions about Salamander Washington DC
Which popular attractions are close to Salamander Washington DC?
Nearby attractions include United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (0.4 km), International Spy Museum (0.4 km), and Bureau Of Engraving And Printing (0.3 km).
