Walking into the hotel last night, I was excited to see the newly renovated suite that awaited me on the 5th floor of the South Tower. First, I would have to navigate the construction that has caused confusion for many and will hopefully unveil a beautiful new lobby according to the sneak peaks in various other parts of the hotel.

Disclaimer: Let me tell you from the start that last week I had a very bad experience with a young group here at the hotel and the events that transpired. I called to speak with the manager on duty to explain the situation and how it should have been handled. My area of knowledge is a former position in the hotel industry so I felt that I had something to offer. The manager was very gracious in his conversation with me and seemed dedicated to making up for the mistakes even though he wasn’t even there at the time. My room was upgraded and my breakfast comped. With that being said, I am still not one to show automatic favor unless it is appropriately deserved.

The Crystal City DoubleTree hotel, located at 300 Army-Navy Drive in Arlington Virginia, is actually just a short drive from the Reagan National Airport, serving Washington, D.C.. Within walking distance, plan on spending a day on foot or bicycle, enjoying natural parks, restaurants and entertainment in an up and coming business area. Specialty shops and larger stores alike share ground with trendy cafes and gourmet restaurants.

The hotel itself is separated by a north and south tower. Until the new lobby is completed later this month, all guests will check-in as you enter the doors of the hotel versus taking the escalator up to usual lobby level. From there, if you are staying in the South Tower, continue straight up to your respective floor. If you are in the North Tower, take the elevator to the “L” level and exit to your right past the restaurant to another set of elevators leading up to guest rooms, a roof top restaurant (SkyDome) and the pool with views overlooking the D.C. monuments.

The elevator doors opened to a clean and nature inspired decor that carried itself into a beautifully renovated suite. As my eyes darted around the room taking everything, I immediately notices a large flat panel television set on top a marble counter leading to a wet bar. Upgraded mini-fridge, includes a real freezer and a microwave is hidden just behind a door on the elegant cabinetry. An L-shaped couch opens up to a fully made sleeper sofa ready for guests. If you are strong enough to actually move the furniture needed to pull out the bed, you will be pleasantly surprised by the actual comfort of the folded mattress. Honestly, I didn’t have any good expectations as I didn’t think it was possible to include comfortable and sleeper sofa in the same sentence. Kudos to the hotel for such a find. Perhaps some less cumbersome furniture in the way or a turn down service would be appropriate though.

The bathroom is spa like integrating patterns and textures for a pleasant atmosphere. Who ever designed the space managed to pull of a brightly lit area that was also complimenting at the same time. Any woman who has tried to put on her make-up in inferior lighting will greatly appreciate this. Tiled floors and walls with metal accent, even if the shower handle is actually plastic, which is quite brilliant if the idea was for rust proof versus a cheaper version? All in all, I felt like a movie star preparing for work this morning.

Plenty of seating passes two closets and leads to dark wood and clouded glass sliding doors, which open up to the main sleeping area. Creamy neutrals blend perfectly into a serene area for sleeping on a DoubleTree Sweet Dreams king size bed. Watch a show on the large flat panel television but don’t plan on working at the desk because that’s back in the other room. This space is for relaxing only! For those guests who like to hang out in the buff, do beware because I could see everything going on in the building across from my suite meaning that they may be able to see you too. And for that working, the internet is not the hotels but various local wifi signals obtainable from the bed. For a more secure connection, I suggest sitting at the desk, unless you want free unsecured access.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington DC-Crystal City