Ashley L.
Yelp
Eaton DC is a really unique, mission-driven organization that really has a special boutique atmosphere that highlights the BIPOC community, arts, and really truly embodies a socially aligned organization that you can feel good about. Eaton is a hotel that has wellness spaces, eateries and bars, and next door, at Eaton House, a modern co-working space.
I had a mixed bag of experiences and encounters throughout my stay, which was a business trip. But let's get down to brass tacks, the location is unbeatable. It's so close the the Union Station, walkable to almost any point downtown and next to so many great eateries and those famous DC museums, so location-wise, it's a five all around.
Upon checking in, I had not a so smooth experience with the associate who struggled with my reservation, not sure if it was just an off day or they were still learning the ropes but it was definitely on the more casual, spattered with ums, and needing a manager to help them through the process situation. I had to ask how to navigate and find things like the elevator, but once I finally got my keys in hand, I was relieved to get to the room.
The room itself was fine, I had to ask for the front desk the next morning (again, another deadpan, angry stare, really lacking on professionalism and customer service here...) but was able to quickly get the little rock lamp, note pad (totally written all over), and more bath soap replenished once asked. Was initially disappointed by the lack of attention to detail by housekeeping, but quickly got to get to know their crew after running into them each morning and was able to get what I needed from them each day by the end of my visit which was nice. However, the room itself was clean, and comfortable, and the bed is firmer than what I'm used to when staying with Marriott (tried out of brand this time, not sure if I'd ever do it again...) and got the job done.
Checking out was a bit of a process since I had two reservations linked together and apparently asking the front desk associate to print out my invoices was an "i have to ask my manager for help doing this" job, I got my invoice via email and of course, it was missing a few days which resulted in a few calls back to Eaton to get the full folio.
My organization was also hosting events with this space, honestly, if I could rate an organization negative stars for their customer service, professionalism, and ability to deliver, I would for our overall experience trying to coordinate and plan with them. Fortunately, it all worked in the end, but the number of last-minute fire drills and shuffling to get the events to the finish line was just so disappointing at the end. I could not recommend people to take their business elsewhere for event spaces as I learned that we were just one of the three organizations that had triple-booked meeting spaces, etc. and the list could go on and on.
Overall, the hotel was just okay, the customer service was seriously lacking by their staff, the food was solid within the space, and the location was a win. Other than all that... I'd say take your business elsewhere.