Staying at a hotel in your hometown might not seem necessary at first, but sometimes, it just makes sense. Recently, I attended a points and miles conference in downtown Washington, D.C. My wife and I live in the suburbs, and as a one-car family, it was not practical for me to take the car for the entire Saturday. On top of that, the event included a Friday night social in Northern Virginia. Rather than shuffling back and forth across the area, I decided it would be easier to spend Friday night at a hotel. This way, my wife could keep the car, and I could focus on enjoying the event without Metro hassles.

After checking availability, I landed on the Thompson Washington, D.C. I have stayed at the Thompson Nashville multiple times and always enjoyed it, so I was curious to see how the D.C. property would stack up.

Hotel Award Booking (7/10)

Whenever I need a hotel, I always start by looking for a Hyatt property. It is a great way to maximize my current benefits and get closer to re-qualifying for top-tier Globalist status next year. Now, Washington D.C. is a quirky market where hotel rates can swing dramatically — one night a property might cost $100, and the next, $500. While browsing the Hyatt website, I spot the Thompson Washington, D.C.

The Thompson Washington D.C. is a Category 4 property in the World of Hyatt program (as of 2024). Award rates here range from 12,000 points per night (off-peak) to 18,000 points per night (peak), with a standard award rate of 15,000 points per night. At the time of my booking, the average cash rate for a standard room is around $200 per night.

For the night I am booking, the award rate is at the peak price of 18,000 points (roughly $360 of “cost” equivalent). Paying cash makes much more sense to me in this case. By choosing the cash option, I not only save my points for a better redemption but also earn points on the stay — a win-win.

Remember, using points is not always the “right” answer…

Related: The Best Ways To Earn World Of Hyatt Points

Hotel Location And Local Transportation Options (8/10)

The Thompson Washington, D.C., is located in the Navy Yard District, a lively and rapidly growing area of the city. I find the hotel perfectly positioned, sitting caddy-cornered between the U.S. Department of Transportation (planes!) and Nationals Park (the Washington Nationals’ baseball stadium).

Note: If you are catching a Nationals game, this location is tough to beat!

For reference, here is the full address of the hotel:

221 Tingey St SE
Washington, DC 20003

Public Transportation

The hotel is about a 15-minute walk to the National Mall, or I can take the Green Line on the Metro and get off at the Smithsonian stop. Since it is on the Capitol side of the National Mall, it offers easy access to many of the top attractions in Washington D.C.

When it is time for me to head to the Thompson D.C., I take the Metro. I hop on the Red Line to the Gallery Place-Chinatown stop and transfer to the Green Line heading toward Branch Avenue. If I were coming from Reagan National Airport, I would take the Yellow Line to L’Enfant Plaza, then switch to the Green Line toward Branch Avenue.

From there, I get off at the Navy Yard-Ballpark station. I follow the signs for the U.S. Department of Transportation at the east end of the platform. Once I exit the station, I turn right and walk two blocks to reach the hotel. It is an easy and efficient route, especially for a city like D.C. where public transit is the way to go.

Vibe And Atmosphere (6/10)

The Thompson Washington, D.C., feels like the most generic Thompson property I have stayed at so far. The design is fun and modern, the food and beverage program is solid, and the hotel seems to be aiming for a local vibe. But honestly, I do not find anything distinctly “D.C.” about it. If I am being blunt, the vibe feels like what you would expect after flipping through a glossy “What is the Thompson?” brochure. There is nothing here that really sets it apart from other hotels in the area.

The rooftop bar, which I had hoped would stand out, leans into a slightly more lively, party atmosphere. Even then, it feels a bit sterile. If you are looking for a truly exciting vibe or something uniquely tied to the city, this is not the place I would recommend.

Hotel Check-In (9/10)

As I step through the doors of the Thompson Washington, D.C., the first thing I notice is the large lobby bar to my left and the check-in desk to my right. I am immediately greeted by a friendly staff member who thanks me for being a Globalist. They let me know I have been upgraded to a King Balcony room and hand me two bottles of water — a nice touch to start the stay.

Behind the reception area, I find the elevators. These are the type where you select your floor on a panel, and it directs you to a specific elevator. One elevator has unique access to the gym, which is located in the basement — a small detail worth noting if you plan to work out.

After check-in, I head up to the 4th floor and drop my luggage off in room 403 before heading out to the pizza social. On my way to the room, I notice the hallway carpet and can not help but admire the design — it is a small detail, but it stands out to me.

Related: Save 50% With The Unique Hyatt Family Plan Rate

King Balcony Room – Bedroom And Living Space (8/10)

When I step into the room…

The Living Space

… the bathroom is immediately to my left, while the main living space stretches straight ahead. To my right, there is a full-length mirror — perfect for a last look before heading out.

As I reach the main part of the room, I find a full closet to my left. Inside, there are two robes, an ironing board, a luggage rack, a safe, some drawers, and hangers. Instead of a traditional iron, the closet includes a clothes steamer, which I find much more convenient.

The thermostat is located here as well, and it works efficiently. I am happy to say the room stays at a comfortable temperature throughout my stay without feeling too hot or stuffy.

To the right of the bed is the mini-fridge area. There is an individual cup-size coffee machine, an in-room dining menu, and an empty mini-fridge. I store my complimentary bottles of water in there to keep them cold, which comes in handy.

Across from the mini-fridge is a lamp and an old-fashioned pull-down desk that reminds me of the antique desk my grandparents used to have. It is a unique touch. Throughout the room, the Wi-Fi performs well, which is a huge plus – I do need to work a bit during this stay.

At the far end of the room is the door to the balcony. Stepping outside, I see a view of the Department of Transportation and a nearby plaza (the construction should finish up soon). On a warm summer evening, I imagine this would be a great spot to enjoy a glass of wine with a friend. However, since it is cold and I am alone, I do not spend much time out here.

The balcony itself is well-designed, with two chairs, a small table, and bushes on either side for privacy. The bushes also make it practically impossible to hop between balconies — not that I would ever try…

There is a lock on the interior door for added security, so I do not worry about any “balcony hoppers” entering from the outside.

The Bedroom

The bedside tables are cleverly built into the closet on one side and the mini-fridge area on the other. I always appreciate the modern and fun design of Thompson hotels, and this one is no exception. The light sconces on either side of the bed double as adjustable reading lights — both functional and stylish.

The bed itself is very comfortable, and I sleep well. Across from the bed, there is a bench and a TV equipped with Chromecast (like most Hyatt properties), which I easily connect to my phone.

Note: The room is perfectly comfortable for two people. However, given the size, I would not recommend it for more than two guests — it would feel cramped with a third person.

Related: How To Get A Hotel Upgrade Without Status

King Balcony Room – Bathroom (6/10)

Back near the main entrance of the room is the bathroom, which is separated by a sliding door. Given the narrowness of the hallway, I think this is a smart design choice. The aesthetic of the bathroom leans heavily on different styles of subway tiles, creating a cool and cohesive design that I really like.

Directly in front of the bathroom door is the single sink, which has a neat “floating” effect. Lights flank the mirror, providing plenty of illumination. The sink area includes the usual amenities: towels, tissues, glasses, bar soap, and body lotion.

To the left is the shower, which has an open design with no door. There is a small ledge that keeps water contained, and the handle to turn on the water is conveniently located on the left side, while the shower head is on the right. This thoughtful placement means I do not have to stand in cold water while the shower warms up. The water pressure is solid, and temperature control is excellent.

The shower products are in bulk containers and come from D.S. & Durga’s “Bowmakers” line, the same ones I have enjoyed at other Thompson properties. They smell great and add a touch of luxury to the experience.

To the right is the toilet, separated by a partition similar to the one used for the shower. However, like the shower, it does not have a door. This lack of separation makes it impractical for one person to get ready while someone else uses the restroom, which feels like a major oversight.

Hotel Amenities And Facilities (6/10)

The Thompson Washington, D.C., offers a mix of amenities that align with what I might expect from a city hotel. While there is no pool — typical for urban properties — the hotel provides a well-equipped basement gym and some additional features covered by the nightly destination fee.

Destination Fee

The Thompson Washington, D.C., charges a $30 destination fee per night, which is supposed to cover a range of amenities. These include:

• Discounted Services at Sooth on-demand
• Discounted Services at Silver Mirror Facial Bar
• Discounted Services at Cosmopolitan nails
• High-speed Premium Internet
• 2 Welcome bottles of water
• 10% off any hair cut or beard trim at local barber “Bearded Goat”
• Access to pedal assist electric bicycles
• Long-distance calls
• Day pass for Capital Bikeshare
• Signature Welcome Beverage
• 10% Discount at Maman
• 10% Discount at PlayaBowls
• 20% Discount at Bethesda Bagels
• 10% Discount Steadfast Supply
• Nespresso Machines and Pods available upon request and availability
• Access to live music in lobby and exclusive rooftop events

While these amenities might be nice for some, I do not find them particularly valuable or worth the $30 daily fee. To me, this feels like a way to pad the room rate rather than offering meaningful benefits. I would much rather see hotels include these kinds of costs in the base rate instead of disguising them as a “destination fee.” Furthermore, none of these amenities are mentioned when I check in, which means I miss out on my Capital Bikeshare day pass when I use it the the following morning.

Gym Facilities

The gym at the Thompson Washington, D.C., is located in the basement, and only one elevator provides access to it. When I arrive, the elevator literally opens directly into the gym — there is not a separate door or entryway, which feels a bit unusual, but I assume is how the hotel had to be built.

Immediately to my left, I see a towel station and a water canister with cups — handy for staying hydrated during a workout.

In front of me, there is a small lineup of cardio equipment, including two treadmills, two ellipticals, and a Peloton bike. Strangely, the Peloton is positioned to face the opposite direction of the other cardio machines, which feels like an odd choice.

Beyond the cardio equipment, I find a rower, some foam rollers, and mats, along with large TRX utility blocks. These offer a lot of versatility for bodyweight or core exercises.

To the right is a TRX Training Zone station, which allows for a variety of functional training exercises. There is also a set of dumbbells with a bench and a Technogym cable machine, rounding out the equipment options.

Breakfast (9/10)

Breakfast at the Thompson Washington, D.C., is served in the main hotel restaurant: Surveyor.

While the hotel breakfast is generally open until mid-morning, I have heard that on Saturday and Sunday, a voucher can be used for brunch until 2PM, which is fantastic (check with the front desk before trying this!).

As a Globalist, I receive a complimentary breakfast that includes an entrée, a coffee, and a juice. At check-in, the hotel provides me with a voucher to hand to my waiter, which clearly states that gratuity is included — a clarifying detail I really appreciate as it aligns with the Hyatt terms and conditions.

Once I am seated, my waiter brings me a bottle of water and takes my drink order. I go with a coffee and an orange juice. I am thrilled when he brings me plenty of cream for the coffee — small gestures like this make a big difference.

For my entrée, I choose the chicken and waffles, served with maple syrup and hot sauce. The chicken is cooked perfectly — crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside — and the waffle is light, fluffy, and golden brown. The combination is so good that I finish every bite.

On-Site Dining (7/10)

In addition to Surveyor, the Thompson Washington, D.C., offers two other dining options: The Thompson Bar Room and Rooftop at The Thompson.

While I do not dine at The Thompson Bar Room, I can not help but admire the gorgeous space. There is a cozy seating area at the far end, opposite the main entrance, which adds to the inviting atmosphere.

Now, the Rooftop at The Thompson is truly the standout feature of the hotel. The space and views are spectacular, making me wonder why anyone would choose the lobby bar when the rooftop is an option. While it is quiet during my visit, I can easily imagine it buzzing in the summer, especially after a Nationals game at the nearby stadium.

The outdoor area of the rooftop is thoughtfully designed, and the views are incredible. I am especially taken with the stunning sight of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge. It is a picture-perfect spot for a drink. Although I do not order a cocktail this time — they are a bit pricey — I am already planning to return with my wife next summer for a night out.

This rooftop is just too good not to revisit.

Staff And Service (6/10)

To be honest, my expectations for service at the Thompson Washington, D.C., are not particularly high. As a city hotel in an area where service can be hit or miss, I approach my stay with realistic expectations — and overall, the experience aligns with them.

The service during my stay is adequate, but it occasionally requires a nudge. When reminders are given, the staff recover quickly and resolve issues efficiently, but there is a sense that many team members are doing the bare minimum unless prompted.

For example, when I check out, I notice the destination fee is still included on my bill. As a Globalist, I am exempt from these fees, so I send a quick text to the number provided in the Hyatt app. Within five minutes, I receive a reply confirming the fee will be removed, and shortly after, I get an updated folio in my email.

My experience at Surveyor, however, is less smooth. I arrive early in the morning to grab breakfast, and the staff member prepping the restaurant tells me it does not open until 6:30 a.m. The only problem? It is already 6:40 a.m. Feeling a bit confused, I leave to grab my things and return 15 minutes later. This time, the server greets me as if nothing happened.

In their defense, it looks like the restaurant is short-staffed. The server is juggling multiple roles — seating guests, taking orders, making specialty coffees, and managing the to-go pastry station. He might just be overwhelmed or having a rough morning. Despite the rocky start, my food is delivered quickly, and the rest of the breakfast is uneventful, though the initial interaction leaves a weird impression.

World of Hyatt Status Benefits And Recognition (8/10)

The Thompson Washington, D.C., does an excellent job recognizing World of Hyatt Globalist status and offering valuable perks. During my stay, I enjoy several benefits that enhance the experience:

• Complimentary Breakfast: A full breakfast at Surveyor, including an entrée, coffee, and juice, with gratuity included.
• Suite Upgrade: Based on availability, I am upgraded to a King Balcony room.
• Waived Destination Fee: As a Globalist, I do not pay the $30 nightly destination fee.
• 30% Point Bonus: I earn extra points on all non-redemption spend, which adds up quickly on this cash stay.

The hotel offers valet parking, which would also be complimentary on an award stay as a Globalist, although I did not have the opportunity to test this benefit myself.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Thompson Washington, D.C., is a solid option for a stay in the city, particularly if you can find a good rate. The hotel offers some strong points, like its stylish design, fantastic rooftop bar, and recognition of World of Hyatt Globalist benefits, including suite upgrades, complimentary breakfast, and waived destination fees. The Navy Yard location is a highlight, putting you close to Nationals Park, great restaurants, and convenient Metro access.

That said, the hotel is not without its shortcomings. I think this hotel is best suited for individuals, couples, or groups of adults looking for a modern, stylish property in a vibrant part of the city. Ultimately, I would stay here again if I needed to be in the area and the price was right, but I would keep my expectations for service and atmosphere in check.

For a summer night with drinks on the rooftop, though, the Thompson Washington, D.C., is hard to beat!