All information about the American Express Platinum card has been collected independently by Miles to Memories.Rosewood Hotel DC Highlights
I started my new year by visiting a hotel I’ve had my eyes on for several. Opened in 2013 as a Capella property, it was rebranded as the Rosewood Hotel DC in 2016. Last year, I noticed it was available for a relatively reasonable rate via Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts. Unsurprisingly, I found these rates lower in the sleepy weeks following the holidays, a cold time in DC – but not terribly so. I jumped on a Tuesday single-night booking, opting to maximize FHR benefits on a short stay. Before getting into the visit, I’ll summarize FHR perks.
Rosewood Hotel DC FHR Benefits
At check-in, the attentive front desk agent described the Rosewood Hotel DC’s Fine Hotels and Resorts benefits, providing the usual summary sheet along the way:
- 12 pm check-in, when available.
- Room upgrade upon arrival, when available.
- Daily breakfast for two people: a daily breakfast credit of up to $70 ($35 per person) is applied upon checkout. Breakfast is available at CUT DC or in-room dining.
- Complimentary wi-fi.
- Guaranteed 4 pm late checkout.
- Experience Credit: $100 food and beverage credit to be utilized during the stay.
The Rosewood Hotel DC efficiently conveyed all FHR benefits during this stay. A room was available upon my 1:30 pm arrival. After inquiring about an FHR upgrade, the agent provided a substantial one – a Rosewood Suite! The breakfast credit is generous enough, covering two breakfast entrees, beverages, tax, and gratuity (or so I thought). At checkout, the front desk rep informed that the breakfast and experience credits cannot be applied toward gratuity.
I experienced no issues with the included wi-fi. The front desk confirmed my 4 pm late checkout upon arrival. I entirely consumed the $100 F&B credit at CUT Above.
A Luxurious Suite
I didn’t have high expectations for an upgrade in this 57-room boutique hotel. If anything, I figured it would be a slightly larger room or one with a view. Instead, the front desk rep assigned a Rosewood Suite at check-in, appearing to be the larger type just under 900 square feet. The wide entryway feeds into the bar and coffee station, which also offers plenty of room to drop personal items. The Rosewood Suite’s powder room sits across this hallway.
The king bedroom follows on the right, which features a separate makeup area and closet before leading to the large bathroom. The separate tub faces the doorway, with the shower and toilet/bidet on the far right. The double vanity is on the far wall. The rainfall showerhead’s water pressure is stellar, while the bathtub takes forever to fill (that’s NOT due to its size). The bed was comfy enough but not particularly memorable.
Going back to the main hallway, the Rosewood Suite opens to a desk and living room. This space is on a corner, with prominent windows on two sides. A small couch, two chairs, and coffee table take up most of this snug area. The living room and bedroom each offer a panel to control lighting and drapery. The desk and furniture show a bit of age, and I wouldn’t be surprised if many items are original since hotel opening.
Food and Beverage
Perhaps my favorite experience at the Rosewood Hotel DC is dining and drinking at CUT Above, the property’s year-round rooftop bar. The space is covered and heated, and each table even offers blankets for guests. I didn’t need one, though, as the space was warm and cozy enough. CUT Above offers scenic views of the surrounding Georgetown area, but not wanting the holiday season to end, I was just as appreciative of the festive holiday lights and garland throughout. Over the next few hours as the late afternoon turned into evening, I enjoyed Sloop Juice IPA and light fare. I couldn’t resist the churros with dulce de leche at the end, and no one else should, either. Beyond a few small parties here and there over those hours, I pretty much had the place to myself. Most FHR visitors should consider CUT Above first, as the $100 credit won’t cover much dinner at CUT. But breakfast at CUT is a different matter.
Breakfast at CUT DC the next morning was a bit busier but still mellow. I went for the breakfast sandwich (again), oddly more drawn to this selection at nicer properties. The sandwich flavor is distinctive thanks to the garlic aioli, smoked shallot marmalade, and pickled shishito peppers. The generous breakfast credit also covered a pancake order, where I tried a small taste. They were piping hot and bursting with blueberries. Coffee isn’t technically bottomless here, as the restaurant charges for either a small ($8) or large ($12) pot.
Amenities
Exiting the elevators on the rooftop in the opposite direction from CUT Above, guests can enjoy the fitness center and indoor/outdoor pool. Both are unsurprisingly small for this boutique luxury property. I laughed when I saw a jump rope in the fitness center, as there’s not enough space to safely jump said rope within the tight confines. The fitness center sports single treadmill and bike Pelotons, devices I’ve never used before. After a few minutes manipulating the unnecessarily-convoluted treadmill, I was finally running. Fortunately, the free weights were easy enough, not requiring a login to get going.
Like the fitness center, the heated pool is open 24/7, including during this winter stay. Later in the evening I took a quick dip, entering from the interior but swimming under the large window/door to the outer part of the pool. I enjoyed the views of the Kennedy Center and Washington Monument, plus the lit Christmas tree and (real) snow on the rooftop. Looking to avoid pneumonia, I went back in a few minutes later.
The hotel also offers in-room spa services, but I didn’t partake on this short visit.
Conclusion
Service was impeccable throughout the stay, but this visit didn’t require much. The check-in experience is flawless, and restaurant waitstaff is attentive but doesn’t smother. Given the generous FHR benefits, perhaps I’m positively grading this Rosewood Hotel DC experience on a curve. Indeed, what I like most about FHR is the “elite a la carte” experience, and Rosewood’s boutique luxury experience beautifully complements it. As long as the Amex Platinum hotel credit is around, I’ll consider returning to this Rosewood again.
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