DCHotel ReviewsHyatt

Review: Thompson Hotel Washington, DC

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Thompson Hotel entrance in Washington, DC, featuring modern architecture, prominent signage, and valet parking information.

I spent a night at the Thompson Washington, DC, a Hyatt property located in the gentrifying Navy Yard. This is a nice hotel with a good breakfast, though I prefer the location of downtown or Georgetown hotel.

Thompson Hotel Washington, DC Review

I booked this Hyatt because it was (by far) the cheapest Hyatt in Washington, DC. I paid $169 which was cheaper than even some of the Hyatt Place properties within the District. The location, I suspect, helps to explain why this hotel is on the cheaper side.

Location

It is located in Navy Yard which was a rough part of town when I lived in the District over a decade ago, but now has gentrified and is an up-and-coming part of DC. There is a Metro station (Navy Yard, green line) but I used Uber to get back and forth to the Metro Center area since I would have had to change trains at L’Enfant Plaza or Gallery Place and the time required was more than double that of driving.

Thompson Hotel Washington DC exterior view, showcasing modern architecture and large windows, located in the Navy Yard area.

Thompson Hotel Washington DC exterior view showcasing modern architecture, large glass windows, and entrance with valet sign.

Modern buildings and clear blue sky in Navy Yard area, showcasing urban landscape near Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC.

Check-In

At check-in, I was thanked for my Globalist status, reminded of my breakfast benefit (one entree, one juice, one coffee), and offered an apology that no suites were available. Considering I arrived at 9:00 pm and left the following morning, this was not a problem. The lobby has bikes available for rental, including in the $30 destination fee (waived for Globalists).

Reception area of Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC, featuring a front desk with staff, modern decor, and bicycles for guest use.

Modern hotel lobby at Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC, featuring two bicycles, a stylish armchair, and indoor plants, highlighting the hotel's contemporary design and amenities.

Modern hotel lobby seating area at Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC, featuring a gray sofa with round cushions, a stylish armchair, a coffee table, bicycles, and indoor plants, with large windows showcasing the city view.

Stylish lobby seating area at Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC, featuring a modern blue armchair, unique wooden lounge chair, decorative plants, and contemporary lighting fixtures.

Modern meeting space in Thompson Hotel, Washington, DC, featuring a long wooden table with plush chairs, decorative wall art, and large windows offering views of the Navy Yard area.

Modern seating area in Thompson Hotel Washington, DC, featuring two stylish chairs and an orange coffee table on a striped rug, with natural light from large windows.

Globalist voucher and room key card for Thompson Hotel, Washington, DC, featuring details for breakfast entitlement and room number 210.

Destination Fee

Let’s talk about the destination fee. It is a “mandatory” $30 fees and includes:

  • Discount at Soothe on-demand massage
    • $10 off $100
    • $15 off $150
  • Discount at Silver Mirror Facial Bar
    • $20 Off 50-Minute Facial: Monday – Thursday: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
    • $15 Off 50-Minute Facial: All Other Times
  • Discounted services at Varnish Lane
    • $5 off $50
    • $10 off $100
    • $15 off $150
    • $20 off $200
    • $40 off $300 Valid Monday – Thursday any time
  • High-speed premium Wi-Fi
  • 24-hour access to hotel’s on-site fitness center
  • Per’la and Steven Smith Teamaker in room coffee and tea
  • Local, long-distance, and toll-free phone calls
  • Complimentary Day pass for Capital Bikeshare
  • 5%-15% Discount on Nationals Baseball tickets above $100
  • 20% off Bike and Segway tours of monuments
  • 10% off any hair cut or beard trim at local barber “Bearded Goat”
  • “Mah Ze Dahr” –complimentary drip coffee with any pastry order
  • Access to pedal assist electric bicycles
  • Two Bottles of water per room per day

I think these are scam fees if mandatory and if they provided any real value, they would be optional.

Guest Room

I was assigned room 210, a standard room with a king bed on the second floor. The room included a L-shaped couch, king size bed, and a large desk, and a second flip-down desk.

Modern hotel hallway at Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC, featuring stylish seating, elevator access, and contemporary decor, reflecting the Hyatt brand's hospitality focus.

Hotel corridor of the Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC, featuring guest room doors numbered 219 and 220, modern lighting, and stylish geometric carpet design.

Thompson Hotel guest room door number 210, featuring modern wood design, stylish wall sconce, and patterned carpet in a well-lit hallway.

Room number 210 sign on a wall in the Thompson Hotel, Washington, DC, featuring modern design elements and a subtle lighting feature.

Modern guest room at Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC, featuring a king-size bed, stylish decor, wall-mounted TV, coffee station, and workspace with a chair, showcasing the hotel's contemporary design and amenities.

Cozy seating area in Thompson Hotel Washington, DC, featuring a modern gray sectional sofa, marble-topped side table, and contemporary artwork on the wall.

Modern hotel room at Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC, featuring stylish decor, framed artwork, glass shelves, and ambient lighting.

Modern guest room at Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC, featuring a king-sized bed with crisp white linens, stylish wall sconces, and dark wood accents.

Thompson Hotel Washington, DC guest room featuring a king-sized bed, modern seating area with a couch and side table, wall-mounted TV, and stylish decor.

Guest room amenities at Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC, featuring a dark wood cabinet with a coffee maker, condiments, and a telephone beside a bed.

Compact wooden desk with a folding design and a chair, situated in a guest room at the Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC, showcasing modern accommodations and functionality.

Thompson Hotel guest room closet featuring wooden hangers, a safe, a hairdryer, and a plush bathrobe, showcasing the modern amenities available in Washington, DC accommodations.

Tivoli Audio Model Three BT radio with wooden casing, featuring dial and control knobs for FM and Bluetooth settings, placed on a dark wooden surface.
Nice in theory, but does anyone actually use this?

Thumbs down for the cheap coffee machine in the room.

The bathroom included a walk-in shower (no tub), toilet, and single sink. Shower toiletries were from Bowmakers.

Modern hotel bathroom in Thompson Hotel Washington, DC, featuring a glass shower, marble countertop, and stylish tile design.

Shower area featuring modern chrome showerhead and dark tiled walls in the Thompson Hotel, Washington, DC.

Shower shelf displaying Bowmakers shampoo, conditioner, and a white washcloth in a modern bathroom setting at the Thompson Hotel, Washington, DC.

Dining

Breakfast is served in Surveyor, a restaurant described as “classic Americana harmoniously blend[ed] with exciting global flavors.” I started my day early and since the in-room coffee was swill, headed down 7:00 am for a coffee. The coffee was excellent (thanks to the fancy machine) and I appreciated the chance to start my day with a strong flat white.

Entrance to Surveyor restaurant in Thompson Hotel, Washington, DC, featuring a wooden bench, decorative wall lamp, and patterned floor tiles.

Bar area of Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC, featuring a sleek countertop, wooden stools, and a backdrop of large windows showcasing the cityscape.

Interior view of the Thompson Hotel restaurant in Washington, DC, featuring wooden tables, upholstered seating, large windows, and a potted plant, highlighting the dining ambiance and hospitality services.

Modern dining area in the Thompson Hotel, Washington, DC, featuring wooden tables, leather seating, large windows, and stylish lighting, showcasing the hotel's hospitality ambiance.

Interior view of the Thompson Hotel restaurant in Washington, DC, featuring modern decor, large windows, wooden tables, and comfortable seating, showcasing a welcoming dining atmosphere for guests.

Cozy seating area in the Thompson Hotel, Washington, DC, featuring teal upholstered benches, wooden tables, and stylish pendant lighting, ideal for dining and relaxation.

Coffee station at Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC, featuring espresso machine, coffee supplies, and decorative wall with coffee facts.

Coffee machine with red espresso cups, utensils, and glassware in a modern café setting at the Thompson Hotel, Washington, DC.

Display of assorted baked goods at Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC, featuring gluten-free muffins, lemon plum muffins, oat bran muffins, and various pastries including croissants and turnovers.

Coffee cup with latte art on a wooden table in the Thompson Hotel's bar area, featuring a modern design and warm lighting.

Receipt for a cappuccino from Surveyor restaurant at the Thompson Hotel, Washington, DC, detailing room charge, subtotal, tax, and total payment due.

On the weekends, brunch goes until 2:00 pm. As this was a Saturday, I took my breakfast at noon, ordering steak and poached eggs with another coffee. I was very satisfied with the breakfast and though I prefer the “order whatever you want” approach, the voucher system is fair enough.

Brunch menu from Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC, featuring a variety of dishes including parfait, monkey bread, chicken and waffles, and crab benedict, set on a wooden table.

Menu from Cafe at Surveyor, Thompson Hotel, featuring coffee and specialty drink options, including prices and descriptions, set on a wooden table.

Plate of breakfast featuring sliced steak, poached eggs, seasoned potatoes, and dipping sauces, with a cappuccino and glass of water on a wooden table at the Thompson Hotel, Washington, DC.

Grilled steak slices served with crispy potatoes, featured in the dining options of the Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC.

Poached eggs served in a white bowl with black pepper, accompanied by dipping sauces at the Thompson Hotel's dining area in Washington, DC.

Coffee cup with latte art on wooden table, representing dining options at Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC.

Receipt from Surveyor restaurant at Thompson Hotel, featuring payment details and a Globalist voucher for breakfast, highlighting dining options at the hotel.

There’s also a rooftop bar (open 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm from Sunday – Thursday and until midnight on Friday and Saturday, with the kitchen closed at 10:00 pm) and a lobby bar open daily from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Thompson Hotel lobby featuring modern decor, seating areas, a bar with glassware, and large windows showcasing the outdoor view in Washington, DC.

Modern lobby interior of Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC, featuring stylish seating, a bar area with glassware, and contemporary decor elements.

Modern bar area at Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC, featuring sleek marble countertop, wooden bar stools, and stylish decor, with large windows providing natural light and views of the Navy Yard area.

Modern hotel lobby interior of Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC, featuring stylish seating, wooden tables, a sleek bar area, and large windows with natural light.

Modern hotel lobby seating area at Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC, featuring stylish couches with red and blue pillows, a decorative coffee table, indoor plants, and large windows providing natural light.

Modern hotel lobby at Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC, featuring stylish seating, large windows, and contemporary decor, emphasizing hospitality and comfort.

Outdoor seating area at Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC, featuring planters with greenery along a paved walkway, highlighting the hotel’s inviting atmosphere in the Navy Yard area.

Outdoor seating area with metal chairs and wooden tables, surrounded by greenery, in front of the Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC, featuring modern architecture and urban landscape.

Room service is also available, though only during the opening hours of Surveyor from 6:30 am to 11:00 am and from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Fitness

The fitness center is located on the lower level and has a limited selection of equipment from TechnoGym plus a pair of Peloton bikes. It is open 24/7.

Fitness center at Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC, featuring Peloton bike, elliptical machines, dumbbells, and a wall-mounted TV.

Fitness area in Thompson Hotel Washington, DC, featuring TRX training zone, kettlebells, medicine balls, and workout bench, designed for guest wellness and exercise.

Fitness center at Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC, featuring TRX suspension training equipment, free weights, and a wall-mounted TV, emphasizing hotel amenities for guest workouts.

Modern fitness equipment in the Thompson Hotel gym, featuring a rowing machine with yellow accents, mirrored wall, and exercise mats in the background.

Fitness center at Thompson Hotel in Washington, DC, featuring exercise equipment including treadmills, elliptical machines, weights, and a wall-mounted TV.

Storage unit with rolled towels, disposable cups, and waste bins in the Thompson Hotel's fitness area, Washington, DC.

There is no pool, spa, or wellness area.

CONCLUSION

I was glad to try this hotel and would return if the price is right, as it was for my stay. Breakfast, particularly the coffee, was excellent. That said, I don’t really like the Navy Yard location and prefer to stay downtown or in Georgetown when visiting Washington, DC.

Thompson Hotel sign on a brick wall, featuring modern typography and branding, located in Washington, DC, representing the Hyatt property in the Navy Yard area.

About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

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15 Comments

  1. JoeMart Reply

    At the other Thompson locations Nespresso makers are in the room.

  2. khatl Reply

    Really disliked this hotel. No bottle opener or glasses in the room, and getting one was an ordeal. Service was indifferent and lacked warmth. Rooms are sparsely furnished and boring. And the in room coffee is terrible.

    • Matthew Klint Reply

      Coffee was really horrible – that’s for sure (I tired it at 5:00 am while waiting for the resturnat to open). But I thought the service was fine here.

  3. Stuart Reply

    This property and Seattle are the two weakest in the Thompson brand in my opinion. Both feel cramped, small rooms, crowded and weirdly and laid out public areas. The DC property is at least though fairly reasonably priced for the District…though the SE/Navy Yard is less than ideal unless going to a Nat’s game or working at the Department of Transportation,

  4. Marshall JacksonReply

    You were 3 blocks from my house. 🙂

  5. ptahcha Reply

    FWIW, the bath amenities were made by D.S. & Durga, and Bowmaker is the scent name. It’s also the supplier for AA in their amenity kits and in their lounges until the recent change.

  6. Jeffrey Reply

    Nice write up, Matt. You really explored all the place has to offer. I enjoyed my stay there a couple years ago. I had business on the navy yard and found it really nice to be able to walk a couple blocks to the gate. At the time they had bakery fresh croissants and flaky pastries for all guests in the lobby so I could just grab a couple and a cup of coffee on my way out the door. I didn’t have status with them and found this to be a really nice gesture. Parking was a bit expensive though.

  7. Chris Reply

    Was this FTU?

  8. Jason Reply

    Nice! I work literally right next door. So I see that place every time I’m at the office. Agree, I would not stay there if visiting dc but navy yard has some good restaurants that make it worth a visit. That said, navy yard, which was ascendant pre Covid as a neighborhood to live in, has had major troubles recently. Still, I like working there and as a long time dc resident it’s neat to see the vision.

    Agree- that coffee situation is dire. That said, at the Dallas Thompson there was no cofffee at all in the room, so that sucked too.

    Thanks for the review. Confirms my general feeling about Thompson.

  9. wac Reply

    Good thing they gentrified the “rough” part of town into a $6 cappuccino type of place so you guys can talk about what brand of bath amenities are offered! Now that’s what I call progress!

  10. PM Reply

    $6.60 for a coffee sounds extreme. Is there an expectation to tip on top of that too?

  11. FNT Delta Diamond Reply

    Thompson is supposed to be an upscale Hyatt brand. This looks like a glorified Courtyard or Four Points by Sheraton.

  12. Eliteflyer Reply

    Stayed here in April 24′. The Capital Bike Share pass was unavailable. The front desk offered that I could provide a receipt and they would deduct it from my rate but I was staying on a Cat 1-4 certificate. The pedal assist electric bicycles were great though! They are pretty nice Cannondale models and my kids loved crossing the bridge for a nice ride along the river.

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