What To Expect at the Conrad Washington, DC [Review]

Conrad Hotels is my favorite brand within the Hilton Honors portfolio. After several positive experiences in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Nashville, I was eager to see whether I’d experience the same amount of luxury on a recent work trip to the nation’s capital.

The hotel definitely meets the brand’s signature standards, from sleek, contemporary design to full housekeeping and turndown service. I spent 2 nights at the Conrad Washington, DC, in November 2025 and left wishing I could stay longer. Here’s a recap of my recent experience.

1. Central, Walkable Location

The Conrad Washington, DC, is in the posh CityCenter district in the heart of the action. CityCenter is a newer development featuring many luxury retailers, and conveniently, my personal favorite: a massive Tatte Bakery, perfect for morning pastry and coffee runs.

It’s also super close to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). I flew in and out of DCA, and even with traffic, the commute was only 10 minutes, which I greatly appreciated on a quick in-and-out trip.

The area is also well connected to buses and multiple Metro lines. Although I didn’t end up taking any public transportation, the location made getting around effortless.

The National Mall and the White House were within a 15-minute walk, and the pleasant weather made walking 45 minutes to Georgetown (and back) a great way to explore the city at my own pace.

The hotel occupies 10 floors of a striking glass tower building.

When you arrive, you’ll take the elevators on the right to reach the main lobby, then use a second set of elevators inside the hotel to access the majority of the guest rooms.

2. Book With Hilton Points, Certificates, or via AmexTravel.com

During my mid-November stay, base rooms at the Conrad Washington, DC, were priced around $400 per night. That said, I noticed a generous (and consistent) amount of standard award availability over the next 11 months when redeeming Hilton Honors points.

Standard award nights cost 85,000 points per night for either a Deluxe 1 King or 2 Queen guest room. Hilton Honors Silver elite members and above receive a fifth consecutive night free, allowing you to book 5 nights for the cost of 4 when using points.

You can also apply free night certificates from eligible Hilton Honors American Express cards, which are valid for any standard award night, regardless of the actual points cost.

However, I prefer booking through the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program, available to those with the Platinum Card^® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express.

The Conrad Washington, DC, can be booked through AmexTravel.com, as it’s a participating Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) property. FHR bookings come with valuable perks that instantly elevate the stay, including complimentary breakfast for 2, a $100 property credit, and a space-available room upgrade.

I booked a Sakura Club 1 King room, which gave me access to a “premium club lounge.” Club-level rooms typically cost about $100 to $200 more per night than standard rooms, but the extra cost can be well worth it if you take full advantage of the Sakura Club perks — most notably, complimentary breakfast and dinner for registered guests.

If you booked a standard room, though, keep an eye on your email as your stay approaches. The Conrad tends to offer discounted upgrades to club-level rooms depending on availability.

Cardholders also earn 5x Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotel bookings made through AmexTravel.com with either eligible card. In addition, each card offers up to $300 in semi-annual credits for prepaid FHR bookings (or The Hotel Collection properties, which require a 2-night minimum stay).

+ NEW BENEFITS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$895

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than the Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $895 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards^® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel^®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts^® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel^® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection^®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club^® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
• More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card^® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
• More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card^® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
• More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel^® using the Platinum Card^®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card^® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card^®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
• More Value! $209 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card^®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card^® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts^® through American Express Travel^®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
• New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card^®.*Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
• $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card^®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• $895 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

ELEVATED WELCOME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 200,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

150,000 200,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $4,400

Annual Fee

$895

APR

17.74% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,550 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on eligible travel purchases like flights, prepaid hotels, and prepaid short-term rentals booked through AmexTravel.com
• Access to over 1,550 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
• Earn 2x Membership Rewards points on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million per calendar year)

Cons

• High annual fee of $895 (rates & fees)
• Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Elevated Welcome Offer: Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Business Platinum Card^® within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card company on the market as of 07/2025.
• See how you can unlock over $3,500 in business and travel value annually after meeting qualifying spend thresholds on the Business Platinum Card. Terms apply.
• Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using the Business Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• No Preset Spending Limit: The spending limit on the Business Platinum Card is flexible, so unlike a traditional credit card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment and credit history.
• Make the Business Platinum Card^® work even harder for you. Hilton For Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Benefit enrollment required.
• Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
• Use the Business Platinum Card and get up to $209 back per calendar year on your CLEAR^® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal).
• Maximize your time away with Fine Hotels + Resorts through Amex Travel™.
• Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits on U.S purchases directly with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card and an additional $1,000 statement credit after you spend $5,000 or more on that same Card per calendar year.
• Enroll and get a $250 statement credit after you spend $600 or more on U.S. purchases directly with Adobe per calendar year on the Business Platinum Card.
• Get up to $90 in statement credits quarterly for purchases with Indeed on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $360 back per year. Enrollment required.
• Get up to $10 in statement credits per month for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $120 back per year. Enrollment required.
• 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
• 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com
• 1X points on other eligible purchases
• $895 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 17.74% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip:

Yet another reason I love booking through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts? I still earn Hilton Honors points on my stay — something that isn’t always guaranteed with third-party bookings. As a Hilton Honors Diamond member, I also receive a 100% bonus on points earned for each stay.

3. Guest Room up to Conrad Brand Standards

The Conrad Washington, DC, features 360 guest rooms, each starting at approximately 400 square feet.

What made the room feel incredibly spacious was the floor-to-ceiling windows, which brought in a ton of natural light and offered great views of the city.

One of my favorite aspects of staying at any Conrad Hotel is the bathroom, which features white marble finishes and soft lighting. It also had an oversized rainfall shower, a separate toilet enclosure, and double sinks with generous counter space.

Opposite the bathroom was a full wall of enclosed closet space where I found Conrad’s signature bathrobe and slippers, as well as ample hangers and plenty of room to tuck away a suitcase and shoes.

The room was a single, open layout that balanced both function and comfort.

The king bed was framed by 2 nightstands and thoughtfully stocked with sleep-focused amenities, including lavender pillow spray, a silk eye mask, and plenty of easily accessible charging outlets.

Closer to the window, the room featured a spacious desk alongside a comfortable sitting area with an additional table, ideal for working, watching TV, or relaxing.

The minibar was discreetly tucked into the corner and included a Nespresso machine and hot water kettle, perfect for a late-night cup of tea.

True to the Conrad brand, the guest room offered all the amenities I’ve come to expect.

With nightly housekeeping and turndown service, the stay felt inviting and luxurious.

4. Breakfast To Get Excited For

Estuary is the hotel’s main restaurant and bar, and Summit is the rooftop bar. Summit is open seasonally and was closed during my November visit. Room service was also available through Estuary for dining in.

While I didn’t have time to try Estuary for lunch or dinner, I made full use of the complimentary breakfast both mornings. The restaurant got quite busy during weekend brunch hours, so securing a reservation was a smart way to avoid long waits.

Both the weekend breakfast and brunch menus were excellent, with a strong focus on health-forward, locally sourced dishes. My order for both breakfasts was the Estuary omelet, filled with generous chunks of Chesapeake crab.

Prices are in line with what you’d expect from a hotel of this caliber, with entrées averaging around $30.

5. Sakura Club Is in a League of Its Own

Most Conrad Hotels do not have their own club lounge, and the few that do are primarily international properties. In fact, the Conrad Washington, DC, was the first one I’ve ever visited that had one.

However, the Sakura Club is designated as a premium club, not an executive lounge, so Diamond members do not automatically receive access. Typically, you’ll need to book a club-level room to access it. However, starting in 2026, Hilton Honors will expand complimentary premium club access to its new top-tier Diamond Reserve members.

For me, a club lounge is what truly elevates a hotel stay, making it feel extra luxurious.

I booked a Sakura Club-level room, but depending on availability, you may be able to purchase a cash upgrade in the days leading up to your stay.

For me, the added cost justified the experience. The Sakura Club is on the 10th floor, which is also where my room was. It’s open all day for guests and staffed for most of the day by Sakura Club Ambassadors.

The club offers complimentary breakfast and dinner, along with an impressive selection of premium snacks and drinks available for grab-and-go from the fridge.

The lounge also features ample seating and offers sweeping views of Washington, D.C., making it an ideal spot to unwind or get some work done.

6. City-Style Hotel With City-Style Amenities

The Conrad Washington, DC, is very much a city hotel. In other words, you won’t find resort-style amenities with so much of the city to explore just outside the doors. For example, there’s no traditional spa or pool.

That said, the hotel has just introduced a modern alternative to a spa: an Aescape AI massage room. It debuted just a week after my stay, so I didn’t have the chance to try it, but guests can now book 15- to 60-minute massage sessions performed entirely by a robotic system in the third-floor wellness lounge, which is open 24/7.

While I can’t speak to the quality of the massage yet, I’m intrigued and eager to try it on a future visit. It feels like an interesting middle ground — more elevated than a standard massage chair, but less involved than a traditional hands-on treatment.

The gym is located down a hallway near the front desk and is well-equipped for a solid workout, featuring rowing machines, cardio equipment, and a full selection of weights.

As expected for a hotel of this caliber, there are multiple meeting spaces and a dedicated guest help desk.

Final Thoughts

The Conrad Washington, DC, is easily a new favorite of mine and is a lovely home base for exploring the nation’s capital. It had everything I wanted in a city hotel — great food with local highlights, a spacious room, thoughtful service, and even a club lounge. As a huge bonus, it’s an excellent property in the Hilton Honors portfolio for earning and redeeming points within the U.S.