Arrival/Check-in: After fighting Washington’s Saturday traffic, we turned onto M Street and immediately found ourselves out of the bustling city and in a park-like setting as we pulled up in front of the Park Hyatt. The bellman cheerfully unloaded the considerable amount of luggage my family of four had toted. Check-in was swift and courteous in a sleekly designed lobby with a markedly Park Hyatt Asian look. We were escorted to our room, and our bags were delivered in a few minutes. (29/30)

Guest Quarters: Our room — the Park Suite — was fantastic, its master suite and connecting room with a bath and twin beds just made for traveling with children. A hallway separated our bedroom from a powder room, and at the end was the dining area, with a table for four, a hutch and beautiful minimalist Japanese-style art. The longest sofa I’ve ever seen filled the entire long back wall. Between this room and the bedroom was the “game room,” with a chessboard motif and comfy Asian-inspired chairs and décor. The bedroom had the comfortable Park Hyatt bed and a flip TV shared with the game room. The large master bath was in gray slate and granite, with a huge open shower area, tub and vanity. The mirror in the shower allows you to shave while showering. (28/30)

Services/Amenities: Once settled in our room, we decided to go to Blue Duck Tavern for a late lunch. The restaurant, beautifully designed by Tony Chi, exposes the entire kitchen to the diners. Chef Brian McBride, with the property for 20 years, confirmed that there was no “back room” to the kitchen. We indulged in a wonderful dinner in the suite after spending an afternoon in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and walking the Mall to the Lincoln Memorial. The dining table, which easily accommodated the four of us, was set for the occasion; the service was elegant and the cuisine magnificent. The Park Hyatt also offers afternoon tea. (39/40)

Experience: I really don’t know what the staff could have done to make our trip better. They even iced our traveling cooler to send us on our journey to various cities on the I-95 corridor. The décor, restaurant, staff and location are just right, and the concierge was great with directions and suggestions. I only wish I’d had a chance to try the spa!

Total Score: (96/100)

Park Hyatt Washington

24 & M Streets, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037
tel 202 789 1234
http://parkwashington.hyatt.com