Feared the worst, but had a great experience
Our family visited Washington DC on June 10-13. Like many seekers here, we were attempting to get the best hotel value we could find. With three kids, we needed some kind of suite option. I had read all of the "horror" stories of extremely loud construction noise. I was particularly concerned since we had opted for the pay in advance rate to save a little more money.
We could not have had a better experience. The location directly above the Friendship Heights station (Red Line) is extremely convenient. Literally walking out of the room and onto the train in 5 minutes. The CVS located just below the lobby came in very handy three or four times during our stay. As for construction noise, we heard absolutely nothing on the first afternoon/evening (Sunday). On the next afternoon, I noticed a vibration for maybe half and hour. We were on the 7th floor and could only faintly hear construction sounds from inside the room. On the third afternoon, we heard construction sounds (jackhammer) for maybe a couple of hours. While you could hear it in the room, it didn't compete at all with the sound of the TV. It could be heard and felt distinctly from the evening manager's reception area. So, over all, maybe three hours over three days. Nothing at all like what I had feared. I had actually purchased some inexpensive foam ear plugs just in case, but we never needed to use them. They have also done a neat job of enclosing the entire construction area with a giant tent-like apparatus, so there is absolutely no construction dust, smoke, etc. One note: if you are in the underground parking deck when construction is ongoing, it sounds like you are standing beside a jet that is taking off. In the rooms though, at least on the 7th floor, the noise was minimal.
The pool area had been fairly recently updated and was nice. It is more for swimming than for playing, so young kids might not enjoy it as much as a larger outdoor version. The fitness center was very well equipped. Of course, the complimentary breakfast each morning factored into our decision to stay at an Embassy Suites property. It was more than adequate and the breakfast staff, in fact all of the staff we encountered, were very friendly and attentive. I wouldn't hesitate at all to stay there again. As a previous reviewer mentioned, minus the construction it should be a perfect experience. In a town where a good deal is hard to come by during the busy seasons, the Embassy Suites - Chevy Chase Pavilion is one.
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