Hotel Zena, a Viceroy Urban Retreat

The staff, rooms and hotel roof bar and pool.

The pool was not open after 4 pm and as a hotel guest we did not have any more rights to use the roof top bar than the public and needed to make reservations to even get a drink at the bar or take a view from the roof. Paying hotel guests should have more access than the general public given what they pay for rooms. You should let hotel guests know this in advance.

Convenient location near Thomas Circle just three blocks from McPherson Square Metrorail. Bed was on the soft side which was even better than your standard hotel experience. Friendly staff and nice room.

This was a three-city vacation and this hotel being priced similar to Brooklyn was a little eyebrow raising. The hotel's marketing strategy looks to be very pro-female, which is wonderful, but ends up looking a little money-grabbing when you get to the details like the artistic RBG throw pillow on the chair that is available for the low low price of $120 if you feel especially inspired. No indication whatsoever that those funds go to any deserving women's cause or any cause whatsoever.

The hotel is beautiful with a large bar and dining for B,L& D in the main lobby. The outdoor rooftop pool had lots of seating and service with full bar and food. Loaner bikes were in good shape and complimentary to guests. The room was spacious and well appointed for three of us and an extended stay. Maid service provided excellent service, ample towel replacement and they opted for larger quantity toiletries over single use throw away plastic. Small beverage fridge for keeping snacks was great traveling with kids, and free water brought up to the room if needed. The coffee kurig worked well, small convenience snacks and sodas were for sale adjacent to a game and book loan kiosk. Close to a wonderful neighborhood for food, nightlife and boutique landmark movie theater. Walking distance to the mall, sightseeing and the train. 50 minute (few blocks distance) train ride from Dulles. Wonderful staff!

The pool closes at 5 and 7 pm depending on the day though it stays light until almost to 10pm. It would have been nice to have access after 5 during the week and later on the weekends since we were gone most of the day sightseeing. It may even close at 6pm on the weekends. Way too early. This is my only complaint. The place is great value!

The hotel location is perfect--a short walk to great restaurants and DC attractions. The hotel lobby has a great, friendly but chic vibe, and the rooms are ingeniously laid out. Our spacious studio King room had a fantastic view of Thomas Circle, with HUGE windows to enjoy the view. The staff were the highlight: from the front desk to the restaurant, housekeeping, and valet staff--everyone we interacted with was professional yet warm and welcoming. This will be our Washington DC place to stay from now on!

The rooftop pool is a lot smaller than I'd imagined, but that is not the hotel's fault!

Zena did not disappoint - everything I expected and more. The decor throughout the hotel is unique and stylish. Ezekiel at the front was helpful and friendly. Lots of complimentary amenities - enjoyed the gym, the pool table and the games. Views from the rooftop were amazing, though the pool was a bit too crowded to use. Loved the room, especially the shower. Food was great from both restaurants. I plan on returning.

Nitpicking but the pillows were too hard.

Comfortable hotel, nice vibe, good breakfast. Great location and friendly staff.

The “amenities charge”! Why charge this?? Just lump it into the room fee. It caused unnecessary friction when I was checking in, because Booking.com’s paperwork said I had already paid it, but front desk said it would still be payable and didn’t seem to understand the Booking.com paperwork.. The pool was quite small, but nearly as large as the photos suggested. The breakfast menu got a bit dull after a few days.

Hotel Zena is located on Thomas Circle, a few blocks from The White House. The surrounding neighborhood is very active and busy, with abundant restaurants and other businesses. The hotel looks fresh and modern. Almost futuristic, to my eye. The decor has a strong theme of feminism and women's history. I enjoyed this. It pleases me to think that these wholly benign, uncontroversial quotes and images are sure to repel the kinds of fellow hotel guests I would least like to share an elevator with.

I spent more per night staying at this hotel than I usually do. But I understand that, for the area, the nightly rate is reasonable. Every time I walked through the lobby (which adjoins a bar/lounge), music was playing at a higher volume than mere background. I didn't object to this, but I can imagine that some guests might appreciate it being turned down, or saved for a narrower window of each day.

The location of the hotel is great. It’s a short distance from the monuments and museums, restaurants and bars/night life. The art displays and overall theme was very cool and the staff was also very very polite and accommodating.

was disappointed that the rooftop is only available if you patronize the restaurant or pool. My family was visiting My family was visiting from out of town and I specifically booked this hotel for the location and rooftop views. It rained so the restaurant and pool was closed and we were not allowed on the rooftop. I wasn’t that happy I paid $800 for one night and two rooms without the ability to experience the rooftop views. It would be great if they made a lounge area that is not associated with having to spend extra money.

Excellent location, walking distance into the centre, very quiet and peaceful, super clean area and hotel was lovely.

On arrival, we arrived quite late at night from travelling from NYC and it was a very chaotic reception, the lady on reception was rude and unhelpful, we were bombarded by information from her whilst trying to sort our valet parking out too, they didn’t seem to work together at all. After we got sorted with both the rest of the stay was super but this wasn’t a very good first impression.

The staff from the valet outside to the front desk to the cleaning crew were exceptional, so friendly, helpful and warm. The room was extremely comfortable, they gym was superb and the rooftop gorgeous. But most importantly the commitment to women's empowerment was a very welcome addition to a hotel stay. I travel every week and this hotel stood head and shoulders above most of the places I usually end up. I wish there were more hotels like Zena in other parts of the US and world. We need them.

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