citizenM Washington DC NoMa hotel

Number 1 thing to know is that the rooms are SMALL, maybe the smallest hotel room I have ever stayed in. I was traveling solo and I can't imagine sharing the space with another person. Just something to be aware of. But the place is brand new, the bed was comfortable, everything was clean and staff was pleasant/helpful. And the price was certainly right. Hotel is located a 5 min walk from the Metro in a newly redeveloped neighborhood full of new apartment and office buildings and mostly chain stores and restaurants, so a bit short on "character," but other more interesting areas are close by.

**** UPDATE **** Huge thank you to Hafiz, manager at citizenM NoMa for the kind and thoughtful resolution. It was great to learn that all staff in citizenM undergo Unconscious Bias training every 6 month. I appreciate the efforts at making this a space for all clients. **** UPDATE **** Overall staff are excellent, the rooms are fine, the primary appeal is location and price. Me and my husband live in our house in D.C. but I chose to stay at citizenM for five days for some distraction free work during the holidays— a staycation of sorts! I am shocked by treatment from one male staff member. During day three (out of five) I was sitting with my husband in the lobby— he was reading a book while I worked. After my husband stepped out of citizenM, I continued to sit and work from the lobby. A few minutes after my husband left, the offending male staff member came up to me and spoke to me very disrespectfully. He watched me as I sat working and then critiqued the way I was sitting in such a way that made me feel molested and uncomfortable. He told me not to sit on their cushions because they are “expensive”, and asked me for my room number in a rude and imposing way. I had to ask one of the female staff at citizenM to assist me, as the interaction made me feel extremely unsafe. I did not appreciate how the male staff member at citizenM was policing my use of the space or how I was sitting. I explained this to the female staff member and she helped me resolve the issue. Lauren was very polite and respectful— in the usual fashion one would expect. I imagine this is not a typical experience, but I encourage citizenM to ensure that all their staff undertake some form of Unconscious Bias training to make all their minority clients feel safe in the space.

The staff is excellent. They are there when you need them and non-invasive when you don't. They are helpful, friendly, and polite. We were even able to check in early at no extra cost because the room was already available. When checking in at the kiosk you can even pick from available rooms and choose which direction you want your view and which floor. The breakfast buffet had lots of options, and everything I tried was pretty good. Happy hour runs from 4-7 making it perfect to grab a few drinks before going back to town to see the monuments all lit up. The location is great. About a block off the Red Line NoMa station with a grocery store, sandwich shop, and a pharmacy all on the same block. There were a few "sounds of the city" throughout the night, but our stay was also the night Rosalynn Carter passed away so things were more hectic than normal. The rooms are small which is kind of Citizen M's thing. They are very pod-like and tech heavy. Everything in the room is controlled by a tablet beside the bed. The shades, the climate control, TV, and even the lights with brightness and color control. It has everything you need and nothing you don't. Our room was very clean and aside from loose toilet set, I have no complaints. The TV allows streaming from either your ipod or android, and also has several stations available. The shower is plenty big enough with good water pressure, and a massaging head or rainfall selection switch and mood lighting. The lobby, bar, and lounge area all have some really neat seating and modern art arrangements. It's a very playful atmosphere that contrasts the grey of the city. I have stayed in Citizen M hotels before and will again. They are budget friendly and a great place to visit when travelling.