The stars must have aligned for my last night on the trip as I was upgraded to the Ambassador Suite at the Park Hyatt Washington DC. Spectacular.

1. Introduction and trip planning
2. Lufthansa First Class Dulles to Munich
3. Lufthansa Munich First Class Lounge
4. Lufthansa Business Class Munich to Oslo
5. SAS Economy Class Oslo to Longyearbyen
6. Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Spitsbergen
7. Exploring Longyearbyen
8. Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Oslo
9. Exploring Oslo
10. Park Inn By Radisson Oslo Airport
11. Lufthansa 747-8i Frankfurt to Dulles
12. Park Hyatt Washington DC

After touching down at Washington Dulles, I grabbed a rental car and headed towards the Foggy Bottom/Georgetown area of Washington DC.  It was the fourth of July and I was surprised to see inexpensive pre-paid rates at both the Park Hyatt and The St. Regis, my two very favorite hotels in DC.  I have stayed at both several times and go back and forth on which is my favorite DC hotel, but I wanted to watch the fireworks in Georgetown so I went with the closer Park Hyatt.

As a Hyatt Diamond member, I am allotted 4 confirmed upgrades on paid stays per year. I put in the call to upgrade this stay and they had me confirmed in a Park Executive Suite. I have used suite upgrades before at this property and sometimes they book into the Park Suite room category.

I parked the car to avoid the pricey valet and entered the Park Hyatt on foot.  I hadn’t even gotten near the door and the doormen were already rushing out to help me with my bags and offering bottled water.  They escorted me to the front desk and I was welcomed back even though my last stay was over 9 months ago.  The agent confirmed my Diamond status, read my the benefits and also confirmed that I had used a suite upgrade.  She went on to explain that they generally only book upgrades into the Park Suite or Park Executive Suite level but on this stay they were moving me up to the Ambassador Suite!

It is always fun to quantify how miles and points are helping you so a quick check for the fourth of July next year reveals one night in this room will cost you a cool 2500+ USD for the pleasure.

I headed up to the penthouse level, entered the double-door entrance suite and let out a WooHoo!  I was hoping for a little extra room since I had a few friends coming over to get some drinks before the fireworks but this was just awesome!

Wood, natural light and stone dominates this modern 1200+ square foot, one bedroom, two bathroom suite.  A small foyer leads into a large spacious living area with lots of natural light.

I quickly drew up the shades and discovered two balconies overlooking the expensive Foggy Bottom neighborhood.

The living area featured a large comfortable couch, a library of books and the craziest sound system I have ever seen.

This Bang and Olufsen ‘Orb’ took me quite awhile to figure out how to operate but once I got it going, the sound was incredible.  There was a library of CD’s in the room so I started blasting Jazz before my guests arrived.

Behind the couch was the signature Park Hyatt Apple.  I have seen the large Park Hyatt Apples in shared spaces like the rooftop pool at the Park Hyatt Sydney,  but I have never had one (actually two) to myself! There was a large green apple behind the couch and another smaller red apple in the office.

Further exploration of the large suite revealed a pantry area with dishes, coffee maker, fine teas, and a sink.

The pantry area featured clear jars full of brightly colored fruits as vegetables similar to design in the Park Hyatt’s signature restaurant, The Blue Duck Tavern.

Connected to the living area is a small office with a desk and TV that swivels into the bedroom.

As you pass through the office you enter the very blue bedroom.  As is the case with every Park Hyatt I have stayed in, the bed felt like I was sleeping on a cloud. I love the design of this room. Simple, modern, sleek, and every piece of furniture is high quality. Park Hyatt branded water was replenished twice a day on the bedside stands and minibar.

Between the office and the bedroom was the entrance to the massive bedroom and walk in closet.  This is an interior room so there are no windows but they do use lots and lots of mirrors.  It almost feels like entering a different hotel as it transitions into much darker colors than the rest of the bright suite.

The Park Hyatt appears to be shifting to Bergamote bath products which I happen to love.  Le Labo products are very expensive to purchase from the store so it nice to come home with a few extra bottles for personal use.

The spacious shower area featured both a rainfall shower head and a more standard traditional shower head.  There was no barrier between the shower and the rest of the bathroom but there was no water spillage.

For you bath types, there is also a lovely claw foot tub with fancy bath salts.

The suite also features a nice second bathroom which was nice having multiple people over.

I had an early morning meeting the next day so I skipped breakfast but sent a friend down on my behalf.  Breakfast is served at The Blue Duck Tavern, which is one of DC’s nicest restaurants.  I recall the President and First Lady celebrating their anniversary there a few years ago.

My friend was offered free reign over the made-to-order menu so they went with a crab omelet and a latte.  The breakfast was fully comped with no issues as it was charged to the room under a Diamond reservation.  This breakfast amenity is way better than what the St. Regis offers its Platinum guests.

The bottom line

You don’t need to land the Ambassador Suite at the Park Hyatt Washington to have a fantastic stay at this amazing property.  Standard rooms are amazing and service is sharp for all guests.  However, it is these ‘this can’t be real’ moments in the points and miles game that keep my passion going strong.  This was truly a stay to remember and a great way to top off an already fantastic vacation.