Jaclyn Sent on 10/23/2025

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Best Wedding Ever

The Hay Adams venue is incredible- the view is magical overlooking the White House and DC skyline and the food and beverage package were so amazing! So many of our friends and family told us it was the best wedding they ever went to and we planned it in less than 100 days. The staff were so wonderful and did an excellent job. I would 100% recommend the Hay Adams for a wedding or special occasion.

Paige Sent on 11/28/2022

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A perfect reception location!

The Hay-Adams was absolutely amazing for our wedding! Not only are the rooms so beautiful you barely even need décor, but the staff is attentive and incredible. The reception was truly a dream come true. It is a unique venue with beauty and history. Not to mention the food was incredible!! We could not have found a better venue for our reception!!

Katelyn Sent on 10/05/2022

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Quintessential DC Venue

We wanted a classic, elegant DC wedding venue, and The Hay-Adams was exactly that. The Top of the Hay has stunning views and was a very special and memorable location for guests. Aside from the gorgeous views and the hotel itself, the service was incredible. Truly top notch. Megan was a delight to work with, she and her team made everything run seamlessly throughout the weekend. Every piece of food from cocktail hour to the reception to brunch was delicious. The Hay-Adams is incredible, we couldn’t have been happier.

James Sent on 05/15/2022

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A breathtaking & incredibly special wedding venue

Weeks later, we're still absolutely gushing over the Hay-Adams - it was the perfect venue for our wedding. They had it all, from phenomenal staff to incredible food to luxurious facilities, not to mention the stunning views. We could not have asked for better! They truly make you feel like a VIP throughout the weekend and their top notch events team helps ensure that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

We hosted our ceremony at the Top of the Hay on the 9th floor, cocktail hour was down on the 1st floor in the Hay-Adams Room, then the reception was back upstairs at the Top. Guests were in awe of the view (we also lucked out with absolutely perfect weather), how fantastic the food was (my picky grandmother said the ginger-glazed chilean sea bass was the best fish she's ever had!), and how every detail was perfectly executed.

We could not recommend the Hay-Adams enough, and can't wait to return for future celebrations. It's definitely well-worth the investment for a beautiful, love-filled weekend!

Brittany Sent on 01/19/2020

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Erika Ruben is the Best!

The Hay-Adams is THE spot to get married in DC. The rooftop space has the best view of the city and the service is unparalleled. Erika Ruben was a delight to work with. She's a true professional, has a fantastic bubbly personality, and bent over backwards for us. I highly recommend the Hay-Adams and commend the Hay for hiring Erika. Erika, thank you.

Kate Sent on 02/04/2018

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The Hay-Adams is the ultimate Washington wedding experience. We knew we wanted to host at a DC hotel and looked at them all. Upon entering Top of the Hay, we knew this location would not only make our day super memorable for us but also for our guests. The event from planning through execution (with Kathryn) was top notch with incredible service, exceptional hospitality and friendly encounters. Not to mention 100% the best view of Washington.

A family of foodies, the food was one of the most important pieces of the venue for us and the chefs at the Hay pulled out all of the stops to present a creative menu for our brunch wedding. For example, the specialty bar was make your own bloody marys and mimosas, the bread baskets were fresh brunch pastry boards and the entree was the fanciest filet and eggs I had ever enjoyed.

The service was amazing. During hair and makeup in the suite that morning, all of the hairdryers blew a fuse. The building engineer was in our room within 3 minutes to correct the issue (this happened at 6am, no less!). The suite the wedding party got ready in was spacious, gorgeous for photos and very comfortable. There were moments of incredible surprise and delight including upgrades, amenities sent to our room and even special service to our 5 year old flower girl the next morning at brunch.

The Hay-Adams is iconic for many but will always hold a very special place in our hearts and memories! I recommend them without hesitation!

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Ashley Sent on 01/27/2018

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I was torn between the Hay Adams and the Newseum for my wedding venue for the views of DC, and now that the day has come and passed I could not be happier with my decision to go with the Hay Adams. In addition to the absolutely spectacular location and view from the Top of the Hay, the service was impeccable. When I asked if my guests could be greeted with champagne as they arrived for the ceremony and was told "we don't like saying no here!" I was a bit worried at first, as in the year of planning the wedding the Hay Adams went through 3 different catering managers, but in the end my worries were unwarranted. They made sure everything went off without a hitch and while I didn't grow up imagining it, it truly was a dream wedding. It didn't hurt that the food was absolutely phenomenal and they were able to cater to my gluten-intolerance!

Ryan Sent on 11/04/2017

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We were fortunate enough to have our wedding at the Top of the Hay at the Hay-Adams hotel. The view completely speaks for itself and you’d be hard pressed to find a better wedding venue in DC. But the true quality of the Hay-Adams extends well beyond the view. The staff is knowledgeable and communicative and are more than happy to tailor to all of your specific needs, as a bride planning her wedding from abroad I couldn’t have asked for a better team. There was a wide variety of meals options to choose from and was perfectly prepared.

Cate Sent on 11/11/2016

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I got married at the Hay on Saturday and everything was perfect!! Both the service and the venue were 1st class all the way. I did not have to lift a finger all night long. The staff was so welcoming and sweet and really went above and beyond to make my day perfect. The wedding coordinator Erin was FANTASTIC! I had the best experience and I highly recommend to anyone looking for a top notch wedding.

Menstal Sent on 10/03/2016

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The Hay-Adams was the perfect venue for our small, traditional wedding. All of our guests were from out-of-town so we wanted to treat them to the best DC had to offer and The Hay-Adams delivered. Erin was a dream to work with from beginning to end. She was extremely responsive to emails and phone calls and was there the day of to make sure everything went smoothly. She helped us plan the reception down to the minute and our guests kept complimenting us on how organized our wedding was. And of course, the view is undeniable spectacular, the room is beautiful, and the service was impeccable. The entire team was highly experienced and really guided us through the day. We also spent our wedding night at the hotel and the guestroom was incredible! We had an amazing time working with and hosting our wedding at The Hay-Adams and would recommend them to anyone planning a DC event.

Fabrizia Sent on 07/16/2016

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The Hay-Adams was the perfect venue for our DC wedding. From the beginning, Erin (our hotel contact) was incredibly responsive to our emails and patient with us as we made decisions. The hotel staff was really top notch and
so attentive to my family's needs throughout the weekend. It rained on the day of our wedding, but I wasn't even worried about the weather, knowing that the view from the Top of the Hay is gorgeous rain or shine!

User2562527 Sent on 03/27/2016

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If you're looking to give wedding guests the quintessential Washington, DC experience, look no further than the Hay-Adams! The "Top of the Hay" gives an unobstructed view of the White House, Washington Monument, and other local sights. We had a brunch reception, and the floor-to-ceiling windows filled the room with light, while exposing the beautiful view the entire time. Our guests are still raving about the venue, the food, and the service! The Hay-Adams provides catering, tables, chairs, linens, and flatware, unless you opt to rent them from an outside vendor, but there's no need! Also, the hotel works with Kendall's Cakes for the wedding cake, and ours was delicious! Additionally, the concierge coordinated our transportation to and from the ceremony. Overall, we had a classy, fun, memorable reception thanks to the Hay-Adams and Jenny Niesen, our coordinator at the hotel. The staff also made my groom and me, and my family, feel incredibly special during our stay at the hotel. Our guests who stayed there as well were gushing over the rooms and service. I could go on and on ... the Hay-Adams is perfection!

Michelle Sent on 11/24/2015

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After having read the most recent wedding reviews of The Hay, I can see they haven't lost their touch! My wedding was perfect in every way as well! Just as wonderful, too, is the service and warm hospitality of The Hay in the years following our wedding! Definitely worth a note to Wedding Wire! Every year on our anniversary, my husband and I stay at The Hay for the weekend. And, every year The Hay treats us so warmly, like family and a graciousness that's hard to describe. They remember us; they know they hosted our wedding with them and treat us accordingly. This last stay was just incredible. My husband called the concierge in advance looking for something that he could gift me with that commemorated The Hay. They don't really have anything like that, but that Concierge sure remembered the request. The night we stayed, after our return from dinner, there were two embroidered pillows with our initials on the turned down bed to greet us! I was SPEECHLESS! I thought my husband had arranged for those very customized pillows - but he hadn't. It was ALL The Hay Adams' wonderful staff and probably that very special concierge. You can bet my husband and I will continue to celebrate our anniversary at The Hay Adams, a very special hotel with a very special staff - to celebrate our very special anniversary weekend!

User2346486 Sent on 09/28/2015

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I can't imagine a more perfect venue for a wedding. The wood-paneled, votive-lit Hay-Adams room was beautiful for our ceremony, and the magnificent Lafayette Room, where we had the reception and dancing, was beyond elegant. Our guests raved about the incredible appetizers during our cocktail hour and the superb dinner that followed. And one of the best things of all was Rebecca. Her title may be senior catering manager, but it should be wedding planner extraordinaire. From the moment I first met with her to view the Hay-Adams as a potential wedding site until the last guest left the wedding, she guided us through every step. The fact is, the entire staff went above and beyond, resulting in a truly magical wedding that exceeded every expectation.

Upon returning to our lovely suite at the end of the evening, we were greeted by chilled prosecco and chocolate-covered strawberries. When we finally left The Hay-Adams, we didn't walk out the door. We floated.

User2283899 Sent on 08/24/2015

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The Hay Adams venue and team are all amazing! Everything is at your fingertips! I had always dreamed of having a fairytale wedding.... and I got it! THANKS TO EVERYONE AT THE HAY!

Carole Sent on 06/03/2015

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Simply perfect. No other venue in D.C. comes close to a wedding reception at The Hay-Adams. The views, service, and amenities are well beyond a 5 star rating. Rebecca Ventura is outstanding with responsiveness, organization, and overall constant upbeat demeanor. Our reception at the Top of the Hay was breathtaking and our guests are still raving about the impeccable white glove service. The staff was so friendly and went above and beyond in every aspect. Kendall's cakes was a treat to work with as well. They delivered an exquisite 4 tier cake and even white house cookies as favors for our guests. We will be forever grateful for our beautiful reception at The Hay-Adams.

Stephanie Sent on 05/19/2015

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It simply doesn't get better than the Hay-Adams. Rebecca was FANTASTIC to work with, as was the whole team. For my enitre 2 year engagement, they responded to all my questions, and made sure my wedding was perfect. They provided me with amazing references for florists, photographers, and a day-of wedding coordinator, and really helped the wedding come together. My wedding was beautiful and stress-free thanks to Rebecca and the Hay-Adams. Oh - and THAT VIEW!!!!!!!!! You just can't beat it!

User2072979 Sent on 03/15/2015

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Our wedding at the Hay-Adams was a truly unforgettable experience. A beautiful setting with amazing views and an outstanding location which we, and all of our guests loved. We can’t say enough about all of the staff at The Hay-Adams (especially Rebecca) every need and detail was handled with grace and ease – nothing to small or too large. The food was outstanding and the dinners and desserts were first rate. We have so many great memories there now, and plan to return any time we are in town.

User1928568 Sent on 11/18/2014

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We had our wedding reception at the Hay Adams on October 18, 2014. The hotel is very beautiful (Italianate architecture) and has a number of striking rooms. We started our reception in the oak panelled Hay Adams room which was perfect for the cocktail reception which featured a large raw bar and passed hor d'oeuvres. We then used the Lafayette room for a sit down dinner for about 160 people. After that, we went to the Top of the Hay where had transformed the space into a dance club with a live band.

It is important to note that the HA has many rules. We did not mark them down for flexibility although we had a number of "negotiations" with the management which were a bit tedious. Our direct contact, Alison, was amazingly helpful and, in the end, the hotel was willing to compromise on some items while we did on others. We came to really appreciate the fact that HA has rules or it really would not be the kind of space that we would want in the first place. We particularly note that my husband wanted his version of an eggplant parmigian dish prepared by the hotel's kitchen -- they not only agreed but met with him to understand exactly how it should be prepared. We stress that the kitchen totally delivered not just on this dish but on them all -- the wedding dinner was as good as anything one is likely to get at a high end restaurant.

So if you are looking for a wedding space to give your guests a real DC experience, then you can't do any better than the HA. We think you will be quite impressed by both the service, the high professionalism and the end result.

Kim Sent on 09/12/2014

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The staff at the Hay-Adams was incredible! From booking to leaving for our honeymoon, Rebecca and her team were better than we could have ever hoped! Not only is the view from the Top of the Hay beautiful, but the food and service matched the beauty. There was never a moment of concern or stress throughout the planning process or the day of the event. We cannot thank the team enough for everything they have done! I cannot imagine a better venue or staff for a wedding in DC. You cannot go wrong with the Hay-Adams!

Ranjit Sent on 09/07/2014

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Two words: "ALISON OKOBI."

The Hay-Adams has long been our dream location for a wedding, and we couldn't have asked for anything more. The rooftop location was everything it was promised to be, the weather was terrific, and the staff was courteous, friendly, and professional.

Alison went out of her way to make sure that we were always comfortable, answered every one of our questions, and made the entire process a terrific experience for everyone involved. She was very flexible with our needs (accommodating special vendors, requests, etc.) and offered her expertise in decision-making and navigating the market of other DC wedding vendors.

Bottom line: we didn't feel we needed a wedding coordinator because Alison and her team were so helpful!

What's more, the food was fantastic (we received many compliments from guests saying it was the best wedding meal they ever had!) and the Hay-Adams did a great job of making it feel unique and special, incorporating various custom requests (e.g., custom cocktails, food items, and dietary restrictions), and really going above and beyond to make sure the event was a success.

To top it off, you really can't beat that view. ;-)

User1738429 Sent on 07/29/2014

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We had our wedding dinner reception at Top of the Hay, with our Cocktail Reception at the Hay Adams room prior. The view from Top of the Hay is breathtaking - especially from the balcony, which was perfect for our summer reception. The space is in a "L" shape, so guests have a panoramic view of St. John, Lafayette park and the White House/Washington Monument. The only drawback to this layout was that we had to seat half of our guests on one side of the "L" and half on the other. We worked with the lovely Whitney, who made sure our planning process was special and as stress-free as possible. Our menu was incredible - everything from the hor doeuvres to the dessert display was impeccably prepared and beautifully displayed. Kendall's Cake created a gorgeous cake and macaron towers for us. The service at the hotel and overall experience was perfect!

Anna Sent on 07/14/2014

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We had our wedding at the Hay Adams and could not be more pleased with every single aspect of the wedding. From planning to the day after, the level of service we received was spectacular and more than we could have imagined. Rebecca at the Hay was fabulous. Her attention to detail, personality and overall service was such a pleasure to work with. She made she our day everything we wanted for and more. The other service members also made sure we were always happy whether it was ensuring we had transportation lined up and refreshments on the bus (huge thank you to Eric the concierge for this) or the valet team letting us bring boat loads of stuff in, to the wait staff at the Top of the Hay for our wedding itself - it was all superb. Our guests commented so highly on all aspects of the Hay. Several of our guests had food allergies and said the wait staff treated them so well and knew everything perfectly as to what they can and cannot eat. This brings me to the food - hands down best wedding food ever, this came from many guests as well. I haven't even mentioned the VIEW - the view is also so amazing and makes for a beautiful venue. Pictures are to die for and the doors allow you to leave them open throughout the night making the ambience fantastic. Guests rooms are amazing as well and so comfortable. I could go on and on...the Hay Adams is amazing.

User1566974 Sent on 03/25/2014

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What sets the Hay Adams apart from other hotel venues in DC is the service. Our guests were taken care of from the moment they walked into our cocktail hour, until the moment they stepped back out onto the street. Of course, the Top of the Hay is a stunning venue, the views are unparalleled--many of our guests who came from out of town were thankful for the opportunity to enjoy the view. But the thing that most of our guests were so thrilled about was the service--which lives up to its reputation.

The event planners ( we worked with Allison) are attentive, supportive, and helpful. The waitstaff and bartenders were outstanding. At one point during the reception, my mother--always a crier--got teary. Not more than a minute after her first sniffle, a waiter walked by and discreetly tucked a pair of tissues into her palm. I mean....

The venue is expensive, there are no two ways about it. But the price buys you confidence; confidence that your event will go smoothly, the food and drinks will be ample and exceptional, and the staff will treat your guests like royalty. If you want your guests to know how much you appreciate their love and support on your wedding day--this is your venue.

Erin Sent on 12/30/2013

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I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have had my wedding reception at The Hay Adams. My engagement was 14 months and they made the whole time an amazing experience. Alison and Courtney were extremely attentive and wonderful to work with. I truly had so much fun planning my wedding with them. The weekend of the wedding was flawless. My guests and I still can't believe the service we received all weekend. I am still hearing stories of how great the staff was to my guests (everyone came from out of town). From shining shoes everyday to sewing a button. Alison made sure I had nothing to worry about the day of the wedding and I didn't. Every single detail was taken care of and every part of the day ran very smoothly. I can't say enough about my experience with The Hay Adams. It was truly a treat to have my wedding there and we will never forget how amazing our weekend was because of The Hay Adams!!!

Kate Sent on 10/25/2013

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We just had our wedding here on October 19th and it was absolutely fabulous. The venue is a bit more expensive than some other hotel options because of the room fee, but it is absolutely worth it. The views from the Top of the Hay are magnificent. We had the reception in that room and cocktails and the afterparty in the Hay-Adams room downstairs. The food was out of this world - both the appetizers and the dinner. We received so many compliments from our friends. I am a little biased, but I have never had such delicious food at a wedding, which was on par with any top restaurant. The service during dinner was impeccable - there was never an empty glass and the food was served very quickly (but not rushed).

We also had an after-party in the Hay-Adams room with a dj, snacks and a bar. Haydee and her team were very flexible with this part, as everything is based on consumption, but she was able to adjust the price after the fact based on actual numbers since we really had no idea how many people would stay up for that. Haydee was also able to extend the cocktail hour a little bit, so that the wedding party could go take pictures in Lafayette Park without missing the whole thing - all on the spot. The hotel itself is so beautiful and it doesn't feel like a typical, cookie-cutter hotel wedding. They usually only do one wedding per day here, so you basically have the whole place to yourself. The service throughout the hotel was also great.The ONLY small issue we ran into (which we were told about beforehand) was that the bar downstairs, Off the Record, closes at 1 with last call at 12/1230. For a lot of people that is not a problem but we were a big partying bunch - that said, my husband spoke to the manager each night and they kept it open later without a problem - Thursday, Friday and Saturday which was very nice of them.

Overall, perfection! It is definitely worth the price!

Deborah Sent on 10/10/2013

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The Hay-Adams was an amazing place to have our wedding reception and I couldn't have asked for better service and accommodation. We chose the Hay because we wanted a room with a view, and what a view it was. Despite everything being shut down thanks to Congress, our guests still were able to have a true D.C. experience. Haydee and her team were fabulous to work with and truly made everything a success. Several of my guests, including a few who are professional chefs told me it was the best wedding food they had ever had.

The one warning I have is if you do the Hora and are lifted in chairs, know the Hay has low ceilings in places (my Husband hit his head unfortunately).

Megan Sent on 08/31/2013

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I literally could not have dreamed of anything better. From being there for every minute question during the planning stages to the most well orchestrated day-of, The Hay-Adams was amazing. Their slogan...where nothing is overlooked but the White House is absolutely true. Every person on the service team was friendly and helpful, the food was AMAZING, and the location couldn't be better.

User1799760 Sent on 08/24/2013

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The Hay Adams is absolutely first rate - and a magical place to hold a wedding, especially at The Top of the Hay. The hotel itself is comfy elegance, a very understated Boutique hotel. We stayed in the Bridal Suite - friends stayed in rooms throughout the hotel and ALL were gorgeous. The staff was hugely wonderful - well trained, attentive, warm and friendly. There wasn't one member of the staff who didn't know who we were and why we were there and what event we were hosting at their hotel! Our wedding caterer was just terrific - Jenny is a jewel who deserves all the credit for ensuring our wedding was perfect. Which it was. We had a magical wedding - the best view in town at the best hotel in Washington, DC with the best service! Thank you so much Hay-Adams!

Jovana Sent on 07/02/2013

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We had our wedding reception, our post wedding brunch take place at the Top of the Hay and our cocktail hour at the Lafayette Restaurant. From beginning to the end, literally from the moment we booked this venue, the Hay Adams staff was incredible with us. One person in particular stood out in the process, Haydee Gamez who was our Catering Manager, was simply amazing. The staff was attentive, polite, sweet and very flexible. The food was delicious and well prepared, presentation was rocking.They did an amazing job, every bit of our reception was the way we wanted and it was 1st class with no exceptions. We also had most of our family stay in the hotel for the weekend and they have received amazing service throughout their stay. The Hay Adams is expensive but with all the rights to be so. Breath taking views from the Top of the Hay. :) Thanks Hay Adams!

User1139143 Sent on 04/19/2013

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Truly beyond my expectations. The Top of the Hay is magical and provides the most stunning setting for your wedding! My guests were amazed with the view and it made a lasting impression on us, our family, and friends. The staff made everyone at the wedding feel like stars and the food was top-notch restaurant quality.

Kate Sent on 01/04/2013

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Perfect, stunning venue! We did the cocktail hour downstairs in the Hay-Adams room and the main reception in the Top of the Hay. GORGEOUS view and SPECTACULAR service! And the food was delicious. Worth every penny! They made the entire planning process easy and took great care of us all weekend (down to the day after brunch on Sunday). We worked with Alison and Haydee to plan and they took very good care of us!

Dawn Sent on 10/09/2012

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Rebecca Ventura at the Hay Adams was absolutely wonderful! She took care of everything really well!

Clifford Sent on 04/03/2012

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If one is looking for a memorable site for a wedding in the DC area, look no further than the Hay-Adams Hotel. Everything about this hotel is FIRST-CLASS--its staff, its service, its location and, above all, its elegant and comfortable surroundings. While we were looking at several sites one weekend day for our wedding in DC, we purposely left the Hay-Adams as our last visit for that day. As soon as we set foot in the hotel and talked with their staff, we were impressed. A ride to the "Top of the Hay' sold the deal. We were extremely pleased with every aspect of planning the wedding and reception with their banquet staff. Most importantly, we were beaming with pride after the wedding when a significant number of our guests told us how pleased they were with the hotel staff, its service and the extraordinary food--especially the care taken to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions. One of the most important aspects of this site is the visual beauty--the Top of the Hay requires minimal flowers and no decorations and the view of the White House and the monuments is nothing short of stunning. Our pictures are tremendous. We have no compunctions about rating the Hay-Adams with an overall rating of 5.0 out of 5.0.

Jessica Sent on 08/27/2011

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Our wedding and reception at the Hay-Adams hotel on July 30th exceeded our already-high expectations. The views from the Top of the Hay are spectacular. Even friends of ours who have lived in DC for years were absolutely blown away by the view of the White House and the National Mall. The wall-to-wall windows make the Top of the Hay feel like an outdoor space with all of the amenities of an indoor space (i.e., air-conditioning in late July!). And on top of the fabulous views from the Top of the Hay, the understated luxury of the hotel and the hospitality of the attentive, friendly, and unpretentious staff set a tone for the night that our guests are still talking about. We knew that the food and service would be top-notch, but we're still getting rave reviews about the hors d'ouevres, the entrees, the delicious wine, and Kendall's chocolate and peanut butter cake!

The Director of Catering, Alison Okobi, was great to work with, and we loved her and her friendly, low-key demeanor. From our first meeting, we knew that we were in good hands! Alison is detail-oriented, professional, and had many helpful ideas as we set forth in the planning process. Alison and her staff were so well prepared that we didn't give a second thought to any of the little details of the night. For example, trays of hors d'oeuvres were ready as guests came downstairs for cocktails, water and wine glasses were kept filled during dinner, and the flow of the evening went off without a hitch. We were particularly hoping that the Top of the Hay could be turned around from the ceremony set-up to the dinner/dancing set-up in no more than an hour, and the staff at the Hay-Adams pulled it off. We'll never know how they managed to do it all so quickly, but they did!

Kristen Jennings, who handled our room block, was also exceptional. Our guests were thrilled to be able to stay at the Hay-Adams, and Kristen made sure that we knew who was staying at the hotel -- even letting us know of last minute cancellations or additions to our room block. But really, all of the staff at the hotel (concierge, bellhops, waiters) were fabulous and treated our guests like royalty!

We feel so lucky that we were able to have our wedding at the Hay-Adams. We'll always cherish the memories of this unforgettable venue!

Scott Sent on 07/29/2011

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The Hay-Adams Hotel exceeded our expectations in every way. The Top of the Hay is breath-taking. Our reception/luncheon was scrumptious, with the service being top-notch.

Ashley Sent on 07/19/2011

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We held our wedding reception on the new rooftop terrace at The Hay-Adams hotel this past June and it was everything we dreamed. The space was absolutely breathtaking and our guests loved the views of the White House and monuments! The Hay-Adams is a classic Washington, DC hotel that exudes the very best in taste and luxury, yet you won’t find an ounce of pretentiousness with its staff.

We mostly worked with Amanda Reinke, one of the catering sales managers, and she was absolutely fantastic! Amanda was so great to work with and incredibly responsive in every way with all of our requests over the yearlong planning process. She really went to great lengths to always respond in detail and with such graciousness. Overall it was the dream wedding reception we had pictured and there is no way we could have done it without her or her expert consultation and advice.

During our reception, we felt the whole evening ran very smoothly and we have heard nothing but great things from our family and friends from the moment they arrived at The Hay-Adams. The space and the food were both incredible. The banquet staff was superb and Francis handled running the reception with perfection. He checked in regularly with us and coordinated with the DJ on managing the flow of everything. The banquet staff was nothing short of perfect. You rarely noticed them yet they were always there to refill drinks, ensure the tables were plated and cleared in a timely manner, and to assist guests with anything they needed. They execute with flawless precision. We can’t say enough about the food. It was simply to die for and our guests were raving about everything from the hors d'œuvre at the cocktail hour, to the three course dinner. We're still hearing from our guests about how amazing of an experience it was for them at The Hay-Adams. Also, the front of the house staff (Jack and his team at Concierge Desk, Paul at the front door, the bell men, Francesca the assistant manager, and so many other wonderful staff) really made the difference during our (and our family's) time at the hotel. The rooms are beautiful and very warm. Your family and guests will be wowed from the moment they check in.

We highly recommend Amanda and the staff at The Hay-Adams. We wish we had another wedding to plan as we would love to host another event there! Thank you to Amanda and The Hay-Adams staff for making our wedding so special!

Eleni Sent on 05/19/2009

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The Hay-Adams is a beautiful hotel with a lot of character and an incredibly accommodating staff. Amanda in catering was our coordinator and she was incredibly nice, attentive and a pleasure to work with. The cocktail hour was on the rooftop terrace, which by itself was what sold me and my husband on the venue. Overlooking the White House, it is an unbelievable view that our guests cannot stop talking about weeks after the wedding. The reception was in the Lafayette Room - very elegant and something different than your typical ballroom. All of the food was superb and the bridal suite (which was complimentary the night of our wedding) was just perfect. The Hay-Adams definitely helped make our wedding perfect! I highly recommend it.

A. Sent on 09/23/2008

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The entire experience was perfect. Our hotel coordinator made sure that we were happy with every aspect of the day. Each hotel employee treated us and our guests like royalty. The food was out of this world good.

Kerri Sent on 09/11/2008

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There are not enough positive adjectives in the world to describe the beauty, elegance, flexibility, and quality of The Hay Adams facilities, food, and amazing staff. It's expensive but it was worth cutting down our guest list significantly in order to afford it. Also, they gave us some fabulous upgrades. Absolutely gorgeous. People tell us it was like a movie only better because of the familiar cast.

Amanda Sent on 08/22/2008

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The Hay-Adams far exceeded my expectations for our wedding reception. The legendary service of the staff is amazing -- from managing the big things to noticing the smallest details...the staff is awesome. We held our cocktail reception on the roof and the reception itself in the Lafayette room. We worked with Alison Okobi who is organized, charming and professional. Alison ensured the roof was perfectly organized and worked seamlessly with our florist, Petal's Edge, to set the stage beautifully. She also was helpful in coordinating all the moving parts -- sending guests down to the receiving line, receiving envelopes and gifts and sending them to our amazingly gorgeous bridal suite, and everything in between.

The Hay Adams has a fixed package for weddings which I highly, highly recommend...it includes the cocktail hour, dinner, toasts, wedding cake and a bridal suite for the evening. By going with an option like this, it reduces the need for vendor coordination...we were able to skip having a day of coodinator thanks to the Hay Adams top notch staff. As part of the package, their standard bar is included for the entire event and is very well-stocked -- a bonus is that their standard champagne is one of my favorites, Piper Sonoma. The roof is one of kind in DC...the view of the White House is breathtaking and the weather on the day of our wedding was simply perfect. You can see every monument from your vantage point and it is blessed by having a nice breeze that sweeps through ensuring guests stay cool. Finally, we decided to do our wedding photography in Lafayette Park which is right beneath the roof, so while our guests were enjoying themselves at the cocktail hour they could watch the wedding party.

In terms of food, their appetizers and dinner menu was extraordinary...having a 4 star restaurant on premises took all the guesswork out of how the food would turn out and the staff coordinated meals like clockwork. We had a variety of hors d'oevres, a demitasse of chilled melon soup, a tomato and mozarella napoleon, a duet of crab cake and filet mignon and a key lime wedding cake from Kendall's Cakes (the Hay Adams' recommended cake vendor...who was also delightful). My family is very food conscious and not a single item disappointed...if anything all of them exceeded expectations on taste and visual appeal. Besides the overall organization of the evening and stellar quality of food, beverage and service, the Hay-Adams earned its reputation for quality with the small details. While my new husband and I were wrapping up our wedding portraits in Lafayette Park (conveniently located across the street from the Hay Adams and in front of the White House) the Hay-Adams staff kindly provided cool wet towels and bottled water to refresh us. During the reception, the staff independently collected the flowers from the cocktail reception and scattered them through the Lafayette Room...no promting, no request, they just knew it was those added touches that would make the ocassion perfect. Also a note about the Lafayette Room...while it is intimate (max capacity 120) it is absolutely gorgeous. Crystal chandeliers, warm tones of ivory and taupe, and white phalenopsis orchids and greenery make the room perfect for a wedding reception. And finally, the bridal suite...if I had my druthers I would never have left it :) The room was as lovely as the rest of the hotel...well appointed and luxurious. The marble bath, sitting room and king bed had all the creature comforts we so badly needed after such a big day. We plan on celebrating our 1 year anniversary by returning to stay the night.

In deciding on a venue, the Hay Adams was always at the top of our list -- we visit Off the Record, their bar, reguarly, and got engaged on the roof. Clearly the Hay Adams does have its limitations...as it cannot cater to large weddings, but for us, that was what made the venue so special...it's intimate and a gem amongst all the big-scale hotel venues in DC. When you have your event there...the hotel feels like its all yours for the night. And while the Hay Adams is expensive, it was worth every penny for the experience. If we had it to do again, we would book the Hay Adams in a heartbeat.

Sarah Sent on 06/22/2011

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If you can, consider the Top of the Hay for your wedding. We had our service across the street at St. Johns, cocktails in the Lafayette Room and dinner and dancing upstairs and it is beyond beautiful. The view is quintessentially Washington, DC, impressive for friends and family no matter how traveled, and so romantic and special at night when the city glows. The space itself is impeccable and newly-unveiled; the colors are neutral and the details are perfect. The only issue is for a large wedding you have to be okay with the L-shape, as its not your typical rectangular ballroom--thankfully! The food is very good, probably a 4 of 5 stars if rated separately. Kendall's Cakes--Kendall does the wedding cake--are excellent--interesting flavors without being strange, so you can go beyond the basics and still please the crowd. We also did a dessert bar with mini things that were fun--done by the hotel. We had to go back and forth a lot on the menu, and on other things also, and our wedding coordinator, Alison Okobi, was painstaking and accommodating. Very flexible in general, and made sure we had everything we wanted from start to finish. It felt very personal.
The only thing that irked me was being charged for the delivery of additional welcome bags to guests who checked in later than the first bunch. To be charged $60 when you're spending so much, and the hotel is full of your guests, feels cheap. Then again, what is another $60 when you're spending so much... it goes both ways but it didn't seem very politic on the hotel's part.
The hotel is small and classically beautiful, not stuffy--I thought at the first visit that it was, it is not--but service is top. It felt like we took over the whole hotel. It was like camp for grownups only better. You will not worry for a minute that your guests are well-cared-for. The staff is great overall, especially the waiters and valets, and the rooms are perfect. I want to LIVE in our bridal suite overlooking the white house. Eat the oatmeal souffle for breakfast before your wedding, and drink champagne and enjoy every minute.

Marli Sent on 05/18/2011

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My husband and I can't say enough about the Hay-Adams. It was the perfect venue, in every way, for our small wedding in May 2011. The staff is professional, warm, and friendly; the setting is simply the best in Washington; the ambiance was luxurious without being overly formal. We chose the private dining room in the Lafayette restaurant for our ceremony location--it overlooks Lafayette Park and was simply beautiful! For the reception, we were so fortunate to have the Lincoln Room up in the Top of the Hay. Our families could not believe the spectacular views...again, the best in DC. The food was amazing, the service was spectacular, and we felt so well cared-for the entire time. The rooms are fabulous (our guests agreed), and we were given a particularly nice one with a view of St. John's Church. We worked with Amanda Reinke, who went out of her way to help us with both the planning and the actual event, and who we would definitely recommend. One extra perk: they use the delightful Kendall Barrett for wedding cakes (delicious and beautiful)! The cost, while not low, was totally worth every penny. We can't wait to come back for our anniversary each year and enthusiastically recommend having your own event at the Hay-Adams!

User1091485 Sent on 02/15/2013

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Amazing event. Everything I ever dreamed of!

Katie Sent on 08/04/2009

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The Hay-Adams was the perfect place for my wedding! We had our ceremony and cocktail hour on the roof, and it could not have been a better backdrop for a Washington DC wedding. All of our guests were amazed that the White House was RIGHT THERE! Furthermore, the food was awesome. I am still getting so many compliments on how good the food was. We rented two different rooms for the reception, and had the formal dinner in the Lafayette Room--which is a beautiful, light and airy room. The dancing followed in the John-Hay room, which has beautiful dark wood paneling and fit our fabulous band and white dance floor with room for a lounge! The Hay-Adams is a stunning hotel with GREAT service, and the ideal place for a city wedding!!!

Courtne Sent on 11/21/2011

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Amanda at the Hay Adams was very helpful. The food was amazing and the view from the terrace made the reception unforgettable.

User1094438 Sent on 02/20/2013

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We had an amazing wedding reception at the Hay Adams. The service was impeccable, the food fantastic, and the view unmatched. Working with Rebecca was a pleasure.

Alex Sent on 08/22/2017

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The Hay Adams is the best view in DC for an event (you definitely pay for the view), but the service might be the worse. I decided against having my wedding here not based on price but on the fact that no one would even return my email about who to make my check out to in order to book the space. I went with my gut and choose the Trump Hotel (which was awesome) instead for our big day, but we did use the Hay Adams for the rehearsal dinner. Guests had a blast and the view is wonderful, as was the food and dinner servers. The problem was with the event coordinator and catering staff who didn't even know my name as the bride. The gentleman (who I met for the first time that day when I arrived for the dinner) called me the wrong name. I arrived ahead of guests to set up the space and had to seek someone out to serve my mother, my maid of honor and myself a glass of champagne. When spending almost 30K for a rehearsal dinner, I expected slightly more professionalism.

The Hay-Adams Reviews

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The Hay-Adams