Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square

s other 1-star reviews were correct. Our recent experience with this establishment was nothing short of a nightmare. We forecasted a total F&B cost at their Opaline restaurant of approximately $6,000 for our event, yet we were hit with an astronomical charge of $11,178. That is a staggering 100% markup over the expected total, and we are certain the consumption did not come anywhere near those figures. We closely monitored the food and beverage service throughout the night, and the numbers they reported are, frankly, a work of fiction. We presented our discrepancy to Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square Director of Catering, Sherry Mostaghim, but no refund was provided or a discussion of our evidence. We escalated to the General Manager, Karla Erales, but were unable to secure any refund or an audit of the bill. Their billing math does not add up to reality: Alcohol Consumption: The invoice claims 28 bottles of wine were served to just 19 guests in 90 minutes. The 28 wine bottles equates to 8 glasses per person, per hour—a physical impossibility. Even over three hours, the total volume of wine and liquor billed would average 12 drinks per person. Given the demographic of our guests, this volume is not just impossible; it is an egregious fabrication. If this bill were accurate, the staff would have needed to call ambulances, not present an invoice. Charcuterie Boards: We authorized $42 in charges for boards; we were billed $375. Sodas: We were charged for 57 sodas despite there being only four children present. We had read other negative reviews before booking and were specifically assured by management that we would have no issues. We felt that our invoice was significantly padded, and it seemed they assumed we would not scrutinize the charges. When confronted with clear evidence that the billed consumption was physically impossible, they chose to hide behind rigid, dismissive policy rather than correct their mistake. Do not trust the management at Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square. They are unwilling to engage with reality, let alone provide honest service. Save your money and your sanity—find a venue that actually respects its customers.