pose ultra lounge

Come for the views, but liquor prices are inflated for short pours, and the security staff take themselves much too seriously. The place is really pretty-- beautiful views of the area, from the floor to ceiling windows. It's a 2-story space with chandeliers, hardwood floor, a wide stone bar, long balcony on the outside. Even the men's bathroom is the prettiest I've seen in the DC area, with its own windows and views.But the place can't decide if it wants to be a club or a lounge, and takes itself very very seriously despite a limited admission policy. On this Saturday January visit, there were a couple of dozen people at 11:30pm in a space that could fit 250 without feeling cramped.Despite that minimal attendance, staff were exceedingly concerned when girls in our group wanted to take their stilettos off to dance (anybody who's been to a few clubs has seen girls dancing in their stocking feet, it certainly isn't a serious matter). Similarly, club staff were concerned when girls wanted to put their clutches on the floor (and dance around the spot in a circle, so not like the clutches wereout in the middle as a tripping hazard). Again, not unusual-- and there's no other spots (such as tables) in the large dance area where they could safely leave such items.If Pose is trying to be a club... actively discouraging girls from dancing means they've failed. Badly. Why have a huge dance floor, and then freak out about such small things?Drinks were very overpriced-- $13 is normalish for top-shelf with a mixer (ie, Grey Goose and tonic), but these were tiny pours in a small glass full of ice. Not a cheap place to get a buzz.... Similarly chintzy, a vodka+redbull cost an extra $3 for the splash of redbull.More weirdness: unlike properties such as W Hotels and Kimpton, which make their nightlife a destination, Pose is open only to registered hotel guests. Hotel guests can bring either 4 (regular rooms) or 8 (suite) visitors up to the club with them. I had to call to find this out...Saturday night DJ played a fine selection (club songs), and seating areas are comfortable and spread out for a little privacy (presuming they're not taken up with bottle-service customers). There's also a 2nd story VIP area but I can't imagine it being used for anything other than private events. Coatcheck available on your way up, with a dedicated elevator available.The place could stand loosening up, and allowing outside clientele in, otherwise the space would be much better used as a restaurant or an observation deck or something. Take a look if you're staying at the hotel, but plan to do your drinking and dancing elsewhere.