Hotel is not attractive from the outside and neighborhood is not fantastic. However, the inside of the hotel was nicely decorated and our room was clean and comfortable. It was advertised as walking distance to the National Mall, and we had no difficulty making the walk to and from the Smithsonian museums (about a 20 minute walk with school-age kids). The immediate neighborhood appears to be under improvement with new construction and while it was somewhat shabby, it seemed clean and safe. However, I would not have made this walk at night. Overall, it was a good choice, especially considering the price was very reasonable. A few issues we had... we were supposed to have free (hot) breakfast and the breakfast offered was a continental breakfast. Also, the package only included two breakfast vouchers (not specified when we booked), but the breakfast was only 3.99 a person, which was a fair deal. Windows are very old, sash-style windows that were able to be fully opened - at least in our room. We were on the second floor, but I would be very concerned about the safety of small children, especially on the upper floors. The front desk staff was efficient, but not particularly friendly. However, staff in the breakfast room were polite and helpful. Finally, the website for the hotel had many inaccuracies in regards to the restaurant and breakfast and doesn't appear to have been updated recently, so check with the hotel before checking in!

If you can strike a deal go for it,otherwise you would be better off staying somewhere more within walking distance to attractions. Parking was a bit of a hassle and hotel is located off a busy highway. Also hotel is located near a less than attractive neighborhood.

It is such a wonderful hotel. It's so professional and gorgeous! The lobby is beautiful, and I wish I had seen other rooms but I'm sure they're just as pretty. We were on the 6th floor. Great room, nothing really fancy. Simple and how I like it. The bed was comfortable, the tv was nice, the bathroom was cute. Best part was the view from our bed: The Capitol Building! So awesome! There wasn't free breakfast. I couldn't access the internet on my netbook when I brought it but my phone got internet so it didn't matter. And they put a $50 hold on your credit card when you check in and if you use the internet on the tv or go to the hotel restaurant they keep the $50, but we didn't use that so they put the $50 right back in. No big deal but I wish they told you that from the beginning. Otherwise, fantastic! Highly recommended!

My first impression was not good, but in the end it was not all that bad.