The Washington Grande Hotel is an independent that was formerly the Holiday Inn Washington Downtown. It is a mid-range offering located on Thomas Circle, within easy walking distance of the McPherson Square Metro Station. We found the rooms to be decently sized, furnished, and maintained. Housekeeping was excellent, and the hotel has a friendly, helpful staff. There is a bar and restaurant off the lobby. The immediate neighborhood doesn't offer much in the way of lively nightlife, but there are some coffee shops, restaurants, and shopping possibilities in the McPherson Square area. Beyond that, it's a reasonable cab ride to more animated neighborhoods, and it provided an excellent alternative to far more costly options nearby.
While this should not be confused with a deluxe hotel, we found it to be a decent value and not a dive.