Description: When we were booking this trip, my wife and I decided that we wouldn't worry as much about cost as the right place to stay. This hotel certainly was the right place. It is across the street from the McPherson Square Metro station, so getting there from Reagan airport was a breeze. Getting passes for the Metro meant that we could easily travel around without a car. And being only a few blocks from the White House, meant there was always something interesting nearby.
The staff were friendly and very helpful. Perhaps what happened as we checked in is a good example of the thoughtfulness of the staff. When checking in I mentioned that it was our 27th wedding anniversary. When we returned to our room after eating that night, we found a bottle of champagne and a tray of truffles and strawberries dipped in chocolate waiting for us. (I have to say that this really bailed me out for not having bought anything for an anniversary gift.) When we had questions about where to go or where to eat, the bellman always had a suggestion. The pool in the hotel was small (it looks bigger in the pictures) but that was fine since I swim like a rock. The trips to the pool were more to cool off after a day out in the heat than to do laps.
The hotel restaurant was a concern for us. All the reviews we read talked about how expensive it was. For dinner, it was comparable to other area restaurants (see my review). For breakfast is was pricey if you just want a simple breakfast. It always had a buffet, so paying $14 isn't so bad if you eat enough, but there are other breakfast options around.
The convenience to the White House meant that every night we could take a walk after dinner to do some people watching. Also to walk off some of the calories we consumed at supper. As with any big city, the nearby benches fill up near dark with the bench residents, so nighttime walking alone here is not recommended.
Since we didn't see everything we wanted to, and will have to go back, we'll get another crack at this hotel to see if it is as great the second time around.
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