Residence Inn Washington, DC/Dupont Circle

We looked for a reasonably priced Marriott near the zoo and this one came up. It is walking distance from many restaurants and shops. We had a one-bedroom with kitchenette on an upper floor and definitely appreciated the full refrigerator! Despite the overall room size, the bedroom only had a queen bed. The living/dining area was roomy and comfortable. Maybe some of that space, or closet space, could have been used to squeeze a king bed into the bedroom. The lighting in the kitchenette was inadequate. This, some of the decor, and the a/c unit that was noisy enough to wake me up at 2:30 AM, didn’t impress me. There is onsite parking in an underground private garage but it is cramped for a larger vehicle like our van. I priced other parking but there aren’t many convenient and/or safe options nearby. Their parking is $50/night plus a parking tax for a total of $62.50/night! Their complimentary breakfast is nice and has some good variety so that’s worth a lot in this part of DC. - i.e. helps make up for some of the parking cost.

Our two bedroom suite on the sixth floor was perfect for traveling with my husband and mother. The rooms were clean and comfortable and had everything we needed. It was quiet and we all slept well on the comfortable beds. We easily walked to many restaurants and there is a small market just next door. We never waited more than 10 seconds for an elevator! The best part of this hotel, however, is the staff. Everyone (front desk, housekeeping and breakfast staff) is so friendly and accommodating. The breakfast staff are especially attentive, greeting everyone, quickly cleaning empty tables, taking dirty plates and restocking food. They joke with the kids, and travel among the tables to offer muffins or omelets. If we return to DC, we wouldn't hesitate to stay again.

I was very happy with my five days stay. The hotel is located near Dupont Circle, which is very convenient and absolutely safe. Really classy neighborhood! Their service is very good, they allowed me to stay in the same room on two different reservations and readily provided late checkout. The room was spacious, the kitchenette had all modern amenities (dishes, huge fridge, dishwasher, etc.). Comfortable bed, recently renovated bathroom… no complaints. My room was very clean and well appointed. I won’t hesitate to return.

Beware, the whole lobby is a wreck right now. You can barely get to the elevator. You have to stumble over the floors being ripped up.... There wasn't any consolation or comment when I walked in to apologize for the mess. Most places would at least give you a water bottle and/or apologize. I would not have stayed here if I knew about all the construction. Also, when I walked in, I was the only person in line. No one was behind the counter... I had to yell into the back room for help. Someone then came out and said "I'll be with you in a minute", she went back to her co-workers and they were laughing and telling stories. I then waited for her to return. It was 3:00 on a Saturday. Also, the room smelled like moth balls. I looked online for a "value priced" hotel, that was still nice. Too bad, I can't recommend this place.

This hotel has several pros but also some cons that make it 4 (or 3.5) stars. Pros: Location is good - easy access to METRO and walkable neighborhood. Staff were very kind and accommodating - friendly, polite, helpful. The staff are the standout reason to book this hotel and would be why we would return if we did. Rooms are large enough and breakfast is free. Parking is secure and underground (albeit expensive). Cons: Rooms are dated. Soft goods and bathrooms are reasonable updated and beds and pillows were fine but the carpet is tired (and stained) and the lighting is just awful in the rooms. Among the worst I’ve seen. Some of the table lamps offer great light but the bathroom lighting is yellow and dim as is the kitchen. Sofa bed is pretty uncomfortable. Room wasn’t as pictured. We booked a 2BR and one room had no dresser at all. When you open the sofa bed you can’t reach the curtains in the LR. Kitchen was much more dated than implied in photos (though entirely functional for basic food needs). Overall we were happy enough with our stay but would be much more likely to return after an update.

The Good: The staff are great. Very helpful and friendly. The rooms are a great size with everything you’ll need. The location is quiet and well located in DuPont Circle. The Bad: The sofa bed is beyond TERRIBLE. It’s so uncomfortable it’s impossible to sleep on. I got a room with a bedroom so the two of us staying in the room would each have some privacy but the sofa bed was so AWFUL to sleep on we had to share the one bed. The air conditioning works well but is very noisy. At times the bed vibrated from it which was annoying for sleep.