The Melrose Hotel Washington Rating: 3.5 Pearls

West End, Washington, D.C., United States

A Superior Room

Don't be fooled by the Melrose's deceptively elegant lobby, which has high ceilings, gleaming floors, and a stately feel. Things look rather different behind closed doors. The rooms at this 240-room hotel haven't been updated since 2001 and sign of wear and tear are all too evident. I saw chipped paint, peeling wallpaper, stained carpets, mold on the bathroom ceiling, and old pizza sauce left in the microwave -- all in my room. It also smelled dank and musty. One guest I spoke with, and countless TripAdvisor reviews, confirmed that my room wasn't an exception. Hotel management is "hoping" for a renovation in 2010. I wouldn't recommend a stay here at least until this happens.

Most rooms range from 400 to 425 square feet; some have pullout sofas and kitchenettes that include a dorm-size fridge (mine had mold in it), coffeemaker, and microwave. Tech amenities include a 32-inch flat-screen TVs and safes, but not much else -- my room didn't even come with a pad of hotel stationery. Bedspreads are thin, yellow, and polyester; sheets are cheap; and the pillows are lumpy. Rust, grime and mold are visible on the tiles in the shower; grime and what I think was a piece of gum were under the molding around the vanity.

I found the bellmen to be warm and cheerful, but service at the front desk can be gruff. When I called to inform the staff I couldn't access the in-room Wi-Fi, I was told, tersely: "There's nothing I can do about it. I can give you the number to tech support." (Since my stay, the Wi-Fi has apparently drastically improved) The front desk staff doubles as concierge, and a question about nearby Italian restaurants yielded a Xeroxed list of restaurants in the neighborhood.

Features include a small gym with new equipment, including six pieces of Star Trac cardio and a full set of weights. But it's located on the basement level with no natural light. There's also a windowless business center with two computers and two printers (charged per minute for Internet access), and the skippable Landmark Restaurant and Library Bar, both off the lobby.

In short, there's no reason to stay at the Melrose when there are two great options within blocks of the hotel, including the Washington Suites, which is practically next door, and the especially charming River Inn, two blocks down the street.

View on a Larger Map

The hotel has a convenient location on the southern edge of the West End, which is decidedly sleepier than more historic Georgetown, a 10- to 15-minute walk away. The downside to the vicinity is that there aren't a ton of restaurants, cafes or signs of life -- for that, you'll need to head to Dupont Circle, a 15- to 20-minute walk (or quick taxi), or to nearby Georgetown.

• A five-minute walk from the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro stop
• a 10- to 20-minute walk to the heart of Georgetown
• Trader Joe's across the street, great for stocking up on snacks, but you might want to think twice about storing them in your moldy fridge
• Five- to 10-minute walk to George Washington University
• 20- to 25-minute walk or five- to 10-minute taxi to sights like the White House and Lincoln Memorial
• 15- to 20-minute walk, two Metro stops (including a transfer), or five- to 10-minute taxi to Dupont Circle