Courtyard Washington DC/US Capitol

The modern lobby on the second floor of the Courtyard Washington, DC/U.S. Capitol has a homey, urban lifestyle feel, with hints of hip design. There are lots of cozy nooks to relax, talk with colleagues, or work, including The Bistro’s bar or the in-house Starbucks. Expect to mostly business travelers here, but given its proximity to the metro, tourists use the hotel as a base for exploring the city. 

This hotel is next to the NoMA Gallaudet University metro station, making connections to business districts, downtown shopping, and the lively DuPont Circle neighborhood possible in less than 15 minutes. Several fast food restaurants surround the hotel, and there's a 7-Eleven next door. Most of D.C.'s top attractions are a metro ride away, and the hotel is just one stop from Union Station, a major metro hub and the Amtrak terminal. From there, the National Mall, White House, and Washington Convention Center can be reached in less than 20 minutes. Reagan National Airport is about a 20-minute drive (30 minutes via metro), and Dulles International Airport is roughly a 50-minute drive (75 minutes via metro). 

Guest rooms haven't been refreshed since the hotel's debut, and while they're tidy and comfortable, decor is starting to look tired. They're done in subtle earth tones that border on drab, with olive patterned carpeting, espresso wood furniture, and beige walls. Punches of orange and lavender are used throughout, but it does little to liven up the spaces. Also, the configuration of some units is awkward, as beds face windows rather than flat-screen TVs. All units come with spacious armoires and desks with office chairs, Standard Kings include sleeper sofas, and Standard Double Queens have armchairs. Larger, Executive and Two-Room Suites are also available. Standard amenities include mini-fridges, coffeemakers, safes, and free Wi-Fi, but units lack mircowaves. Bathrooms sport a similar look, and they have walk-in showers with glass doors or shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and bottled toiletries. About half of the units overlook the metro station next door, and they can be noisy. Other rooms are generally quiet, especially those on higher floors. Units start at 250 square feet.

The impressive lineup of features at Courtyard Washington, DC/U.S. Capitol does a solid job of catering to the hotel's diverse clientele. On-site dining is a highlight: The Bistro is a casual restaurant that serves breakfast for an additional charge and American classics for dinner, and there's a full-service bar and a Starbucks connected to the lobby. There's also a convenience store on-site that sells beer and wine, along with sundries and snacks. 

Wellness amenities is another highlight, with a sleek 24-hour fitness center that has several pieces LifeFitness cardio equipment and free weights, plus an indoor pool in an adjoining space. For business guests, there are six meeting rooms, with the largest capable of hosting up to 115 people, and a 24-hour business center with three computers and printers. 

Other perks include a guest laundry room with one washer/dryer, valet dry cleaning and laundry, evening room service, and concierge services that include arranging area tours. Valet is the only parking option and like many other D.C. hotels, it’s expensive, but guests have 24/7 in/out privileges. Wi-Fi throughout is free, as are weekday newspapers.