Residence Inn Washington, DC/Capitol

Set in D.C.'s compact southwest quadrant, this 13-story hotel with 233 suite-style rooms opened in 2005. Like the majority of D.C. hotels, it's consistently popular with businesspeople and lobbyists during the week (it's encircled by federal buildings), and families during weekends, who come for the spacious suites with full kitchens, free breakfasts, and indoor pool, plus the convenient location that's within walking distance of several top attractions. Interiors are inviting, with contemporary decor that's more stylish than chainlike. The bright lobby is dotted with seating clusters and is complete with a gas fireplace, making for a pleasant space to while away some time working, waiting, or watching the flat-screen TV. The cappuccino color scheme is complemented by pops of violet in abstract art on the walls, and knick-knacks artfully line a bookshelf. Overall, it makes for a pleasant base for either business travelers or tourists wishing to sightsee.

Right above outdoor Amtrak train tracks (rumbling can be an issue), the hotel is located in an essentially lifeless part of the city's southwest quadrant right across the street from NASA headquarters. There aren't many dining options nearby -- but it's close to several top tourist attractions. The Smithsonian Museums are within a 10- to 20-minute walk of the hotel (the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is the closest one). The National Mall and the U.S. Capitol are within a 15-minute walk. The White House can be reached in about 12 minutes by car or 17 minutes via public transportation. The Federal Center SW Metro station is two blocks away (two-minute walk). L'Enfant Plaza Metro station is  a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Union Station is around a 10-minute drive away or 20 minutes via public transportation. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is a 10-minute drive away or a half-hour by metro. Dulles International Airport is a 35- to 50-minute drive (depending on traffic) or about an hour via public transit.

These spacious suites feature tasteful contemporary decor. Navy blue accent walls pop against neutral hues, which are paired with sleek wooden furnishings. Gray carpeting covers some floors, and many suites have attractive wooden flooring. They're large: Studios start at 510 square feet (46 square meters), while One- and Two-Bedroom Suites range from 450 square feet (41 square meters) to 790 square feet (71 square meters). Studios feature living areas, while suites have separate living rooms (all have pullout sofas), plus all have kitchens with stoves, dishwashers, microwaves, full fridges, Keurig coffeemakers, and cooking-ware. Other standard amenities in all units include work desks, flat-screen TVs, phones, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are fairly plain and chainlike, but they're clean. They're equipped with granite-topped sink vanities and shower/tub combos. Some rooms add extras like private balconies. Note that train noise from the nearby tracks can be audible in some rooms.

The hotel offers a solid set of features, though one key item is missing -- a full restaurant. All suites have kitchens though, so guests can self cater, plus a free hot breakfast buffet is served in the mornings. The Residence Inn Mix is another perk, with free food and drinks and a chance to socialize with other guests. It's hosted three nights a week. There's also a market selling snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and sundries.Fitness facilities are a bit small, but a solid set of varied equipment offers a chance to get a workout in. There's also an indoor pool and hot tub. Other amenities offered include free Wi-Fi throughout, a business corner in the lobby with computers and printers, and coin-operated laundry facilities. The hotel has 3,248 square feet of meeting and event space and seven meeting rooms.