City Express by Marriott Washington, DC Northeast

We picked this hotel because it’s a five-minute walk from Echostage. The room was great, with a little kitchen area and mini fridge, and the soft beds and pillows were especially comfortable. Service was fine, and there’s a pool, a small hot tub, and free breakfast, though we slept too late to try it. The noon checkout was handy, but a staff member knocked a few hours earlier to ask if we were checking out that day. Just be aware parking costs $17 a day, even for guests.

The shuttle to Union Station was the standout for me. It runs at 6:15, 7:15, and 8:15 in the morning and evening, and from there you can walk to the National Mall and nearby attractions. The hotel felt adequately secure, and the amenities are hard to beat, though the location was the reason I took off a star. Coming from Maryland it didn’t seem too bad, but the shuttle route showed we weren’t far from crime-stricken parts of the city. Better neighborhoods are available. I booked with reward points and worried it might not go through, but the hotel handled it well. Breakfast was good, the pool and workout room were clean, and there’s pleasant outdoor space. My room was clean and comfortable, the AC worked well, and the shower pressure was consistently just right.

We had a king suite, and it was easily the best part: roomy and comfortable. The staff were very friendly, and the breakfast and dining area were great too. I loved everything about the hotel and would definitely stay again if I’m in the area. I’d give it 10 stars if I could.

Breakfast had a good selection and was tasty. The room had a Keurig and a decent, if unremarkable, range of TV channels, but it felt dated. Both beds sagged to one side, which made the mattresses seem very old. The lobby has been updated, but the guest rooms mostly haven't.