Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG

The room wasn't quite the romantic setting I wanted for Valentine's, and it wasn't exactly what I'd booked. I blame Priceline, not the hotel. Still, the staff were friendly, the place was clean, and the room worked fine. Breakfast was the highlight. It cost a little extra, but the lovely woman working there, who said she was in her 70s and still going strong, offered to comp it. She's an absolute gem and deserves a standing ovation.

Update: I found a water dispenser near the back elevator, and there's a pizza place and McDonalds connected to the hotel. The pizza place is excellent. It's been a nice place to stay, with clean rooms and beds and helpful staff, but at first it felt like I was being nickel and dimed. A bottle of water costs $4.15, there are no refill stations, and I thought there were no nearby stores. Breakfast is buffet only and costs $27 a person. Restaurants close on Saturdays and Sundays. I later found out that the water dispenser is there, and that food options include the pizza place and McDonalds.

We traveled with our grandchildren, and the staff were all friendly with the kids. The rooms were spacious for a great price, and the breakfast buffet was fresh with good variety every morning. We also ate at the 21st Amendment. The menu was limited, but the food was tasty and the kids' meals were generous. We had a great experience overall.

For five nights, the friendly staff were accommodating and the rooms were spacious and newly remodeled. The fitness area was nice, though the pool was closed for the season since I visited in November. Starbucks is attached, with a few eateries and McDonalds just down the block. It's a quick walk to the metro hub and the National Mall, and you can't beat the price.