Homewood Suites by Hilton Washington, D.C. Downtown

The Wednesday evening manager’s reception and the breakfast each day were better than average, with attentive staff who clearly care about their guests. The service was excellent, and the location was convenient. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, though a little dated. I’d use this hotel again.

This is mostly about breakfast, because they really know how to do it right. The fresh brewed coffee was strong and smelled like it would wake you right up. There were five creamers to choose from: milk, half n’ half, almond milk, hazelnut non-dairy, and French vanilla non-dairy. And chicken carnitas tacos for breakfast! They came with salsa, cheddar, cream cheese, red onion, and Tabasco. How good does that sound?

I liked the apartment-style layout, especially having two TVs. I could watch something in the living room and kitchenette area at odd hours without disturbing my partner. The rooms were spacious, clean, and pretty much what I expected from this good-value downtown DC hotel. A couple of website details didn’t line up. I didn’t ask about late checkout, but early check-in has a fee if you arrive very early. Before 1 p.m. seems to cost $50, while after 1 p.m. has no extra charge. The QR code by the TV says Netflix is available, but the TVs aren’t smart TVs. That surprised me, though it wasn’t a big deal for me. Breakfast runs from 6 to 9 a.m., earlier than the 10 a.m. end time I’m used to. Around 8, it got chaotic and food would often run out. Nothing major, but it was more hectic than at most hotels I’ve stayed in, so I’d give it four stars instead of five.

Finding the entrance was confusing. Most of our Uber drivers missed it, six out of eight. After walking around DC all day, I also missed having a restaurant or room service on site. That said, the one-bedroom suite was quiet, clean, comfortable, and roomy enough for a couple or small family. The staff were friendly and helpful, and breakfast had a good range of items, though it really needs waffle makers or a pancake machine. I’d stay here again.