When I created this blog, I knew I’d describe some camping experiences and talk about traveling in the RV. I initially thought I’d include eating reviews from places that I eat around the country when traveling, but then realized that a lot of those places are hotels or chain establishments. I decided that I didn’t want to review chains, so I haven’t written that much about hotels or restaurants. But looking back, it seems that most hotels are chains, and occasionally they are worthy of review.
For the trip to DC, we are staying at the Hampton Inn Convention Center. This hotel gets the nod for a few reasons. First it is only about a block and a half from the Convention Center, which is where I needed to spend part of the day Saturday and all day Sunday thru Tuesday. Second, the rate for a King Suite w/Sofabed was the same as the standard hotel room at the conference hotel. Thirdly, there is free breakfast each day. While I get breakfast at the conference, Lady CurbCrusher and Little CurbCrusher need to eat. Finally, free Internet.
Our experience at the hotel got off to a rocky start. Upon arriving and checking in, we went up to our room which was standard King Room. Note the guy at the desk did not reduce my rate or even say anything, he just downgraded my room without a nod. This required a trip back down to the front desk, where the other clerk moved us to the appropriate room. This was followed by two other issues with the room. The first being that the in room safe did not work (it needed a new battery) and on the second day of our stay, the toilet started running and would not flush. They took care of both of these quickly though, so I can’t complain too much.
The hotel is conveniently situated at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and 6th Street. This is about a block and a half from the Convention Center, and a bout two blocks from the Metro Station at 7th and H Streets. It is in Chinatown, and for the most part it seems like walking on the streets is safe. However, the hotel does seem to be at the edge of a neighborhood in transition. A block away from the Mall, there are dilapidated looking buildings, and people that seem to be just hanging out. But when you exit and walk toward the Mall, things look fresh (new and restored buildings, people moving through with a purpose) and feel safe.
Short version. Nice hotel room, pretty decent service, and good location and good value.