Arc The. Hotel

On the whole, this is a hotel that embraces basic substance over any sense of style. Even so, it serves the needs of travelers who simply want a clean room in a safe neighborhood, but don't need their hotel to serve as a social hub. The lack of any common areas for hanging out keeps noise to a minimum, though the ground-floor restaurant and bar ostensibly serve that purpose for the socially inclined. It's located just two blocks from George Washington University, so many of the guests often have a connection to the college, such as parents or friends of current students, as well as potential students and their families. Frugal business travelers and everyday tourists also land here, largely due to the hotel’s affordable prices (though that comes with a bit of distance from many of the city’s most popular attractions).

With the name University Inn, the hotel certainly promises convenience, and luckily it delivers on that. In fact, George Washington University is is just two blocks away on foot. The property is also about a five-minute walk to the Foggy Bottom–GWU Metro station, providing access to the Orange, Silver, and Blue lines (each have stops near popular attractions including the White House, National Mall, and Capitol Hill). The Kennedy Center is just a 10-minute stroll, and the West End -- home to some of the city’s top dining spots -- is within 15 minutes on foot. The hotel is also two blocks from George Washington University Hospital, which unfortunately results in ambulances frequently passing by the hotel. However, the building’s solid construction keeps the noise to a minimum when windows are completely closed. National Airport is easily accessible via a 15-minute cab ride or direct 30-minute ride via the Blue Line. Expect a 90-minute drive to the city’s other nearby airports, BWI and Dulles, depending on the often unpredictable traffic.

Since the University Inn was originally an apartment building, the rooms have generous floor plans -- averaging 400 square feet (37 square meters). Even so, the bathrooms aren't proportionate and some can be a bit compact. Decor consists of Ol-World dark wood furniture with gold trimmed accent pieces, pale wallpapering, and patterned carpets -- some looking a bit worn. Beyond a few poorly sized bathrooms and uninspired style choices, all rooms have flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, microwaves, mini-fridges, safes, and coffeemakers. Free Wi-Fi and free bottled water are additional nice-to-haves. The One Bedroom King Suites and the King Efficiency Studios offer kitchenettes with cooktops and sinks. Large windows in all rooms provide plenty of natural light during the day and have thick curtains for nighttime use. Unfortunately, most rooms lack any noteworthy views, expect for a few located in hotel's rear that overlook the Potomac River and historic Georgetown.

Features cover the basics here, though there are a few extras that add value to this budget property. The hotel has a small 24-hour fitness center with an assortment of hand weights plus cardio and strength-training machines, as well as towels and bottled water. Notti Bianche is the hotel’s restaurant. It serves a basic daily breakfast as well as a dinner menu with authentic Italian dishes on most nights. Room service isn't available. The restaurant also has a small bar during dinner hours. Diners are mostly hotel guests along with the occasional local or Kennedy Center visitor who lands here for the pre-theater, pre-fixe option. A hallway nook around the corner from the lobby serves as the de facto business center, consisting of two computers and a printer. The simple outdoor patio, really the only common space aside from the restaurant, is located near the entrance of the hotel and is mostly used as a smoking area. In the morning, there's a coffee station and whole fresh fruit in the lobby. With crowded street parking, guests have the option of valet parking at a rather steep price.