The River Inn

Quiet and modest, River Inn has a residential scale, appropriate as it once was an apartment complex. But its lobby has a certain dark sophistication, with low ceilings, marble floors and walls, mid-century leather furniture, and a striking illuminated space divider with tree branch patterns. DISH + Drinks restaurant and bar is just off the lobby and is similarly dark and cozy, with heaps of black furniture and a dose of whimsy in the form of several large-scale Weimaraner photos. Overall, it's appealing, though not out of the ordinary for a mid-range hotel. Many of the guests here are extended-stay business travelers, several of whom are in town on business at nearby institutions such as the Kennedy Center, George Washington University, the World Bank, and the Red Cross.

The River Inn is located on a quiet residential street lined with row houses in Foggy Bottom. It’s near George Washington University and the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro stop, both about five minutes away on foot. While a safe neighborhood, it’s pretty sleepy at night and not particularly close to many top attractions, although there are several restaurants near the GWU campus. Georgetown is a 15- to 20-minute walk from the hotel, while the Kennedy Center is about 10 minutes on foot. A Trader Joe’s grocery store is a five-minute walk away. Top attractions such as the White House and the Lincoln Memorial are a five- to 10-minute taxi ride or a little over 20 minutes on foot. Reagan National Airport is 15 minutes driving or 20 minutes by train, and Dulles International Airport is 35 to 40 minutes by car or around two hours by train.

The comfortable Studio and One-Bedroom suites in this former apartment complex are decorated in soft earth tones that are made brighter by lots of natural light from large windows. Black-and-white nature-theme photos add a homey touch. Amenities include sleeper sofas, safes, and big desks, and One-Bedroom suites have small dining tables and additional flat-screen TVs. All units have full kitchens with bland, white-laminate countertops and cabinets, full fridges, stoves, microwaves, coffeemakers, and utensils. The bathrooms are a bit more modern, with gray marble tiling and shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads. Their pedestal sinks give little space beyond a ledge, but roomy granite shelves just outside the bathrooms face mirrors and provide plenty of space for toiletries. Some units look out over the Potomac River, while some from the top floors have distant views of the Washington Monument.

Unusual for an apartment-style hotel, the River Inn has a rather extensive list of features including a full-service restaurant and bar -- DISH + Drinks -- serving contemporary American cuisine for all meals. The Inn also has a free cocktail reception on weekdays, and it offers a free grocery shopping service at the nearby Trader Joe's. Its 24/7 fitness center is rather small, but includes a few Life Fitness cardio machines and some free weights. Free loaner bicycles also are available, ideal for exploring beyond the hotel's residential area. The business center has multiple computers and printers, and meeting space for up to 50 people is available. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the hotel. There's also a guest laundry room on the property, and guests can have items professionally laundered or dry cleaned through the front desk. Pets are welcome for a small surcharge. Parking is a valet only and a bit expensive.