Kimpton George Hotel

The George is an upscale boutique property housed in a nine-story, predominantly red-brick building on a busy road. Inside, the lobby features modern decor with plenty of nods to the hotel's presidential namesake (George Washington), including a couple of colorful Pop Art depictions of the dollar bill and a second mural of the president. The overall vibe is contemporary, if a little sterile, with a mix of plush chairs and sofa styles atop a printed carpet suited for a corporate office. A baby grand piano sits off to one side. Due to the hotel's location in Capitol Hill, it attracts both tourists and business travelers, and is aimed at a slightly hipper, youngish set. Still, plenty of families stay here, and kids might appreciate the free popcorn and lemonade at the nightly wine hour. 

The George is located in Washington D.C.'s Capitol Hill area, near federal buildings, law offices, courthouses, and Georgetown Law School. The area is pretty quiet at night, but there are a few restaurants in the area for evening entertainment. It's a five-minute walk to the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, and the National Postal Museum, while getting to the White House takes around 15 minutes on foot. Reagan National Airport takes 15 to 20 minutes without traffic, while it takes anywhere between 45 minutes and upwards of an hour to reach Dulles International Airport. Union Station, D.C.'s main train station (serviced by Amtrak and the metro) is a five-minute walk away.

The George offers six room types plus one Presidential Suite, all with similar furnishings and amenities. All have a navy, gray, beige, and off-white color scheme, with striped carpets incorporating all four colors and navy bed skirts and runners. Throw cushions are designed to resemble an 18th-century men's button-down jacket, a nod to the colonial past, while accent walls feature cursive reproductions of George Washington's first inaugural address. Most rooms have one king-size bed or one or two queens, and some add sleeper sofas, which families will likely appreciate. All rooms have big desks with lots of ports for electronics, safes, Nespresso coffeemakers, minibars, irons/ironing boards, animal-print robes, umbrellas, and yoga mats. The Presidential Suite adds a dining area for up to four people. Bathrooms are sleek and modern, with shower/tub combos (or a separate tub and walk-in shower in the Presidential Suite), plus wall-mounted toiletries and large vanity areas with lovely sconce-style light fixtures and plenty of counter space.

The restaurant, Bistro Bis, serves French-inspired food at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus brunch on the weekends. Private dining is also available in the restaurant's mezzanine area, and room service is available when the restaurant is open. The George also offers four meeting rooms with audiovisual equipment, plus catering on request. There's also a small business corner with a computer and printer, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. The reasonably well-equipped fitness center has cardio machines and free weights, and the hotel has its own loaner bikes available. There's no spa, but in-room spa treatments and massages can be arranged. Valet parking is available for a fee (guests with hybrid and electric cars get discounts) and pets (including both cats and dogs of all sizes) are welcome for free, as at all Kimpton hotels. Loaner pet beds and bowls are on hand. There's also a daily wine hour with free tastings seven days a week and free newspapers on weekdays. Note that the hotel charges a daily facilities fee. Local and long-distance calls are included.