Melrose Georgetown Hotel

Originally built in 1947 as an apartment complex, the eight-floor property was renovated in 2012. While its boxy white facade is unremarkable, inside the hotel there's a refreshed feel. Decor is a stylish blend of classic and modern, including in the gray and white lobby that incorporates soft tufted furniture, shiny marble floors, and shelves of books -- including many literary classics. Shiny metallic light fixtures, cork accent walls, and oversized paintings add some exuberance to the space. Hallways have a pleasant smell -- a special Molton Brown fragrance -- and a glass, geometric chandelier illuminates the staircase. Guests are a mix of tourist couples and families, along with business travelers drawn to the ample event space and central location. The Lounge, a spacious venue off the lobby, serves cocktails and nightly happy hour, and is a popular spot for guests to relax after a day out exploring the sights or working. 

The hotel is located on Pennsylvania Avenue, a busy six-lane road stretching from DC's West End to the U.S. Capitol building. A handful of restaurants, condo buildings, and a church are nearby, but the immediate neighborhood is relatively sleepy compared to lively Dupont Circle (a 20-minute walk northeast) and Georgetown (a 15-minute walk west). Unlike its website implies, the hotel is located in the West End, not Georgetown. The White House is a 20-minute walk away, or it's a 10- to 15-minute drive to both the White House and the National Mall are a 10- to 15-minute drive away. It's a convenient location, with public transportation options nearby, so having a car is not necessarily a must. It's also about a five-minute walk to the Foggy Bottom-GWU metro station, and there's a hop-on hop-off bus stop on the corner. Dulles International Airport is a 30- to 40-minute drive away. 

Rooms are sophisticated and spacious, starting at 400 square feet. Decor is modern and understated in shades of gray and brown, with some lime-green accents. American history-themed original artwork along with distinctive pieces such as U.S. Constitution wallpaper decorate the rooms. Each room has a nook area where a kitchen was once located when the building was an apartment complex. In some rooms, these nooks hold work areas that are well lit, and equipped with executive desks and two-line speaker phones. Beds are big and comfy with Serta pillow-top mattresses and plush, oversize pillows. Standard amenities include 37- or 42-inch flat-screen TVs and Bose radio docking stations. Coffeemakers with coffee and tea, mini-fridges stocked with bottled water and sodas, and fancy snack selections are in all rooms. Bathrooms are done in marble and black granite and have shower/tub combos and upscale Molton Brown bath amenities. Bathrobes are provided along with sleep masks and a pillow menu. Basic Wi-Fi is free, while faster service comes with extra fees. Safes are provided. Executive King Suites measure 600 square feet and have separate bedrooms, living rooms, and dining tables for four. 

The Jardenea restaurant serves above-average farm-to-table cuisine for breakfast (not included with rates), lunch, and dinner. Portions are generous and there's an emphasis on seasonal, regional ingredients. Free coffee and tea are available in the lobby every morning. There's also a cafe a couple of doors down from the hotel that sells breakfast and lunch items, and is a bit less expensive than the hotel restaurant. The Lounge overlooking Pennsylvania Avenue serves craft cocktails, share plates, and has happy hour drinks. Six event and meeting spaces, measuring between 300 and 2,458 square feet, have state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and high-speed Wi-Fi. The 24-hour fitness center is unusually stylish, with gray shelving, clean white walls, and hardwood floors. There is modern equipment including cardio machines and free weights, plus towels and TVs. The hotel is pet-friendly, for a one-time fee, and offers beds, bowls, and treats. Parking is valet only and pricey. Doorman an luggage service are nice extras.