Wonderful first experience in DC
Where do I start? This was our first trip to DC, and it was just my daughter and I, so I wanted to make sure we were in a good location that was safe and where the staff would be helpful. The Liason was perfect in all regards. 
Amber and Josephine (Concierge) were there to help us as soon as we arrived with local places to eat ("West Wing Cafe", great for healthy snacks, lunch and breakfast) as well as the three tours we took (highly recommend). These ladies are wonderful and very helpful and knowledgeable. Van checked us in with a smile on his face and wonderful (Happy!) attitude...the hotel clearly has gone back to "customer service matters" and it IS working, setting them apart from a few of the other places we have been. (Even housekeeping was friendly as she walked by us.) There was not one moment that we did not see a staff member who did not smile and say hi. (Great job management...as I know you read the reviews! That customer service thing!!)
"Art and Soul" downstairs...great food. My daughter said it is the BEST burger she has ever (ever) had and ate one everyday we were there. Soul food at it's best! :) (The red wine by the glass..?? Not so yummy. But, I love a GOOD cab....just sayin'!) The evening touch with candles around the lobby, very nice too. 
The rooms are small, re-done, and nice very overall. The beds though...have not slept on a more comfortable bed/pillow/comforter combo in a hotel, ever. Very good night sleep (although walls are typical hotel thin, and I woke to a few doors slamming, hallway noise, and other room noises...but I am a light sleeper anyway....my daughter slept through it all.) 
Fitness room is small, but it gets the job done! Nice and brand new treadmills and other equipment. When rooftop pool area opens for the season, it will be a lovely place to hang out. (See photos...it looks just like that!)
There is a very nice "energy" in this hotel...not sure if it's the lobby and the way the hotel encourages you to use it, the happy staff, the atmosphere, the guests....or just the way it all 'clicks"...whatever it is, its nice. Very positive and good. We truly enjoyed our stay at The Liason.
*All photos hotel has posted are very accurate. I would not bother renting a car, expecially if you fly in to Reagan (was $16.00 cab fare to hotel, with no traffic). Parking is hard to find and expensive, (I think hotel charge is also very expensive overnight, but am not sure...we took taxi's). Taxi's are so available as well as Metro, it's just easier to use other methods. If you do the tours, the bus takes you and there is no need for car (you won't want to try to deal with parking anyway). This hotel is so close to many things, we walked a lot (wear good shoes!).