Great & Safe Location, Comfortable Stay
I found this location had great reviews and their reviews were pretty accurate. I am giving a 4.3/4 star, as I agree with others that have said the STAFF are super! They are a differentiators for a great review. Others give 5, but I think a 5 goes to really special locations, and this is very close. They almost get that. 
Carlyle has figured out how to treat guests well. They are well trained and helpful whenever you talk or walk by them. David and Carlos were very helpful and informative at check-in, and helped me find great places to eat. I saw them help other guests as well. For example, I observed David gave a guest his cell phone # because the guest had a problem that if needed to be fixed later, to call him on his cell and he will help the guest. The breakfast is reasonably priced ($12 buffet), decent selection, and the staff are very nice as well. To get on any room floor at any time, you need your room card to do so.
Here's the good stuff.. this is a great location, and priced reasonably if you want to have a safe location not far from Dupont Circle. So many people walk in the area, that you should feel safe walking around in the dark. In addition, the location is not far from 17th street where there are restaurants, stores, and a safeway. The reason for knowing there is a Safeway nearby is because the hotel has rooms with a stove, sink and small refrigerator. So, you can fill in your refridge with fresh food and deli items. The rooms are well appointed, with flat panel TV's, modern appointments, and portable phones. Rooms have free WiFi and the beds are comfortable. Breakfast was great and reasonably priced compared to other venues I have stayed at. I had a GREAT room, as I requested a room away from the noise creators that disrupt my sleep at night. There is a bar that has great seating and a great, attentive bartender.
As for why I did not give it a 5.. you have to request and get delivered ice, as the Ice machine is not accessible to guests. So be prepared to call the front desk for Ice, and have a tip ready as well. Because the location is more residential, you don't get taxi's easily, so if you have to get somewhere quick, give yourself time to wait for a taxi to drive by empty! I should have asked the front desk to call a cab, rather than wait for a cab to drive by with one of the bellmen in the street. In using the clothes Iron, the flat plate was covered with gunk that I did not realize was on the plate and it screwed up my shirt. I gave the front desk the Iron. They were apologetic and sympathetic, and offered to give me another Iron quickly. I was ready for bed so I passed on the offer, but advised them to have staff look at the Iron if it is used. also, the rooms are not that "private" as the walls are not thick enough to reduce noise with neighbors. The walls are not thin, but the noise is there. In fairness, this is fairly typical with other venues I stayed nearby, so $ for $, this location is far superior. I can see why people will review with 5's... and I debated it for a long time... I will come back as this is a safe, and reasonably priced venue near but not next to Dupont Circle (4-5 blocks to Circle or Metro).