Above average Hotel at a Premium Price
I stayed on business at Sofitel D.C. from October 22 – October 26, 2012. 
Exterior
The hotel itself could be lost among the many similar sized buildings along 15th and H Street. A pair of French and American flags flank the European hotel, and a small Bistro hugs the corner of the hotel. The sidewalk is clean and doormen greet you upon arrival. Right down the street is the Treasury and the White House, so the “neighborhood” isn’t too shabby.
Lobby
The lobby is on the smaller side and it’s a small walk to the reception desk to be checked in. The faux French accent is cute, but is discarded as soon as you identify yourself as a guest. 
Room
The room seemed to be in order when I walked in. A medium sized HD TV mounted on a swivel pedestal provides a good viewing range and some very nice HD stations. The furniture was modern and contemporary. Given the hotel’s location, your room view may vary greatly. My view spanned a short alley directly into an office building. I was shocked to see that other people worked longer hours than I. Such is the life of a resident in D.C. I suppose.
The room featured very nice accent lighting that is within easy reach of the bed. Light control is good overall, and sound management is average.
Note that the bed, while extremely comfortable, includes no fitted sheets. You sleep right under the comforter. The comforter had a couple stains, and there were a few hairs on the bed under the comforter.
Bathroom
The bathroom featured a very nice hairdryer, but inexplicitly the ironing board was micro-sized. This was a clear indicator that Sofitel expects you to make use of dry cleaning services.
A full-sized mirror in the hall faces the bathroom for those that have ever wondered what they look like relieving themselves. The counter is granite, and the floor is great looking tile. The shower features an oversized showerhead positioned high above a very attractive tiled shower. 
The bathroom’s vanity mirror is lit in a square pattern. This light reflects distinctly off of your eyes and it gives you a luxurious feeling.
Unfortunately the bathroom had hair on the sink counter against the wall - an area that likely gets little attention during housekeeping. It was quite repulsive. Also, there was a large insect - about an inch and a half long, with centipede-like legs that apparently had taken up residence in the bathroom behind the toilet. I was disappointed that it had checked out by day 3 - I was developing a relationship with it. There was only one washcloth and one hand-towel? Why?
Other Services
I used the computer room since internet was extra; the toner cartridge needed replacement in one of the two available laser printers. The other printer’s cartridge was fine. Why am I in the computer room? Because Sofitel charges extra for internet. Now that’s not unheard of, but charging for internet after paying the Sofitel premium?
There is also a bar, a bistro and a dining room, none of which I used but they appeared well attended by other patrons. 
Summary
I expect to encounter SOME problems in any hotel, but not ALL of these problems in a hotel that costs nearly $500 per night. At the right price I think Sofitel would be a good hotel choice. Its centrally located near major attractions and downtown hot-spots and quite likely my problems were aberrations and not the rule.