Capital Hill Convenience
I have been staying at this property for just over 30 years on almost weekly business trips. It has gone through several brand changes and the Affinia brand (Liaison) is by far the best of the lot. There is a very good restaurant (Art and Soul) run by celebrity Chef Art Smith, and a rooftop swimming pool which I have loved always. Room service and drinks are available poolside and just a great place to relax in the middle of the Capital. There is also a small and well-maintained gym on the top floor which I use sporadically. Nice treadmills. Speaking of the middle of the Capital this is about as good as it gets for being within walking distance of the political scene and the National Mall which is of course where the majority of the sightseeing is. Literally a couple blocks from the US Capital and the AMTRAK train station. The real gem here is the staff. The hotel management does an outstanding job of hiring wonderfully personable, knowledgeable and capable employees, from the doormen to the front desk to the ever polite cleaners and the intelligent/friendly management. Prices are a bit high but given the location you can see why. Specials are often available (especially on weekends when the politicos and businesspersons are absent) so keep an eye open for that or just call and ask. One of my favorite hotels anywhere for sure. I left out the fifth star only because it just does not make it into the real luxury of what I would consider a "luxurious" property.