The Hotel:  Capitol Hill Suites, 200 C Street, SE Washington, DC. 202-543-6000

The Skinny: A two-building, all-suite hotel (converted from apartments) that’s boutique-y in its decor. Each suite features either a kitchenette or full kitchen (with oven, stove and fridge), revamped bathrooms, Aveda bath products, and a chocolate and blue color scheme with dark wood furniture and pewter accents. A small workout room along with the breakfast room is located in building two. In-room amenities include a flat screen TV and DVD player. Complimentary continental breakfast and WiFi; just two blocks from both the Capitol and the Capitol South Metro station. Rates from $167 /night and up.

Loved: The location - perfect for exploring the Capitol end of the Washington Mall, and easy to jump on the Metro. During the week, the area teems with congressmen, staffers and lobbyists; on the weekend, it reverts to a quiet city neighborhood. The space - was traveling with my daughter and on deadline, so needed a desk and space to spread out a bit - and our room had a sofa and dinette, a kitchen and a huge closet. The bed was cushy, and we felt like we really lived on the Hill that weekend, frequenting the neighborhood eateries, jumping on the Metro and just exploring. We felt very at home when we’d return after our days of exploring, and almost felt like we lived in that neighborhood, which added a bit of fun to our trip.

But: While the A/C in the rooms worked just fine, the hallway needs help! Roasting. And the Internet connection - whether wireless or plugged in - worked intermittently. 

Rating: 3 and a half suitcases. Good value, great location, plenty of space.

Our rating system:

One suitcase: Don’t bother

Two suitcases: Paging the general manager! You’ve of some serious work to do!

Three suitcases: An issue or two, but overall a good experience

Four suitcases: Worthy of your dollars

Five suitcases: Book it at any cost