The Dupont Circle Hotel exceeded expectations. At half the price of the other hotels I considered, the room was small but very comfortable for two people. The design of the room was superior: there is no art in sight, but rather, the wall behind the bed is a mosaic of wood and metal leaf. Dropped ceilings with down lights at the entrance and window wall ingeniously create alcoves for the coffee maker at one side and a daybed at the other. Striped carpeting complements the leather day bed by the shuttered window, and the headboard is covered in matching leather. The marble bathroom features a radiant stone floor. All controls (for shower, lights, blackout shades, and--most important to me--the thermostat, which turns on and off without the customary delay) are easy to use and intuitive. The room was carefully and thoroughly cleaned and straightened, exceptional in an era of alternate-day cleaning. And when I'd forgotten to remove the "Do Not Disturb" sign, most impressive was the text message asking me whether I wanted the room cleaned.

Paul