4 of us travelled to Washington DC in late July 2007.

While searchng for a hotel to stay out we found out that hotels in DC are very expensive and fill up pretty fast so you have to reserve a hotel well in advance.

To be honest, the Mariott Courtyard Washington Embassy Row hotel was the only hotel that had a room available for us so we went ahead and booked in even though we would have liked to have paid a little less for our room.

We found that there is free espresso coffee in the lobby, free internet access, free cookies or muffins in the morning in the lobby.

Bathroom was big and clean with big tub. Room was big and clean and looked out onto the Street. No traffic noise. No noise from other rooms. (Note to Australian travellers: this hotel is just across from the Australian embassy so if anything happens you're staying at the right place !!) Great position - within reasonable walking distance to the White House and all other important buildings. When we were there the White House was fenced off for some reason so you couldn't really get a good look at it.

TIP FOR DAYTIME: The hop-on hop-off sightseeng bus that goes around to the various hot spots.

TIP FOR BREAKFAST: The Nage - right next to the hotel on the ground floor (you can go through to the restaurant through the interconnecting door from the hotel lobby). Great waitresses there at The Nage. Nice decor.

TIP FOR DINNER: The Nage again. We went to The Nage for dinner on our last night in DC here. Charming waiter and delicious food (though expensive but didn't mind because the food was good).

Like other Courtyard's I've stayed at, there is never anything that really makes me want to say "this was a great stay". It was definitely a good stay though. I was here on business. Check-in was fast, the room was clean, the property was clean. Here are a couple things that did stand out:

- WEIRD, kind of creepy pool area way down in the basement, actually one level below the workout area. I think whoever takes care of the pool area misunderstood the instruction "make the pool very clean" with "make the pool very green". The jacuzzi was nice though.
- Convenient location, pretty close to White House, maybe a 20 minute walk.
- The Nage restaurant. I was surprised that Marriott let the restaurant put the following phrase on their advertisement card in the room: "This is not Marriott food". Are they saying Marriott food is bad and their's is better or Marriott food is awesome and their food stinks? Anyway, I ordered what sounded like it was going to be a huge steak and it turned out to be just a little bigger than a golf ball (see picture). It was excellent though, as was the asaparagus and potato pancake-like side.

Bottom line: The place was clean, quiet and convenient. I would stay here again.

Very nice hotel clean up-to-date rooms a bit on the pricey side but no complaints here. Internet access was a bit in and out so be prepared.

We were able to book this hotel with a fantastic special. (especially if you are travelling with a large family like I am!)
Right now they have a Family Fun Package advertised. You must stay two nights. You get a second room for your kids at 50% off!! I got our room for $109. If you book online, your total doesn't show the 50% for second room, but if you call and book they'll explain that it'll be correct at checkout.
- Two nights in a quality room
- 50 per cent discount on the second room for the kids
- Free pay per view movie
- Spongebob Squarepants themed room and amenity for the kids
- Hand-made chocolates
- Large tote for carrying around everything you will need
- Munchies and spring water
- Maps and area information
- Four Metro passes

The two rooms were a FABULOUS value if travelling in DC with children. We weren't too far to walk to attractions and everything was as advertised in the special. The bathrooms were super clean and the rooms were SPACIOUS! The children loved the HUGE plasma tv's in each room! WOW, what a great place.