We stayed in this hotel for 4 nights from 8th June. Where do I start. The check-in clerk seemed very confused. There were 5 of us checking in and the person on her own was supposed to have a small room. I think we got the small room. We could hardly negotiate around the bed. The air conditioning system would have to be the most antiquated contraption I have ever seen. It consisted of a metal rod attached to something on the ceiling which had aluminium foil over the outlet. It didn't work anyway and Washington was having a heatwave. We asked for someone to look at it and the maintenance man said air was coming out but we couldn't feel it. We complained again and they supplied us with a fan. The maintenance man was very apologetic and I think a bit embarrassed. We were afraid to plug anything into the wall as the electricity connections seemed very dodgy with loose wires showing. The two restaurants attached to the hotel are not good. We were charged $15 for 2 continental breakfasts which were inadequate and which in other hotels had been included in the price. The next morning we went around the corner to a sandwich shop and got a much better breakfast for the same price. Unfortunately there are not too many eateries open later at night which are near the hotel as it is downtown, at least this was the excuse we heard. The location of the hotel is the only thing going for it. It is about 2 blocks from the White House and within walking distance of museums and the hop-on hop-off bus. The hotel is quite old and in need of some refurbishment. There is a guest laundry and free internet which is some good news. We were given a discount for the air conditioning debacle but that still would not entice me to stay at the Harrington again. Sorry.

Stayed there for two nights, just got back a week ago. The location is great for the daytime-close to almost everything. The location is not so great for the nighttime. Very noisy-it's downtown. You'll hear garbage trucks at 4:00am, people outside at all hours. It's an old building, definitely needs work, but when you pull up, you see it's an older hotel so you can say it has character. Restaurants downstairs are decent. There are plenty of restaurants surrounding it, ask at front desk for the restaurant binder. Besides the half-eaten apple under one of the beds, the room was nice enough-air conditioning worked. Shower had very low water pressure, though. Probably wouldn't stay there again, but it wasn't awful.

My husband and I just visited DC for the second time during the week of July 4th. Our first visit was in June of 2000 along with our girls. We enjoyed this hotel and decided to return for another stay with my parents. This time we stayed 6 nights and had a two room deluxe family room. I warned them that the hotel was very old and not luxurious but they were fine with staying there. From the time we arrived on Sunday until Sat. morning when we left, we were all very pleased with the hotel and were all very comfortable during our stay. We had a few extra requests during our stay and were greeted each time with very quick and friendly helpful service from the staff. Our rooms were clean and plenty big enough for four adults. The beds were very comfortable which allowed great rest each night and having two bathrooms was an added convenience. We had a table and chairs, a small refrigerator and a hot pot which heated very quickly for coffee. There was a hair dryer and an ironing board also in the room. The hotel is clearly old and not very fancy, but that's what we liked about it since we were in an historic part of the city. We thought it was charming and historical. We stayed on the 8th floor which twas high enough to escape the school groups and not too high to do with out cold air in the rooms. It is an old air conditioning system but we were very comfortable even with some days reaching 90 degrees. We were also able to get a fan from the desk just to add more noise and comfort since there was city action below. The hotel is in a very good location for seeing almost everything by foot but be prepared to walk a lot. If you want some historical facts about DC, I recommend the narrated tour on the town trolley. It covers the whole area with three different routes. Also the metro subway is very close and easy to use. The two restaurants downstairs are a little pricey but have ok food. There is a gift shop with good prices in the lobby. We also found shopping and food bargains in the Old Post office building at the end of the street and cheap sandwiches at Pot Belly's around the corner as well as little trolley place on the back side of the hotel. The street food vendors are good also. I have stayed at the this place twice and I would definitely stay again. It is very reasonable priced and I really recommend the deluxe family room with two rooms for more space. I hope you enjoy your trip to DC as much as we did and please give this hotel a chance. If you want a good reasonably priced and clean resting place in a great location with old charm, this is for you and your family. Also, don't forget to contact your state representative to get tours to the Capitol and White House. madisonville, texas

This hotel is not fancy but for the price it was in a great location. Just a couple of blocks from the white house. The restaurants and bar attached have friendly, prompt service. And they offer free popcorn at the bar...always a plus for me. The hotel is a bit old but well maintained. I was nervous to stay at a hotel that was not a chain but there is no reason to be anxious about staying at the Hotel Harrington. We will definitely stay at this hotel again when visiting DC.