Very modern and spare--but not cold or boring. In the words of my 12-year -old son, "this is too cool". He was especially fond of the retro-modern chairs, the fluffy comforters on the bed (no floral bedspreads here!), and the "cocoon shower". I loved the professionalism of the staff and the low-key, but sophisticated vibe.

Hotel and parking staff were gracious and efficient-very friendly and went out of their way to be helpful. We were able to check in at 9:30 a.m. (wonderful for a quick nap after our red-eye flight). Parking is pricey, but based on a 24-hour rate, so you won't get dinged for any 1/2 day charges. If you can, forgo the car and use the nearby metro.

Loved the rooftop pool--wish it was open later hours, since the nightime view would be incredible. Small pool, good for a dip. Lovely wood deck, Plenty of lounge chairs (each covered in terry and sporting an extra towel), iced tea and cold water available to help yourself.

The Kiehl's shampoo and the cucumber soaps were very nice (especially given my limited carry-on supply of hair products).

NIce walk to the Mall (about 10 blocks). Does not feel touristy at all--in a part of Washington I might not otherwise explore. We felt like city residents, rather than tourists. Beautiful view day and night, from our room.

I paid $119 introductory rate (Travelzoo) for a King superior. GREAT deal! I liked the Donovan House so much, I'll be back again even without that rate.

I stayed at the Donovan House for a week whilst in DC for business. First impressions very positive: good check-in, upgrade from queen to king, chic lobby, nice room with the spiral. The shower itself is a nice design feature, but from an experience perspective it is the same as a standard shower. The bed was comfortable, the free wi-fi fantastic and the iron was also good. All of these things would point towards a 5-point rating.

However, the hotel lets itself down with some downsides. The pool closes at 7pm, my TV did not have the on-demand software working, the telephone was blank i.e. you do not know which button to press for housekeeping, concierge, mute, etc. Also, I ordered a meal from the Il Mulino delivery restaurant as the hotel does not have a restaurant at the moment and was told that it would take 30-45 minutes. About 90-120 minutes later the food arrived with no explanation of delay even though I had repeatedly been chasing the front desk. This is not acceptable.

For the price I paid $149+tax the hotel was great, and if you are simply staying somewhere for the look of the room, and the design rather than everything already being working, I would recommend it. Thompson Hotels are the masters of progressive launches, so I am expecting some things to improve slowly with time.

In DC for an extended stay and was lucky enough to find a room at this new hotel. I have stayed in DC many times in different hotels and this is by far the best. Friendly staff, super clean rooms, great service, great location, great room design. Everything is first class. Gym is perfect...has everything you need. No negatives!

I stayed at the Donovan House for only a night as I had a quick meeting to attend in DC. I've always been a fan of the Thompson Hotel group. I've always loved their aesthetic, find their rooms comfortable, and enjoy the good-brand bath products (in this one it was Kiehls) they offer. The Donovan House also tops their NYC counterparts as far as staff and service goes (all staff are super sweet and constantly greeting you, front desk staff are knowledgeable and helpful). As a whole experience however, the House lacked greatly in the finer details which makes me think of how overused the term 'boutique' has become today. Simply, at $300 for a night for a room, I definitely expect certain things - complimentary breakfast would be decent. At least a spread of properly brewed coffee and a selection of toast, eggs, pastries, etc. If not, then giving guests options could work. My only option this morning was very bad pod coffee (and not even of a good brand like Illy or Nespresso, machines were located in the lobby). OR a $15 + $4 delivery charge + 18% gratuity 'Continental Breakfast' comprised of bagel, muffin, fresh fruit, yoghurt, butter, cream cheese and jam. No coffee or tea to the room? No espresso? Well, at least you get "butter, cream cheese and jam." At this day and age of such design-savvy-ness where the term boutique hotel rolls off tongues like slippery jello - hotel management should never undermine the pervasiveness of the term. "Boutique" means a focus and priority given to quality and service that goes beyond Arne Jacobsen-esque pod chairs and Frette bathrobes. Let's start with the basics - BREAKFAST!