The staff at the Tabard Inn are consistently and sincerely committed to being as welcoming as possible but unfortunately the building itself just doesn't hold up. Running out of hot water, lumpy mattress, and poor light in the room made our stay unpleasant. The hallways are narrow and the stairs are steep -- steep enough that it can be hard to wrestle even a small wheelie up a floor. I wouldn't send a friend there.

There are positives -- the attitude of staff is terrific, and the food and drink are excellent. My morning hash and eggs were about as good as I've ever had anywhere, and the scones were excellent. I like my coffee stronger than they make it but I think they are brewing it for their clientele, which runs a little older than some other places. The bar is cozy and warm, you can sit by yourself or quite easily strike up a conversation, and the bar staff are efficient without being overly brisk. The decor overall is quaint, and everything is scrupulously clean.

One suggestion: don't use the valet parking. They "forgot" that we wanted our car at 3 PM, and it cost us a half hour waiting time. Ultimately the hotel staff retrieved the car instead of the valet, and refunded us the cost of the parking, which was very decent of them; but I would have preferred to spend the money and saved the time (that is, after all, what valet parking is for).

The contrast between the helpful staff and the un-welcoming physical plant is almost heartbreaking -- if customer-friendliness were all that mattered I would give this place a "5." My "2" rating is assigned with some sadness.

I've stayed at the Tabard Inn for years - for the reasonable rates, the quality of the sheets, towels and pillows, and the cozy, well-decorated rooms. The restaurant is world class and I have enjoyed many a dinner or lunch meeting there. The staff are a marvel of efficiency and attentiveness. Much of my work is in downtown DC or surrounding areas and it is always a pleasure to spend time in the lounge (a real fireplace) and a comfortable clubby feel and retreat to my room after a day of business in the District. I recommend this place - a real gem - to anyone who doesn't like the generic, antiseptic feel of chain hotels. The Tabard's a real country in in the city.

What a great place to stay during the inaugural weekend. This charming hotel is cobbled together from three old row houses. It makes the inn so interesting with its different nooks, lounges, and restaurants. The rooms are well priced and lovely. The food in the restaurant was incredible. Walking distance from everything!

For our first trip to D. C., my husband and I took a chance and booked four nights here. The first night was a little noisy, but it proved either atypical or we simply got used to the sounds coming up from the restaurant. The location was ideal, close to transportation, shops and places to eat. Our room was charming. There are eccentricities in the decor, to be sure. I was initially taken aback by the glass brick wall between the bathroom and the hallway. Yes, if someone had wanted to look in, they could have probably made out our exposed forms. I draped a blanket over the glass and problem solved. We thoroughly enjoyed every meal we ate there and decided we stay here on subsequent visits. We recommend this hotel to anyone tired of chain hotels.