First let me start by stating that originally the my colleagues and I were supposed to stay in the Gallery Inn, which is owned by the same person as the Allen Lee. 48 hours before we departed for our trip we were notified that our accommodations had been switched, and after reading the reviews on trip advisor, were horrified. Going in with an open mind, we were again horrified to find that we had to share our beds which was not the accommodations we had booked. The sheets were dirty, containing pubic hair and stains, as well as the towels. When I requested a cot so that I may have my own sleeping space, I was brought one that had obviously not been changed since its last use. In the drawers and on the box spring was bed bug feces. Another room has it's window patched by using cardboard, which was located on the first floor of the hotel. On another note, a halfway home is a wonderful organization, but having laptops and electronics with doors that barely locked, my colleagues and I were extremely uncomfortable leaving our belongings in the room. To make a long story short, after hours of arguing with the front desk manager, who refused to find a manager, we were finally brought to our original hotel space, The Gallery Inn. (which was fantastic by the way)

If you're looking for a cheap place to rough it in for a few nights, and don't mind bringing your own sheets and towels this is the place for you, if not, check out the Gallery Inn

The Allen Lee is a cheap hotel in the heart of Washington, DC. It is not at all fancy and is a little run down, but it is in a safe neighborhood and the folks at the desk are nice. If you are looking for a place to sleep while exploring, stay here. My wife was concerned that I would bring bed bugs back. Didn't happen.

Arrived in Washington DC - it was cold. Hotel outside appearances were very deceptive - it looks a mess!. The Allen Lee Hotel private/en suite rooms were very warm and staff welcoming.. It's a cheap hotel but clean. Lots of University eating places nearby - healthy stuff on offer - and the Metro within two hundred yards. Very well positioned for visiting all momuments and memorials as well as the Smithsonian Institute. A great affordable hotel within reach of all amenities and well worth a visit.

I thought a lot about reviewing this honestly. Before I booked it for my young adult daughter, I called them twice. The clerk who said he was a law student at Georgetown promised me that the negative reviews were exagerrated and inaccurate. He was lovely and convinced me that ithe hotel was safe, clean, and fun for a young person. She stayed there for about nine hours. (11:00 pm to 8:00am.) The door was duct taped around its lock. There was blood on the sheets. The carpet was also duct taped. She was bitten as if a stapler went across her shoulders, face, and arms. I called them right away and they said that she brought the insects with her. She was lucky that none of them traveled with her, though she spent the next day at the laundromat. Do not believe them. I was astonished that they were so blasee about her experience.