There were a number of special things about this hotel.

First of all, the bar is very cosy and it's pleasant to sit there, imbibe a few beers and sample their well cooked cuisine. (For the gourmands amongst you, the main restaurant in the Jefferson specialises in modern American cooking and boasts a selection of excellent dishes. Although I did not sample the main restaurant, I read the menu which was mouth-watering in its descriptions.) The barman on duty on the night of the 26th of September really understood the meaning of the word service and was most attentive to our needs.

Secondly, I also liked the fact that the walls in the public areas of the hotel carry framed originals of documents signed by Thomas Jefferson when he held the office of President. I'm a lawyer by profession and these forms of memorabilia always interest me.

Thirdly, the bedroom (which was in an annex the main hotel) was very comfortable, complete with bathrobes and the most inviting bed I have ever slept in. The only drawback was that there was some type of generator directly outside the bedroom window which emitted a never-ending hum. In fairness, however, I should state that I eventually fell asleep around about 1 a.m. and slept successfully through to about 8 a.m. So not a bad night's sleep, all in all.

One other negative. When I was checking in in the afternoon, there was a Scandinavian tour group in front of me and they seemed to take forever to be allocated their rooms. It would have been nice if there had been a member of the front of house staff available to deal with the checking-in of people who were not in this group. In fairness, however, one of the hotel administrators noticed that I was less than happy and offered me an upgraded room. Unfortunately, however, the upgrade only related to smoking rooms so, in the end, I was forced to decline this kind offer.

Last week, I was booked into the Jefferson Hotel for business, and having no say in where I was about to stay, I was hoping that my experience would be a good one.

I did not need to worry. The Jefferson was a gem from the moment I arrived! Friendly front desk staff, lovely classical music playing in the hallways, and when I arrived at my room...I was greeted by more soothing classical and a very comfortable room! Plush terry robes, the super comfy duvet cover turned down on my king size bed, and a complimentary chocolate and bottled water with the note, 'sweet dreams' resting invitingly on my bedsite table.

The beds...pure heaven! So soft ...the pillows are ever so welcoming! I didn't want to venture out of bed for my meetings! The bathrooms were large with toiltettries and a plentitude of towels. You'd never have to request extra towels at his hotel!

My room was a suite and had a plasma tv on the wall, a small library of books and an additional tv in the bedroom. Plus, free internet in the lobby, and chilled bottled water. I didn't sample the onsite restaurant, but did use the room service and can vouch for the yummy Belgian waffles with fruit - gorgeous!

They're currently restoring the facade of the building but construction noise was not an issue. The staff was always very helpful and the area was perfect for my business meetings.

I would stay here again in a heartbeat.

I have stayed at The Jefferson several times over the past 5 years and it just gets better and better! The new management has taken care to improve certain maintenance areas while not overshadowing the character of the place. The lobby is small but beautiful. There are two inviting sliver size patios off the lobby that have working wall fountains -- a wonderful place to steal away for a drink.

The rooms are all over the map when it comes to size. The have tried to make the rooms more interesting than the Comfort Inn around the corner. The is part of the charm. The furnishings are actual antiques which is why they look old. They are old! The mattresses are very comfortable and the sheets divine. The bathrooms are large and well stocked with amentities. The towels are fluffy and soft -- and in abundance. You certainly won't be caught short of linens! The lighting was superb for make-up and shaving. The extra deep tub was a bonus. And the views are too die for!

The restuarant is well known in DC for serving wonderful innovative food and a great meeting spot. If you go for afternoon tea, ask for one of Sam's tables and you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about the hotel and the city. HE is a national treasure! And the scones aren't bad either. Run out of tea sandwiches -- they'll bring more. Insiders know to ask for two things at tea - the Jefferson Blend tea and one of the two private tables right off the door. In the winter you might want to ask for a table near the fireplace.

The staff will accomodate any request without blinking an eye. Parking is a breeze with valet parking at the front door.

Please stay here and support a lovely historic hotel. DC needs more hotels like this one -- and a few less hotels turning into condos!

Don't let the reviews below fool you - the hotel needs some work here and there, but it has really improved in the past year. They told me it's under new management, and it really shows. Brand new beds - the ONLY time my back has not hurt when I wake up in the morning in a hotel bed. MUCH cleaner than before, and they have repainted the restaurant, bar, hallways, and the room I was in. Friendly, but low key service. The chef did a fantastic job with our dinner, and breakfast was excellent as well.

Give the Jefferson a try, especially if it's been a year or more since you were last here.