I stayed two nights in the Donavan House in DC and thought the funky, new modern decur was pretty neat (remember the movie Clockwork Orange). It is not your typical hotel decur for sure but every once in awhile it is good to venture out. The rooms were clean, the staff friendly and the beds were comfy. The pillows are very soft so I was out of luck on finding a firm pillow. The 14th floor has an outdoor pool with a bar with a very nice view of the city. All in all a nice stay in a hotel I would not normally stay at.

We stayed here for four nights in April just when this hotel was being taken over by Kimpton Hotels. The hotel is about 15 mins walk from the White House and not far from all the sights. There is a small lobby with some interesting seating and free wifi is available there. There is happy hour with free drinks every evening.

Rooms (we had two) are spacious with plenty of hanging and drawer space in both rooms. The bathrooms had shower areas at one end. It is quite difficult to keep the water from staying inside the cubicle as there are silly, short shower curtains (in a modern 4star hotel?), our shower head kept falling off it's holder as it was broken. The beds were all as hard as boards. The curtains were just not quite wide enough to keep the light from the street lights at Thompson Circle from illuminating the rooms all night long. Serious irritation,this when all you want is a good bed, some darkness and a good shower (which, to be fair, you get from the water pressure).

This doesn't stop here. Both our rooms were not made up after our first night but as we came back quite late we told them not to bother that night. Strange, as staff had been in to change all signs, umbrellas, bathrobes to Kimpton Hotels. Second night, our children had no bath towels. As we had an early flight, my husband went down to check out and order a large taxi for four adults and a lot of luggage. There was an empty reception desk with the night receptionist wandering in after 5 mins. We were seriously let down by the car valets and were in danger of missing flights when the wrong (small) car turned up, a larger taxi arrived by was turned away by the valets as it was not his 'friend'. We had to wait for this 'friend' and then renegotiate the price we had already agreed. We left on a very sour note.

As I write, we have just (hopefully) sorted out their accounts department. We had prepaid, but our card was charged again, twice for one room and once for the other. These amounts seemed to be credited and debited with astonishing regularity.



Kimpton is a great chain and could easily, and quite simply, make a few changes at Donovan House and bring it up to it's other hotels standards.

Great, funky contemporary hotel with all the best amenities and staff Kimpton has to offer. Room was quiet and very comfortable. The extra lighting features (dimming nightlights, etc) were helpful. Internet was fast. The "cocoon" type shower was "different", just wish the water pressure was a bit better. Donovan staff, like other Kimpton's, are wonderfully friendly, helpful and professional. The location is perfect - close to nice restaurants, walking distance to Whole Foods and across from a CVS. I look forward to another stay and recommend the Donovan highly.

Modern in style, alive at night..... the public spaces were rockin at midnight on a Friday. Quiet in the room though. It's what you would expect to find in a kimpton..... except, there was no body wash or skin lotion in the bathroom (were supplies restocked after the last guest?). If you need to work, you'll find this room lacking....... there wasn't really any place to set up a computer at a convenient height or to spread paperwork out.
The location is good ... although not the best. A visitor can find good rooms much closer to the tourist center of town .... but likely at a much higher price. It's only a couple of blocks to a Metro stop so location is not a problem.
A nit: The sliding bathroom door is VERY solid (hence heavy) ... that's good, but it lacks a good handle to get a purchase on the door when you want to slide it open or shut. That could be a pain.
No ice machine... but the staff will promptly bring ice if you call.
Bed very comfortable, room and public spaces very clean. I have been in this building before --- 25 years ago and it was then a tired Holiday Inn. This property has been totally refurbished.