We came in from Alaska and stayed for 4-5 days. I have to say, this hotel was perfect. Front office staff were VERY nice and helpful. The rooms were clean and refreshed everyday. Even left us chocolates which were very much appreciated at the end of a long walking day! It is close to everything. Our taxi to Regan was only $17.00; we chose to do that instead of hauling our luggage on the Metro which you can do if you choose. The full kitchen in our room was awesome! They even did our dishes. The only drawback was that their restaurant was not open on Sunday night but they sent us to a really nice restaurant right around the corner that had great food (steaks, burgers and seafood). Would definitely stay here again. Oh yeah, upon return to AK, we received a hand-written note in the mail thanking us for our stay. Now that's service!

We found the River Inn to be a great hotel. It isn't a huge chain hotel with massive lobby, etc. It is a quiet hotel tucked into a largely residential neighborhood; many of the people walking nearby appeared to be students from George Washington University. The neighborhood was attractive, and we always felt safe walking in it, even at night. The Metro was just a pleasant two-block walk away at GWU, which made getting to attractions a snap. We also found lots of shops and restaurants on M Street, and those were within pleasant walking distance as well.

As for the hotel itself, we found the staff to be generally friendly and willing to help. Our suite was clean and nicely appointed. We really enjoyed use of the kitchen. As a family of 5, meals in restaurants are pricey in tourist cities. We were able to shop at a Trader Joe's grocery just two blocks away and eat full, healthy meals in our suite for a small fraction of the cost of eating at a restaurant.

We would stay at this hotel again in a heartbeat.

For our annual pilgrimage to DC, we always stay at the River Inn ... Well, this will definitely change! It was going to be our 6th or seventh time staying at the River Inn, and we were looking forward to the comfort and cleanliness it had always offered... The shower in our room ran either hot or cold water, but never in between; the kitchenette was really beat up; the bathroom tiles were of suspect cleanliness; we could hear our neighbors' conversations and bodily sounds through the vent, the towels were really old and threadbare; ditto the terry robe (and, by the way, that "please do not take away" note was unnecessary: no one would be tempted, not in a million years!), the wall-to-wall carpet made me glad I had brought flip-flops: there were disgusting dark stains near the bathroom door; and yes, the sheets were really crumpled and of a questionable appearance overall. No heat, despite the unseasonably cool weather. Such a disappointment! It really is time for a change at the River Inn!

This was my 3rd stay at the River Inn and once again I wasn't disappointed. I stayed in a Potomac Suite on the 8th floor for 4 nights (it was an courtesy upgrade from the standard suite). It had large wall to wall windows with a wonderful view to the Potomac River. The furniture was elegant and modern, and very comfortable. The housekeeping was excellent, reception desk service was courteous. I really enjoyed returning to the hotel each evening, walking through the beautiful neighborhood with roses in bloom. I agree with the previous posts that the hotel does show some tear and wear, and certainly would benefit from updating, particularly the kitchen and bathroom. However, the River Inn has something very special about it and is one of those rare places where you really feel at home. I will most certainly return soon.

Here are some stats: Located 3 blocks from the Foggy Bottom metro station (blue and orange lines) with an easy access to all DC attractions, 2 blocks from Trader Joe's, 3 blocks from Safeway in the Watergate complex. There are several good restaurants in the area, just ask the front desk. And if you wish to go to Georgetown, the Georgetown Connection Bus (Circulator from Union Station) has a stop right in front of the metro station.
And finally, with a $175/night for an executive suite, it is a real bargain for DC in May.