My spouse and I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC Franklin Square for 3 nights over the Memorial Day weekend in May 2012. We thought that this hotel was well located for sightseeing in DC, positioned on 14th Street between H and I Streets. This is a typical Hilton Garden Inn - the rooms contain a mini-refrigerator and microwave positioned on/in sort of a bar area (but it has no bar sink nor does it contain any glasses, plates, or silverware). Our room was a fine size, containing a king bed and a chair/ottoman; however, I think the same size rooms could also contain two double beds, which might be a bit tight (to compensate, perhaps they don’t include the chair/ottoman). Furnishings were modern and up-to-date (for example, duvets and bed scarves, flat-screen TVs). An iron/ironing board and hair dryer were provided, along with basic toiletries. (No robes or slippers though, which wasn’t surprising because it isn’t a full-service Hilton.) The hotel was fully booked on the weekend that we visited, so we didn’t receive an upgrade to a suite as we usually do because we are Platinum HHonors members. The lobby is very attractive, with a bar, restaurant, and lounge area. In the morning, coffee was provided in the lounge area, and in the evening, cookies and fruit were provided (and they did a great job on replenishing items). Water flavored with citrus was available during the day. Because it was so hot on the weekend that we visited, the hotel even set out a large cooler filled with bottled water so that guests could take a bottle with them before they began their sightseeing for the day. It rained one evening during our stay, and they set out small towels in the lobby so that you could dry off a bit if you were caught in the storm. This hotel provided lots of little touches that were unexpected yet much appreciated. The hotel has a pantry area near the main desk where you can buy snacks and drinks (including beer) to enjoy in your room. The hotel has a pool, gym, and bar/restaurant. Parking is about $35 per night; however, there are a very limited number of free spaces on the surrounding streets if you monitor your time carefully. I think that you could park overnight (and continuously) on weekends for free, as long as your car was moved by 8:00 or 9:00 am on the following weekday morning. There is a blue-line Metro stop (Franklin Square) directly across the street from the hotel, which we used to travel easily to Arlington National Cemetery. We found that for accessing the Mall sights, it was easier just to walk the 3+ blocks. There are lots of shops and restaurants nearby, including a CVS pharmacy and package stores that sell wine and beer. The staff was really friendly and helpful, particularly the valets/doormen/bellmen. We would definitely stay here again!
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