Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center

I stayed at this hotel in December 2024, and I am happy to give it a 5-star rating across the board. Rooms- Yes, they are small, but it's a micro hotel, so do your research before booking and there are no surprises. I recommend putting your luggage under the bed to maximize floor space. Service - The front desk staff is very friendly. They will hold your luggage for the day after you check out and have a well-organized system for it. Location - I don’t see how you could possibly beat it! There are many great food options within walking distance, and it's only a 3-minute walk from a Metro stop. I'd definitely stay here again on a future D.C. trip.

This place was fantastic! I booked it online without knowing the area, relying solely on the reviews and great price—plus, its downtown DC location was a bonus. It turned out to be right around the corner from the Capital One Arena, making it perfect for attending a sporting event. Many nearby places stay open late, which was convenient, and having a local pharmacy close by was a plus. There were also plenty of quick dining options for nights when we didn’t feel like eating out. If you’re looking for a drink, the hotel has a great bar downstairs that’s both nice and accommodating. The staff was friendly, the rooms were very clean, and we loved the view overlooking the Chinatown atmosphere. Having never been in a Chinatown environment like that before, it was a unique and enjoyable experience. Overall, this place exceeded our expectations!

The smallish bedroom unit is exceptionally well organized, with functionality in both bathroom and storage areas. It is modern, well-lit and has a comfortable large bed and desk.||Breakfasts at the downstairs cafe were plentiful and attractively presented by a competent wait-staff. Seating area was comfortable.||I need especially to compliment the front desk staff on their help accessing Washington DC transportation during a one-week Metro repair period when we visited DC in order to attend a play at the nearby Shakespeare Theatre. The staff walked us to the shuttle buses which were provided and told us how to get to our destinations. If not for the inconvenience caused by the repair schedule of Metro, this would be an excellent location with nearby lines nearby. It is also within walking distance of athletic arenas, some museums and top-notch restaurants.||For value received, the Motto brand is great.

We got such a good deal and were in an excellent location, so we weren't sure what to expect. Walking in initially, we were shocked by how small the space was just from what we were used to with other hiltons. However, that's really the only thing I could say because the stay was great, the room was clean. The staff were super nice. It makes you realize how much space you don't really need. We had everything we needed in the room, and loved that there were some good drink and food options right downstairs. It was the perfect stay!

This is not your typical Hilton. I’m a diamond club member, but I’m a business traveler. I need just what I need for overnight stays and to be treated with that unique personal touch. Why should you pay exorbitant room fees for valet service and gyms and pools when you’re in DC on business? This place has a cute metropolitan feel, and it’s close to everything in Chinatown so you can go out and explore. The staff is wonderful, and I would stay here again and again.

Wounderful stay at this Hotel. The staff was amazing and surprised us with a gift voucher for some drinks at the bar to celebrate our 1st anniversary. Room was nice and clean! The toiletries were also of a good quality! We used the gym which was also nice and clean and with fresh towels and water! The location of the Hotel is perfect in the center and only about a 15’ walk to the White House.

The room was a bit small but impeccably clean. The location couldn't be better, situated right in the heart of Chinatown, with plenty of delicious food options just steps from the hotel. The staff was friendly and accommodating. Although the AC wasn't working for one night, the hotel promptly provided a refund for that night as compensation. Additionally, the hotel offers a lovely view, adding to the overall experience.

I don’t recommend this hotel for breastfeeding and pumping moms. I called a day in advance to make sure there was a mini fridge in the room and I was told there was but when I arrived and inquired the staff at the front desk informed me that the rooms did not include one. The hotel did allow me to store my milk in their refrigerator during our stay, however, each time I went to the front desk to ask them to get and/or put my milk away, they seemed slightly annoyed even when the lobby was empty and I was not asking at a busy time. I felt like I was an inconvenience to them by their reactions each time and this made pumping away from my daughter even more stressful. I am thankful to the hotel for allowing me to store my milk, however, in the future, I think they could benefit from being a little more understanding and gracious to breastfeeding mothers.

Great location in Chinatown, one block from Capitals and Wizards. Cheap rates for DC. Downside is that the rooms are very small. Think cruise ship sized. Fortunately when I'm in DC I spend almost no time in my room, so the convenience of the location wins out. It's also across the street from metro station so it's 17 mins from the Reagan airport. Friendly staff. I complained that the street noise was loud late into the night and they offered to move my room. I did not take them up on it, but I will specify a higher floor next time (I was on 2nd floor) They remodeled the main floor since my last visit, changing out the coffee shop for a bar across from front desk. Good move.

I booked this for two nights in January on a busy weekend where rates were about 5 times the normal price. A close family member passed away so wouldn't be able to make this trip. I called 4 weeks before the reservation to cancel and was told I bought a non-refundable room. This was news to me. I made the reservation on my phone and the room selection page just showed the room type and price. It did not state this was a non-refundable rate with the price. The primary call to action is to click the button to select the room not a text link to another page where if you read that it shows the terms of the rate. After entering my address and credit card information I looked for the button to book the room. I wasn't looking for any special terms related to the rate. The rate I paid was higher than the Hilton Honors rate and didn't see insurance offered. Near this booking button there is a block of text and links with terms and conditions. One sentence among this says this is non-refundable however skipped over that since nothing prior gave an indication that it wasn't refundable. Given that it's a Hilton I assumed it was boilerplate language like any site would have. Like when there's a software update and you click the agree button without reading the details. Except in this case there was nothing separate to click acknowledging I knew the terms. I did not receive an email confirmation for the reservation. I did receive an email after the cancellation titled "We hope you enjoyed your stay...It was a pleasure having you and look forward to seeing you again." This was 4 weeks before a reservation that was cancelled. I paid over $600 for what's normally more like $100 and was told - well that's the policy. And you get nothing back. I don't blame the front desk staff. They seem to just be following orders. It seems since the rate was higher than normal their refund policy is different than it is at other times. This whole thing seems shady. Nothing here says they care about customers. The booking process is set up to maximize bookings since they bury the cancellation policy in a place no one would expect to see it. I've been an Honors Member and have no interest in staying at a Hilton again.

This "micro-hotel" should be an embarrassment to the Hilton name. I booked through an app for work, and the photos in the description when booking, along with my confirmation email, showed a normal, albeit small looking room. When I arrived, I was shocked to see I had a bunk bed in a tiny room. I was rushed to work events and didn't have time to request another room, figured I could deal with it for two nights. I woke up after night one, and to my absolute disgust I noticed 2 small dots on my top sheet that could only be assumed as old blood stains. That's right, I was wrapped up in a sheet with blood stains. Hilton responded to my 'contact us' request. They explained that they booked this based on the info from the 3rd party app, and that Hilton likes these types of rooms for their "micro-hotel" expansion. To make up for the bloody sheets, they offered me 5000 points to my Hilton honors account. I accepted, but when doing some research afterwords, this is essentially the equivalent of $25-30. Also, their program expires points, so unless you travel and stay with them very often, this will never amount to anything. I'm going to do my best to find non-Hilton options in the future.

I drove my Corvette to Maryland in September to have it rebuilt. I was told the car is ready, now I have to get back to Maryland. To get to Maryland from my home in New York was a trains, planes and automobiles ordeal. I need to stay in DC for one night. I found Motto by Hilton online, some of the rooms look.. interesting? For the price, I was able to secure a room that made use of the space very efficiently. The bed was comfy, the shower had hot water and it was in a nice neighborhood. Walking in, no need to check in with the front desk. I have the Hilton app and my phone was the digital key. Merica!

Ridiculously well-located. Well-designed, ergonomic rooms that suit an adult workflow. Everything is just where you'd want it to be for a quick stay. This was my 3rd Motto property and the best so far. Hilton status was acknowledged and displayed on the in-room TV screen. The location is the best part- barely 200feet from the northern entrance of the Gallery Place metro stop, right in the thick of the local restaurant district. There's one of the best museums in DC around the corner. Outstanding. Bathroom was better than I expected. The under-window AC unit worked well. These aren't my favorite type but this was not aimed at the sleeper, which would be my biggest AC peeve normally. It's not cluttered or too small, but everything is just a couple of steps away. There's places to put or hang things on your way in and out of the room. There's an airport style filtered water dispenser in the hallway. Decent towels. Very good sleep. Comfortable bed and not much city noise on a Saturday morning. (I stayed one night in a queen corner room on the 9th floor) There's a lobby bar, a whiskey bar(?), a roof bar, a cafe, and a coffee shop. Quibbles: check-in should have offered info on the food&beverage offering. the coffee shop doesn't allow room charges. the front door is locked even during the day (keycard access, so only an issue before you check in). I think this space would work for a couple, especially on a short trip, especially if they're svelte. But it's really optimized for the solo traveler. For me, it was nearly perfect. I'll definitely be back.

Deployed here for Carter funeral. Booked into this hotel by govt travel office. What a surprise. A real change from the usual hotel. Small personal front desk. Very eclectic decor but fun. Real small room but had every thing I needed but a suitcase stand but the little desk worked. Nice restaurant that opened at 0630. 0600 would have been better but I made it work. Front desk service was excellent. Kemya greated me everyday by name. Free coffee would have been nice but oh well, per diem. Had kind of a hostel feel.

We stayed at Motto for the first time using Hilton points. This is a fabulous location and we went in knowing the room was going to be small. It was more than adequate for our stay and the room had a desk, which isn't the case for rooms at the Moxy (comparable hotel in the Marriott brand). The staff here was just incredible - so friendly and helpful, always smiling! This was true from the front desk staff to the cleaning staff. We also enjoyed the bar in the basement of the hotel - Great cocktails and an upscale/youthful vibe.

The hotel provides a great experience for those who don't plan to be inside their rooms besides personal care and sleep. The rooms are pretty small. The lobby was nicely decorated and was lively throughout our stay. There were always people in the cafe which is a great option if you're more into convenience and don't want to explore the neighborhood. Speaking of the neighborhood, the hotel is located in Chinatown and has a pharmacy on the corner, across the street from that is a train station, and there is also a Capital One cafe across from the train station. There are many bus lines and walking is a good option if you're up to it. The gym was the highlight for me. It had many different equipment including a Peloton bike. Continue reading for my arrival experience which wasn't so good, but did not influence my overall impression of the hotel. I had a mishap with booking my ticket and accidentally didn't book my first night which I noticed right away. I booked through Expedia and they were able to get in contact with the property to work this out. I called the night before my trip and the front desk representative told me they saw the notes listed and that I would just need to pay for the night and incidentals when I arrived. When we arrived the next day, I explained everything to the front desk rep thinking this would be a quick process. Instead, she told me that I needed to make an additional reservation. I knew that this was not the case as when I spoke to Expedia the first time this was not mentioned nor was it mentioned on the call the day before. I mentioned this to her as well. Along the way in our back and forth, she said something along the lines of "I saw the check-in day was for the 4th, but the room wasn't paid for so I changed it back". After this, she suggested I get in contact with Expedia and after a back and forth with them, I requested that the Expedia agent call the property to speak to the front desk. This ended up finally resolving the issue. The rep at the front desk said she would make an exception and allow me to pay for the one night separately even though this was supposed to be the arrangement from the start. The whole experience was exhausting as it seemed like the front desk rep at the time needed clarification which led to a frustrating arrival.

Stayed here for one night for a concert in the summer. It was packed. I liked the urban and artsy interior. Staff was nice. We loved that we could just walk from the hotel to the Capital One arena. The Chinatown arch is nearby. The room is small but it's nice for a simple overnight stay. Rooftop bar is cool. Would consider again if back in the area.

I booked a queen room weeks in advance--what I got was a bunk bed (at the same price of course). No warning, no apology. When I refused the downgrade, only then did they bother to offer a weak consolation: a meal voucher and a promise to put me in the room I actually reserved for part of my stay. This isn't a fluke--it's a pattern. Hilton has a habit of overbooking, then dumping guests into whatever's left, knowing they'll probably just accept it rather than find a last minute room. When I refused, I had to scramble for another hotel at a higher last-minute rate. Adding insult to injury, they had the audacity to email me about potential cancellation fees--when they were the ones who failed to honor the reservation. Instead of notifying me in advance, they let me arrive with no options, prioritizing profit over basic decency. Book elsewhere unless you enjoy being blindsided. Funny how they penalize guests for canceling, but have no problem backing out of their own commitments whenever it suits them. Absolute trash!

For what it is, it's fine: clean, non-shabby, lodging in a prime location in Chinatown right across from Capitol One Arena. Reasonably priced. Of course it's not a conventional "Hilton hotel" -- it's one of their newish chain of micro-hotels in desirable urban spots. The desk people were way friendly and helpful. On the other hand, the room was VERY small, there was no bathroom door (just a sliding glass partition), there was no coffee-maker (and the hotel resto didn't open till 7). Some rooms apparently have a nice view; we looked out on a wall.

I stayed here for one evening as I needed to transfer hotels after a school residency, I like to use Hilton so I chose this place since I just needed to sleep and then catch the train to the airport. This pace is meant to be a no frills hotel (just a place to sleep). Although the room was small, it was clean and conveniently located next to the metro. I would advise to get a room away from the street at the lower levels to avoid street and people noise.

First, the place was very clean and the staff were very kind. This is no reflection on them. The micro hotel concept might be good for one night if you are just there to go to the Arena. And maybe if the price was micro too. Did three nights. Macro mistake. The room is so small, you and your partner can't walk around the bed at the same time. One of you will have to stand in the entryway if the other needs to get dressed or get to the bathroom. There are near zero amenities. A few hooks to hang your clothes, but you will live out of your suitcase, which can only go under the bed. The walls are thin, so you can enjoy what your neighbors are doing pretty easily.

One of the smallest rooms I have ever had in a very bad neighborhood, where they buzz you in the front door. The people that work here are pleasant. I mean my head board was near the toilet/bathroom, really?? If you didn't run the AC TO 65 degrees you can here everything from the street, hence the ear buds and white noise device they give you. You have to ask for an iron, the first one they gave me didn't work and you need to tell them verbally you want room service every day or else you won't get it. Place was clean but again tiny.

A Hilton hotel in downtown D.C. Chinatown district, very reasonable pricing and clean. The front doors of the hotel are always locked and you have to scan your room key for entry. The area is undesirable, near the metro station with non stop police and ambulance activity- blood, vomit and protests all over due to the homeless/drugs loitering about. This is the biggest downside to the hotel, even during the day it's a sketchy, even with a group of people. The paid parking garage, suggested by the hotel is a block or so away, unfortunately you have to walk through this area with luggage! The hotel interior is beautiful, colorful and clean- rooms are very, very compact with just a bed and restroom/shower and small storage area for clothes. I had friends staying in a room with bunk beds! Definitely a trade off- reasonably priced, nice hotel nestled in an awful area. Had I been aware of this, I never would've stayed here, not worth the reasonable room rate.

This is one of the most amazing areas to stay in Washington D.C. The pictures speak for themselves!!!

In town for Snalleygaster 2023, this solid 5-star review on the Hilton Motto in DC only relates to customer service. Arrived a few hours before check-in after an exhaustive flight. Upon entry, the front desk representative Hanock welcomed us. Genuine and warm, made us feel refreshed and appreciated. After explaining the Motto brand concept, discussing hotel amenities - inquiring as to my room preferences - we were on our way. One of the most professional and efficient hotel check-ins I have ever experienced. After holding Diamond status for 20+ years, only allowing it to lapse during COVID - I can say with certainly, Hanock is representing the Hilton brand and Motto exceptionally well. Thank you Hanock.

Had to go to DC for a night for work and this was the closest place to where I needed to be that had the proper rate. It was within walking distance too, so it was an easy choice. It was a $7 cab ride from Union Station to the hotel so I got there quickly and check in was easy. When I got up to the room was where the initial shock took place. This hotel's "thing" is that the rooms are really just simple sleeping areas so they are small...very small. Turned out to be fine...I just wasn't expecting it to be that small. Room was quite comfortable and cooled off quickly when I arrived. Shower was tiny and the water pressure could've been stronger, but I've lived with worse. The hotel is located right in Chinatown so there are PLENTY of places to eat and if you don't want Asian cuisine, a block away and you're no longer in Chinatown. I chose a very cool sushi place across the street that was great. After dinner I decided to hit the nice whiskey bar in the basement. Huge selection, but as with any hotel bar...way more expensive that it should be. Also, there was so much to choose from the bartender wasn't even sure what they still had on site. First two choices they were out of so I went with an old stand-by. One big disappointment was a lack of complimentary coffee in the morning. No coffee maker in the room and the only thing they had downstairs was a small coffee shop. That was actually more than a disappointment...it was annoying. Anyway, the place is nice and the restaurant is supposed to be pretty good. I wouldn't have stayed here on my own dime at this price, but if I have to come back here for work I'd stay here again.

Coming in I knew it was a micro hotel but I had no idea how small the room would be, this is definitely a place for real couples because when it's time to take a number 2 the whole room will hear it lol. However, the room was clean well organized and maximized it's space. The restaurants and bar are actually good, great spot to catch an event at the Capital one arena as it's only a 2 minute walk, the parking garage is only like a 3 minute walk from the hotel. The only true negative is well it's DC and in this area China Town you're going to see homelessness, my wife was heckled several times on one of the walks by a group of men across the street and by a homeless person so we decided to Uber everywhere. The staff was great and checking in was a breeze.

This is the perfect hotel for a single person who will be in DC for a few days. The rooms are small, but they will have everything you need in the room. I was able to work remotely from my room during my stay. There are a ton of restaurants, metro stops, and other amenities in the area. You can't beat the location. The staff could not be nicer or more helpful as well. This is one of the best deals you will get in. DC!

A live band made my bed on the 4th floor vibrate until 1 AM. Then the drunks showed up at 2 and fought in the hall. And then more people in the hall. And outside. I don't think the issue is the walls or doors. It's likely the guests the hotel attracts.

I was traveling to Washington, D.C. for work and during that search I found the Motto by Hilton Washington, D.C. City Center. This hotel is located in Chinatown right across the street from the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro stop. When I got to the hotel and went to check-in, that is when the check-in agent let me know that Motto by Hilton is a micro-hotel meaning that the rooms are very small and the services are limited - basically its similar to a pod-hotel or an upgraded hostel. I found out later that his hotel used to be the Pod Hotel Washington D.C. and that is still the name listed on some online maps. The lobby was very small as it was a standard lobby but divided into two halves with one half being the hotel lobby and check-in and the other half being the bar area for the attached restaurant. As you entered into the lobby, on the right were the two small check-in desks were you checked in and received your key. Further along the right side was a couch that faced the elevators on the left-hand side; there were 3 elevators but sometimes it took a while for them to come. My room was at the end of the hallway and tip - if you are a light sleeper do NOT get this room because the window faced the alley way with the garbage bins and between 4a-6am the garbage trucks came and made A LOT of noise. When I opened the door, I did not realize how micro the room was - especially because the price charged was not micro but rather really expensive. You enter into a little hallway with a coat hook and a mirror and then there is a sliding door that leads into the main room. As soon as you enter the main room, on the left hand side is a small desk with a chair that blocks your entrance into the room. Literally right next to the desk is the extra-large twin bed and right next to the next is another bedside table and the room ends. The bed was on the left-side of the room as on the right was a stack of shelves for storage, the window that had black-out shades but was not noise cancelling, and TV mounted to the wall with a small ledge underneath. The bed was decent and comfortable but there was definitely a lack of storage space and there was no room to move around the bed - it was very tight space. In between the hallway and the main room was a sliding door and that sliding door was the main door to your bathroom - so either the door slid to close the bathroom door but then left the entrance to the hallway open or the entrance to the hallway was closed and the bathroom door was open; not very good design. The bathroom itself was a decent size and had a toilet, a small sink, and a small shower - the shower was decent but was poorly designed so that the water spilled everywhere outside when you showered. The bathroom also had zero storage space so there was no place to put your toiletry kit or other storage. There were refillable bathroom toiletries in the shower with shampoo and body wash and a soap and lotion were provided in the sink. As it is a micro-hotel, there were not the standard amenities that you would find at a regular hotel. Instead this hotel offered wifi, a hotel restaurant, there was a gym in the basement, and an iron and ironing board in the room. The wifi was decent and provided enough speed to connect devices and stream videos. I was mainly there for work so did not time to checkout the gym nor the restaurant but the restaurant seemed very popular amongst locals, especially for happy hour.

Small!!! I only had twenty minutes to change into a suit and get out the door to meet a Senator. I honestly was not paying attention to the front desk staff's disclaimer that their facility was the "only Hilton that is a micro facility." When I got to my room I found bunk beds! Bottom line I stayed in nicer hostels and living quarters in the military. I hit my head, elbows, and back on every corner of the room with any movement. I suppose this is what prison feels like with the exception of the shower.

I liked this hotel. The room might be small compared to a standard Hilton in a non-city, but as a solo traveler I found the space just about right. It's true that with a micro hotel you don't always get the same amenities as with a regular hotel. I chose a high room and did not have any issues with street noise(floor 9). To me the location is standard DC walkable area, which means to say that sometimes yes, there are people without houses on the street. This is pretty standard DC if you ask me, and not a reasonable cause for alarm -- are those pearls there which you are clutching(the question is pointed to some of the other reviewers). I appreciated the proximity to Capital One Arena and the Metro. Great for solo traveler.

It's wild to me that anyone is complaining about about the size of the rooms here at the Motto. It's a micro hotel!! Everything you need to know about this place is on their website which includes room size, amenities, services, etc. My girlfriend and I booked a Queen Bed room and it had everything we needed (a bed and a shower). It was the perfect spot to leave our things when we left in the mornings and the perfect spot to wind down after a long day of exploring the city. The service here was great. Everyone was nice and ready to help. It looked like there was also a restaurant/bar on the other side but I didn't get a chance to check it out.

Stayed here on a quick weekend trip to DC. Checked in via the Honors app and upon arriving to the hotel, the front office team notified us there was an issue with using digital keys as with iPhones it will open Apple Wallet and you have to do it a few times. I found this very odd as I'm a loyal Hilton member and have not experienced this at other hotels. Once in the room the main word is compact....they definitely have small rooms. There's little room to walk around the bed and wasn't a fan of the closeness of the bathroom compared to the bed. It's right next to it and having a sliding door...leaves little to the imagination on what's happening behind said door. If you get my drift. Since we were only there two nights and spent most of the time away from the room, didn't partake in the outlets or other amenities. I'd most likely find another Hilton product to stay at next time in DC.

I was nervous about this place but I'm glad we went with it. The staff were friendly, the price was right and the location was perfect for walking or riding scooters(what we did). IMPORTANT: The room was very small! We did not mind it at all since it was just my husband and I and our two backpacks. But if you need space or get claustrophobic this might not be ideal for you. We loved the room it was very clean and the bathroom was nice and clean as well. We were on the 4th floor with two large windows with okay views(: After we finished with our first night, we visited the Rooftop restaurant/bar. I had their moscato wine and husband had local DC beer. We both enjoyed the vibe, the views from the rooftop and the drinks! 10/10 recommend!

Wow! What an excellent place. So many great things I don't know where to start. The hotel has an industrial theme. Our room was very tiny with bunk beds but heck, it did the trick! Clean, plenty of hot water. Excellent clean, spacious workout center. Holy moly is was awesome!!! Great staff and, are you ready?? Three bars/restaurants that all have different vibes and all are awesome! Can't wait to return!

The website description of "cozy" and "travel sized" is on point: these rooms are really tiny. Having travelled through Asia and Europe in budget hotels, I'm used to small hotel rooms but it was a bit of a surprise for a DC hotel (about 150 square feet, not even enough space on the floor to open up my suitcase). However, the location and the service made up for the cramped room. The Motto is across the street from the Gallery Place Metro stop, right in the heart of Chinatown. You are literally steps away from delicious restaurants, pharmacy, Capital One arena and Smithsonian museums. The staff are super friendly and helpful, and there is a nice coffee shop/diner on the ground floor. Hidden in the basement is the Whiskey Bar, which has a warm and hip decor and an impressive whiskey selection.

Their website didn't make it clear that the rooms were designed for ants. Why in the world would anyone stay here for the same price as a 'regular' hotel. I get changed on my bed and last night my pillow fell off the bed and landed up against the base of the toilet. Disgusting! And did I mention a group of homeless men congregate outside on both sides of the hotel entrance! This is a last resort hotel!

This was my first experience with a micro hotel, and pretty sure it'll be the last. I'm actually writing this a few hours into checking in, so you could say it's made an impression. First: front desk staff were extremely friendly. They actually gave me a comp card for a free house wine or beer at the bar when they realized my birthday was coming up, and the staff had signed a birthday card. I went with their full bed option, which is a 150sq ft room. Sizing wise it's alright if you're traveling solo, but wouldn't be ideal for any couples, groups, or those who aren't fans of small spaces. Sadly, the size isn't the only thing the room is lacking. Also missing are: a coffee machine station, fridge, and water bottles (comp'd or chargeable). If you're a fan of room service, you'll need to drag yourself to their on-site options (Whiskey Bar, Crimson Diner, or the rooftop bar the View). For those needing a caffeinated start, there's a grab and go coffee bar within Crimson Diner with limited hours during the weekdays (opens 7am) and weekend (opens 8am). If you're in town for a short trip with the intent to stay out for most of the day, this could be a reasonably affordable option. However if you're planning on staying longer than 1-2 days, you may want to consider the 'traditional' hotels. The mini desk in my room is alright, but would have been a hard pass if I needed to use it for an extended time or planned on working from the room. There doesn't appear to be a designated drop off in front of the hotel, but I highly recommend having your Uber/Lyft/taxi stop in front of the hotel vs having you walk across the street. One because it's a pretty active street and the crosswalks are a bit spread out, not ideal if you're maneuvering multiple bags or a large suitcase. Two because the area is a bit questionable. Tips: -A/C unit is pretty loud, and will seem louder given the small rooms (also clicks on/cycles every 5-10mins) -Front door is locked at all times (physical or digital key card required) -Neighborhood: traveling solo? Be extra mindful, especially as the sun goes down -Take the staff up on the physical card, even if you went digital, in case the system goes down or your phone does. The neighborhood isn't the greatest if you get locked out and someone isn't at Reception to assist -For detailed menus and hours of the Crimson on-site offerings (Whiskey Bar, Diner, or the rooftop/View), go to https://crimson-dc.com/ -Sound carries extremely well here (outside, hallways, and neighbors). Bring earbuds if you're a light sleeper

Motto is such a beautiful hotel, just keep in mind the rooms are small; like, very small. We loved the location, it's perfect. I will say, there is quite a bit of noise throughout the night--Motto provides earplugs on the nightstand. We didn't use the earplugs and the noise didn't bother us much, but if you're a light sleeper you may want to take that into consideration. The staff is very friendly, I believe we checked in with Jordan. The rooftop bar offers a great view and the drinks were pretty good too. Overall, I would consider returning to this hotel.

The hotel set up is nice. You have a roof bar, a nice lobby area and bar area and a bar downstairs. The rooms are tiny but adequate, I don't know if the price necessarily matches the room size. (Maybe the price was over priced during the month we went for the cherry blossom parade). The major flaws of this place are one, the customer service. The main lobby reception desk has terrible customer service, and that's putting it mildly. They're rude, seem as if they're perturbed when approached, and overall don't work well as customer service entity. There was one, out of our five days, that seems helpful and nice. You may request an iron, certain amenities via text line which may or may not be answered in an appropriate timeframe. No laundry service. Here is the amusing part, the hotel is situated right near the metro line which is nice, but the area is literally going through a gentrification phase right now so prepare to be uncomfortable as you exit the hotel or return from a night out. They try and alleviate this issue by only allowing you to enter via room key at night but there's no security to be found to enforce it. Overall, not concerned with the flaws really, just don't feel the pricing is fair in light of those flaws.

Comfortable and cozy. Yippee-kai-yay! Yes! However, by cozy I mean they are small rooms. This is not a problem for this cowboy of travel. Not my first hotel rodeo. This buckaroo has had to lay his head in many an ornery place like in Paris, in many a ville in France and even in some city's underpants. This Pod is far from underpants. I would even consider it the chemise or, better yet, the chapeau of some of the places I've stayed in DC. Ok pardner, this ain't gonna be the hotel for many a folk. It is funky and the rooms are no better bigger than a rich folk's walk-in closet. That's ok. I'm fine it. The diner on the first floor and rooftop bar are super cool. Attractive to the high energy young person and even the occasional traveling cowboy wrangling ornery hotels just for shits and giggles.

This was my first experience in a micro-hotel and it was really nice. The hotel is new and modern looking. The rooms are clean. The staff is more than friendly and the hotel thought of everything. There was even a white noise machine and earplugs in my room to drown out the city noise. The food at the restaurant was really good and there's a downstairs bar as well that has cool events. The rooftop bar is nice as well. The price point was GREAT for staying in the middle of Chinatown and I'd stay again. I especially want to shout out Terrell who works at the front desk. One night, there was a drunken man that was being loud, belligerent, and unreasonably upset for being cut off of alcohol at the bar. Terrell deescalated the situation, handled it with so much calmness, respect, and care. He definitely deserves a raise. This was a great hotel that I look forward to staying at again.

The room was clean but it's too small! I bumped my toes multiple times at multiple furniture. The staff is super friendly and the restaurant food in the loby was good Overall good for a quick trip in DC. Great location closer to a lot of places

Location, location, location! We live in a world in which convenience reigns as one of the most powerful forces. Stayed at the Pod during a work trip to the city and man was it convenient! You're in Chinatown and centrally located from the National Mall, Capitol Building, a BUNCH of Smithsonian museums, The White House, and generally just all the things. You're surrounded by restaurants, shops, & a stones throw from a grocery store. You're right next to the metro. Best of all, the Pod was just a few blocks from our office which made the morning walks to work easy peasy. The staff was super friendly and check-in was a breeze. I was in my room in no time which was amazing after all the traveling and lack of sleep. I plopped myself on the bed and although it wasn't the most comfortable hotel bed/pillows I've ever had, I completely knocked out for a few hours. The room itself is small (they don't call it the 'Pod' for nothing) and very minimal. However, it was really clean and I liked the design! I loved how they made use of the space, elevating the bed and leaving the perfect spot to slide in my footwear and my luggage to free up space to walk around. What you lack in bells in whistles translates to cash savings $$$, which for me when traveling is of utmost importance. For the most part, I'm only using the room to sleep anyway and don't need much else. If you're hungry, they have a hip restaurant downstairs and their basement bar is also quite nice. We hung out in a private room, enjoying conversations over some of their wings & other food offerings. My favorites were the Old Bay chicken wings and rice pudding dessert. SO good and would definitely get that again! Pretty sure I ate 3 or 4 of those rice puddings. Haha! We also checked out their roof top bar one evening and it was really nice. Stepping out into the open space, you're greeted with a lovely view of the city and even a peek-a-boo view of the Washington Monument. Take your pick from the numerous outdoor seating or f it ever was to rain/snow, have a seat in the covered seating inside. Needless to say, I had a pretty great stay. I did try to request an iron one day. I waited about 45 minutes, but had to leave for work. Not even sure if anyone ever came. Also, they seem to have some energy saving settings in place as the A/C would only turn on if you're in the room and if you didn't move around for a while, the lights turned off. I thought something was wrong with my lights at first. Overall, I'd recommend this hotel if you're ever in the city and want somewhere convenient and cheap, but still safe, clean, & updated!

I am a visitor from the midwest and this was not my first time in D.C.! This hotel is very conveniently located in Chinatown and walking distance from the Convention Center and the rest of the city! It's a very walkable area for restaurants and bars, and you can feel assured for your safety with their keycard security access to the main door. I had a room with a double bed on the 10th floor facing the main road. The room was quite tiny that you can barely walk around the bed to get to the single desk in there. A checked bag could lay on the ground, unopened. Here is my breakdown: Location: Conveniently walking distance to several bakeries, bars, and restaurants. Safety: Very safe with keycard access only, 24/7 staff at the desk. Cleanliness: Very clean. Housekeeping is only by request but they are efficient. Amenities: They have a gym! It's very clean there with towels, water cooler etc. Includes (but not limited to): smith machine, treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, kettle bells, yoga mats. Food: There's a cafe attached where you can buy food. Room Overall: Small but adequate for one person, maybe two. No fridge/microwave. You can request for iron + iron board if needed.

Location, location, location. POD is in an such a convenient location if you're coming to DC for a game at the Capital One Arena, business in Chinatown, or general tourism where you want to stay close to all the historic attractions for a somewhat lower cost, off the main concourse of things but within reasonable walking distance. The staff here are very kind and helpful. The check-in process was quick and far from a headache. They even called my room, shortly after my arrival, to make sure all my needs were met. The check out process was just as easy and the standard credit card hold was dropped within just a couple days. Very simple and reliable hotel to work with, in my experience. I'd have to give the overall stay, however, a 3.5 star as the rooms are very tiny, the walls are a little bit thinner than I'd desire and the AC was very loud, sporadic in activation and too close to the bed. I am a deep sleeper and I jumped up a few times in the middle of the night when that thing kicked on. I also had a not so happy baby in the room next to me which was fine at night because the loud AC tuned it out, but it definitely showed me how thin the walls were. I had a corner room too, so I can't imagine being between two rooms. The shower was very clean (I am very picky with public showers) and the shampoos and soaps they provided were good quality. Everything felt pretty well kept up, no dust on the shelves or stains on the sheets or anything like that. I really liked my corner room views of the city and would recommend booking a room on the 9th floor or higher, on the corner for the views. The bed takes up the entire room but it looks like you're sleeping right above the city, so it's kind of cool. There's a hip little coffee joint downstairs with bar seating facing the street, couch seating in the lobby, and a community table in the center of the room. There's a general hotel bar and restaurant on the main floor which serves boozy milkshakes I would highly recommend trying. They have a whiskey bar and kitchen downstairs which was truly poppin' on a week night and served an interesting variety of dishes. And they have a rooftop bar on the 11th floor of the hotel which you can only access from the elevator on the very left side of the lobby. I can see the POD is trying to make itself a great place to stay. It's in a favorable location, has tons of things to do there, cool views, great service, is somewhere affordable, etc. They do not have their own parking lot but they can recommend you to one close by with a $25+ a day rate. The rooms are not the most spacious and may be strongly uncomfortable for two or more people with tons of luggage, but for a solo minimal traveler like myself, it did the job. I would probably stay again for the location and service.

I really wanted to like Pod because I love the concept--a hotel with a fantastic location that's simple and bare-bones, only meant for getting a good night's sleep and a shower and spending the rest of your stay out in the city. The designs of the rooms are so fun and they make great use of the (tiny) space, and the lobby area is very artistic and quirky. The concierges were friendly and prompt, and the rooms had a good amount of amenities you could request for free. Obviously, the location is the biggest pro, as you get to stay right in Chinatown only a few minutes walk from the closest metro station. Unfortunately, if the main focus is just getting sleep and a good shower, Pod didn't meet those criteria. I consider myself quite low maintenance when it comes to hotels but my bed was so stiff and uncomfortable, and my pillows so flat, that I barely got any sleep that night. The pillows sank down as soon as you put your head on them and I had to use 3 pillows (!) to get comfortable. The walls are also very thin and I could hear my neighbors door loudly closing as they came back late at night, which woke me up. The shower curtains also looked like they were bought at the dollar store and the water pressure kind of sucked. For me, having a comfortable place to sleep is the most important part of a hotel stay, and since I just wasn't able to get that I can't recommend staying at Pod.

From the moment you walk in you know this is going to be a great experience. The decor, the coffee bar and restaurant to the left, the friendly team welcoming you with a smile. If only every hotel were this amazing. But let me back up. The location is also top notch. Tucked away in Chinatown and within walking distance of almost anything you could ask for, this is THE PLACE when coming to DC. My room came with a beautiful view, but the rooftop bar was breathtaking. I loved the minimalist feel and found it refreshing how streamlined everything was. For those of us needing a iron and board, it is available upon request so don't fret. The art following me down the hall and the water bottle refiller nearby also made me wish I could've stayed a little longer. I have to return to POD (oh yeah, and DC) soon.

Thr hotel is in a good location and the customer service is great too. The rooms were clean and everyone was very attentive to our needs. The rooms are a but small ( best for one person). The area outside has a lot of loitering at night - be careful. The only question I have is, why they allow a homeless person to ask people for money or to buy them a coffee in their lobby area?? Not good... Veronica

Hidden gem in DC in Chinatown/City Center area. This is a great place to stay if you are in the city for a short trip. This is a micro hotel and the rooms have a cute design. I stayed in a room with a full size bed, and I had a great nights sleep. Please note a bag larger than a international size carryon is not recommended for this space. Cute rooftop space and the Whiskey Bar was great. I will definitely stay here again. Some reviews commented on hearing other guests, and I did not experience that issue. Also, the staff was very friendly during check-in and check-out. The only noise was your typical city street sounds. Metro accessible Walkable Rooftop Bar Coffee Bar Craft Cocktails

I recently returned to the Pod DC on a work trip and had another pleasant experience with minimal issues. Since I was in the room more and had a longer trip this time I figured I'd update my review with a few extra observations. I still think this is a great budget-concious option in a great area of DC. I rarely needed to uber anywhere with so many attractions and great restaurants near by. On my first day I enjoyed the walk to and from the National Mall as well. Again, check in was a breeze and my room was ready in advance of the hotel's posted check in time. Everything was clean and I had another queen pod. I can now confirm that yes, there is plenty of space under the bed for suitcases, but I still used the desk and chair for my small carry on bag. This time I unpacked a bit more and took advantage of all the shelves around the space and decided I want to install additional shelves in my bathroom when I get home. I had a few coworkers who experienced difficulties with the automatic lighting in the room. The lights would turn on when they were trying to sleep. I am sure this is a huge energy saver for the hotel, but motion activating lights in a hotel room are a pain. Thankfully, each night I remembered to switch off the two light switches (one by the bed another in the hall) before going to sleep. I did get frustrated when I was spending downtime in my room and the lights would turn off on me, because using my laptop didn't create enough motion to keep the lights on. Minor inconvenience, but still a daily inconvenience. The water pressure also wasn't as strong and the view was non existent in my 7th floor room. The street noise didn't bother me since the AC acted as white noise. However the AC would blast making the room very cold and then shut off completely. It would take some time for the room to warm up before blasting again creating a constant hot-cold experience. Another minor inconvenience that is worth noting for picky travelers. The towels are still thin and scratchy and the plush blanket in the closet is still my favorite. I would be happy to stay here again for future solo trips, but I feel like adding an extra person might be uncomfortable for trips longer than two or three days. There is very little privacy, if you go with a friend/partner it may be a bonding experience if you don't know them very well or don't already live with them. It's comfortable, clean, and affordable in a great location.

I had the pleasure of staying at Pod DC during a business trip last week, and I definitely enjoyed my 4-night stay! I'd looked up the Pod on Yelp before my arrival, so I knew to expect a small room. Yes, folks, these rooms are definitely pod-like. Mine contained a queen sized bed with a small amount of walking space around the bed, plus a bathroom, tiny desk/chair, and an entry/closet area that functioned as a dressing room. The room was amazingly clean and brightly lit with two corner windows. The use of light colors and a large mirror definitely added to the feel of this being a bigger space than it was. The bathroom was super clean as well, and featured a large shower and basic amenities (additional items are available by asking at the front desk). There was quite a bit of typical city/alley noise outside, and the hotel-provided earplugs on my nightstand were most appreciated. What really set the Pod apart for me was the fantastic, friendly staff. Every time I entered the lobby the staff greeted me warmly. They were always helpful with any questions or requests I had. On check-out day they stored my luggage all day while I explored the city before my late-afternoon flight. The hotel also has a lovely coffee shop, basement whiskey lounge (I had a fantastic Manhattan on my first night there), and a not-to-miss rooftop bar with fantastic views over the rooftops of Chinatown. Speaking of Chinatown, the hotel is very conveniently located just across from a Metro station, and the nearest Uber/Lyft ride was always just a few minutes away. The area felt very safe during the day, and just "okay" at night. If I went back I'd make sure to have a friend along for walking to any nearby bars/restaurants. Speaking of friends, these rooms are tiny and - personally - I think I'd have felt very crowded had I had a companion to share the space with. As a solo business traveler, though, I didn't spend a lot of time there and it was more than adequate for my visit to DC.

The CUTEST hotel located in the heart of DC! Walking distance from every attraction. The employees were lovely! Everyone greeted us when we walked through the doors. Everything was CLEAN! Like, really really clean! We only saw one unclean item & we didn't notice it until the last day. There was makeup on our comforter &&&& it was way too dark to be mine. Still 5/5 stars, because that is my only complaint. I like that the hotel basically can't be accessed by non-customers. You needed a key card to get inside & use the elevators. It made me feel safer in the bustling city. We did utilize the diner & whiskey bar. The morning barista is faster & far more skilled than any Dunkin or Starbucks barista I've ever encountered. I wish I had gotten her name to include in the review! The whiskey bar was so cool! Our waitress was the only server down there & she killed it. Special shoutout to Jordan at the front desk! Loved her energy & how helpful she was when we first arrived. She had a beautiful, bright smile every time we saw her. It made the stay that much more enjoyable.

Dear Hilton Management and Staff , Like most upright citizens I truly believe my experience at a hotel would be "short" of words but overall my experience at the MOTTO hotel by Hilton was marvelous! Additionally , I would like to thank the awesome hotel staff and dinning services staff , who in FACT made my stay beyond average . Personally and socially I've traveled the world ; furthermore resided in many hotels from the Ritz , Hyatt , Courtyards across the globe . Impeccably Experience and I highly recommend this location to anyone that visits the nation's capitol . ~ Amos Smith

Not bad of a hotel, a modern yet stylish hotel. Great location, Chinatown. Across the street from the Capital One Arena. Subway/Metro station steps away from the hotel. Safe area. Plenty to eat and see within a few steps away. Of course the National Mall is also easy to get to via foot or cab/uber/lyft.

I had a great stay at the Motto during a quick trip to DC. The hotel is centrally located and perfect to walk to many attractions in the area or easily hop on the metro (it's right across the street). My check in process was super easy, the room was clean, bed very comfortable and I loved that you could control the lights and A/C from your TV! The customer service was great. I forgot to pack my toothpaste and the front desk had a small one, complimentary for me. There's a Walgreens at the corner too if you may have forgotten anything else. There's great restaurants and a rooftop bar options within the hotel. And the gym is also very nice too. The fitness center has a good selection of cardio equipment, heavy weights and a cable machine. I would highly recommend this place if you're traveling alone or don't plan to be in your room very often and want a room at an affordable price. Check it out!