I'm planning a short getaway to Washington DC in late March/early April. The Tabard Inn sounds like the quirky historic type of place we like to stay at. However, some recent reviews have panned it and one review suggests it has recently been taken over by a corporation. Any recent experience? I'm interested in the accommodation, not the restaurant so much as we probably would only have breakfast there. If you wouldn't recommend the Tabard can you suggest anywhere similar? Never been to Washington before but Dupont Circle or Penn Quarter sound like where we want to be.

A year ago Thanksgiving we were looking at staying there, but were turned off a bit too by reviews and also by the prices. We ended up staying at the Mayfair, right across from The
Phillips Collection. Not like the Tabard, but not like a big corporate hotel either. Really lovely traditional rooms and warm, welcoming staff. We got a deal online for much less than the Tabard, but that really depends.

Do you mean the Fairfax?

The Tabard Inn is a family owned business. There was a big internal stink fest last year with uprisings and bloody coups and some allegations of money issues. Bur it's certainly alive and doing business if the activity from the exterior is any clue. I stayed at the hotel next door to the Tabard in late January.

I have to admit the Tabard's quirkiness has never been my cup of tea for lodging although it's location is excellent. I'm more of a Kimpton stayer myself.

The Woodley Park Guest House has received good reviews here and I think it is in the same price point as the Tabard. The neighborhood is slightly further away from the National Mall, White House, etc than Dupont Circle although it is a lovely choice for neighborhood and restaurants.

Penn Quarter is not going to be the best neighborhood for historic lodgings -- most of what is there is newer. The Hotel Monaco (a Kimpon) is in an early 19th C historic building, DC's original Post Office and Tariff building. It is gorgeous but will be a higher price than the Tabard. Penn Qtr is a great location for visiting DC.

Duh. Yes I meant the Fairfax, not the Mayfair.

"The Woodley Park Guest House ... is slightly further away from the National Mall, White House, etc than Dupont Circle although it is a lovely choice for neighborhood and restaurants." -- true, but it is closer to the nearest metro (Woodley Park) than the Tabard is to its nearest metro (Dupont Circle.)

Thanks, everyone. Some good options to consider. More suggestions and comments welcome.

several years ago we stayed at the Tafts Bridge Inn, about 5 blocks north of Dupont Circle. The Tafts is an old mansion with lots of character, a bit quirky, but clean and a good value.

It was a tough choice but I decided to splurge and booked the best room at Woodely Park. It will be great having a metro stop so close and interesting restaurants nearby. Normally I opt for the less expensive option but I think I'm getting to that point in life where convenience and comfort matters more than cost.

Thanks for your help. It's a long-awaited trip and I'm sure we won't be disappointed with so much to see and do.

Out of 185 Tripavisor reviews, 118 are either "excellent" or "very good". I've seen bad reviews for some of the best hotels and restaurants around. There are some people who will find fault anywhere they look. It's walkable to White House and 2 blocks to Dupont Metro. You'll not find a better hotel breakfast anywhere in DC.

You will not be disappointed in the Woodley Park Guest House. I have stayed there 3 times. Everyone is really helpful. The Woodley Park Metro stop is just one stop past Dupont Circle so it is not that much farther. Enjoy your trip.

I love Woodley Park! IMO, the best restaurant in the area is Petits Plats:
http://www.petitsplats.com

Enjoy!

I agree bardo1, a few bad reviews do not a reputation make. (I assume you are referring to the Tabard). But when people who have loved and stayed at a place for years start saying 'it ain't what it used to be' it raises questions. We may try the Tabard for a meal or their famous brunch, and put it on our 'maybe next time' list .