Were you there during spring break?
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LOL as a matter of fact we were! And don't ask me why, while planning our trip I never connected the dots of spring break + lots of kids = D.C. All I thought of was Cherry Blossoms. DUH LOL Live and learn. It was an experience for sure.

I had the same impression of the location of the Hamilton as SOCALOC. It wasn't bad, just geared toward business. We were only there for a couple days and those days were filled with marathon sightseeing, so I don't think we would have spent much time in the neighborhood even if it was more geared toward tourists and residents.

When we got back to DC, we had a more relaxed pace, so we really enjoyed being in the Dupont Circle neighborhood.

I think the strategy of getting a cancellable reservation now and then monitoring hotel rates is good. I had lagged on booking our hotel for the 2nd part of our trip and ended up finding that the rates had dropped.

Thanks, everyone. I'll keep the Hamilton reservation and see if rates drop closer to my visit.

Try the Hotel Lombardy on 20th and I streets - I block off of PA Ave. Centrally located, walking distance to Dupont Circle, the White House, Georgetown. Nice safe neighborhood close to GWU. It's a boutique type property with great service and nice amenities.

Just for kicks, I tried plugging your travel dates into the websites of a couple of my favorite hotels to recommend -- wow, the rates are high! I think you are at a disadvantage because you are staying Monday - Thursday, when rates are geared toward business travelers. However, as it gets closer to those dates and the hotels still have empty rooms to fill, you may well see promotions and price drops, so the advice to keep monitoring is good. (And actually, at that time of year, with college graduations, etc., weekend rates may not in fact not be that much better.)

That said, one hotel where friends often stay does appear to have rooms in your price range, The River Inn:
https://gc.synxis.com/rez.aspx?Hotel=18805&Chain=7505
It is in a residential neighborhood, and not as central as being downtown, but you will be within walking distance of Georgetown, the Kennedy Center, and the Foggy Bottom metro station. It's low key but very nice, and the attached restaurant, Dish, is well regarded.

I think MoonGirl's idea is a great one. The River Inn is in a quiet safe neighborhood and is convenient. It's a short walk to the Metro, Georgetown, and the Lincoln Memorial end of the mall. I lived in this neighborhood for several years and walked to all the museums and must see places. Best way to get to know a city.