American Guest House — Hotel in Washington

Three stars doesn't seem to be enough! My son was traveling home from Washington via Amtrak, after a week-long seminar. This was his first foray at traveling alone. The trip up was perfect. The return trip not as smooth. The Saturday he was due to leave the most horrendous storm tore the East coast to shreds. Massive power outages. Not to mention, no Amtrak service. In a panic we began calling around to every possible hotel within a 60 mile vicinity. Nothing. We tried all the travel sites. And we called no less than 20 hotels. At this juncture all of DC had decided to check into a hotel as they were without power. I switched gears and tried the B& B's... about half way down the list we called the American Guest House. Jonathan answered and stated that he had one room available! I couldn't try to get it booked fast enough. He kindly asked if he could call us back as he was checking in a line of guests. He assured us he would hold the room. True to his word, he called us back. I explained that my son would be en-route immediately. Jonathan kindly offered to stay and wait for my sons arrival even though his shift was already over. In the meantime. it was determined that my son didn't have the cash available for the taxi ride! I called Jonathan and asked if he could charge the taxi to the room.. he said that he was not authorized to do so. In the same breath, he said he would pay for the taxi personally. Seriously. I remain so thankful for the hospitality and generosity of your staff. It's almost a second thought to add that the facilities...

I really wanted to love this Guest House - however, my disappointment started when I called 48-hours prior to my arrival to implore that a concession be made to the cancellation policy. My mother was admitted into the Emergency Room a few days before my scheduled DC trip. When I called the Owner, Ms. Rosan, one could clearly hear the commotion of hospital noise, I also informed her that I was feeling quite ill and could provide her medical documentation if need be (it turned out to be bronchitis).

I was well aware of the 6-day cancellation policy and I must say that I understand the need for rules and regulations, HOWEVER, I also know that "life happens" and in some cases, concessions could and should be made.

Ms. Rosan, however, was inflexible and said that she would not be able to make any changes to my reservation, although I was not asking to cancel, nor obtain a refund of the $457. I was simply asking to reschedule to a better time. The response was a firm, "No".

I arrived for what was supposed to be a 2-night stay and while I tried to power-through, it was quite evident that I was ill.

I left early the following morning and sent her a text message to let her know that I was leaving early and that the room was empty, to which she couldn't even be bothered to respond and feign some level of care - on a human level.

As it relates to the room.... I am a real estate agent and work on many interior design projects - there are two key elements to decor: color & lighting. I found the room...

Stayed from Tuesday to Friday and LOVED it! Because it's a b&b, they have special instructions for arriving late (past 9). My flight was already going to get in later and then was delayed an hour. I was worried about being able to get to the room ok, but it was SO easy. Great communication from AGH. I was in for a conference that served breakfast the first two days, but I went downstairs for the breakfast on the third day and it was wonderful. Eggs, veggies, quinoa, etc along with muffins and croissants. The building was dead quiet at night. I was on the 4th floor, so no one was above me. Someone was next door, but I never heard them. My room overlooked the street which was not a problem at all. Based on another review I read, I brought ear plugs and didn't need them at all. My flight wasn't until 9PM Friday and they let me keep my luggage in the front parlor area which I'm so grateful for because I wouldn't have had any idea what to do with it. As a single woman traveling alone, I not only felt safe, but somehow felt like staying with distant family. Also, if you love historic, vintage properties, this is heaven. On my next trip to DC, I will definitely stay here again!...