It's possible to feel a bit like royalty when you stay here.
The Mayflower boasts a regal lobby and elegant rooms to match. Our room was clean and well appointed, and the staff was friendly without being pretentious. I was happy to see that all lamps had the eco-friendly compact fluorescent bulbs.
The hotel also happens to be one block from the Metro. After walking all day, it's pure heaven to reach your room so quickly.

As for cons:
Room service is outrageous ($20 for a hamburger), and that part of town gets pretty quiet at night. So we bring snacks to the room.

Some rooms can be very small and/or poorly situated. I intentionally booked what they call a "larger room." I received a large room, but it was located right above the hotel's enormous A/C units. The noise was unacceptable, so the front desk staff showed me two alternative rooms. I ended up with a smaller room than what I had booked, and they lowered my rate accordingly. So if you're booking here, err on the side of caution and ask for a larger room, and be prepared to speak up if the location is too noisy. The staff does accommodate you the best they can.

Lastly, this isn't really a con, just a weird observation.
The bathrooms don't have towel bars. We had to pile our wet towels on the counter.

Stayed 1 night only, on a quick business trip to DC; my first stay at the Mayflower. Overall, I was very impressed. Lovely lobby, good service, great bar/restaurants, great location, well appointed rooms, etc.. The only complaint I could have is that the rooms are a little small; more like I would expect in a european hotel than a U.S. one. Still, overall the stay was great!

I enjoyed my stay at the Renaissance Mayflower. The hotel is very conveniently located in DC. I was able to walk to most places I needed to be. In addition, it is very conveniently located to two Metro stops making the trip to and from the airport very easy.

The bed was very comfortable and the room had nice amenities. The hotel staff was very accomodating. Like another reviewer, I found the lobby bartender to be very attentive.

This is a nicely restored older building. I had a very comfortable stay. I would recommend this hotel to both business travelers and leisure travelers.

Had to stay in DC on business for an unexpected trip.

Called hotel directly, reservations team were well spoken and trained.

Hotel is beautiful room appointments were 5 Star.

Did not eat there but restaurant was busy, bar was very nice and bartender was a true pro.

This historic old place is right up my alley. Location great but parking was a hassle and expensive, well welcome to DC not as bad as NY but high.