This is a hotel for those, like me, who prefer a contemporary, sleek decor. Those with tastes for cozy decor or historical reproductions would probably not like the Donovan House.

The look of the hotel and the design of the room is minimalist and contemporary, but stylish. There is a wonderful leather armchair, a good firm bed, interesting lighting, a desk, a flatscreen TV, minibar, and a fairly large bathroom. My room was 708, a king superior room, I believe. It was plenty large for one or two people, with ample closet space. Wireless internet access worked and was free. I found no problem with the service at the hotel.

A couple of complaints about the design:

There is little counterspace in the bathroom, but a huge sink about 24 inches x 18 inches. I did not understand the point of the large sink at the sacrifice of counterspace. However, there was a long leather bench in the bathroom that could be used as a surface.

It was not possible to get the room really dark at night, as the drapes don't really do the job.

Free breakfast is coffee or tea and bakery. I was not expecting more. Location was fine for me, although you have to walk a few blocks to get to the Metro. There is a convenient 24 hour drug store across the street.

There is no bar, but apparently there are plans for a restaurant to open soon.

The hotel is located 10 minutes walk from the main tourist sights and 5 minutes from good restaurants. When we checked in we could still smell the newness of recently refurbished lobby, the staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful right through our 3 night stay. Disappointingly our room was at the back of the hotel over looking what appeared to be a residential home. If you get the chance stay in one of the front of the hotel rooms.
Our room was extremely 'trendy' we absolutely loved the walk in shower, although the water pressure could have been better. Everything in the room was top end, bed linens, towels, robes and toiletries. The room was 'compact' but perfect in every way, big bed, big plasma TV, top quality finish on storage cupboards etc. The complementary breakfast got you going in the morning which served pastries, muffins, fruit and coffee.
The one small criticism I have is that the pool and roof bar were not completed so we couldn’t use them, these are due to be completed and opened in May.
I would highly recommend the hotel to anyone visiting DC. If I could have given a rating of 6 stars this hotel would get it!!

If you like contemporary and minimalist but very accommodating, this is for you. As a business traveler, I was very satisfied. Here are the plus points:
1. great bed, linens and robe
2. very quiet AC
3. Liehl's products
4. FREE wireless internet
5. coffee, quality teas and REAL creamers in the rm. (none of that powdered crap)
6. the sink and the shower is pretty cool
7. digital TV

The decor is black and white with a touch of aubergine. And, I found the service to be welcoming and quick. I totally recommend this hotel!

Hotel seems to be done in a cheap way. Furniture, decor etc is trendy but low end. Service needs improvement. Ordered ice and it took approx 45 minutes to come up and say that they were out of buckets and asked for the one in the room. The ice showed up about 30 minutes after that. I was excited about the hotel coming to DC because I think 60 Thompson is a great hotel. For the money, I would stay in a Kimpton hotel for the same price but better value.