Arrival/Check-In: The hotel is conveniently located just a short walk from both Union Station and the Capitol. It’s best to take a taxi to the White House, as it’s about a mile-and-a-half walk. But we were in the mood for a leisurely stroll, so we walked the whole way. By the time we were done visiting the local museums, the White House and the Capitol, we were anxious to check into the hotel quickly and rest a bit before dinner. I was happy check-in was quick, and — after stopping for a self-serve welcome drink in the lobby — we were in our room within minutes.

Guest Quarters: The newly decorated rooms are sleek and modern. The beds had gorgeous leather headboards and stainless steel reading lights which hang down just right, so one guest can read without disturbing the other. The muted tones of gray and tan are accented by just a touch of red and indigo blue — in a painting over a chair and a bright red glass-top dresser/desk which held the TV. I did wish the TV were mounted on the wall to allow for more workspace. But we were only there for one night and opted to not pay the WiFi fee, so the desk space was not a problem on this trip.

We perused the six-choice pillow menu (buckwheat, down, hypo-allergenic, magnetic therapy, sound and Swedish memory pillow) and decided to request magnetic therapy pillows. I don’t know if they had any magical magnetic powers, but they still offered a comfortable night’s rest.

The bathrooms have also been renovated, and I was surprised to see they had Gilchrist and Soames Sprout Out Collection environmentally friendly bath amenities in full-sized containers which hang in the shower. I’m sure this saves many little single-use shampoo and conditioner containers from ending up in a landfill.

Services/Amenities: I wish the weather had been warm when we visited The Liaison because they have an amazing rooftop pool and bar. In fact, they have the only open-air rooftop bar on Capitol Hill. I could picture myself relaxing with a glass of wine in a comfortable chair overlooking the city, but with temperatures in the 40s, it wasn’t going to happen on this particular trip. They also offer complimentary yoga on the roof in the mornings when the weather cooperates.

The hotel’s restaurant, Art and Soul, reopened in February after a month-long renovation, which involved remodeling both the interior and the menu. Chef Art Smith (Oprah Winfrey’s former personal chef), along with Executive Chef Wes Morton, created a new menu that encourages family-style dining and is driven by its chefs’ Southern roots. This can be seen in new menu items — such as seafood gumbo with duck and rice bean stew — and old favorites like fried free-range chicken and waffles or shrimp and grits.

The Experience: You can’t beat The Liaison for location — it’s close to the Mall and all the museums you can fit in during your stay in D.C. It also has abundant meeting space, a state-of-the-art fitness room … and don’t forget to try out the new and improved restaurant.

GT Checklist

• Doorman/Valet
• Less than 10 minutes for check-in
• Separate tub and shower
• Large vanity
• High-quality towels
• Powerful, unattached hair dryer
• High-quality bed linens
• Large, flat-screen television
• Large desk with convenient outlets
• Complimentary in-room WiFi
• Complimentary bottled water
• Stocked minibar
• Ample lighting
• In-room coffeemaker
• Iron and ironing board
• On-site restaurant and bar
• 24-hour room service
• Large, complimentary laptop safe
• State-of-the-art fitness center

The Liaison Capitol Hill, An Affinia Hotel

415 New Jersey Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001
tel 202 638 1616
affinia.com