A fellow colleague on extended TDY is staying at the mansion and set up a dinnertini party for our office. I have always heard about the mansion and now I had a reason to stay overnight! Let me first say the mansion isn't for all - well, take that back - it IS for everyone who is breathing!! The entire place is just a feast for your eyes. You can take yourself back to the kid at heart, or relax in peace and tranquility after a long day - something for everyone. Oh, the food was excellent and the service was impeccable as well. I stayed in the Windmill room - the large emerald green jacuzzi tub was sublime - the bed, gracious - the bed was like sleeping on angels wings - no lie! Owners are very wonderfully unpretentious hosts too! I told H - this is my home away from home when in DC. That is a fact! I'm booked for another special event in August - anything to use as an excuse to stay at the mansion is my philosophy.

There are so many things to say about this hotel, that I hardly know where to start. It is crazy, crowded, quiet, cramped. I could go on, but you get the picture. Well, there's no way you could really get an accurate picture without seeing it, but I'll try.

When we walked in, I thought, "surely we're in the wrong place." Picture the craziest estate sale or flea market you have ever been to and multiply it by 100. There is stuff EVERYWHERE, and you have to carry your own bags to your room on check-in, so I was sure I was going to knock something over.

They were very accommodating about our rooms, which were very clean and comfortable, but honestly I was on sensory overload because I was so nervous about finding my way around, navagating the extremely narrow halls, avoiding knocking something over, and taking in all the stuff to see. Along with all the flea market items, there are crazy colors on the walls and ceilings, mirrors that hide doorways, and more hallways to get lost in around every corner.

Breakfast was on your own in the 3rd floor kitchen. There was fresh fruit, breads, and omelette makings, but you have to fix it yourself. Apparently there is room service, but there wasn't a lot of explanation about that on check in.

It's as if they are an exclusive members-only hotel that is forced by the economy to let "everyday" guests in, but that doesn't mean they have to tell you all the secrets to membership and how to get the best experience from the hotel and staff. I have no idea if there was a pool or fitness center, as we were never told. It was completely overwhelming and I found nothing relaxing about my stay. If you want a soothing, elegant, relaxing stay while in D.C., I just cannot recommend this hotel.

Lastly, if there had been a need to evacuate in the middle of the night, there was no way we could have done it, unless a member of the invisible staff had come and led us out by the hand.

i'mpossible to describe in a paragraph so i wont try. This place is 1/2 B&B, 1/2 flea market and added up it's the coolest place i've ever stayed in. on my floor was my room with a bathroom with a 3' deep jacuzzi, a full size kitchen stocked with fresh food for you to eat, a dining room, a nice patio out back, a huge office with massive desk, a Mac, printer, everything free to me to use. Best of all...a huge billiards room with old style barber chairs for sittin and sippin whiskey while you listen to music on the juke box - we spent all night in there. the patio out back also has a pool but it was too cold for that.

Ask for the log cabin room - i'magine a Northern MN log cabin, two floors, cow hide rugs, leather furniture, two 55" flat screen tv's, it's own kitchenette, forget the jacuzzi - this room has a SAUNA, and the he headboard for the king sized bed is a fish tank!

Not for those looking for the same old same old but perfectly located, well staffed, clean and incredibly unique. Best part is that all the payment for food you eat, things you find in the hotel you want to buy...is all on the honor system! You make a bagel sandwich and have juice in the morning, just write it down and they bill you for it.

I've travelled to DC once a month over the last 10 years, 90% business, 10% pleasure. I've stayed in a variety of hotels and B&Bs, to get a feel for the neighborhoods and to get the best bang for my buck. Last year, I stumbled across the Mansion on O-Street (a private hotel), that is near Dupont Circle. My search is over - This place rocks!!! It mixes the comfort of a 5-star B&B with a "buzz" that is hard to describe. The owners have managed to showcase 100s of pieces of art, mixed with a R&R Hall-of-Fame feel, that seems to force you to explore all the nooks and crannies. When I arrive, I feel like I'm home - but, I don't want to leave. The staff is 100% personable, attentive and responsive. I recommend this to all... Very private and relaxing. You won't be disappointed, I promise.