Excellent Choice
The JW Marriott is a great place to stay in D.C., especially if you are there to see the Capital area. For the price, it is, hands down, the best location for Capital area adventures. Within easy walking distance of the White House, the Federal Triangle, and most of the Smithsonian museums, you can't beat the location. Everything is a short bus circuit ride away as well, if you're not up to the walk.
Rarely have I stayed in hotels that have such well trained staff. The hotel has been there for many years, but is recently updated. Yes, the elevators are different from the norm (no buttons inside, press your floor and the LED tells you which elevator to take), but you can figure this out if you have an IQ above 80. Yes, the driveway is on 14th street, not Pennsylvania Ave., but again, with an IQ above 80...
All in all, we could not find fault with this hotel. Our family of three stayed one night in a double to do the Smithsonian's the next day, but we ate well (M&S was awesome), enjoyed the hotel pool and Starbucks, slept very well in ultra comfortable beds, and were treated very well. The excercise room also appeared to be perfectly adequate.
On arrival, our coffeemaker did not work. We called to have it replaced. Within a few minutes, staff brought us extra cups. I replied that I did not need extra cups, but a coffeemaker, In less than 2 minutes (really) I had one with profuse apologies. We had no other complaints, but if we did, I am confident that the hotel would have responded beautifully.
I would definitely stay here again. I would not want to stay here for more than a day or two; Homewood Suites by Hilton would be better for that. This is also a great alternative to the more common Capital area Conference hotels.