Many years ago I moved to the Washington DC area. I had visited DC a few times before, even interning there for a bit during college. That internship helped me fall in love with the city. Like New York there is always a hustle and bustle about town, but on a calmer scale. There is also this pristine sense of awe that envelopes this town that I can't capture in words. You have to be there to understand it.

Of course when you make a city your home you never get to experience it the way a tourist does. On my recent trip there as a tourist I did a little bit of both. I stayed at the Phoenix Park Hotel. As a Washingtonian I quite literally have passed this hotel numerous times on my way to catch the D Street tunnel to Virginia and never once paid attention. Stupid me!

When you stop to smell the roses you find this historic hotel across the street from Union Station and the Smithsonian's Postal Museum. Not to mention the great view it has of the Capitol Building.

From the moment you cross the hotel's threshold you step into a luxurious modern lobby with comfortable seating and check in area. High above you is the chandelier that's been in the lobby since the hotel opened. It's also good to mention that unlike many other historic hotels in the city, this hotel has always been a hotel. This means you don't have former apartments that were converted to hotel rooms in the weirdest way possible.

Additionally you have an expansive selection of rooms from the standard rooms to the suites. I stayed in the King Deluxe because it had a desk and a larger sofa for me to lounge about on.

Not to mention my awesome view of the Postal Museum and Union Station. Check out that view!!

The hotel also has a great restaurant located on its ground floor called the Dubliner. While I may not have paid much attention to the hotel as a Washingtonian l I actually remembered the restaurant because it was one of the first restaurants I visited on a trip to DC, way back in 2004.

That was the year of the Cicada's, we were going to the Dubliner for lunch and to take a respite from the Cicadas buzzing around town. I'm surprised I made DC my home after that experience! Still I remember the food being good at the time and this time I got a chance to try breakfast. It did not disappoint.

I thought the yogurt was not going to be filling so I ordered eggs and a danish. Boy was I wrong! The yogurt came out in a heaping dish topped with my favorite toppings of berries and granola. It sufficed, but of course I love dessert (any time of day) and had to have the danish.

Why you should stay here:

Convenient: You can't be any more convenient than this. The hotel is right across Union Station on the Red Line. It's your gateway to Chinatown, Dupont Circle and more. Not to mention the station has a food court, shops and numerous restaurants. Additionally this is a major stop for tours.

More Convenience: It's close to all your major site near the National Mall. Your first Smithsonian is right outside your door. Not to mention your proximity to clubs on H Street NE and accessibility to the Capitol Hill neighborhood, giving you access to Eastern Market.

Basics Covered: If you hate convenience then have your basics covered. Comfortable beds, spacious rooms and updated showers will help you feel right at home. Not to mention free coffee in their coffee station area.

Only in town for work: Great! Here's hoping you don't have to visit them but the SEC, Bureau of Labor and Supreme Court is in the vicinity if you need them. The hotel is 2 minutes away from the I-395 south D street tunnel to Virginia. Your Acela train pulls right into Union Station. Not to mention at night when all the surrounding office workers have dashed off to their homes in the suburbs this area is quiet, making it easier to sleep.

Best room in the house: Go for a suite or anything in a King Superior or above. If you're looking something cozy book the Queen Superior but I highly recommend King Superior and above or a Suite.

Tips: Need to catch the Metro without going inside the halls of Union Station, enter through the side street across from Bureau of Labor and Statistics

Happy Travels!

Hotel Review: Phoenix Park Hotel