We enjoyed staying at Bryan's place! My husband and I enjoyed the heart of D.C. and really liked coming back to such a quiet and homey place. His place is a bit of a trek into town, but there are several bus stops to take you to the Metro which will take you anywhere you want to go. The area isn't the best neighborhood but we never feared for our lives or anything and it wasn't noisy outside late at night. I wouldn't recommend walking in the dark. So if you're out late, take an Uber/taxi. Bryan's hospitality and suggestions for sites and eats made up for it though. Would definitely recommend staying here if you're wanting to see the city at a great price! (Regarding public transportation: A 7 day pass is currently only $36 per person for unlimited rail rides and then you have to pay to transfer from bus to rail ($1.75 if I remember correctly) ...much more affordable and logical than renting a car in the city!)