The perfect spot for your DC visit in my opinion! I'll begin with the hosts, who - along with their children - are some of the most delightful people I've ever met. The accommodations were cozy yet ample for our party of four. Located in the bottom level of a mid-1800s rowhouse, the apartment is two steps below ground level. Thus, I wouldn't describe this as a "basement" apartment… the dining nook had three decent sized windows and let natural light in. Kitchen is smallish but opens to the living area. More on that topic in a moment.
We slept fine in the apartment. The bedroom's queen-size bed was plenty comfortable, and the fold-down sofa/futon was fine as well. The blowup queen size air mattress has a built-in pump and inflates in no time. It seemed more than a mattress to me… It really was an inflatable bed.
Back to the kitchen for a second. I realize that most people would not cook all that often while on vacation, especially visiting a place with so much to do like Washington. However our party included one child with multiple environmental and food allergies, and we are required to bring an arsenal of special food and cooking utensils with us when we travel. For that reason alone there was a premium on counter space but I also have to add: Kelly spent an unbelievable amount of time communicating with us on the allergy issue. His willingness to swap out the normal commercially available cleaning supplies for those that are allergy friendly was a godsend.
Now for the best reason to stay here: location. The apartment is less than 4 miles from the national mall, and is literally across the street from the Eastern Market Metro Station. each day we would close the door, walk a few dozen paces, and four subway stops later we were on the doorstep of the nations capital. And for runners out there… either right from the apartment's front door or via the subway - what an amazing backdrop for an early morning or early evening run - The capital, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial.
The neighborhood also has, within 3 to 4 blocks, everything you need from restaurants/pubs/bars to grocery and drug stores. Don't miss Ted's Bulletin for breakfast (2 blocks). On the way, walking south down 7th Street, stop and say hello to 'Bear", one of the sweetest dogs ever.