The Tabard is an old hotel, steps from Dupont Circle. It has loads of character--comfy furniture, dark wood, unique lamps--but not some of the conveniences of a modern chain, such as an elevator (the top rooms are three flights up). The sitting rooms on several floors are more like rooms in a club than the antiseptic lounges of many hotels.

The hotel's bigger rooms (not visited)are well priced for the neighborhood: doubles with a private bath top out at about $200 and are half that for a shared bath. For the lone traveler I highly recommend one of the Tabard's tiny rooms, with a single bed and shared bath in the hall, for about $75 a night. This includes a good breakfast in the Tabard's excellent--but expensive--ground-floor restaurant.

The room is fine for a single traveler, with antique--or at least old--furniture including a desk and comfortable chair. There's room to stretch out on the carpet. The bathrooms in the hall are not your cookie-cutter hotel bathrooms, but have unique fixtures and some warmth.

The location is hard to beat, as you can easily take the Metro to or from the Dupont Circle station.

Recommended: Yes