I don't know what your budget is, but we just stayed at the Loews L'Enfant Plaza this summer and I will never stay there again, just my opinion.
Yes, it is VERY conveniently located to the National Mall and the Smithsonian Museums, however, it was just horribly run down and the service is terrible.
You can read some reviews on Trip Advisor and actually see some photos of what I can say accurately depicted our experience. For the price, because it is not inexpensive, I would look elsewhere. Besides, we were told even by the hotel staff to avoid walking to and fro at night, unless in a larger group.
I had stayed there 20 years ago and it was very nice and I was shocked to see the incredible decline. I have to say, I do like nice hotels, and can lower my standards for price and convenience, but my standards of cleanliness and decent service stay.
This was my experience and we were with a larger group, I was not alone in my thinking.
Like I said, it is a great location, so if you can get through the rest, go for it.
On the otherhand, we do love the JW Marriott. It is really pricey and not as nice as other JW's, but you are paying for location as well. Very nice location.
We also did the International Spy Museum and the Holocaust Museum and both were awesome!
Enjoy your trip! Washington D.C. is great!
