Channel Inn - Washington

The first night was horrible....had to change rooms at 3 am as our room was shaking like as if there was an earthquake below. Some kind of loud noise under the room. But the front desk guy was nice enough to give us a different room. We had to drag everything in the middle of the night to that new room. The hotel needs serious upgrades....very old and […] coming apart. Free parking and proximity to downtown is a definite plus. The coffee shop in the lobby also is very nice and cheap prices for breakfast and such. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Not modern but comfortable and close to attractions

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Close to the National Mall. Metro service close. Hotel is old and needs work. Staff is friendly and helpful. If I ever return to DC I would not stay here again. Bar prices to high for what you get.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

It would be nice if the management invested some resources to upgrade some of the dated appliances like the tv etc...

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I had a terrible experience at Channel Inn. The 3.5 star rating is deceiving. It is more of a 1 star experience with a strong musty smell in the lobby, elevator and room. It was difficult to breathe. The hotel is falling apart with peeling paint, several visible coats of paint, old furniture with worn out cushions. The furniture and door lock had visible […] scratches. The pool was empty with stagnant water and a ring of dirt from never being cleaned. Very old and tired hotel. I checked in and checked right back out. I do not recommend this hotel no matter the cost. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Wish we could have stayed in a nicer hotel, this was rated a 3 star but more like a 1 1/2 - 2 star. The condition of the room was pretty poor and there was a lingering odor during the entire stay.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Very nice. The staff is very friendly.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Lovely time

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Other than the drain in the tub was slow, our 6 night stay was great, will stay here again

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

no complaints, great location on the waterfront, conveniently located to downtown and for sight seeing, awesome restaurant, only complaint is the pillows were like 1" think

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The location was good, it was within walking distance of a few museums. The restaurant in the hotel was great, good food and friendly service and we were right on the river. However, you could tell that the hotel was old because the rooms and elevators smelled like an really old ladies house. The door to the balcony of the room was broken so we had […] to be careful when opening it, but we had to open it to air out the room. Then the vending machine was sold out so then we had to drink water from the sink. Overall, it was okay, we didn't spend too much time in the room anyways. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We spent little time at the hotel, pretty much late evening through early morning. The lobby and rooms were clean, but the elevators and hallways needed a little updating. The furniture was also outdated but the rooms were large and had all we needed to be able to spend a few nights. It is not a bad walk to the National Mall and Smithsonian maybe 20 […] mintues, just depends on how much walking you can handle. Our main complaint was having to listen to the room service attendants yelling at each other throughout the hallways while cleaning before 9am. And, although we had our "do not disturb" up, room service still came in and refreshed our towels and tp. The breakfast was pretty good and convenient. If you're just there to sight-see and don't mind walking, you can save yourself a lot of $ by choosing the Channel Inn. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Was not impressed with presence of the room, including stained carpets and linen. The room smelled and I did not feel comfortable taking my shoes off to walk around on the carpet. It seemed as if the room had not been updated or serviced since the 70's from the looks at the "haunted house" like furniture and lamps (which did not work). I chose to stay […] here because of last minute planning and I guess I have learned my lesson. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Channel Inn's building and rooms are standard fare; not bad but not great. The ice machine was also broken so I had to walk to the other end of the hall. That said, the price was far better than anything else this close to the national mall (particularly given the free garage parking), the staff were helpful, and it's only a short walk down the marina/wharf […] to the open-air seafood market where you can get all kinds of shellfish raw or cooked to order. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Did not get the room that was booked months before and completly horrendus service at the desk. It took 3 tries to get a room that wasn't occupied, and the room we ended up with had 2 twins instead of a king size. Wallpaper was peeling and crud in the corners. Cheap and you got what you paid for.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Front desk clerk rude and not very helpful. Housekeepping was equally rude. Employees appear to project the feeling of they are doing the guests a favor. No complimentary coffee in room or in the lobby.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Hotel was in desperate need of updating (decor as well as mattresses) - and some maintenance...even thought about switching after first night there. But, was close to metro (if needed) and we had a car, so we were able to also drive to wherever we needed to go. It was an inexpensive hotel, but not terrible...to stay in anything nicer would have cost […] us 4 times as much...so, you get what you pay for... Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Channel Inn is a clean hotel that has not been really updated since the 80's.Service was good and carpets were less than two years old . Hotel breakfast facility was adequate , but not particularly inviting . There was an excellent restuarant in the facility and we ate there 3 times and were extremely pleased . The Bar looked like the 80's and someone […] needed to tell the folks that painting and decorating is desperately required . Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The Channel Inn is on the water, with a nice walking/jogging path behind it, and only a few minutes walk to the Waterfront Metro on L'Enfant Plaza. My room was nice and very large. My only complaint is that the wifi was down the day I was there.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This hotel was booked because of the location, which is great. It is walking distance to the monuments and right on the channel. Unfortunately, the desk staff was rude and unprofessional. First, I was made to wait 5 minutes after being seen despite the fact there was no else in line nor on the phone. He was just shuffling papers. Next, the restaurant […] staff (which has amazing food) was just as rude. Again, made to wait for over 20 minutes even though the place wasn't crowded. After the food was delivered, we were never checked on again and I had to flag down the waiter just to get the check. The bed in the room was hard as a rock and the overall appearance of the hotel was one of decline and dinginess once you got past the lobby. The lobby itself was impressive as was the restaurant. I was told that the city was thinking of tearing down the hotel which might be the reason for the decline. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The only good thing I can say about this motel is that the balcony view over the channel was very nice. Our room was not ready but we were sent to it anyway. There were no chairs on the balcony, but the maid did get us some after she cleaned our room (after we arrived). On a daily basis, when we returned to the room, thinking it would be cleaned, we […] were only to find the beds half way made, the bathroom not cleaned and the maid would return later to bring in towel and soaps. Often, she did not knock, just used her key to enter. She even asked to come in and start cleaning one morning while my spouse was in the bathroom. Totally unacceptable!!! Also, the front desk would not call for a taxi for us. They told us that we would just have to wait for one. There was no conveniences such as in room coffee. When I asked the front desk person for recommendations of places in the area to eat, they told me I could eat at their in motel restaurant and refused to suggest any other locations. The in motel cafe didn't open until 0700 and that was the only place in the close area to get coffee. Room service was awful, the staff didn't speak English, they overcharged us. The list of dissatisfying factors goes on and on. For the price we paid, this place was far, far, far less than adequate. I'd rather stay at Motel 6. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

overexpensive for what it was- good location good view- that's about it. smelly - soon had asthma attack after turning on heather. came home and found door open- staff said after complaining the maid was surely on her way back to room that's why it was open ( 7 pm - naturally no way). but maid was in her way to our room on the morning 8 am! in a really […] loud way she tried to force her way into out room to clean and woke us all... Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

River walk takes to the national mall in 15 min; parking was nice; could see both Washington monument and Jefferson memorial from our balcony

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Enjoyed the large size of the room with two queen beds, although had a debate about the number of people staying. Online, I requested 3 people with two beds, but the reservation according to the hotel, was for one person in their notes, however, it was okay and we got what I requested. The location is great, you can walk two miles to the U.S. Capitol. […] The beds were comfortable, the bathroom was clean, and they even provided mouthwash. There are nice places to eat within walking distance, but a little pricey. Parking was free, which was great. The only downside was the ice machine on our floor was broken, but you could take the elevator to the other two floors to get ice. We watched a few movies, the television is in its own cabinet. I brought a surge suppressor for more outlets, since we had three cell phones, a laptop and a tablet. Very comfortable to walk around in. I also stayed at two other less expensive hotels, but Channel Inn was the best. Would recommend this place to others and would use it again if in the area. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The location was the only advantage of this hotel. Unfortnately the staff was not very helpful and the condition of the hotel has some major deferred maintenance. Wallpaper is peeling off of walls. Elevators were intermittently operating. Shower drain would not drain all the way and pool causing water to over spray everywhere. The staffing was poor […] as well. The cafe has staff checking food with their fingers such as juices. One staff member dipped his finger in a glass of orange juice to taste and then put that glass on the distributing tray to serve. Very unsanitary. Will not go back. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

If you walk up the road opposite the hotel, within about 20 min you reach The Mall. You can easily walk then from the State Capitol through to Lincoln Memorial and then across to Jefferson and back via the Fish Market. Walk the other way and less than a mile you have reached the ballpark. Verizon is a little far to walk, but the metro is only just over […] a block away, next to the new Safeway on 6th. Carpark is secure enough under the hotel with a gate guard. There is plenty of parking. The hotel is in need of a little TLC, wallpaper in the bathroom for instance could do with going! Beds creak a little but are comfortable enough. The only set back we had was the sofa bed hadn't been renewed since the last user. I rang for some linen at 9pm ... 9.30 ... 10.... started to go to the lobby at 10.30 to be met by a member of staff with two clean sheets. I said we needed blankets and pillows but was told that since the hotel was full he couldn't help ... I asked for spares from the stores ... no, no housekeeping - the front desk don't carry anything spare - from pillows thru to towels! This may be worth them thinking about? Didn't pay for the breakfast so can't comment on that. Nice to have a balcony (even though it was a bit too cold in April to use). All in all, I would use this hotel again and would recommend it to others. Price, location, facilities ... just a little old around the seams. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The hotel equipment old but it clean.free parking.Good price for good location.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

horrible,they gave us a room that was already occupied,and put us in a room what was nothing like we booked,the bed was as hard as cement,the room smelled like there was a rotting corpse in it,the keys hardly worked in the doors,the manager hung up on the hotels.com service support,they are very rude and high priced and very nasty

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This is probably the more affordable you'll find for this side of DC, but while your budget might be thankful, you might not be happy. The mattress was horrid (as in worn out). The faucet on the tub leaked non stop and the water temp in the shower oscillated from hot to cold without warning. The room was clean enough, but old and worn. The TV was a […] 23" wonder - like a computer screen. It'll work for a quick trip with a one night stay, but now that I've been to this hotel and experienced it, I'd shell out the money and get a decent night's sleep elsewhere. Location wise - the Mall is just under a mile away. If you don't mind covering the distance on foot, you can take 7th street and walk to the bulk of the tourist attractions. Just wear comfy shoes and be prepared to put in the miles. I don't like driving in DC, so being able to park the car at the hotel and walk was great for me! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We were said to get river side room,but they provided us road side,hotel is really worst of its kind only good thing is location is good.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Their computer and printer were down for several days. Breakfast for four was astronomical and nothing out of the ordinary ordered. The food in the hotel restaurant was good, just overpriced. I would pay more next time to stay a little closer to the mall with breakfast included. Great view of the river, with boats coming by and large helicopters flying […] low down over the river (during the day) Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Hotel is old tired and not worth the price if it werent for a medical visit i had to make I would not have been there. I will not stay there again nor recommend the hotel to anyone. Windows were drafty tv was 20 years old and the room and hotel have not been refurbished in over 20 years(my guess)

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I had a nice walk a long the river. walk up the the capital and Whitehouse. Close to the METRO, did not need a car. Dest staff was very helpful, great pool, and a good and reasonable place to eat.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

While the hotel has LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION / it was basically a total disappointment. All Rooms with a waterfront view is a lie. Front-desk STAFF was NOT friendly at all. I arrived IN THE MORNING and asked for a room with a view / even then, I ended up on a first floor room and double beds. My reservation was for 1 king bed & high floor!! It didn't […] even matter that I stopped in early to ensure that I'd get what I had requested!!! REAL CONDESCENDING ATTITUDE. Cashier lady at Breakfast restaurant was despicable... She must own the place or else I'd never know how she's kept that job! Rude to EVERYONE. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I only stayed one night and I was quite comfortable in my room but I did notice that the lobby, hallways, front desk, and definitely the elevators need to be updated and renovated immediately in order to attract a certain type of clientele otherwise this hotel realistically is on a decline in terms of competition. The young front desk gentleman from […] Egypt is a real asset to the entire establishment. He was polite and accomodating. I reccommend that he gets noticed for his professional service. He did an excellent job as a manager. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The room was nice, however if you need to talk to the staff, they do not listen.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The hotel/room was old and needed updating. Rooms smelled really weird...not necessarily bad, but weird. Hotel staff was not in a hurry to do anything - slow checking us in, answering phones, coming to counter to assist customers, etc. They were rude and difficult to deal with. They have a "system" of calling a cab for guests, but it takes a lot longer […] than flagging one down and they will not request one in advance - you have to be in the hotel lobby before they will call one and you have to wait at the front desk. Will NOT stay there again and would not recommend it to anyone. Location was good, but there were plenty of other hotels I would try before ever going here again. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I always enjoy my occasional stays at the Channel Inn -- the 70s feel is part of the charm. There's something very soothing about looking out onto the water in the evenings, and maybe watching a few jets come and go at National Airport just across the water. Despite all this, the surroundings are very quiet. The staff is always friendly and helpful. […] The Waterfront Metro stop is only a brief walk away. I'll be back. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

for the price it is close to every attraction in DC not real fancy but the staff was helpful the rooms were clean and the place was Quite I would return again

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Great view over the channel with the boats. Service was okay,,,,the cleaners were delightful and the room was clean. This is our second stay and we notice the tired decorations, scored wallpaper. Less than a mile walk to the Mall which is a good advantage. Free parking!

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

A middle of the road hotel with very good food and the best location for visiting DC. No better value on town.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We recently spent 4 nights at the Channel Inn. At one time, this must have been an excellant hotel, but over the years, it has been neglected. Although our room was nice and clean, there was wallpaper pealing, and the room needed a coat of paint. The plumbing needs updating. If you take a hot shower and ANYONE in the hotel runs water, expect to get […] scalded !! On the plus side, the food services (breakfast room, bar, and dinning room) were good, the hotel is a short walk from the Washington Mall, and rates are reasonable for the DC area. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I stayed at the Channel Inn for 6 nights. The neighborhood is in transition, right on the channel. It's only a 5 minute walk to the Waterfront metro stop, which is steps from a new Safeway with a Starbucks and deli if you want to save money on meals, as I did. The room was spacious -- if you can, get a third floor room. I had a large balcony, too, […] and a view of the Washington Monument. The bathroom and furniture are seriously dated, and the first room they put me in had a funky smell. But the desk very willingly moved me since I arrived before the tour buses. Rooms are quiet. The Washington Mall is a hop, skip, and a jump away, either walking or a one-stop ride on the metro. On the whole, I'm pleased that I got out of town for half the hotel bill my friends were paying, and was so close to the metro that I could get anywhere cheaply and easily. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The hotel conditions (rooms, main lobby, etc.) are a bit dated but some of this actually adds to its charm. Good [points: free parking under ground and guarded, close to the Metro stop (especially worth it when it snows). Bad points: no frig, coffee pot, small TV, little bit of peeling wallpaper. But the price was less than most hotels close or in downtown […] area. Still worth the price you pay Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

8 stars out of 10

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The first room smelled like smoke and the bolt wouldn't close, anyone could walk in at any moment. The next room they put us in the main light didn't work and 20 min later we were sitting on the bed resting and a really big black guy in street clothes walked right in. He had a key card for our room. When complaining to the desk about this the guy was […] trying to talk down to me and pretty much say it was no big deal. Just about to leave, they upgraded us to the best room they had. No problems after that. It was clean, good hot water and shower pressure. We never saw breakfast but chose this for free parking. Going back, I would gave done the holiday in close to the mall and the cost of parking would be offset by breakfast and metro costs and wait times. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I stay at hotels several times a month in the D.C. area. I had been putting off trying the Channel Inn because of a few of the really bad comments I'd seen about it. But, I also saw the comments along the lines of "plenty good enough for the price" and that was my experience there last week.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review