Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT THE INN

Can I make a reservation online?
- Yes. Please go to our Availability Chart. It is up to date. We'll send you a confirmation within 24 hours.
Do you take a deposit when a reservation is made?
- No deposit is taken at the time your reservation is made. We accept cash, traveler's checks ONLY. You have to have a credit card to reserve and we may authorize your card for payment, but we never charge your card.
What is the minimum day stay and can I reserve for one day?
- We don't have a minimum stay, but we may have a minimum stay for certain periods during the year. However, any reservations that are made for one night, we may move you to a comparable room. For instance, if you reserve a room with a private bath for one night, we may switch you to another room with a private bath for that night. We also limit the number of one-night reservations we have during a particular period, just so we don't have more than two, say, one-night stays on a particular night. So although we don't have a minimum stay, we may not be able to accommodate your request during particular times.
What form of payments do you accept?
- We accept cash, traveler's checks. We do accept Visa and Mastercard but a discount is given for cash payments. We offer discounts for cash payments. The prices you see on our website and in your confirmation letter are for cash payments only. We do charge an 18% additional service fee when we take Visa or Mastercard. PRICES QUOTED ARE FOR CASH PAYMENTS ONLY AND THERE IS AN ADDITIONAL 20% CHARGE FOR CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS. If you pay with a credit card, you will receive an addtional 20% charge of the total of your room stay. We're sorry, but we cannot accept gift cards/certificates, except for the ones we issue.
What is your cancellation policy?
- Cancellations made 30 days or more prior to the arrival date are not subject to a cancellation FEE. Cancellations made within 15 to 30 days will be charged 20% of the total reservation amount. Cancellations made less than 15 days before arrival will be subject to pay for the entire amount of the stay. We are strict regarding our cancellation policy because most bed and breakfasts are booked well in advance and the closer you get to your date, the harder it is to rebook your room.
Do you offer housekeeping?
- T We do a light cleaning of your room during your stay. We refresh towels on request.
Do all of your rooms have private baths?
- All of our rooms have private baths with the exception of Hollyhock and Sweet Charity Rooms, which have a step-in shower. Four rooms have Jacuzzi tubs; Hollywood, Uptown, Down to Earth and Wysteria has a double Jacuzzi tub. Corleone has a lovely step-in shower. Jewell, Room with a View have regular tubs and the Enchanted Cottage has a clawfoot tub and a bidet.
What size beds do you have?
- Uptown, Wysteria, Hollywood, Corleone and Hollyhock have queen size beds. Jewel, Room with a View, the Enchanted Cottage have king size beds. Down to Earth has a California king bed and Sweet Charity has a full size bed.
When is check-in and how early/late can I check in?
- Check-in time is after 3:00 p.m. If you would like to check in earlier than 3:00 p.m., please let us know. We are sometimes out doing errands before 3:00, but if you let us know we can tell you how to get in and leave your bags, but we may not be there to greet you. You are always welcome to leave your luggage at the Inn. We can also accommodate check-ins after 9:00 p.m. Please contact us for more information regarding late check-ins.
What is the check-out time?
- Check-out time is 12:00 noon.
Do you have parking?
- Yes, the Inn has free, plentiful, unrestricted, on-street parking. More than likely you will get a spot right in front of the Inn. Parking is available on both sides of the street. We just ask that you do not park in front of our neighbors' houses to the right of the Inn.
Do you have WiFi?
- Yes. Wifi is accessible and free throughout the Inn.
What's for breakfast and what time?
- We have a lovely continental breakfast with English muffins, homemade pastry, fresh fruit, cereals, boiled eggs and yogurt. For beverages we offer orange juice, coffee/tea and hot chocolate. Breakfast is served any time between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. on the weekdays and 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on the weekends.
Can I reserve the entire house?
- Yes, you certainly can. During our high season we do require a four-day minimum for whole-house rentals. Additionally, renting the entire house is a higher fee than the collective individual room rentals. We also consider any group that reserves six rooms or more as whole house rentals. There are exceptions to these rules so please contact us for further information.
What floors are your rooms located?
- Most of our rooms are on the second and third floors. Our second floor rooms are Uptown, Wysteria, Corleone and Hollywood. Our third floor rooms are Room with a View, Jewell, Sweet Charity and Hollyhock. The Enchanted Cottage is located in the carriage house directly behind the Inn. Down to Earth is located in the basement.
Why do you book Down to Earth last?
- We love all of our rooms equally, but your comfort is our first concern. Down to Earth, although very lovely and comfortable, is in the basement and next to the kitchen. You may hear noise you would not hear in one of our other rooms, along with us preparing breakfast early in the morning.
Can I leave my bags?
- Yes, the Inn has an area where you can leave your bags before check-in and after check-out.
Do you have TVs in the Rooms?
- All of our rooms have flat screen TVs. We also have premium cable.
Do you accept children?
- Unfortunately we cannot accept children under the age of 12, unless you reserve the entire house.
Can I have more than two people in a room?
- There are certain rooms that are more conducive to three people than others. Three people are best suited in Room with a View, Jewell, Down to Earth and the Enchanted Cottage. Room with a View has a very nice day bed that turns into a queen size bed. The Enchanted Cottage has a futon on the first floor. For the Jewell Room and Down to Earth we use an air mattress. There is an additional $25 fee for a third person. We never have more than three people in any one room.
Are you handicap accessible?
- Unfortunately, we are not. The Inn is 102 years old and there wasn't an eye towards accessibility then as we have now. If there was a way we could retrofit the Inn to give access to all, we would. However the structure does not lend itself to it. We are sorry that we cannot accommodate our friends in chairs. There is also no elevator and no rooms are located on the first floor.
Do I need a credit card to reserve a room if I pay in cash?
- Yes, we require a credit card to reserve any room.
Can I switch rooms during my stay?
- You can switch rooms during your stay if the current room you're staying in is booked for the remaining days of your stay. In other words, if the only option for you to be our guest for a longer period of time is to switch rooms, please do and there is no additional charge.
What amenities are in the rooms?
- Every room comes stocked with a blow dryer, iron, ironing board, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, loofah sponge, shaver, toothbrush, shower cap and other bath accessories.
If I'm a returning guest, do I need to fill out all of the information again?
- If you're a returning guest, just shoot us an email with your dates. We've got your info on file and we'll send you a confirmation.
Where is there to eat close by?
- We have several options in walking distance to the Inn. One restaurant happens to be The Highlands Cafe, www.HighlandsDC.com. Highlands has received many accolades from our guests and has great food and is reasonably priced. It's about a three-minute walk from the Inn. (They are closed on Sundays and Mondays). Also there is an Indian restaurant, www.FusionDC.com, a Jamaican Restaurant and very good pizza and Chinese food delivery places. We have suggestions on other places too. We will fill you in when you arrive.
Do you service animals or pets?
- We accept all service animals. We accept pets on a case-by-case basis usually depending on the breed, size and reservation date.

Location and Getting Around

Should I rent a car?
- If you will be staying in the city, we don't think it's worth it to rent a car when there is such good public transportation. However, some guests traveling from Dulles Airport (IAD) or Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI), may find it is worth it if they can get a good deal on a rental car. It can be cheaper to rent a car and just park it here and then return it if you're staying for two days or less.
Where are you located and accessibility?
- The Inn is located on 14th Street in an area called "Upper Northwest DC.” We are in a quasi business/residential area. We are located on a major thoroughfare and a busy bus line. It’s a piece of cake to get downtown and to the sites. The bus stop is across the street and the bus comes every seven minutes on weekdays and every 12 minutes on weekends and runs from 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
  
  The bus will take 10 minutes to get you to Columbia Heights Metro Station (Green Line) or you can stay on the bus and have a direct route to downtown in about 30 minutes. Most of our guests just stay on the bus to go all the way downtown, but you do have the option to transfer to the Metro (subway) if you like.
  
  Once you get to the downtown/Mall area, you'll be right in the middle of all of the sites. Right off of 14th Street is the Washington Monument, National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, U.S. Holocaust Museum, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, National Aquarium.
  Going down to the Mall area and heading a little further west, it's a nice walk to WWII Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War
  Veterans Memorial. The furthest point west being the Lincoln Memorial that will be a 20-minute walk.
  
  Off of 14th and heading south where the bus will drop you, is about a 15-minute walk to the FDR Memorial, the Inn's favorite, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. And to the east on the way to the US Capitol, which is the furthest point west, you can hit all of the Smithsonian Museums, i.e., Air and Space, American Indian.
  So even though we are not located in walking distance to these attractions, they are all easily accessible via D.C.'s wonderful public transportation system.
How far are you from the Metro (subway)?
- The Inn is located 1.5 miles from the Columbia Heights Metro Station. The Metro station is on the Green Line. The bus is across the street and will get you there in 10 minutes. It will take you the same amount of time by bus or car. There is parking at the Columbia Heights Metro Station for about $1.5/hr or $8.00 day. A cab to the Metro would cost about $6.00.Most of our guests catch the bus across the street and just take it directly to the National Mall without transferring to the Metro.
Should I buy a SmartTrip Card or bus passes?
- The SmartTrip Card is used on the bus and the Metro (subway). It's like a debit card that you load money on and just swipe it when using the bus or the Metro. It cost $5 just to buy the card. More info at http://wmata.com/fares/smartrip/.
  However, we loan our guests SmartTrip Cards so you won't have to purchase one. We collect a $10 deposit from you on arrival and when you return it, we'll give you your $10 deposit back. Simple. Then all you have to do is load your fare on the card and you're off. You can load money on your card on the bus or the Metro. It's $1.70 to take the bus one way and the Metro rides vary depending on time of day and distance. We don't think it is cost effective to buy Metro or bus passes.
How often and how early/late does the bus run?
- On weekdays the bus runs every seven minutes and the bus is across the street. It starts running at 5:00 a.m. on weekdays and stops at 2:00 a.m. On weekends it runs every 12 minutes.
How far are you from The National Mall and Smithsonian Museums?
- The Inn is about five miles from the National Mall and the Smithsonians and the Memorials. It takes about 20 minutes by car, 30 minutes by public transportation, and it's about a $13 cab ride.
How far are you from Union Station and the U.S. Capitol?
- We are located approximately four miles from Union Station, which is near the Capitol. It's about a 20-minute drive and would take 30 minutes on public
  transportation and about $13 in a cab. The cab will cost more with extra people and luggage.
How far are you from the White House?
- We are located about four miles from the White House. It's about a 20 minute drive and 30 minutes on public transportation. A cab would cost around $12.00.
How far are you from Dupont Circle?
- The Inn is about 3 miles from Dupont Circle. And that is 20 minutes by car and 30 minutes via public transportation. A cab ride will cost approximately
  $12.
How far are you from the Omni Shoreham and Marriott Wardman hotels?
- We are located approximately four miles from the Omni Shoreham and Marriott Wardman hotels. It would take you approximately 35 minutes to get there by public transportation and 15 minutes driving. A cab would cost approximately $12.
How far are you from the Convention Center?
- We are located approximately three miles from the Convention Center. It will take 25 minutes to get there via public transportation. It is 15 minutes there
  driving. A cab would cost approximately $10.
How far are you from Georgetown?
- Georgetown is about five miles from us. It will take about 20 minutes to drive to. It will take you approximately 35 minutes to get there using public transportation. A cab to Georgetown will cost you about $14.
How far are you from American University?
- American University is about four miles from the Inn. It's not the easiest place to get to using public transportation. Driving there is easy and takes
  about 12 minutes.
How far are you from Washington Hospital Center?
- We are located approximately three miles from Washington Hospital Center. It will take you approximately 12 minutes to drive there. Public transportation takes about 35 minutes. A cab will cost approximately $11.
How far are you from Walter Reed Army Medcal Center?
- We are located 1.75 miles from Walter Reed Medical Center. It's easy to get there by public transportation. The bus right near the Inn will take you to the
  front gate of Walter Reed in 10 minutes. A cab ride to Walter Reed is about $6.
How far are you from Silver Spring?
- We are approximately four miles from downtown Silver Spring. It will take you about 12 minutes to drive there. It's about a $13 cab ride. It's easy public
  transportation to Silver Spring from the Inn that takes about 20 minutes.
Do you have a bus route map?
- Yes. You can find a map and times of the bus. click here
What is the closes airport to you?
- The closest airport to us is (Reagan) National Airport. BWI and Dulles are the two remaining airports that service the Washington DC Metropolitan area and
  located about equidistance from us.
How do I get to you from (Reagan)National Airport, BWI & Dulles?
- There are three options to get to us from (Reagan) National Airport, if you're not driving. You can take a cab for around $25. The SuperShuttle Van (SuperShuttle.com) is $14 per person and $25/per couple. You can reserve when you arrive. But there are two of you, you're better off taking a cab. Of course, you can also drive.
  Driving:
  - Exit Airport onto George Washington Memorial Parkway toward Washington. Follow signs for I-395 North, Washington. Immediately get into the far right-hand lanes, avoiding signs to 395. Follow "1 North/Downtown." You are now on 14th Street, the same street the Inn is located on. Continue on 14th Street through downtown, going through the circle and pass all the lettered streets. Just keep following the numbers until you arrive at the Inn, located between Emerson and Farragut. 4907 14th Street, NW
  Via Metro from Reagan National:
  - Follow the signs to the Metro from the terminal. Coming from National Airport on Metro: The rates on the Metro depends on what time you're travelling. It's usually somewhere around $2.50 for the rail.
  Take the Yellow Line to L'Enfant Plaza. You'll have to switch to the Green Line towards Greenbelt if the Yellow Line is not running to Columbia Heights. (Only runs to Columbia Heights during rush hour) Link to Metro Map: http://wmata.com/metrorail/systemmap.cfmblic
  Get off at Columbia Heights Metro. Go on the east side of 14th Street. That's on the opposite side of the Target, same side as the CVS Drugstore. There you can catch a bus to the Inn. You can take Bus Numbers 52, 53 or 54. They run very regularly. Your stop will be Emerson Street.
  It will take about 10 minutes on the bus to get to Emerson. You will pass Arkansas, Buchanan, Decatur, Delafield. Ring for a stop when you pass Delafield/ Depart the bus, walk on 14th Street, cross Emerson Street. There'll be a church on the corner and the Inn is right next door to the church, 4907 14th Street. It's about a one-minute walk from where you get off the bus to the Inn.
How do I get to you from Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI)?
- There are several options to get to us from BWI, if you're not driving. You can take a cab for around $65. The SuperShuttle Van (SuperShuttle.com) is $37 per person and $49 per couple. You can reserve when you arrive. More general information can be found at: http://www.bwiairport.com/en/travel/ground-transportation/trans/amtrak
  You can also take public transportation as described below.
  Take the Express Bus service from BWI to Greenbelt Metro Station. It leaves every 40 minutes. Once the bus drops you at Greenbelt Metro, take the green line train from there to Columbia Heights Metro and then a bus to the Inn. Get off at Columbia Heights Metro. Go on the east side of 14th Street. That's on the opposite side of the Target, same side as the CVS Drugstore. There you can catch a bus to the Inn.
  You can take Bus Numbers 52, 53 or 54. They run very regularly. Your stop will be Emerson Street. It will take about 10 minutes on the bus to get to Emerson. You will pass Arkansas, Buchanan, Decatur, Delafield. Ring for a stop when you pass Delafield/ Depart the bus, walk on 14th Street, cross Emerson Street. There'll be a church on the corner and the Inn is right next door to the church, 4907 14th Street. It's about a one-minute walk from where you get off the bus to the Inn.
  There is also Amtrak. Get more information at http://www.bwiairport.com/en/travel/ground-transportation/trans/amtrak.
  And the MARC train. Get more information at http://www.bwiairport.com/en/travel/ground-transportation/trans/marc
  Driving
  Follow signs to I-95 South and follow it to the Capital Beltway, 495 West. Take 495 West toward Silver Spring and go about 3 miles or so to Georgia Avenue. Take Georgia Avenue Exit, Exit 31. Left at ramp light. Get in right-hand lane and go approximately 1 mile.
  Take a right at sign marked "Washington-16th Street." You will pass into DC in about 1 mile. Continue to follow 16th Street for about 4 miles until you come to Emerson Street. There is no light at Emerson. The light before Emerson Street is about 2/10 miles before and it's Kennedy Street. Make a left on Emerson.
  Go through one four-way stop and the next stop sign is 14th Street. As you are at the corner of Emerson and 14th Street, you will see the Inn across the street next to the church on the corner. Left on 14th to second building on the right.
How do I get to you from Dulles International Airport (IAD)?
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is located in Loudoun and Fairfax Counties, Virginia. It is 26 miles and 40 minutes (non-rush hour) from downtown Washington DC. You can get to/from Washington, DC, by bus, taxi, car or public transportation. Public transportation will run about $7/person, a cab is about $65 and the SuperShuttle is $29/person and $39/couple.
  You can find more information for ground transportation at http://www.metwashairports.com/dulles/793.htm
  DRIVING:
  Follow signs for Route 28 South to the Dulles Toll Road (East). Take the Toll Road toward Washington. It will merge into I-66 East. Continue on I-66 until you cross the Roosevelt Memorial Bridge. Exit onto Constitution Avenue and follow Constitution Avenue 11 blocks and take a left onto 13th Street, NW. I would tell you to make a left on 14th Street, but the signs don't allow that. So make a left on 13th Street, then a left on, say, G Street and then a right on 14th Street.
  You will go about 4 miles through all the lettered streets on 14th Street, pass Columbia Heights Metro area (Target, Marshalls soon to be built there) pass Arkansas, Buchannan, Decatur, Delafield and we're just pass Emerson, between Emerson and Farragut on the right-hand side.
  Via Washington Flyer/Metro/Bus:
  Exit the terminal and go to Curb Site 1D. Take the Washington Flyer shuttle bus (it runs on the hour and half hour) to West Falls Church Metro Station. The cost is $8 one-way and $14 round trip. Take the Orange Line in the direction of New Carrollton to Metro Center Station in downtown Washington. From Metro Center, transfer to the Green Line.
  Take the Green Line in the direction of Greenbelt. Get off at Columbia Heights Metro. As you get to the top of the escalator, you will see to your left a small 3 foot machine that dispenses free transfers for the bus. Grab one. This will save you $1.25. Go on the east side of 14th Street. That's on the opposite side of the Target, same side as the CVS Drugstore. There you can catch a bus to the Inn. You can take Bus Numbers 52, 53 or 54. They run very regularly. Your stop will be Emerson Street.
  It will take about 10 minutes on the bus to get to Emerson. You will pass Arkansas, Buchanan, Decatur, Delafield. Ring for a stop when you pass Delafield. Walking now, stay on 14th Street, cross Emerson Street. There'll be a church on the corner and the Inn is right next door to the church, 4907 14th Street. It's about a one-minute walk from where you get off the bus to the Inn.
How Do I Get to you from the MegaBus drop off?
- From the MegaBus drop off, you would go to Union Station and take either a taxi or public transportation. The taxi is approximately $14 and details on how to get here via public transportation is in your confirmation letter, but it takes about 35 minutes.
How do I get to you from Union Station?
- Once at Union Station, either take a taxi or Metro's Red Line in the direction of Shady Grove to Gallery Place/Chinatown. Get off there and switch trains to the Green Line towards Greenbelt. Get off at Columbia Heights Metro. Head to the escalator marked "Northbound 14th Street." Go on the east side of 14th Street. That's on the opposite side of the Target, same side as the CVS Drugstore. There you can catch a bus to the Inn.
  You can take Bus Numbers 52, 53 or 54. They run very regularly. Your stop will be Emerson Street. It will take about 10 minutes on the bus to get to Emerson. You will pass Arkansas, Buchanan, Decatur, Delafield. Ring for a stop when you pass Delafield . Walking now, stay on 14th Street, cross Emerson Street. There'll be a church on the corner and the Inn is right next door to the church, 4907 14th Street. It's about a one-minute walk from where you get off the bus to the Inn.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT THE INN

Location and Getting Around

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