Built in the early 1900s by a wealthy businessman, this 12-room Georgian mansion was originally used as a family home. It was converted into a boarding house in the middle of the century and ultimately reopened as a bed and breakfast in 1995. The bulk of clientele are single business travelers and couples.

Owned by a savvy Japanese businesswoman, Taft Bridge Inn is thoughtfully decorated with a unique mix of Asian and Old World decor. The dining room features a twinkling chandelier, lace curtains, a Japanese-style byōbu painting, and a stained glass window that was hand-painted by an artist staying at the inn. An adjoining parlor is the highlight of the mansion, with a cozy wood-burning fireplace that’s still in use, oriental rugs, and classic European furniture. Over the mantle is a brightly colored painting of exotic animals that the owner purchased on a trip to Haiti. During the holidays, the parlor features a 10-foot Christmas tree covered with 1,000 gold origami cranes, which the owner folded herself.  The decor may not be consistent, but most will find it charmingly eclectic and it certainly keeps the place from feeling stuffy.  

Taft Bridge Inn is located on a quiet street just off Connecticut Avenue -- a main drag that runs through the heart of Northwest D.C. It’s a 13-minute walk north of Dupont Circle, which is a lively neighborhood known for its embassies, shops, bars, and restaurants. The monuments and museums on the National Mall are over two miles away (about a 15-minute cab ride), so tourists interested in sightseeing may want to consider a hotel closer to downtown.

• 10-minute walk from the Dupont Circle Metro station (Red Line)
• 10-minute walk from the restaurants and nightlife in Adams Morgan
• Five-minute drive from the National Zoo

Every room in this turn-of-the-century Georgian mansion is unique. Room 12 offers lovely French wall moldings and a delicate wooden bed frame; Room 18 is filled with Japanese accents and has an old-fashioned soaking tub; Room 15 features a four-poster bed and bold blue walls with classical artwork. Amenity-wise, each room comes with free Wi-Fi, a TV (flat-screen or an old-style box), and not much else. Most of the rooms are small, and some have shared bathrooms (these are at a significant discount).

A tea station with instant coffee is available in the dining room, where breakfasts are served a la carte each morning (usually featuring eggs, but special requests can be accommodated). Chess sets, a small library, and a TV are available in the common areas for entertainment, and there’s a computer station with a printer in the parlor. On-site parking is available at relatively cheap rates. Taft Bridge doesn’t have a fitness center, but free passes are provided to Washington Sports Club, located two blocks away on Connecticut Avenue. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the property.