When this hotel opened in 2006, its guests probably felt like outliers in nowheresville. But oh what a difference a decade makes! This 500-acre riverfront neighborhood’s beckoning features include the Washington Nationals Ballpark, an ice rink, a waterfront walkway, pubs and breweries, an award-winning public park that stages Friday night concerts in summer and sundry festivals year-round, lots of restaurants, and a trapeze school, to boot. Glance northwards on New Jersey Avenue and you’ll spot the Capitol waiting for you, just a mile away.

Despite its ten years, this Courtyard appears rather new, thanks to a 2014 renovation that replaced carpeting, wall coverings, artwork, and other features. Most rooms have king beds and a sofa bed, about 50 rooms have two queen beds, and there are 12 spacious suites. If you’re interested in lodging with a view of Nationals Ballpark, ask for a room at the L St. and New Jersey corner of the hotel; FYI: these rooms have a king bed but no pullout sofa. Other pluses: the Metro stop is one block away; the fitness center is available 24 hours and the pool from 5am to 11pm; there’s a 24 hour honor system market in the lobby for essentials (you pay at the front desk); and like other Courtyards, the lobby is a sea of media pods, which are rounded banquettes with individual TV and outlets for charging all your devices.