Llewellyn King from White House Chronicle
As a journalist, I have traveled the world and have stayed in some extraordinary places, from a government guest house in Hanoi to an earthen hut in Malawi, to the Ritz in Paris and the Carlyle Hotel in New York City.
And, of course, I have stayed in every chain hotel you can imagine, in every location — so I know their deadly sameness.
That is why in Washington, I like to stay in the American Guest House. It is billed as an inn, offering bed and breakfast. In reality, it has the feel of a good club: comfortable, friendly and intimate. It is run by a family who employ professionals for much of the inn-keeping.
As it has an international clientele, breakfast at the communal table can be a treat. Recently I enjoyed the company of a Briton, a Spaniard and three Asians for a wide discussion of everything, from food to technology.
A lively discussion can be had any time in the living room; or you can do you work on the guest computer there.
The American Guest House is a small, manageable feast. The location on Columbia Road, above famed DuPont Circle, puts it between the restaurants and nightlife on Connecticut Avenue and the trendy spots in Adams Morgan.
Now, you know something about me: I like the convenience, the comfort and the atmosphere of a club, where you can talk to anyone. All can be had the American Guest House.
Llewellyn King is executive producer and host of “White House Chronicle” on PBS, a columnist for the Hearst-New York Times Syndicate, and a commentator on SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
