I stayed at this place the very first night it opened. Everything was new and clean, and the staff was helpful. The rooms are tiny, and seemed more in line with places I've seen in Europe than in much of the U.S. The hotel offered a buffet breakfast for $25 — pricey, but it was good.
Bicyclists ending or starting long trips on the C&O Canal, take note: This hotel is very well situated for you.
This hotel was at the end of my trip from Pittsburgh, along the Capitol Crescent Trail, one of DC's paved bike paths. If you're coming from upstream, pick up the Capitol Crescent as you ride into the city — it parallels the last few miles of the C&O tow path, and the pavement is smooth.
I wish hotel management understood that long-distance cyclists could be part of their customer base. When I arrived, an employee said I could not bring my bike to my room, and suggested I lock it up outside. That didn't seem safe, so the hotel agreed to store my bike in its luggage room, which was fine. My room might have been too small to contain both me and my bike, but I would have made it work. CitizenM people need to learn about us!
There are plenty of restaurants and other businesses within walking distance, accessible behind the hotel, uphill and over a pedestrian bridge. The nearest DC Metro station is about a mile away.