through this website, AAFSW receives a small percentage to help fund out activities and services. 
Reviews of Washington DC Corporate Apartments
Capitol Hill Stay (four reviews)
First review by by Renick SmithWhen did you stay at the apartment? For how long?
Twice: fall of 2005 and
again in late 2005 and early 2006 (about three months total).
What were the advantages of staying at the complex?
The location is
great: one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Washington, and
definitely the best area on Capitol Hill. Each unique unit is just steps
away from the Capitol, National Mall, Eastern Market, several parks, and
less than ten minute s walk to two different metro lines. The newly
renovated 8th Street corridor is also very close, as are plenty of
necessities like dry cleaners, corner markets, etc. The units are comfortable, clean, and nicely furnished (the kitchens are well appointed
as well), and include free Direct TV and wireless Internet access.
Customer Service was excellent, and the lease terms are flexible.
What were the disadvantages?
None. I would use CHS again without
hesitation.
Is this a good place to stay with children? Are the schools, play areas,
etc. acceptable?
The area is one of the best (and safest) walking
neighborhoods in the District. Plenty of green space (National Mall,
Capitol Hill Parks, etc.) within easy walking distance. The neighborhood
and CHS's units are family-friendly.
Can you get by without a car at this complex? With just one car?
Two
different metro lines are less than ten minutes away, so you can travel
virtually anywhere in the District with ease. The commute to Main State
is less than thirty minutes.
Do the rental rates fall within per diem? For how long?
Yes. CHS caters
to the needs of FSOs and other Federal Employees returning from overseas
or planning long or short-term stays in Washington D.C.
Do you have any specific advice for people who will be staying at this
complex? Are some buildings more desirable than others, for example?
You can trust the owner to recommend the best unit for your needs. The website and the pictures of the units are accurate, and the overall experience is convenient and easy.
Second review by Christopher Brown, Department of State.
When did you stay at the apartment? For how long?
2003 - 4 months; 2005-06 - 10 months
What were the advantages of staying at the complex?
Excellent close-in Capitol Hill locations only blocks from the US Capitol, Eastern Market, Union Station. Nice furniture, all-inclusive rates, flexible lease terms - and responsive customer service.
What were the disadvantages?
None if assigned to Main State (easy 15 minute metro ride). If assigned to FSI, the commute is a little longer - 15 minutes on the Metro plus the DOS Shuttle from Rosslyn. With a car, no issues though (15 minute reverse-traffic drive to Main State; 20 minute reverse traffic drive to FSI)
Is this a good place to stay with children? Are the schools, play areas, etc. acceptable?
Larger units are definitly suitable for children. Capitol Hill is a great location for young families - lots of parks, relatively little traffic (especially compared with suburban VA)
Can you get by without a car at this complex? With just one car?
Definitely get by without a car. Capitol South and Union Station Metro stops are both easy walks away. Markets, restaurants, bars and shops in the neighborhoods around the apartments.
Do the rental rates fall within per diem? For how long?
Yes - larger units for 60 days; small-medium units for up to 120 days; flexible lease terms to accomodate DOS's changing per diem schemes. Owner works with individuals to find the best terms for the individual that meet DOS guidelines.
Do you have any specific advice for people who will be staying at this complex? Are some buildings more desirable than others, for example?
Capitol Hill Stay is for people who don't mind a little longer commute in order to be in Washington's most user-friendly neighborhood. Especially good for people looking to live in a personalized comfortable place and not really for the high-rise crowd.
Third review by by Mary Beth Polley, Department of State
When did you stay at the apartment? For how long?
My husband and I stayed at our one bedroom apartment from May 2007 through early November.
What were the advantages of staying at the complex?
We loved this apartment. It was beautifully furnished, including an upstairs outdoor deck and a beautiful small garden attached and also had great security and an amazing location on Capitol Hill, off the orange and red lines and close to Eastern market. The neighborhood is beautiful and close to great restaurants, not to mention the apartment is two blocks from the Capitol, and the property owners were responsive to all of our concerns and needs.
What were the disadvantages?
It's in a restored Capitol Hill home that has been split into apartments so the living space was beautiful but would be too small for more than 2 people but ideal for someone who is single or a couple.
Is this a good place to stay with children? Are the schools, play areas, etc. acceptable?
The neighborhood has lots of parks but again the apartment is a little small for children. However, the company - Capitol Hill Stay - has other, larger apartments.
Can you get by without a car at this complex? With just one car?
You don't need a car to live here - but the commute to FSI is approximately 45 - Orange Line metro to Rosslyn or Ballston and then a bus, shuttle or a walk. The location is great for working and hanging out in Washington DC though.
Do the rental rates fall within per diem? For how long?
Rental rates fell within per diem for our entire six month stay with a sliding scale lease.
Do you have any specific advice for people who will be staying at this complex? Are some buildings more desirable than others, for example?
We had a great time at this apartment and the complex offered larger and smaller accommodations. It's a beautiful building in a great part of Washington DC. It was easy to arrange and a great way to enjoy being back in Washington and feel at home while in training. While other locations may offer more amenities Capitol Hill Stay offered a beautiful apartment in one of DC's best neighborhoods. Our landlord was also very accommodating to all of our needs.
Fourth review by Amy Patel, Department of State.
When did you stay at the apartment? For how long?
June to August 2006.
What were the advantages of staying at the complex?
Great location
close-in on Capitol Hill within walking distance to Union Station (Red
Line), South Capitol (Orange/Blue Line), Eastern Market, and the 8th
Street/Barrack's Row area. Each unit is individually decorated. The
owner is very responsive and flexible.
What were the disadvantages?
Quick commute to Main State but a little
longer to FSI.
Can you get by without a car at this complex? With just one car?
Walking
distance to the Metro. Parking spaces available for those with cars.
Do the rental rates fall within per diem? For how long?
Yes (including
Home Service Transfer Allowance), depending on which unit you choose.
Do you have any specific advice for people who will be staying at this
complex? Are some buildings more desirable than others, for example?
The website has very detailed information about each unit. We stayed in a carriage house unit and were very happy.
Fourth review by Christopher Gomes, Agency for International Development.
Can you get by without a car at this complex? With just one car?
If you know DC, parking can be a bit of a blood sport. Not having a
car is an advantage. As mentioned above, there are two different Metro lines within walking distance. The commute to Main State or the Ronald Reagan building is less than 30 minutes. If you do have a car, the commute to the Foreign Service Institute is only 25 minutes, door-to-door.
When did you stay at the apartment? For how long?
I stayed in one of the apartments during the winter and spring of 2009 for five months, from January 2009 to May 2009.
Capitol Hill Stay
1-800-445-8960
http://capitolhillstay.com/
Click here to return to the alphabetical
list of corporate apartments.