Opened in 2014, the Marriott Marquis has already made a lasting impression on Washington D.C. The open atrium, alone, is worth a visit to the grand hotel, which houses more than 1,200 rooms and suites. It also features several restaurants (with kid-friendly options), retail stores and a bi-level fitness facility.

While it’s an impressive property, however, the hotel lacks character — it feels like a shopping mall — and the home-away-from-home aspect families crave. It also doesn’t offer anything particularly special for kids; we’d love to see a swimming pool added.

Still, the hotel’s basic offerings – modern, comfortable rooms with mini-fridges — make it a viable option for families. The hotel’s location is an added bonus, too — it’s just a few blocks from National Mall, and is situated next to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

For more information, read about Marriott.

The hotel offers a total of 1,175 rooms and 49 suites -- you'll be hard pressed not to find something convenient for your crew. Each room is simply, yet elegantly furnished.

All accommodations feature mini-fridges, coffeemakers, desks, ergonomic chairs, alarm clocks, safes, irons and ironing boards and hairdryers. Cribs and rollaway beds are available (complimentary), as are tub and shower combinations in bathrooms -- inquire about both when booking.

Guestrooms
The hotel's basic accommodations, standard guestrooms typically sleep up to four guests in two double beds (or two guests in one king bed). They are 330 square feet in size.

Atrium View
These rooms also sleep up to four guests in two double beds (or two guests in one king), and span 330 square feet in size. The only difference is they provide a view of the beautiful atrium, and for that reason, come at a premium.

Executive King
Though they're slightly more spacious, Executive King rooms can only accommodate three people, with one king bed in a separate bedroom and a living space where a rollaway bed or play yard can fit.

One-Bedroom Suite
The One-Bedroom Suite is the same as the Executive King, except it has more space -- 750 square feet. It sleeps up to three guests.

M Club
These rooms offer one king or two double beds, and are located on the hotel's upper floors. They are similar to standard guestrooms (also 330 square feet), except they include access to M Club Lounge -- a nice feature for families, but only if you're willing to splurge. Located on Floor 12, the lounge offers complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages in a relaxing space; alcoholic drinks are available for a fee. Outdoor seating is available when weather permits.

The M Club Lounge is free for members of Marriott Rewards (Platinum and Gold). Other guests can upgrade to M Club Rooms for an extra $80 per night, per couple, and $20 for each additional guest. It's $10 per person, per night for children under age 12.

Retail Stores
The hotel offers five retail stores your teens will want to browse. Purchase clothing, souvenirs and other trinkets.

Nearby Attractions
The hotel is within easy walking distance of several attractions, including the Smithsonian Museums, National Mall and the Washington Monument. It's also located next door to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Anthem
Open for breakfast and lunch, Anthem serves standard favorites in what looks like a trendy diner. The new restaurant is inspired by an old eatery, Hot Shoppes, which actually launched Marriott in 1927.

Breakfast includes made-to-order options (some of which are served until close -- true diner fashion), though the buffet is most popular with visitors. Lunch includes soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers and the like, plus a separate kids' menu. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, with the buffet available until 11:30 a.m. Anthem is open to the general public.

High Velocity
After a day of sightseeing, catch a game (there are 40 flat-screen TVs) and grab a beer (there are nearly 50 on tap) at High Velocity, open 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. The sports bar serves traditional pub fare, with plenty of kid-friendly options available -- burgers, sandwiches, flatbreads and wings, plus salads and some seriously good desserts. There's also a separate kids' menu available. High Velocity is also available to the public.

M Club Lounge
Exclusive to guests in M Club Rooms, the M Club Lounge features a beautiful space with comfy indoor and outdoor seating. Complimentary breakfast is served each morning, and other snacks are on offer throughout the day. The M Club Lounge is open 24 hours.

Mercadito
Mercadito, a new restaurant, is expected to open in the summer of 2015.

Room Service
The hotel offers 24-hour room service, called Dining Your Way, with the option to pick up your food or have it delivered to your room. There isn't a delivery fee, and gratuity isn't included.

All About the Extras
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is free in the lobby and public areas, but a fee of $12.95 per day applies for basic service in rooms. We see this as a bonus -- spend time in the beautiful lobby when you need your fix of Instagram, but totally unplug when you go back to you room.

Fitness Center
The hotel offers an exceptionally extensive 24-hour fitness center, which spans 8,000-square-feet, across two floors.

ATM
There's an onsite ATM available to guests; you'll pay a $3 surcharge to use it.

Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in is at 3 p.m. and check-out is at noon.

The Art of Smart Timing
One of the newest hotels in Washington D.C, Marriott Marquis is busy most any time. Visit in January or February for slightly lower rates.

Getting There
Fly into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport or Washington Dulles International Airport, and elect to use public transportation if possible. We recommend SuperShuttle, a shared van service.

Getting Around
Valet parking is available for $45 per day -- typical for the area. Leave the car at the hotel and get out and explore by foot or subway. Major attractions, including the Washington Monument, Smithsonian Museums and the U.S. Capitol are within walking distance.

For Mom and Dad
The hotel offers two onsite bars, The Dignitary (regional bourbons and handcrafted cocktails) and a lobby bar, but you must go to Zaytinya, a short walk from the hotel. The restaurant features Mediterranean tapas -- our recommendations include the Tzatziki, Crispy Brussels Afelia and Lamb Bahar (skewers), but really, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. If you have adventurous, well-behaved eaters, you might even want to bring them along for a family meal.