The ones I've stayed at so far, in rank order:
- Palomar. Best mix of location and room/upgrade quality
- Donovan: Great IC upgrade suite, but less family friendly room layout or location
- Glover Park: No Metro access or upgrades. But convenient for a family because of the Whole Foods.
** big jump down to **
- Topaz: Really friendly staff, really small rooms, but close to DuPont Circle
- Carlyle: Didn't like it at all. Tiny room (no upgrade), a walk to anything. Avoid.