Visited DC two months ago, and stayed at the amazing www.rougehotel.com near Dupont Circle, one of the Kimpton Group of Hotels, with huge red leather bedheads, zebra-patterned bathrobes and WIFi access.

The Crew Club is fun, and recently renovated with some very smart facilities, short walk from the main gay drag.

I last went to the Navy Yard area on my previous visit in 2002. I had been warned about it being dangerous, but foolishly saved money by getting there on the underground system. When I got out of the station, it was dusk, and I walked down the middle of the deserted road to avoid anyone jumping me, and it did not feel at all safe.

You reach what looks like three abandones warehouses, whcih look very run down, and these are the venues which are discussed.

There was a very, very and yes once again VERY seedy cinema there, and I think a bathhouse, though I did not venture in, as well as an OK Male Dance Bar, which was actually an oasis of civility and where I met some nice people, the performers leaving nothing (NOTHING!) to the imagination.

Despite my positive experience at the Dance Bar, I did not want to risk venturing down this way again on my second trip this year. My advice; try everything once, if you do go get a cab there and back and don't take a full wallet!

PS can I recommend a great Italian restaurant Le Tomate which is just awesome.