We just returned from a five day stay in DC. We stayed at the Fairmont, which is a great hotel choice. The rooms were above average and the service was impeccable. It was a 5 minute walk to the Foggy Bottom/GWU metro stop. One downfall was the fact that there were no restaurants outside hotel fare in the immediate area. We either had to walk to the Georgetown area or walk/metro it to the Dupont Circle area. If you plan to do the museums/monuments, try to get as many advanced tickets as possible. There were security waits at all museums plus a ticket requirement for the holocaust, spy museum, washington monument, etc.. You can get tickets in advance by looking at the respective websites. There is a small service charge but it is worth the guarantee to get to see the site. Also, do the tourmobile if possible. Things look like they are in close proximity but this is deceiving. With on/off priveleges it is worth the cost not to have to walk miles and miles. Plan out which restaurants you might like to try in each area and take a list with addresses. It will make it easier to narrow down choices and their locations. There are many restaurant sites on the net to get info.