Washington, D.C. Hotels

This wave of renovation has led to a variety of options, so you'll do well to be choosy. Some hotels, like the Donavan House and Liaison Capitol Hill, or the newly refurbished The Jefferson, embrace the modern. Others, like the restored Fairfax at Embassy Row, gracefully combine historic character with modern amenities.

If you crave people watching, barhopping, and chic restaurants all within walking distance, try staying in Dupont Circle. Rooms here are as diverse as the people you'll see on the sidewalks.

If you are looking for more of an American President experience, book a room on Capitol Hill. The Hill will put you in filibuster distance of the Capitol, the National Mall with all its museums, and the Library of Congress. Tony Georgetown, with a renovated Four Seasons and a boutique-style Ritz-Carlton, is another option for an upscale experience.

Funky digs like Hotel Monaco in Penn Quarter put you near Chinatown, the International Spy Museum, high-end restaurants, and shopping. For a quieter stay, try Foggy Bottom, and for the best rates, head over the border to Bethesda, Maryland, or suburban Virginia. New water-taxi service from Old Town Alexandria will help make the trip across the Potomac more scenic, not to mention more fun.

Whichever neighborhood you unpack your suitcase in, remember that another one is never far away on the Metro. There are many appealing options in places you might not think to look. We've listed them in the pages that follow.