The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown

The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown Review

Once an incinerator dating from the 1920s, this building still topped with a smokestack might seem the most unlikely of places for an upscale hotel, but settle into one of the large and chicly designed guest rooms (upper-level suites facing the river boast some of the city's best views) and you'll agree the concept works. A fire theme unites the intimate spaces, a complete departure from the chain's more traditional style. A large fireplace warms the private clublike lobby, and you can practically smell the embers burning as you pass through the exposed-brick hallways. The hotel's sexy Fahrenheit restaurant, with its fiery red color scheme and mood lighting, serves contemporary American cuisine.