I'll be meeting up with my boyfriend in DC for a long weekend in October. Any suggestions for a charming, historic, centrally located hotel that is full service but not necessarily huge? Also, near great restaurants would be helpful. Thanks!

How about Hotel George? Short walk to mall, close to metro, small, and tres chic. The restaurant - Bistro Bis, is one of the best in the city.
Here's more info: http://www.hotelgeorge.com/main.html

The Hay-Adams Hotel. Across the street from the White House. On the site of the former home of several generations of Adamses (as in both Presidents) and Hays. Historic, charming and very centrally located. Several nice restaurants in the neighborhood including the Old Ebitt Grill, a great place for Sunday brunch. There is a nice bar in the hotel as well, you may see some big DC movers and shakers. . . Take a look at hayadams.com.

I agree with Cicerone on the Hay Adams but it's pricey as I recall.

Thanks for the advice. I'll check it out!

I think the Hay-Adams would be wonderful but I think it's about a bazillion dollars a night. I don't think there really are that many "historic" hotels in DC, actually -- most seem to be of more recent vintage. Hotel George is a good idea, but if it were me, I'd probably choose one of the new boutique hotels by the Klimpton group which have gotten good reviews, are often discounted in quikbook, etc, have good bars, and great locations -- such as Topaz or Rouge.

The other options would be Hotel Washington and Westin Fairfax or the Mayflower. All older, historic hotels.

You might consider Morrison House in Old Town Alexandria. Very nice, small historic inn and area, great restaurant in the inn as well as many others within walking distance. rates are about $150 - 300. I have had my friends and colleages stay there and they love it. www.morrisonhouse.com You can catch the metroRail and be in DC for sightseeing (about 10 min rail ride, but you'd have to catch a cab to rail station about $5)