We are heading for a short trip to Washington DC. Since our time is short, would Georgetown or Dupont Circle be the best area for fashionable restaurants, lounge type bars, etc? We would appreciate your suggestions on where to stay (looking at Kimptons) and where to eat/play. We are in our 40s so pubs, corner taverns are not of interest and our food taste tends toward gourmet or ethnic.

Sorry about my quick typing...I hope you understand I am referring to Dupont Circle (eek)!

If you want to stay in Kimptons, stay at the Palomar and you have the best of both worlds. In Dupont, but less than 10m to the "heart" of commercial G'town. Generally speaking, though, because the neighborhoods are adjacent, just pick the hotel you like. Nothing in NW DC is *that* far apart. FWIW, the Rouge is not really Dupont - 1 circle over - and the Monaco is downtown.

There are good restaurants in either location, but I personally prefer the Dupont Circle area - too much college student life for me in Georgetown! Hope that helps.

Definitely DuPont Circle or the Penn Quarter (Chinatown). No one goes to Gtown.

We just got back from Washington and spent lots of time with friends who live there and know the city well. They always take us to great restaurants.

We had an amazing Sunday brunch at Acadiana, and lunch at a very good Mexican restaurant not too far from Dupont Circle. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name but perhaps someone here can -- it was a two level place with a patio out front. I'll remember it if I hear it.

A fun place to go for a casual meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) is Kramer's on Dupont Circle. A nice bookstore for browsing in too.

We stayed at Jury's Washington on Dupont Circle and had a very nice room with a great rate -- $179. Some other friends stayed at the St. Gregory and liked it but it was $250 and I'm not sure I would have paid the extra for the difference in the rooms.

Lauriol Plaza?

http://www.lauriolplaza.com/

I second Dupont or Penn Quarter. I think Penn Quarter may have more of an eclectic ethnic selection. Plus you are near the Spy Museum, can walk to the National Gallery, etc.

I especially like Cafe Atlantico (think Latin American tapas), Brasserie Beck (French with a big Belgian beer menu), Zaytinya (Greek tapas), and Corduroy which isn't technically Penn Quarter (Brasserie Beck may not be either?) but it's nearby. Proof has gotten great reviews, I have not been there yet (I think it's near Penn Quarter, have to double check that).

Yes -- Lauriol Plaza! Thanks!

Also, on a previous visit we had a lovely dinner at Ten Pehn (sp?) before we went to see the Capitol Steps revue, which was great.

Oh, we did go to Brasserie Beck on this visit too and quite liked it.

Penn Quarter is definitely the new "hot" nightlife neighborhood for the over-30 crowd.

If we stay in Penn Quarter, what hotels would you recommend? I prefer boutique or smaller types -- would Hotel Monaco (Kimpton) be convenient? We would prefer to walk to restaurants versus cabbing if possible. Thanks!

The Monaco is a great choice. Not only is it very nice, but it has many, many great eating spots very close by. It is also just 1/2 block from the Gallery Place Metro station.

http://www.stationmasters.com/System.../gallrypl.html

Just a few excellent restaurants all just a short walk (less than 4 blocks) from the Monaco:

Central
Ten Penh
701
Indeblue
Poste (in the Monaco)
Cafe Atlantico (and Minibar!)
Jaleo
Zaytinya
Rosa Mexicano
District Chophouse
The Source by Wolfgang Puck
Proof
Le Paradou
Matchbox
Oyamel
Acadiana
Rasika
Capitol Grille
Oya

These all fit your criteria of gourmet or ethnic (or both). I would Google ("Restaurant xxxxx DC") all of them and read their menus.

Instead of googling, it might be easier to check opentable - most of these restaurants participate.

http://www.opentable.com/start.aspx?m=9

Not sure how far it is, but what about Old Town Alexandria? There is a street with tons of restaurants. We like the Greek restaurant there.

We've had dinner a couple of times at Johnnys(sp) Half Shell just off of Dupont Circle - P St I think. Always been excellent seafood.

We stayed at Hotel Palomar and really loved it. Right off Dupont Circle so a great location. We got a internet deal for staying over 2 nights.

If you are into gourmet meals you must go to KOMI. A easy walk or cab ride from Dupont Circle. Trust me on this one - go here you will not be disappointed. One of the best meals that I've ever had. Make reservations early - it's a really small place and very popular.

http://www.komirestaurant.com/

Komi's great ... and can be very tough res.

I'm with Bardo on Penn Quarter. Not quite as nice as Dupont for strolling, but the restaurants there are the best concentration of good dining in the city. Monaco is very nice and well located.

Old Town Alex has a lot of restaurants but few worth a special trip