I"m going to washington at the end of oct--would like to stay near the dupont circle metro. any suggestions?

Palomar and Madera are both Kimpton Hotels. Very chic and modern. The Jury is UK chain with lots of fans of it's DC hotel. A few blocks north of the circle is the Washington Hilton, a gigantic convention hotel, and a Courtyard by Marriott. South of the circle is the St. Gregory, as well as Ritz Carlton.

I 2nd all of Mike's suggestions, and will add that if you are on a budget the Carlyle Suites is not too bad. Hotel Madera, the Embassy Row Hilton, and Jurys hotel are probably the closest if that's your top priority.

The Tabard Inn is very nice (and popular). You can walk to the Phillips Art Museum from there, as well as Dupont Circle.

and you can probably get a very nice deal on www.priceline.com.

read www.biddingfortravel.com to learn how to bid.
also www.betterbiddig.com

Residence Inn just a block or so West of Dupont Circle is a good spot.

Topaz Hotel and Hotel Rouge are also two Kimpton hotels within walking distance to Dupont.

We just returned from our first trip to DC a couple days ago and I'm working on my trip report, which I will post soon. We loved the Embassy Circle Guest House, which is on R. St., and is an easy 8-minute walk to the Dupont Circle Metro. It depends on what you are looking for. This Guest House is quiet at night, has 10 rooms, and there is always conversation at the breakfast table. Owners are very helpful and friendly.

There are no TV's, which we thought was great. Use of a computer is available downstairs.
www.embassycircle.com

I recommend you try some Ethiopian food, if you're an adventurous diner. It was great fun! Have you been to DC before?

I just got back from spending a week in DC and stayed at the Palomar. I loved it! The rooms are spacious and beautiful, very contemporary. They offer a coffee/tea bar in the Lobby every morning and a wine/beer happy hour in the evening. Only a few short blocks from the Dupont Circle Metro. I was also ther in June and spent a week at the Carlyle Suites which is also in Dupont Circle but a bit further of a walk. Very nice with a full kitchen.

The St. Gregory's is a nice boutique hotel in that area. We haven't stayed there in 2 years but I understand they've recently renovated rooms that were already very nice