Can anyone recommend a nice, upscale restaurant near this hotel? Would like it within walking distance, if possible. Thanks.

There are a number of nice restaurants right by this hotel. One of my favorites is Petits Plats. Enjoy!

I've heard from many people that Lebanese Taverna is excellent (and it's right across the street).

New Heights is great.

There are a lot of restaurants right along Connecticut Ave near that hotel, you can ust pick and choose -- however, they aren't what you'd call upscale, so I think City Heights would be a good idea in that realm. The other one I can think of near there is Cashion's Eat Place in Adams Morgan at 1819 Columbia Rd (walkable from there), or Ardeo up Connecticut a bit around MAcomb. Al of these are probably what you'd call inventive modern cuisine (except Petits Plats is French).

Lebanese Taverna isn't remotely upscale, it's budget but good, if you want that. Petits Plats is good, but I wouldn't call it upscale, it's medium level.

sorry, I meant New Heights for the restaurant name, as suggested.

I was always a fan of Cashions Eat Place in Adams Morgan. Fairly recently Ann Cashion sold it to the long time manager and sous chef of Cashions. I've only heard one report since that change and they did not have a good meal. But that's just one report. So if you go there, let us know how u liked it.

Walk up the street to Palena. Excellent.

Palena is a great suggestion. It's about a mile north on Connecticut Ave. They have a more casual menu in the front with all entrees at $10 along with offering the regular menu from the back. Then the back part of the restaurant is more formal. I suggest reservations though if you want to eat in the back part. The cafe in the front is first come first serve.

Thank you all so much! A colleague of mine did some research and recommended Lavendou and Ardeo (based only on the menus online) - any thoughts about these two?

No to Lavendou. Ardeo (and its small plates sibling Bardeo next door) are both good, but not as good as Palena. If you're willing to go for the big bucks, I'd go to Palena. Otherwise Ardeo is nice (and upscale in decor, etc.)

It's a nice walk up Connecticut Ave. from Woodley Park to Cleveland Park. I do it every day.

Yeah. It's a bit less than a mile to Palena and if that seems too much you can hop the Metro one way (or both)... it's almost door to door. Plus, it's a slight downhill on the walk back to the hotel. Easy.

For what its worth, I've eaten at Lavandau frequently, and really enjoy it. I only had a problem once, during a restaurant week, when the noise level was too high. Service and food were still good - as always.

Just looping back...

We went to both Ardeo and Petits Plats. Both were very good.

We particularly enjoyed Petits Plats...we were able to eat outside. Service was spotty at times, but we loved the food and atmostphere that waiting for our server a few times did not deter from our evening.

We also enjoyed Ardeo. We had a large party (had to split into two tables) and they managed to serve us at the same time (sometimes a challenge with larger groups) and the food was very good.

Thanks to all for the suggestions! If you are ever posting in about questions in Chicago, I will do my best to return the favor...

I'm glad you enjoyed Petits Plats - thanks for letting us know!