<I just don't believe it is the best way to experience a place.

I agree but that doesn't mean that it's a subpar experience. >

Splitting hairs. Why would you "gauge your expectations" (your words), and why do you believe it isn't the best way to experience a restaurant? I suspect we're not really disagreeing here, is my point.

<i>I suspect we're not really disagreeing here, is my point.</i>

Ok, Newbe. All good.

I wouldn't schedule a special occasion dinner at a place during RW. But would I drop $25 or $40 to try a new place or a place off my beaten path? Absolutely. And my expectations would be gauged accordingly.
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I understand that...for me, I want to experience a place, especially a new place or one that is off the beaten path, at their A game. For me, it's similar to going on on Valentine's Day or Mother's Day or NYE.

We have RW here in Richmond and it's a big hit.

Birdie's going up for another "rodeo" in DC but it won't be during restaurant week. I will consider the great recommendations y'all provided. Thanks for those! Is there a preferred Kimpton in DC proper?

Have fun at your rodeo!

My take on the DC Kimptons. All are close to metro stations, most are about a five minute walk. A few are under 10 minutes away.

Larger & grander Kimptons:
Monaco (Penn Qtr) - Ask for an exterior room, Poste is excellent
Palomar (Dupont Circle) - Urbanna is excellent

Smaller & more boutique-y Kimptons:
Topaz (Dupont Circle) quieter street, no restaurant but kitchen for room service, next door to Tabard Inn
Madera (Dupont Circle) - Firefly is quite good
Rouge (midpoint between Dupont & Logan Circles) huge rooms, no restaurant but kitchen for room service
George (Capitol Hill) - business end of Cap Hill, Bistro Bis is excellent
Helix (Logan Circle) - IMO a slightly wilder clientele, crazy bar scene, no restaurant but kitchen for room service

Donovan House (Logan Circle/Downtown) - larger hotel, sort of James Bond retro meets Zen, amazing rooftop view of city, Zenten is quite good