Planning a one-night stay on an upcoming weekend.
Haven't stayed in a DC hotel for several years. The last time was at the Mayflower, before its renovation--at the time, it was looking tired.
"Tired" are the comments I read on line now about the L'Enfant Plaza.
Would enjoy a very nice hotel (since it's just one night) but, for example, the
Hay-Adams quoted $309 with taxes, and that seems a bit too much of a splurge.

Itinerary for 1.5 days includes Mall sightseeing, visiting friend in G'town, and an evening performance at the Kennedy Center.
Convenient daytime location is essential; a good breakfast being available in the hotel would be a nice plus.Shops and cafes nearby and open on weekends, even better.

Suggestions $ $200, plus or minus, per night? I'm looking into the Sofitel Lafayette Square, price under $200, but not seeing many recent comments on the hotel.

Just did a quick search for 1/21 to 1/22 at the JW Marriott and it came up at $199. Location is ideal.

essentially on the mall and "healthy" walk to G-town...

Thanks for the information. Have you stayed at the hotel?

No, but the JW Marriotts by and large are nice and I have a friend who did stay - a priceline find - and was very happy with the hotel and the location. Lots of pictures on their site. Lots of nice comments in a thread from 2003 for what it's worth.

I've stayed at the JW Marriott, it's a big upscale corporate hotel. For the price and the location, I'd stay there again, but it wouldn't be my first choice (given the choice, I'd prefer something with a little more charm)

i was thinking myself that it looks a bit cold and business-oriented. More charm or elegance would be preferable. Thanks for the suggestions on both counts.

Based on your plans, I'd consider something in Dupont Circle or Foggy Bottom - fairly easy access to all three of the areas you plan on visiting. Maybe the Palomar in Dupont Circle? We stayed at (and liked very much) the Dupont Hotel in Dupont Circle, but the rooms are quite small. It's "W" style, i.e. very contemporary in design and decor, a far cry from the style of the Hay-Adams, but we liked it, and the location is great.

The Donovan. That's where I'm staying on an upcoming trip. It has one of the "world's sexiest showers" and personally I love a luxe bathroom when I'm travelling. Check it out, they're very nice too.

Here it is - Donovan House. let me know what you think! http://www.thompsonhotels.com/hotels/dc/donovan-house It's around $200 a night, and very centrally located.

The Sofitel is a really nice hotel. Agree that the Marriott has a business feel to it. Also like Dupont as a convenient location.

If you are looking for a splurge, check out the Jefferson or the Williard. No first hand info but those are big names.

Donovan looks a very interesting alternative but on this trip for my one solo night, I think I'll pass and splurge.
I'll go with either the Sofitel or Hay-Adams.
thanks for all the suggestions

I've stayed at the Hay-Adams, too (and a lot of other places in DC). Very nice, elegant, old-world style.

yes, that's what I'm hoping for, and since staying one night, can work it into my budget. thanks

Derailing the thread to mention that I frequently see the Donovan as a last minute deal (weekends only, of course, as it's DC) on Tablet Hotels. Rates under $100/night.

good to know, thanks

oh wow, thanks @MLTimes! i'm on a "paying off student loans" budget, so that's very good to know.

If you would prefer to base yourself close to both the Kennedy Center and Georgetown (and also close to the metro and buses), one of these in Foggy Bottom:

http://www.thecirclehotel.com/
http://www.theriverinn.com/

I note that Foggy Bottom itself is relatively quiet in terms of shops and cafes, but both hotels are situated within easy walking (and Circulator bus) distance of Georgetown.

Otherwise, for a one-night stay, I'd situate yourself in the heart of downtown at the Hotel Monaco: old building, renovated in hip style, excellent location convenient to the Mall, fabulous restaurants and the Metro: http://www.monaco-dc.com/ If you do wind up staying there, you may also wish to check out the National Portrait Gallery and Museum of American Art, just across the street, which is usually open until at least 7 pm.

Good luck!

Good luck!

I 2nd the choice of the Monaco -- beautiful hotel and great location