Fodor's Expert Review The Jefferson

Many regard this small historic hotel, within walking distance of the White House and sumptuously renovated in 2009, as the city’s best. Distinguished guests have been staying here since 1923 (Obama used it as his campaign office), obviously enjoying its elegant Beaux-Arts décor, classic library, eclectic antiques, and period artifacts. Hints at the nation’s third president abound throughout as well, including original documents and Jeffersonian motifs.

YOU SHOULD KNOW This hotel targets businesspeople and older couples; families will probably feel out of place.

room

Rooms are small and cozy, with elegant dark wood furniture, an oversize bed (with Serta mattresses), fluffy pillows, and a valet stand. Custom curtains and pillows are printed with images of Monticello.

Upgrade to a suite—some have balconies overlooking the Washington Monument.

bathroom

The rainfall shower heads are a guest favorite, while the TV inset in the mirror and porcelain goblets filled with bath salts to scoop into the commodious shower and bath are extra-special touches.

lobby

Refined and traditional, the lobby welcomes with black-and-white flooring, stately antiques, and a gallery of gold-framed historical documents that--if you look closely--bear Jefferson’s signature. Crystal pitchers are filled with complimentary sweet tea for an extra special southern touch.

spa

The petite on-site spa offers customized treatments, using herbs and botanicals grown in Monticello’s gardens.

gym

The modern gym has apples and water bottles at every treadmill. Go for a run, eat an apple. Live your life.

dining

The Michelin-starred Plume restaurant, showcasing a seasonal menu inspired by Jefferson’s life and times, is a destination unto itself.

The hotel’s 1,500-bottle wine cellar stocks Jefferson’s favorite vintages.

drinking

Quill, where 18^th-century maps follow Jefferson’s European wine journeys, is the hotel’s upscale cocktail bar and lounge; an in-house pianist plays Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 9 p.m.