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Because so many different kinds of people travel to Washington with regularity, the District of Columbia has a wide variety of hotels and accommodations.
The best power places
If you've got money, connections, or both — or just want to act like you do —stay at one of these spots where lobbyists and government officials hang their hats, or just hang out. You can't beat the location of the opulent Willard InterContinental, which has both the White House and D.C.'s city hall in its sights. That's why the powerful and those who seek to influence them have been staying here since the middle of the 19th century. Across Lafayette Square from the White House, the Hay-Adams is another favorite among the rich and the politically connected. Less expensive, but close to the Congressional action, the Capitol Hill Suites counts U.S. representatives among its long-term residents. Short-term tourist guests get dining privileges at the Republican Party's nearby Capitol Hill Club.
The best charming hotels
Amidst all of Washington's wealth and pretensions, some accommodations become distinct by daring to be true to themselves. The Tabard Inn exudes character and charm in three adjacent town houses on a tree-lined street near Dupont Circle. It also offers especially low prices in some rooms for guests willing to share a bathroom down the hall. Exuding upscale character and charm, The Jefferson is quiet and elegant and keeps its guests coming back for its personalized service. The Morrison-Clark Historic Inn and Restaurant scatters period antiques throughout two 1864 Victorian Mansions that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The best b&bs
The D.C. Guest House is a 19th-century mansion, renovated to the eclectic taste of its owners who lavish attention on their guests. Equally striking is the luxurious 19th-century Swann House mansion. For the budget-minded, the Kalorama Guest House at Woodley Park offers clean, comfortable, inexpensive, and relatively spacious rooms. The afternoon sherry hour offers a touch of elegance.
The best suites
Suites with cooking facilities are wonderful for families looking to save money on meals and to enjoy a little privacy. You get lots of choices at Georgetown Suites, from a one-room studio to more luxurious town house and penthouse accommodations. One Washington Circle also offers a variety of floor plans. Most have kitchens and balconies. Business travelers and families are attracted to The River Inn because of spacious studios, large one-bedroom suites, and occasional super-duper deals that drop the $300-plus rack rates to less than $120.
The best hotels with international appeal
Because it stands not far from the State Department, World Bank, Kennedy Center, and George Washington University, the State Plaza attracts diplomats and other international travelers. The location of Irish-owned Jurys Normandy Inn — near diplomatic facilities in the exclusive Kalorama neighborhood — makes it a popular spot for diplomats and other international visitors as well. The French own the Sofitel Lafayette Square and are quite proud of serving up art de vivre — "the art of French living" — in the hotel's restaurant food, gift shop, and décor.
The best budget digs
Youthful idealists in Washington on a shoestring and other budget-minded visitors find Hostelling International to be a simple but adequate place to spend the night, with rock-bottom prices for dormitory-style rooms. For families and cost-conscious touring groups, the Hotel Harrington provides large rooms and suites starting at $99. The Red Roof Inn chain operates an urban version of its roadside motels near the Penn Quarter entertainment and arts neighborhood.
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