Washington DC

Constructed on the sites of the homes of John Hay and Henry Adams, this elegant hotel features beautifully restored rooms filled with antiques and boasting ornamental ceilings. — DK Eyewitness

A hotel that fuses European elegance – modern design, antique furnishings, an atrium-like lobby – with fine dining, artisanal cocktails and a reverence for founding father Thomas Jefferson, after whom it is named. — The Telegraph

Smitten supporters of this circa-1926 grande dame tout its "superb" location, just two blocks from the White House, and maintain that guests are in for a "luxurious", "peaceful" stay. — Zagat

It looks boxy and plain on the outside, but on the inside, you’ll find even low-end rooms offer more space than most DC digs. — Lonely Planet

A large fireplace warms the lobby, the Degrees Bistro has a fiery-red color scheme, and you can practically smell the embers burning as you pass through the exposed-brick hallways. — Fodor's

This is one of D.C.'s finest hotels, and certainly its most historic, having served as temporary home to two presidents... and as the setting for many historic events. — Frommer's

Capella Hotels & Resorts plants its flag in the nation's capital with a posh makeover of a historic building by the C&O Canal in Georgetown. — BlackBook

This luxury property has played host to visiting royalty, politicians and celebrities throughout its history. — Gayot

Luxury oozes from every polished marble surface at one of Washington's most upscale hostelries. — Fodor's

From the outside, the Sofitel looks like a typical big-city American hotel, but there’s a clue to some subtle differences: a French flag flying alongside the Stars and Stripes. — Time Out

"Huge" yet "charming", this "signature" 1930s-era venue on 11 acres is a "busy" conference host that also draws the leisure crowd due to its "super" location near a Metro station. — Zagat

The sumptuous style, Eastern touches, cosseting service, and excellent food will come as no surprise to anyone who's stayed at a Mandarin Oriental. — Concierge

There's "plenty of history" at this longtime host of presidents (and a few of their mistresses), a "venerable" circa-1925 landmark that "impresses" with an "extremely attentive" staff. — Zagat

Almost every one of the 337 rooms – furnished by the hotel’s in-house team in Zebrano marble, black granite, and silver-grey carpet – looks over the Potomac. — Wallpaper

This historic property opened in 1922 and was named for the lodging in Chaucer’s "Canterbury Tales". — Gayot

With its contemporary furniture, sleek color scheme, and clean lines, the Dupont pulls off Mad Men–chic without so much as a hint of kitsch. — Fodor's

Aside from the hard-to-beat location, these muted, chocolate-beige rooms are some of the largest in town and are decorated with cool animal prints. — Fodor's

An "ultramodern haven for the hipster business traveler", this property stands out for "welcoming" employees who "aim to please" and a "trendy design" throughout. — Zagat

Accommodations are smartly furnished in colorful contemporary style wrapped in gold and ochre and highlighted by strongly patterned wallpaper. — Star Service

The W wants to blow you away, and it doesn't mess around. — Frommer's