The Bar/Lounge at InterContinental The Willard Washington D.C., an IHG hotel

"A more recent makeover—completed in time for the Obama inauguration—focused on the lobby, restoring the original marble-and-wood front desk and adding a Scotch bar"

"Highlights include a French restaurant, classic bar, fitness center, and spa"

"Here you’ll find a Red Door Spa, doctor on call, private limousine services, and the old-school Red Robin & Scotch Bar (which has served politicos for more than 100 years)—all located just adjacent to the White House and National Mall"

"Drinking and dining facilities include the Round Robin & Scotch Bar, where legend has it the mint julep was introduced to DC --- and where those in the know have been coming to see and be seen since the days of Abraham Lincoln"

"You must: enjoy a cocktail at the Round Robin Bar, expertly mixed by barman Jim Hewes as he tells tales about Willard guests, from Charles Dickens to Bill Clinton; stroll through the lobby and admire its mosaic floor, marble columns, and ornate ceiling; and tour the history gallery filled with memorabilia, such as a copy of Lincoln’s hotel bill"

"Speaking of which: the superb Round Robin bar on-site claims to be the mint julep’s birthplace"

"" The Scotch Bar at Round Robin stocks more than 100 malt whiskies"

"Join the afterwork crowds slurping briny Virginia oysters and boozy punches at Hank’s Oyster Bar, or unwind along the U-Street Corridor at Belgian soul food restaurant and hip hop hang Marvin and at legendary rock venue Black Cat"

"A second cocktail lounge takes care of the overflow"

"The adjacent Scotch bar has more than 100 bottles of whiskey from Scotland’s best distilleries"