It's worth noting that Washington is a relatively small city, acreage-wise, and it's very easy and quick to stay in the close-in suburbs and take mass transit into town. You can save meaningful cash this way; suburban hotels are often substantially cheaper and D.C.'s hotel tax is an eye-popping 14.5%. Parts of Arlington and Alexandria, Va., as well as Bethesda and Silver Spring, Md., have easy subway access into the District.

Mid-range

 • The Swiss Inn, 1204 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20005, +1-800-955-7947. The Swiss Inn is the smallest hotel in Downtown Washington DC. This historic brownstone is within walking distance of the White House and the Smithsonian Museum. All rooms include a kitchenette and private bath.
 • The Carlyle Suites, 1731 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, +1 202-234-3200 (Toll free: +1 866-468-3532, TTY: +1 202-518-5000, Fax: +1 202-387-0085). They call themselves "Washington's official art-deco hotel." Short walk to DuPont Circle Red Line Metro.
 • Wyndham Downtown Washington Hotel, 1400 M. Street, +1 202-429-1700.
 • Wyndham City Center Hotel, 1143 New Hampshire Avenue NW, +1 202-775-0800. In the Georgetown and Dupont Circle areas - just minutes away from the city's landmark attractions.
 • Hotel George, 15 E Street NW. +1 202 347 4200.
 • Hotel Helix, 1430 Rhode Island Avenue NW. +1 202 462 9001.
 • Hotel Madera, 1310 New Hampshire Avenue NW. +1 202 296 7600.
 • Hotel Rouge, 1315 Sixteenth Street, NW. +1 202 232 8000.
 • Topaz Hotel, 1733 N Street, NW. +1 202 393 3000.

Splurge

 • Omni Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert Street NW (at Connecticut Ave). Phone: (888) 444-OMNI (6664). Offers a resort-like hotel experience in the heart of D.C. Located in the scenic Rock Creek Park, and is near the National Zoo. Features high-speed wireless Internet access, an outdoor heated pool, state-of-the-art fitness center and over 100,000 square feet of meeting space. The hotel was built in 1930 and has hosted several Presidential Inaugural Balls.
 • Hay Adams Hotel, 16th and H Street, NW. Tel +1 202 638 6000. Fax +1 202 638 2716. Reservations +1 800 853 6807. Small five star luxury hotel, with gorgeous White house and mall views.
 • Willard Hotel 1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW
 • Mandarin Oriental 1330 Maryland Ave SW
 • Four Seasons 2800 Pennsylvania Ave NW,
 • Ritz Carlton Two locations, in Georgetown and the West End.