A Bounty of Bests List Picks Which Hotels Excel in Particular Feature or Service by Heather Nalbone As a necessary disclaimer, hereís the scoop: Thereís no real methodical structure to the way the following list was compiled. No polls were taken, no surveys were conducted and no scientific methods were used. The Washington Diplomat simply scoured the regionís hotels to come up with our own ìbest of the bestî directory. What you wonít find on the following pages is an exhaustive list or voter-based compilation of accommodations. What you will find are journalistsí choices for places to stay when you want to enjoy a relaxing night on the town, a weekend of shopping or an extra bed for your dog. Best Lobby Willard Intercontinental Washington www.washington.intercontinental.com An old photograph hanging on one of the Willardís walls reveals the lobby at the turn of the century. Itís virtually identical to the one there today. The antique furnishings and elaborate ceilings are as classic and timeless as they were a century ago. The Willardís entrywayófamous among presidents and the place where the term ìlobbyistî was coinedóis the perfect place to relax with a cocktail or enjoy dinner before a show at the neighboring Warner Theatre. Best View Hay-Adams www.hayadams.com Situated across from the White House on Lafayette Square, the Hay-Adamsís rooftop terrace offers breathtaking panoramic scenery of the city and its most famous monuments. About a quarter of the innís 145 historic rooms offer views similar to those on the roof deck, while visitors at the downstairs Lafayette Room restaurant get an upfront glimpse of the White House. Best Rooftop Dining Hotel Washington www.hotelwashington.com The guest rooms are fairly standard, but Hotel Washington is perfect for a good dose of window gazing over veal a la franÁaise or a hamburger and fries. Both of the hotelís rooftop restaurants offer excellent vistas of the city, as well as a top-notch hospitality staff. The dinner menu at Two Continents offers Maryland crab cakes and Cornish hens for the sophisticated palate, while the outdoor Sky Terrace (open through October only) serves salads, sandwiches and mango fruit smoothies. Both are great for watching the sunset over an early dinner. Best Place to Hold a Meeting Marriott Wardman Park Hotel www.wardmanpark.com Each year, groups and businesses of every sizeófrom small nonprofits and associations to national corporationsóturn to the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel to host annual conferences and special events. The lower levels of this 1,338-room hotel are a maze of meeting rooms, with 78,000 square feet of exhibit space in addition to 95,000 square feet of meeting space. Marriott Wardman Park offers every audiovisual and teleconferencing capability known to the modern businessperson, as well as a multilingual, 900-person staff to help gatherings run smoothly. The hotel has hosted everything from small group meetings to a 10,000-guest inaugural ball. Honorable Mention Renaissance Mayflower Hotel www.renaissancehotels.com The Renaissance Mayflower, another Marriott property known for its top-notch event facilities, is central, spacious and sophisticated. The long front foyer is as appealing and regal as they come, with rows of chandeliers and nooks filled with tasteful but comfortable couches and chairs. The hotelís 16 meeting rooms, including 11 lecture-size spaces, are in constant use by national associations and corporations holding large conferences. Up to 1,000 guests can be hosted in the grand ballroom, where balcony seating and extravagant chandeliers make for magnificent dinners. And the Marriotís new PlannerPoints program gives frequent users a chance to earn bonus points good for upgrades and gift certificates. Best for Doing Business Sofitel Lafayette Square www.sofitel.com Whether itís an extended business trip, an important meeting or an embassy function, the Sofitel Lafayette Square is the place to be. This hotel has all of the cutting-edge necessities, with some added flair. The usuals include high-speed Internet access, ergonomic chairs and large drop-down screens for group presentations. And then there are the extras: catering menus by the hotelís three-star Michelin executive chef, a ballroom with its own separate outdoor entrance, meeting rooms equipped with private bar areas andóa rarity in Washingtonónatural lighting. A fusion of art deco and contemporary Parisian design, this internationally focused boutique hotel is a dream for business travelers and small business groups alike. For overnighters, the presidential suite is perfect for hosting a midafternoon small group luncheon. Best Old-World Lodging The Henley Park Hotel www.henleypark.com Visiting the Henley Park Hotel is like stepping into an Orson Wells film or, for the creative mind, a medieval fairytale of sorts. Dim lighting complements the lobbyís stone walls, intricate tapestries and welcoming fireplace. More than 100 gargoyles surround guests of this Tudor-style building. None of this Old-World style, however, comes at the price of modernity. Guests can count on 24-hour room service, fitness center access and a fully stocked cocktail bar. Best Modern Boutique The Hotel George www.hotelgeorge.com Thereís really no competition when it comes to cutting edge: The Hotel George is as sophisticated and sleek as they come. The couches are upholstered in velvet and suede, not nylon or acrylic. The front foyer design is airy and simple instead of crowded and traditional. The walls are covered with Andy Warhol-inspired pieces, and glass accents keep the place looking spacious even in the upstairs billiard room. And as if the place couldnít get any more in line with the times, the room service menu includes selections from the hotelís Bistro Bis in-house cheese and wine experts. Best for Night Life Jurys Washington Hotel www.jurysdoyle.com Booking a room at the Jurys Washington Hotel will put you right in the heart of Dupont Circle, minutes away from a wide variety of first-rate bistros, bars and nightclubs. The hotelís position on New Hampshire Avenue makes for a great shift from dinner in Dupont to salsa dancing or sipping wine in the nearby Adamís Morgan area. Start the evening with an appetizer and aperitif at the hotelís new Dupont Grille, and donít worry about checking out until noon on the day of your departure. Honorable Mention St. Gregory Luxury Hotel and Suites www.stgregoryhotelwdc.com This relatively new boutique luxury hotel specializing in apartment-style accommodations is perfect for a late night out in Georgetown. Itís only minutes away from some of the cityís most happening hotspots, yet far enough from the bustling streets of Georgetown to ensure a peaceful nightís sleep. Donnaís CafÈ and Coffee Bar, located on the lobby level, stays open until midnight on weekends for those who like to get a late start to the evening or cap off a dinner in Georgetown with late-night dessert. Bottles of wine are half price during the dinner hour on Saturdays. Best Place to Spot a Famous Face Willard Intercontinental Washington www.washington.intercontinental.com The Willard Intercontinentalís Round Robin Bar is ideal for star gazing over a perfectly made mint julep. Employees hesitate to divulge information on the hotelís most recent guests for the sake of privacy, but weíre told itís a favorite among local and international political leaders as well as the likes of everyone from Richard Dreyfuss to Bob Dole. The stately Crystal Room served as a backdrop for Tom Cruiseís performance in Stephen Spielbergís ìMinority Report,î and the hotel is famous for hosting virtually every U.S. president since Zachary Taylor. Best Bedrooms The St. Regis, Washington, D.C. www.stregis.com Elegant drapery, lavish furniture and luxuriously laden beds make The St. Regis one of the most tranquil places to stay in all of Washington. The hotel was modeled after a Renaissance palace, and its rooms are appropriately fit for royalty. The suite parlors are situated around stately pilasters, exquisite chandeliers and majestic ceilings finished with crown molding and track lighting. Best Happy Hour The Governorís House Hotel www.governorshousewdc.com Pick any night of the week and the 17th Street Bar and Grill at the Governorís House Hotel is bound to be packed. The barís round-the-clock $3 house blend martinis are a favorite among downtowners , namely producers and staff who work across the street at the National Geographic. Wednesday is the biggest night for happy hour, when half-price appetizers and Coronas complement the typical $2 domestic drafts and $3 house wines and rail drinks. Unfortunately, having the best happy hour doesnít necessarily coincide with having the best service. To ensure bargain prices on more than just one drink, order two at a time to cut down on the wait. Honorable Mention Renaissance Mayflower Hotel www.renaissancehotels.com Just around the corner from the 17th Street Bar and Grill is the Renaissance Mayflowerís Town & Country Lounge, a classy joint renowned for visits from network news journalists. Happy hour here runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays, during which time an appetizer buffet is free for the taking. And what could be better than a menu of 101 different martinis made by veteran bartender Sambonn ìSamî Lek? Best Fitness Service The Jefferson Hotel www.thejeffersondc.com The Jefferson Hotel is widely recognized for its sophisticated, historic ambience and individually decorated guest suites. But thereís more to this renovated capital society residence than atmosphere. For physically inclined guests, the hotelís exercise facilities begin with a brand new, 24-hour complimentary fitness center. For those who prefer privacy, there are dumbbells, abdominal rollers and workout videos available via room service. Oh, and did we mention access to the nearby University Clubís Olympic-size swimming pool, squash courts, sauna, whirlpool and massage therapists for just $20 a day? Best Art Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. www.fourseasons.com/washington/ Who would put a hotel and artwork in the same category? In our eyes, anyone who visits the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, D.C. This resort-like hotel goes above and beyond the traditional paintings typical of luxury hotels, drawing instead from the private collection of the hotelís owner, William Louis-Dreyfus, father to Julia Louis-Dreyfus of ìSeinfeldî fame. More than 30 artists are represented in some 25,000 unique paintings, sculptures and other dynamic piecesósuch as needlepoint embroidered by a prison inmate who used old bed sheets and unraveled socks. It almost seems as though the walls of this prestigious property refuse to accept anything thatís not out of the ordinary. Best Package Deals Washington Terrace Hotel www.washingtonterracehotel.com The number of hotel package deals offered by Washington-area hotels is countless, but thereís one hotel that tops the list when it comes to creativity. The Washington Terrace Hotel, a new boutique inn located three blocks from McPherson Square, offers some one-of-a-kind deals. The hotelís fun Femme Fatale package is offered to girlfriends interested in converging for a weekend visit to the International Spy Museum, breakfast delivered to an undisclosed location and chocolate martinis upon check-in. A separate Bed and Bistro package is available through December and includes parking, dinner and two mint juleps for $269 in a Deluxe Room or $319 in a Terrace Suite. Best for Weddings Wyndham Hotels of Washington, D.C. www.wyndhamwashingtondchotels.com The banquet rooms are elegant and the locations are central, but thereís more that makes for great weddings at either of Washingtonís Wyndham properties. Through its Weddings by Wyndham program, the corporation that owns two local lodgings connects brides-to-be with professional wedding coordinators who can arrange everything from flower-filled bridal showers to photo shoots in front of the White House. And, if the day of the wedding falls into the hotel chainís ìpreferred dateî category, newlyweds will receive a free five-night honeymoon stay at one of 21 participating resort locations. Best for Shopping The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City www.ritzcarlton.com If shopping is your prerogative, we suggest the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City in Virginia. With direct indoor access to next-door Fashion Centre, youíll be an elevator ride away from 170 posh stores and restaurants. Stop by the hotelís Business Services Center on your way to check for current sales and coupons by logging onto www.simon.com, or take a break for afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge. Honorable Mention The Latham Hotel Georgetown www.thelatham.com For those who prefer outdoor shopping and window gazing, the Latham Hotel is located right in the midst of Georgetown shops. Although the prime location doesnít come cheap, the owners do offer a Deck the Shops package during the holiday season. The $275 per night rate includes a VIP discount card good at the indoor Shops at Georgetown Park, as well as a few other amenities, such as a complimentary breakfast for two. If itís booked up, the Lathamís ìsisterî hotel, the Georgetown Inn, is located just a few blocks away on M Street. Best Waterfront Experience The Channel Inn Hotel www.channelinn.com Self-branded as Washington, D.C.ís only waterfront hotel, the Channel Inn gives guests upfront views of the Potomac River with private balconies attached to each room. The accommodations are basic but comfortable and homey, and the adjacent Pier 7 Restaurant offers calming views of the dock to accompany a scrumptious feast of seafood specialties. Itís all just a leisurely 10-minute walk from the Mall and other nearby attractions. Best Embassy Location Hilton Washington Embassy Row www.hiltonembassyrow.com When it comes to international diplomacy in Washington, D.C., it doesnít get much better than finding accommodations directly on the avenue of embassies. Hilton Washington Embassy Row puts guests in the center of the diplomatic activity, with dozens of embassies and consulates either down the road or a short walk away. The hotelís focus is appropriately intercontinental, with a restaurant dinner menu that features dishes from 15 different countries and a staff thatís attuned to the local international community. Best for Pets Topaz Hotel, Hotel Rouge and Hotel Monaco www.kimptongroup.com This trio of hip boutique hotels could have fit a number of our ìbestî categories (ìbest amenitiesî comes to mind), but they stand virtually alone when it comes to pet-friendly lodgings. They are all owned by the Kimpton Hotel and Restaurant Group, which welcomes four-legged companions as free guests. At the Topaz Hotel and Hotel Monaco, Fidos and Fluffies get their own official pet registration cards, food and water bowls, disposable bags for walks and special complimentary extras such as gourmet kitty or doggie treats. At Hotel Rouge, similar services are provided through the No Need to Beg pet package. Dogs at the Topaz can also watch a videotape of what the hotel refers to as ìnon-stop kittens,î while the Hotel Monaco provides a complimentary goldfish to guests who just want some temporary, pseudo-pet companionship. Best for Being Anonymous The Mansion on O Street www.omansion.com Thereís no better place in Washington for an undercover getaway than the Mansion on O Street. For starters, a surprisingly large amount of locals and natives have never even heard of the place. Thereís no outdoor sign to tell guests theyíve arrived at the three-townhouse mansion, and the owner has never done any advertising beyond word of mouth. You wonít even find it listed in g uidebooks. This luxurious inn is a maze of secret passageways and hidden staircases, one of which will take guests down to the most relaxing, self-serve basement lounges weíve ever seen. No oneís confirmed our suspicions, but weíre guessing the hotelís anonymity is what attracted actress Kim Basinger to an overnight stay and what convinced Chelsea Clinton to celebrate her sweet 16th birthday here. Best Bargain Washington Suites Georgetown www.washingtonsuiteshotel.com Youíll definitely get your moneyís worth at Washington Suites Georgetown, located just two blocks from the Foggy Bottom Metro station. Suites here go for as low as $99 in last-minute travel deals and hit a high of $219 in the fall and winter months. But what truly makes the prices attractive is whatís included: Multiroom suites with dining areas, living rooms, separate bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens and an impressive array of extra amenities. Complimentary continental breakfast is served daily, as are homemade oatmeal cherry cookies. Best Amenities The Dupont at the Circle www.dupontatthecircle.com Any one of the regionís five-star hotels offers high-speed Internet access, a hairdryer and maybe even a terrycloth robe for the borrowing. But how about a breakfast of homemade granola and pastries? Some hot apple cider and freshly baked cookies in the afternoon? These personalized extras are found in lodgings that donít tend to amass large guest lists, and the Dupont at the Circle Bed and Breakfast Inn is at the top of the competition when it comes to custom-made amenities. Beds are covered with 360-thread Egyptian cotton, in-room shelves are filled with books and board games, and several of the nine guest rooms are equipped with private Jacuzzis. Best for Families Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. www.fourseasons.com/washington/ The Four Seasons Hotel has already been mentioned once, but the hotel has some special family services that are tough to beat. Families traveling with children will be hard pressed to find a more welcoming place than the Four Seasons, thanks to a program that greets younger guests with a seemingly endless array of special treats. There are games and toys, specially wrapped gifts from the hotelís restaurants, and Tea Time for Tots, which offers peanut butter and frozen Snickers bars. Parents can even request Disney at the dinner table via portable DVDs. For new parents, the hotel provides baby cribs complete with a mobile, bottle warmer, teddy bear and fresh baby bathing items. Heather Nalbone is a contributing writer for The Washington Diplomat.