ëBest of Bestí Hotel Directory Rates Everything From Best Bar to Best Getaway by Christine CubÈ It was time again to take a look at some of the top hotels in the area with our own "best of the best" directory. As in our October 2003 listing, these names were not derived from any formal surveys or methodical structure. They represent our writing staffís selections for categories that we think will pique visitorsí interests, from celebrity watching to planning the perfect get-together. Best for Celebrity Watching Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. (www.fourseasons.com/washington) Itís no secret that when thereís a new movie being filmed around Washington, D.C., or a high-profile charity or political ball taking place, celebrities and other big names converge on this town. If youíre familiar with the Washington hotel scene, you can pretty much figure out where these folks will be staying: the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C., in Georgetown. But donít bother asking the property about its guests. At best, youíll get a smile. That kind of top-secret information stays within the confines of the discreet hotel. This luxury property knows its VIP guestsí preferences when it comes to thread count, lighting, be verages and munchies, and it also knows how to shelter these important heavyweights from curious onlookers. But if youíre lucky, perhaps youíll catch a quick glimpse of a famous face in the endless line of limousines in front of the hotel. Runner-Up Hotel Washington (www.hotelwashington.com) The oldest continuously operating hotel in the District, Hotel Washington has made a name for itself among Washingtonís society scene, world leaders and Hollywood. With its proximity to the White House, the property has state-of-the-art amenities, charming guest rooms, top-notch service and event space to handle an assortment of private functions. Ask for either Room 802 or 806 and youíll step back in time to a period of antiques, hardwood floors draped with lush throw rugs, and an authentic cedar closet. There also hasnít been any shortage of face time in the movies as the Hotel Washington has been featured in films such as "Godfather II," "Navy Seals," "No Way Out" and "Contact." Best Bar After a Game Poste ñ Moderne Brasserie at Hotel Monaco (www.monaco-dc.com) The ultra suave glass-enclosed bar inside Poste ñ Moderne Brasserie is accessed through a historic carriageway portal on 8th Street. The bar features several intimate tables and chairs, outdoor seating on superbly perfect evenings, and links to the restaurant, which seats roughly 170 people and features high ceilings and beautiful natural colors throughout. For a seriously cool Washington drink after a game at the MCI Center, this upscale and contemporary lounge features cocktails and small plate meals that are sure to satisfy. Best Bar Degrees at the Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown (www.ritzcarlton.com/hotels/georgetown) The Ritz property in Georgetown is unlike any others around Washington. Itís tucked into a historic incinerator and still features some of its "fiery" past. Playing on the fire theme, the hotel created Degrees bar and lounge and Fahrenheit restaurant. Very New York in ambience and contemporary in their appeal, the restaurant and bar each have their own signature style from the bright-colored glassware used to serve some of the dishes to the decorative accessories and artwork. The bar features an exposed brick wall from the 1930s incinerator and black slate floors. There are 25 seats at the bar, which has been known to offer bartending classes from time to time. Their must-try signature drink: the Fahrenheit Five martini. Best Place to Lounge Sofitel Lafayette Square (www.sofitel.com) The 220-room Sofitel, located at 806 15th St., NW, offers award-winning French cuisine to complement the contemporary dÈcor and beautifully upholstered walls at the hotelís signature restaurant, CafÈ 15. Next door, the hotelís lobby lounge and piano bar, Le Bar, has intimate seating areas as well as a classic, front-and-center bar. The sleek lounge offers a variety of signature drinks and ample space to bring a few of your closest friends. Best Martini Bar Rouge at Hotel Rouge (www.rougehotel.com) Tucked away on Embassy Row near Dupont Circle is a playful and glamorous bar thatís known for its red-hot drinks and inviting lounge scenery. The Bar Rouge has a wide selection of entertaining drinks that are named after Hollywood actresses. Looking for a martini or margarita? Try the Charlize Theron, Halle Berry, Jada Pinkett, Angelina Jolie or Julianne Moore. Thereís roughly a dozen specialty drinks on the menu as well as assorted wines. Drinks range in price, but are generally in the $9 to $10 neighborhood. For the added pick-me-up, Bar Rouge offers complimentary red wine or a Red Stripe beer from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday. On the weekends, to nurse that hangover a bit, the bar offers cold beer and Bloody Marys. Best Ballroom Willard InterContinental Washington (www.washington.interconti.com) Depending on your event needs, you literally have your choice of 16 function rooms in the grand 341-room Willard InterContinental Washington. And there isnít anything that this regal hotel canít provide. Function space is fully carpeted and soundproofed and includes cutting-edge technology to support everything from small meetings to lavish weddings. The hotel, known widely in Washington for its traditional elegance, features a turn-of-the-century Crystal Room that has served numerous receptions and galas. At 4,700 square feet, the hotelís ballroom can easily handle a 600-person reception and features the classic Willard style: crystal chandeliers, high ceilings and murals. Runner-Up The Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C. (www.mandarinoriental.com) Relatively new to the social scene, the Mandarin Oriental between Maine and Maryland avenues in Southwest Washington is making quite a name for itself with regard to events. The Grand Ballroom, which features an ample 8,300 square feet that can be divided into three smaller sections, can accommodate 900 people or dinner of up to 750 guests. The ballroom comes with crystal chandeliers, a 22-foot-high ceiling and delicately appointed Asian flair on the walls and carpet. Best Place to Host a National Day Reception Hilton Washington (www.hilton.com) The Hilton Washington on Connecticut Avenue, just a stoneís throw from the famously popular Dupont Circle part of town, offers some of Washingtonís largest meeting spaceóshort of taking your event to the Washington Convention Center. The 1,119-room property features an exhibition hall with 45,000 square feet of space and an international ballroom with more than 35,800 square feet of space. Use all of it or just some of itóthe space can be configured to meet just about any event. If you still need more space than that, the Hilton Washington is up to the challengeóthe entire hotel is peppered with function space to meet your event needs. Best View Rooftop of the Hay-Adams Hotel (www.hayadams.com) The view atop the 145-room Hay-Adams offers a breathtaking shot of Washington, with the White House and other famous memorials directly facing you. The hotel, located at 16th and H Streets, NW, celebrated its 75th anniversary last year after wrapping up a major $18 million renovation. The Hay-Adams offers a renowned reputation for sophistication, luxury and culinary excellence, making it a favorite among heads of state, international business leaders and other high-profile guests. Best Hotel Breakfast Grand Hyatt Washington (http://grandwashington.hyatt.com) Deep within the 12-story atrium of the 888-room Grand Hyatt Washington, just below the entrance and next to a large section of indoor fountains, lies the most spectacular and simplest of breakfast buffets. Pick a spot near the fountain and sample cuisine that includes everything from assorted cereal and fresh-cut fruit to breakfast staples such as eggs, bacon, sausage and toast. Fresh-squeezed orange juice and other beverage options are available, and be sure to save room for dessert: There is a sinful selection of assorted pastries. The price? Not even noteworthy for this delicious meal. Best Place for Brunch The Grill at the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City (www.ritzcarlton.com/hotels/pentagon_city) One of the best places for brunch in the Washington area, the Ritz-Carlton Grill in Pentagon City, Va., offers a spectacular Sunday champagne brunch in addition to its other dining offerings, which include prime rib night on Fridays and Saturdays and a seafood buffet on Wednesday nights. The American-style food options are served with the delicate service and at tention for which the Ritz-Carlton is renowned, and are worth every extremely affordable penny. Also, donít miss out on the hotelís luxuriously delicious daily breakfast starting at 6:30 a.m. Runner-Up Mansion on O Street (www.omansion.com) The Mansion on O Street offers a brunch thatís out of this world with sumptuous appointments and high-end taste. There are no simple dishes hereóthereís even an entire room dedicated to delightfully rich desserts. Reservations are usually required for this brunch, which features personal chefs who put together omelets and other delectable treats. Best Sports Bar Renaissance Washington, D.C. Hotel (www.marriott.com) The Renaissance Washington, D.C. Hotel, one of the largest hotels near the Washington Convention Center, has a fairly new lounge ideal for the sports aficionado who also has a special interest in the former residents of the White House. The Presidentís Sports Bar is open for lunch and dinner and features American cuisine, as well as a selection of unique photos of ex-presidents engaged in exercise, from golfing to sailing. Itís an offbeat atmosphere for those interested in the familiar faces that have gracedóand currently graceóthe White House. Best Location Outside the City The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner (www.ritzcarlton.com/hotels/tysons_corner) Who doesnít love luxury, cutting-edge amenities, profoundly gracious serviceóall without the hassle of being inside the District on a horrific, traffic-packed day? The Ritz-Carlton in Tysons Corner, Va., offers that and more, plus the nearby attractions of Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria. The Ritz also boasts one of the largest ballrooms in Northern Virginia, with 14,000 square feet, and features the AAA five-diamond contemporary Italian restaurant Maestro and the ultra-indulgent Ritz-Carlton Spa. Best Location Inside the City Omni Shoreham Hotel (www.omnihotels.com) For location, itís hard to beat the Omni Shoreham. Located next to Woodley Park, Dupont Circle, Embassy Row and Adams Morgan on 11 acres overlooking Rock Creek Park, the hotel feels more like a resort than an actual hotel. Since 1930, the 834-room hotel has hosted many high-profile guests and presidents, and today serves as an important property along with two other major hotels on the Connecticut Avenue corridor, Marriott Wardman Park Hotel and the Hilton Washington. The three hotels put together boast a profound amount of meeting space to handle huge conferences without even stepping into a cab to head to the Washington Convention Center. Runner-Up The Georgetown Inn (www.georgetowninn.com) You canít deny the fantastic location of the Georgetown Inn. The hotelís proximity to Georgetownís M Street retailers and restaurant culture is nearly unrivaled with the exception of hotels located toward the end of Georgetown, opposite the Key Bridge area. Go in any direction and youíll find some of Washingtonís most popular retailers. Cross the Key Bridge into Arlington, Va., and youíll be able to take in some of Rosslynís sites, including Arlington National Cemetery. Best Hotel Getaway for Washingtonians The Inn at Little Washington (www.theinnatlittlewashington.com) Located in Washington, Va., the Inn at Little Washington, which gained its popularity mostly by word of mouth, offers 15 richly decorated rooms. The structure dates back to 1895 and features a stunning colonial appearance, with most of the hotelís furnishings having originally been purchased in England. The Inn was the first establishment ever to receive AAAís five-diamond award for both food and accommodation, and it has earned widespread acclaim for the international cuisine at its rather pricey restaurant. Rooms are also fairly expensive, starting at more than $300 a room, but are well worth the cost for this one-of-a-kind getaway. Christine CubÈ is a freelance writer in Alexandria, Va.