After a massive renovation in 2009, this boutique reopened, and regained its place among DC's elite hotels. It's not as famous as the Hay-Adams, but its subtle blend of technology (TVs embedded in bathroom mirrors; electronic housekeeping buttons) and colonial charms (intimate library, working dumbwaiter) are second to none. All that's missing is T.J. himself. (Oh wait, no. Here he is. ... )

Quite possibly the most famous hotel in the capital, and deservedly so. The Hay-Adams draws powerbrokers from around the world with its impeccable service, great bar and restaurant, and elegant rooms, some of which overlook its famous next-door neighbor. P.S. It's where the Obamas stayed before the inauguration (if it's good enough for the President ... ).

A grande dame hotel that's hosted presidents and diplomats since 1901, the 332-room Willard is a D.C. icon dripping with history just two blocks from the White House. The exceptional staff and opulent lobby compensate for rooms that lack the flash of those at the newly renovated W Washington D.C. next door.

The feather in Starwood's D.C. cap, the 175-room St. Regis underwent a huge renovation (closing for 16 months and reopening in 2008) and still looks sharp. It doesn't quite match up to its main competitors downtown (the Hay-Adams and Jefferson), but its premier restaurant, 24-hour butler service, and spacious, high-tech rooms place it among the city's elite.

The Donovan House is a sleek offering that's helping define Obama-era D.C. cool along with hip counterparts like the W and the Dupont Hotel. From its dark-purple-and-white color scheme, to its pod-shaped "cocoon" showers, to its mod lobby, and rowdy rooftop pool parties, the Donovan House offers a sexy night in the nation's capital.

The gorgeous, 317-room W Washington D.C. opened in July 2009, taking over the historic Hotel Washington's 1917 Beaux Arts building. But blending the new -- fusion cuisine from Jean-Georges Vongerichten; a fashionable rooftop bar; a great spa and gym; Whatever/Whenever service -- with the old -- small guest rooms; no pool; desolate location (come evening) -- has its trade-offs.

This graceful 237-room hotel, part of a French-owned international chain, opened in 2002 in a former office building. With its elegant lobby, spacious rooms, sumptuous beds, and a decidedly European feel in the center of old downtown near Lafayette Park and the White House, it's tres popular with both international and domestic business travelers and families.

Renovated in 2010, this 1960s hotel has great rooms, one of the city's best outdoor pools, a distinctive retro lobby, and a convenient central location. For vacationing families, sightseers, or business travelers tired of D.C.'s many cookie-cutter Marriotts and Hiltons, the Washington Plaza is one of the best values in town.

A solid but unspectacular business-oriented downtown hotel, the 406-room Westin boasts a great gym, solid service, and clean, comfortable rooms. But while its rooms and features best those at the more historic Radisson Mayflower, it's also worth considering the nearby Four Points by Sheraton, one of the district's best business hotels.

Located four blocks from Dupont Circle and almost as close to D.C.'s business district, this boutique-style Hilton (completely renovated March 2009) is especially popular among business travelers for its clean, updated rooms, well-equipped fitness center, surprisingly innovative restaurant, free Wi-Fi in the lobby, and solid business center. It's a solid choice for the price.