Washington, DC, has hundreds of lodging options for travelers. The following hotel recommendations are my favorite places to stay in the Nation's Capital. I have stayed at these properties and/or personally inspected them. These properties, which cover various price points, are ones I regularly recommend to friends and family.
If you don't find what you are looking for in the accommodations below, browse for Washington, DC hotels on Kayak.com.

Omni Shoreham Hotel

The Shoreham is a grand, old, Art Deco-style hotel that sits on a ridge above Rock Creek Park. I recommend this four-star hotel to families visiting Washington, DC, because of its proximity to the park, the Woodley Park Metro Station (on Metro's central Red Line), and the National Zoo. The property has a large swimming pool - a MUST if you're visiting DC in the summer - and an elegant ballroom that has hosted several Inaugural Balls since it opened in 1930.
Address:2500 Calvert Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20008
Phone:(202) 234-0700More »

The River Inn

I know several friends and family members that have stayed at all-suite River Inn when visiting Washington, DC. Located in West End, a neighborhood that's a convenient walk to The White House and the National Mall as well as to Georgetown, the hotel is favored by business types because of its location near government and business offices and for rooms, which have work spaces. But it is also an ideal lodging option for families with children, thanks to its moderate rates and kitchenette-equipped suites.
Address: 924 25th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20037
Phone: (202) 337-7600More »

Hotel Palomar

I've been a fan of this hotel long before it got a beautiful upgrade from the Kimpton Group. The Palomar is located in Dupont Circle, an ideal part of residential DC, within walking distance of public transportation, parks, shopping, dining, and nightlife. Rooms at the hotel are spacious and stylish. The Palomar's attached restaurant, Urbana, is fine place to meet friends for drinks or weekend brunch.
Address: 2121 P Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20037
Phone: (202) 448-1800More »

Hay-Adams Hotel

This landmark luxury hotel is by no means a bargain. It lies at one of the most enviable positions in the city - just across Lafayette Square from The White House. Prior to Barack Obama's first inauguration in 2009, he and his family stayed in a suite at the Hay-Adams. Rooms at the Hay-Adams are cozy and well-appointed, and many have views of DC landmarks, such as the Washington Monument and St. John's Episcopal Church ("Church of the Presidents"). Off the Record, voted one of the World's Best Hotel Bars by Forbes, is located in the basement and is the exact sort of spot where one would expect to see Washington insider deals go down.
Address: 800 16th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20006
Phone: (202) 638-6600More »

W Hotel

Formerly known as the Hotel Washington, the W Hotel is within spitting distance of the White House - almost literally. From the rooftop, which is a trendy lounge and happy hour spot in the evenings and a dance club by night, you can peer down across the White House lawn and out towards the Washington Monument. Rooms at the W are super chic. Free internet access is available to members of the Starpoints program.
Address:515 15th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20004
Phone: (202) 661-2400More »

Hotel Monaco

Located in the old Tariff Building, the Hotel Monaco was one of the first hotels to spearhead the renaissance of the Penn Quarter. The location of the Hotel Monaco is impeccable - steps from the Gallery Place Metro, some of the city's best restaurants, the theater district, museums, and the Verizon Center (where pro basketball and hockey are played and major concerts take place). But guests at Hotel Monaco hardly need to leave the hotel. There's a nightly wine hour; a superb restaurant (Poste, a favorite of locals); spa services; and some of DC's brightest and most inspired interiors.
Address: 700 F Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20004
Phone: (202) 628-7177More »