The Hay-Adams

The classic Washington splurge. The 1928 Italian Renaissance style hotel stands on Lafayette Square directly opposite the White House; rooms on the south side look straight across the square at the North Portico. The rooftop terrace and the Off the Record bar in the basement are DC institutions frequented by politicians, journalists and lobbyists. Service is formal and polished, valet parking is expensive, and the location is unbeatable for walking to the Mall, the monuments and downtown. Worth it for one or two nights as the finale of the trip.