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The Hay-Adams

• World's Best Winner
• T+L 500 Winner

COST: $$$$

One of the city's finest hotels, this rebuilt 19th-century residence also boasts what is arguably the city's best location: directly across Lafayette Park from the White House, with knockout views of the famous mansion from the sixth, seventh, and eighth floors. The 145 impeccable guest rooms glow with sunlight from oversize windows; understated soft-beige furniture and beds swathed in Frette linens and pale Asian-inspired toile get a graceful lift from original and unique 1920's plasterwork on the ceilings. Downstairs, the elegant Lafayette Room restaurant overlooks the park—although watching power lunchers inside may be even more interesting.

Tip: On Sundays when he's in town, the president often attends church across the street at St. John's (the hotel entrance closes as his motorcade arrives, a uniquely Washingtonian inconvenience).

Room to Book: 708, a king room, has White House views—a vista otherwise reserved for more expensive suites.

From the T+L 500

Italian Renaissance-style 1928 hotel across from the White House.

Stats:

145 rooms; 2 restaurants; 1 bar.

Competitive Edge:

A stellar location, plus a nice blend of the traditional and the new.

Rooms to Book:

South-facing rooms on the 6th, 7th, and 8th floors, which look directly onto the White House.

Don't Miss:

A visit to the rooftop terrace, for sweeping city views.

Last updated January 2008 lastArticle = and lastAward = 01/2008