HotelChatter

1. Donovan House
Thompson Hotel's first in D.C., Donovan House is also the area's only CIA-inspired hotel. Staff comes equipped with wristwatch "communication devices," perchance for ensuring the "opening-soon" rooftop pool and bar will stay stocked with vermouth and towels. The cocoon spiral showers alone will distract you from all that punditry outside.

2. Hotel Rouge
Escape D.C.'s sea of bureaucratic beige for a shot of red. Everwhere. True to concept, the Kimpton's signature happy hour serves bloody marys, bottles of Red Stripe beer, and red vino. Don't be creeped out by the colonnade of nine carbon-copy Venus statues out front.

3. Tabard Inn
A quirky well-worn inn tucked away in three Victorian townhouses just blocks from Dupont Circle. Tabard has its share of rustic historic charm, to be sure, but that's part of the experience. A classic spot for Sunday brunch (try the homemade donuts).

4. Topaz Hotel
Topaz celebrates all things New Age, hilariously self-described as "a gentle yin to D.C.'s vibrant yang." Whatever that means! (For the record, we're pretty sure D.C. doesn't have any vortexes, unless you count those corporate lobbyists with their fat expense accounts.) But whatever, the hotel is well-located on a quiet little street a couple blocks from Dupont Circle. And they're all about yoga, and hotel workers wear sunburst tunics, which is admittedly pretty sweet.

5. Bed & Breakfast on U Street
Glowing reviews on Trip Advisor pushed us over the edge to include this one. In a restored row house in one of our favorite parts of town, this cute little B&B has free Wi-Fi (like every hotel should) and totally reasonable rates (from $125 in the off-season). Lodged a couple blocks from U Street's nucleus, it's just a quick trip over for funky nightlife but far enough away to keep the noise level and drunkies at bay.

[Photo: Bainbridgemarketing]