Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC

Both reassuringly traditional and warmly welcoming, the Ritz-Carlton is definitely a hotel for off-duty enjoyment as well as business stays. Mellow wood paneling greets guests in the public areas, along with careful attention to detail: apples on a platter just so, glorious flowers, and well-placed art and ceramics. Not to mention little touches to make you feel special, like hot apple cider and lemon cookies in the lobby on a fall Sunday afternoon. Guestrooms are the supremely comfortable affairs that one would expect. Marble bathrooms have separate tubs and shower cubicles; there are iPod docks and HD TVs; furnishings have deco-esque touches. A stay on the club floor allows access to a lounge where complimentary drinks and snacks are served all day. The Westend Bistro (www.westendbistrodc.com) is a lively, modern restaurant with a menu that mixes bistro classics with a robust, contemporary approach to local food and flavors.