Washington, DC entertains more foreign dignitaries than perhaps any other city in the world, and when the foreign dignitaries, as well as the rich and famous, come to town, they can stay at some of the best accommodations in the world. These five-star hotels will generally cost at least two hundred dollars each night, and for that price they offer unparalleled service, fabulous locations (though not always downtown), and oftentimes, a bit of history. Whether you are a foreign dignitary yourself, a business traveler looking to conduct business, or a traveler looking to escape business, these hotels will impress you.
Several of the city’s best hotels are downtown, just a few steps or blocks from the big sights. The Hay Adams Hotel, for example, is directly across from the White House. If you want a luxurious hotel that is also historic hotel, you have two main options: the Renaissance Mayflower and the Willard Inter-Continental. The Renaissance Mayflower is a seventy-five year old national landmark, and the Willard Inter-Continental is outstanding and more than one hundred years old. Finally, as in many other cities, it’s hard to go wrong with the luxurious Ritz-Carlton; DC’s version of the chain is on 22nd Street.
If you want five-star luxury without the downtown crowds, consider staying in Georgetown. The most famous hotel in Georgetown is the Watergate, where individuals monitored the break-in that eventually brought down President Richard Nixon. Another option is the Four Seasons, which has great views of Rock Creek Park and a running trail along the Baltimore and Ohio Canal.