Washington, D.C. Hotels

CAPITOL HILL AREA

What it is: An elegant 400-room hotel overlooking the Tidal Basin and iconic sights like the Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument.

The rooms: Designed with feng shui principles in mind, the rooms and suites all have high-speed Internet access, an entertainment system, and three dual-line telephones with voice mail and data ports. Younger guests receive a special welcome package, which includes a kid's passport and a plush stuffed animal by Gund. There are also complimentary toy ducks for the bathtub, body lotion, body wash, diapers, and wet wipes. Kids even get a tasty treat from the hotel's pastry chef.

Amenities: Relax with a spa treatment, work out in the fitness facilities, or take a dip with the family in the 50-foot-long heated pool. Stop by Café MoZU for Asian-inspired dining (and a children's menu) or treat yourself to a meal at the five-diamond City Zen restaurant, headed by James Beard Award–winning chef Eric Ziebold.

Activities: Visit the hotel's private 1,500-square-foot gallery space, which has exhibited pieces from the Smithsonian Institution. The National Mall and monuments are just a short walk away, as is the Capitol and the National Gallery.

Details: 1330 Maryland Avenue SW, from $590 a night for a Deluxe City View room with two double beds or one king-size bed.

What it is: A history-steeped luxury hotel with an award-winning sustainability program.

The rooms: Founded in 1850, the Willard has hosted nearly every U.S. president since Franklin Pierce. Each of the 332 rooms (including 40 suites) comes equipped with high-speed Internet, a dual-line phone with data ports and voice mail, international television channels, a safe, and a minibar. Each suite also includes an iPod dock and a DVD player.

Amenities: Experience the Willard Chardonnay body therapy treatment at the I Spa at the Willard. There's also an afternoon tea in Peacock Alley with a special menu for kids, or "young sophisticates," during the holiday season.

Activities: The Willard is located just one block from the White House and within walking distance of the Smithsonian Museums, the National Theater, and other major attractions. Also, hotel guests can book premium orchestra seats for Washington Ballet performances at the Warner Theater next door.

Details: 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, from $349 per night for a Superior room with two queen-size beds or one king-size bed.

GEORGETOWN/DUPONT

What it is: A cozy 86-room boutique hotel located in the heart of Georgetown.

The rooms: Rooms feature views of the Potomac River, plush down comforters, a home-theater system with a DVD and CD library, and high-speed Internet access.

Amenities: There's a special check-in for kids, and they can write down their preferences. Families also get a kit with things like electric-outlet plugs, emergency safety cards, tub-spout covers, stuffed animals, and night-lights. The Boutique Spa features Eco-Luxe treatments, which use organic, fragrance-free, nontoxic Osea products. The Fahrenheit restaurant, which specializes in American regional cuisine, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Activities: You're just steps from high-end shopping and dining options on M Street and Wisconsin Avenue. The hotel is also just a short walk to the Potomac waterfront area and Kennedy Center.

Details: 3100 South Street NW, from $449 a night for a Premier room with a two double beds or one king-size bed.

What it is: A chic Kimpton Hotels property in the bustling, vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood.

The rooms: The 335 stylish rooms are all about comfort, each with Frette linens, a Sony flat-screen TVs, a DVD collection of classic films, wireless Internet access, and in-room spa services available.

Amenities: When kids check in, they get to choose something from the toy chest, which includes items like sippy cups, dinosaur toys, and more. Children also get a note in their room for free milk and cookies from room service. Four-legged family members can relax at The Dish, a pet lounging area.

Activities: Conveniently located near Embassy Row, boutiques, international restaurants, and the fountain and park at the center of Dupont Circle.

Details: 2121 P Street NW, from $179 per night for a standard room with a queen-size or king-size bed.

UPPER NORTHWEST

What it is: A luxurious 834-room Washington landmark located in Rock Creek Park.

The rooms: Opened in 1930, the opulent hotel has hosted inaugural balls and world leaders, and the elegant decor reflects this. Rooms feature views of Rock Creek Park or the Woodley Park neighborhood, and there are a variety of suite options available to accommodate families.

Amenities: There's wireless Internet, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Kids receive a backpack with coloring books, crayons, and storybooks, and there are a variety of kid-friendly weekly activities, like cookie baking in the kitchen.

Activities: The hotel is located in the middle of Rock Creek Park, where there are trails for walking, biking, and even horseback riding. Nearby, Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle offer tons of shopping and eating options, and the National Zoo is just a few blocks away.

Details: 2500 Calvert Street NW, from $199 per night for a Deluxe room with a king-size, a queen-size, a double, two queen-size, or two double beds.

What it is: A massive 1,316-room hotel.

The rooms: All rooms feature Marriott's new Revive bed linens. For the kids (or adults!), there are video games and players available for rent. A separate concierge level of the hotel features additional amenities, like a continental breakfast in the morning and hors d'oeuvres in the evening.

Amenities: Convenience is a key attraction here, with easy access to the Metro and in-hotel eating options that include a Starbucks, the Woodley Market gourmet deli, Harry's Pub, and Stone's Throw Restaurant and Bar. There's also a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and wireless Internet in public areas (there is an additional charge for in-room wireless access).

Activities: The National Zoo, Rock Creek Park, and the National Cathedral are a short walk away.

Details: 2660 Woodley Road NW, from $409 for a standard room with a king-size or two double beds.